Runners dug in at the hilly Hereford 10 Mile (Sunday 19 February) as they raced for prizes, PB’s and personal pride. There were wins for Eric Apperley and Sarah Bell on a spring-like day in Herefordshire. 

It was sunny and dry at the Hereford 10 Mile race from Ready Steady Go Timing sponsored by Gymrushuk. The pleasant conditions were ideal for running and club vests were out in force from Hereford Couriers RC, Croft Ambrey RC and Chepstow Harriers amongst others. They and the others were ready for the start at 9am from Hereford Rugby Club.

The spring weather complemented the scenic route that went in a figure of eight around Breinton – Upper and Lower plus the Common and Swainshill then finished back at the Rugby Club. There were more than few climbs and downhill sections to challenge the participants who proved to be up to the task, aided by the water station at 4 and 7 miles.

Only four seconds separated the first and second men: Eric Apperley of Croft Ambrey RC won in 57:46 followed by Edward Davies in 57:50. Declan Miller of Ludlow Runners came third in 58:45.

There was a resounding win for Sarah Bell of Chepstow Harriers who crossed the line in 1:05:57 – a gap of more than two minutes between her and Joanna Eddy of Hereford Couriers RC who was second in 1:08:13. Niki Morgan of Chepstow Harriers was third in 1:08:49.

All the results (individual and team) are available via the runABC Midlands Race Listing page.

Amongst the field were a group comprised of 10 women and one man raising funds for Be More Frank – a named charity fund of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust. This charity was set up by the parents of 13-year old Frank Cleal who sadly passed away from a rare bone cancer in June 2021. Monies raised go to families of children with cancer in Herefordshire.

This group were photographed at the start in Be More Frank ‘superhero’ red capes and as a result of their efforts, more than £3,000 has been raised for their charity.

Image courtesy of Croft Ambrey Running Club.