Over 250 runners were raring to go at the sold out Shelton Striders 10K (9 October) and put the updated course to the test. They had a few twists and turns to contend with but had enough in reserve for a sprint finish on Boulton Lane. 

It was blue skies and sunshine at this popular annual event from Shelton Striders RC with a PB-potential course to bring a smile to the face of any runner. Organisers Shelton Striders RC responded to feedback from the previous year and made a few changes to the route that included a new start line (on the other side of Boulton Lane) and the addition of a small loop in the final 1K. It remained flat and traffic-free as per usual. 

Runners, many from local clubs, lined up ready to set off at 9.30am. Amongst them were a team of pacers in bright pink t-shirts ready to help them achieve that prized personal best. 

They wound their way along footpaths, road and canal path, navigating a few turns that kept them on their toes before a final burst across the finish line. 

At the front was Aston Perrin of Long Eaton RC who looked in control as he sped around the fast course to be first home in 33:55. His teammate Alex Vize finished second in 34:59 with Leicester Coritanian AC’s Mark Powell third in 35:46. 

There was equally strong running from Leonie Shipley of Derby AC to become the women’s winner in 38:03. A gap of almost three minutes separated her and Sophie Eadsforth of Beeston AC who was second in 41:02. Jenny Laing of South Derbyshire RR was third in 41:59. 

The full set of results can be viewed via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page. 

This race was followed by the 2 Mile Fun Run at 11am, the results of which can be found on the Shelton Striders 10K Facebook page. 

The Shelton Striders 10K was the sixth event in the RunDerby Race Series. The seventh and final event in the series is the Available Car Derby 10 Mile on Sunday 20 November. 

Image courtesy of Chris Turley.