Big 10K wins for Bennett and Steel at Leicester
They were part of a 500+ field that lapped up the course and atmosphere.
A Brazilian style samba band kept everyone running in rhythm at Leicester’s Big 10K (24 April). There were victories for Jason Bennett and Gemma Steel as two waves of runners made the most of Leicester’s biggest park on a sunny Sunday morning.
Organised by Tempo Events, Leicester’s Big 10K took place in the superb Abbey Park on a well marshalled and flat route consisting of four loops with musical accompaniment courtesy of Sambando.
The first wave of runners who’d expect to finish in 45 minutes or less started at 9am with Jason Bennett and Gemma Steel at the forefront. They were followed by the second wave (everyone else) at 10am.
The samba group’s energetic drumming was a motivator for runners as they raced inside and outside the park before winding up for a sprint across the finish line. Marshals were equally enthusiastic, cheering them on from the beginning to the end where they received a big bespoke medal.
Birchfield Harriers Jason Bennett was the winner in 32:57 - only three seconds separating him from Phil Beastall of Western Tempo who took second place in 33:00. Ian Radford of Black Pear Joggers was third in 33:36.
Quality running from Charnwood AC’s Gemma Steel saw her become the first female in 34:17 – over three minutes ahead of Derby AC’s Abbey van Dijk who finished second in 37:23. Chloe Finlay of Peterborough and Nene Valley Athletics Club (PANVAC) came third in 38:50.
The last runner finished in 1:56:41.
The full set of results is available to view via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page.
Next up is the Worcester Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K on 22 May. For more information and how to enter, visit the Tempo Events website.
Image courtesy of Tempo Events.