Lear flies to victory at Burton 10K
Kelly Knight was the women’s winner on a celebratory day for South Derbyshire RR.
A tri-umph for MVH Tri Club’s Matthew Lear at Sunday’s Burton 10K (14 August). He successfully tackled the course and conditions at this race that returned to its live status after being held as a virtual event last year.
There was no race in 2020 due to Covid followed by a virtual in 2021 but business as usual in 2022. Organised by Hatton Darts RC it is the penultimate race in the Burton and District Summer League (BDSL) where individual and club pride is at stake. Participants must compete in 5 out of 8 races to be considered for the prizes.
The weather was a factor in how people performed on the day. Hatton Darts RC advised people beforehand regarding staying cool in the extreme heat and hydration was of prime importance.
Still, the heat made it hard going for many at Sunday’s race that started at 10am from Shobnall Leisure Complex in Burton-on-Trent. They faced an uphill task – literally - for the first three miles and more than a few teeth were gritted in this half of the race. However, they were rewarded with downhill sections to get their breath back before the final 400m on the athletics track in the leisure complex.
Matthew Lear of MVH Tri Club was the first man home in 34:04. Ashley Hurdman of South Derbyshire RR was nearly half a minute behind, finishing in 34:31. Ashley Baldwin of Tamworth AC finished third in 34:45.
Kelly Knight of South Derbyshire RR was the winning female in 41:51. Amy Lowe of Washland Women Runners came second in 42:44 with Knight’s teammate Katie Dennis third in 44:54.
The final race in the BDSL is the Tamworth 5 Miles on Sunday 18 September.
Image courtesy of Bryan Dale (Race Photos).