An overwhelming demand for places caused the organisers, Start To Finish Race Events to re-open online entries for their new 10k. A new event, it contained all the ingredients for a successful and friendly race – a challenging, off-road course, supportive marshals, two water stations and a quality technical T-shirt.

The race started at 10.30am from Charnwood College, Loughborough as runners headed into the Garendon Park estate. It was a rare opportunity to run through this 18th century landscape park and on variable terrain that included a few hills. But the best was saved to the last in the shape of a steep hill that brought more than a few runners to a walk.

However, it didn’t stop Team GB athlete Gemma Steel who ran strongly to win the inaugural Garendon Gallop 10K in 36:43 – her first overall success in a local race. Chris Baxter of BADGERS RC was second (and 1st Male) in 37:05 and Martin Makin of Leicester Coritanian RC was third in 38:00.

Christina Hawtin of South Derbyshire RR was second female in 44:28 with Hollie Elliott of Charnwood AC third in 44:52.

There were 295 finishers, all of whom received an eye-catching technical t-shirt, water or juice and a banana.

There was a lot of post-race comment about that testing incline late on in the race and organiser George Clarke has asked people to come up with a name for the killer hill. The winner will receive free entry into next year’s race.

Image courtesy of Steve Hillman.