It was a tad damp for the annual Mortimer 10K on Easter Bank Holiday Monday (10 April 2023) but that did not deter the 299 finishers in 1:45:17 from making the most of the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful woodlands, footpaths and bridleways from Mortimer Fairground – with or without a canine companion.

There was a separate Canicross category for those who were helped, or hindered, by their four-legged friends. The fastest with six legs were Ben Lewis (38:36) and Ellie Monks (39:01) and the Canicross New Forest representatives finished first and second overall.

The two unequal laps course is 85% off-road, passing through forest and nature reserves, including 190m elevation gain and several sharp inclines and descents. There is ample free parking at Mortimer Fairground on Hammonds Heath where the Race HQ, start and finish is found. Finish line treats included a wooden medal, cola, water, and vegan snacks courtesy of Nature's Heart.

Matthew Lock (Witney Roadrunners, 37:55) led the way in the traditional 10K, finishing almost two minutes clear of M50 Laurence Miles (Maidenhead AC, 39:51). Third place was claimed by another M50 master, Steve Barnes (Newbury AC, 40:12).

Tenth overall was the women's winner W40 Nicola Taylor (43:33) from W40 Anna Lea (44:13) and W35 Linda Hirons (47:29). None of the leading females had any club affiliation shown in the results.

Racing Line Running Events promoted this race and funds were raised for the paediatric brain tumour research and support charity Ollie Young Foundation which was set up in the name and memory of the brave boy who lost his fight against an incurable brain tumour one day before his sixth birthday.

Results are available via the runABC South race listing here.

Image courtesy Karen Bennett for Racing Line Running Events