The 10K was part of the Aldridge Festival of Running that included a 5K and Children’s Races of 1 mile and 400m. Organised by Aldridge RC it was the 28th outing for this well supported event that attracts club runners from across the West Midlands.

All were ready for the climb up Hobs Hole Lane and the motivational signs chalked on the road to boost them to the top. The selection included “No pain no gain”, “It’s all about the medal” and “Run for beer” but the “Last one over the line sorts Brexit” was a particular favourite. An enthusiastic female marshal at half way encouraged runners to chant “We love hills”.

Hayley Carruthers is a rising star in the road running world and came to public attention at this year’s London Marathon when she fell and crawled across the finish line. There were no such worries this time as she flew around the course and went head to head with Daniel Robinson of BRAT culminating in a sprint to the finish.

Both their official times were 34:01 but Hayley won by a nod and broke the course record.

Matthew Orford of Lichfield RC was second in 34:33 followed by Oliver Sheppard of Royal Sutton Coldfield AC in 35:10. Vicki Mackay of Wolverhampton & Bilston AC was the second lady in 38:57 with Hayley Jennings third in 41:40.

Danny Swain of Birchfield Harriers won the 5K in 17:15; Laura Ashwood was the first female in 23:39.

Hayley Carruthers will defend her title at the 2020 Aldridge 10K.

Image courtesy of Jo Yarnall.