Temperatures of around 30 degrees didn’t stop runners from giving it 100% at last Thursday’s (11 August) Dave Clarke 5K. There were wins for Lee Gratton and Kelly Butler and impressive performances from many others despite the hot weather. 

The effects of the heatwave were felt at the reserve race for NSRRA hosted by Trentham RC. This event is held in memory of Dave Clarke who was one of the founding members of the club and its legacy is supporting the junior section whilst developing future Trentham RC teams.  

Conditions were warm at Sunday’s (7 August) Trentham 10K but the mercury was set to rise even higher on Thursday. The one saving grace was a 7.15pm start time. 

Teams from local running clubs mingled in the sunshine at Trentham Rugby Club waiting for the race to begin. NSRRA Chairman Ken Rushton sent them on their way where they followed a multi-terrain course that had a bit of everything. There was a fast road section, canal towpath, narrow gates, steps and a few inclines that made it a perfect 5K for a summer evening. 

Lee Gratton of Rugeley Runners blazed away from the start and remained in control throughout, speeding around the final lap of the rugby pitch to race across the line in 15:59. Simon Myatt followed in 17:27 and a strong run from Boalloy RC’s Ashley Maughan saw him finish third in 17:33. 

Less than week after her victory at the Trentham 10K, City of Stoke AC’s Kelly Butler added the Dave Clarke 5K to her growing tally. She was the female winner in 20:01. Hope Smith of Vale Royal RC was second in 20:12 with Trentham RC’s Deborah Thomas third in 20:38. 

The full set of results is available to view via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page. 

Finishers made a dash for the plentiful cups of water of as they crossed the line. The prize giving took place shortly afterwards with the bottles of wine and cases of beer welcomed by the recipients. . 

Ken Rushton thanked the organisers, marshals and everyone involved in making it a successful event. He has ordered cooler weather for the Stone 5 on Wednesday 24 August. ;-)

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale (Race Photos).