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Tough climb up the Burway in the Church Stretton 10K

New Church Stretton 10K hits the high spot

Runners were challenged to ‘Beat the Burway’.

A tough climb, stunning scenery and a lightning quick descent: this was the Church Stretton 10K that made its debut last Sunday (24 October) to great success. The views from the summit were worth the pain...

The latest offering from Run UKAC, it promised a challenging course in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and delivered accordingly. It took place in the historic market town of Church Stretton in Shropshire which is known as ‘Little Switzerland’ and included a hill that for many runners, felt like going up a mountain. Crampons not needed but a willingness to dig in and keep going to the top.

The race started at 10am from Rectory Field and was held on a closed road course that consisted of a small lap around the town then up the Burway and on to Pole Bank - the highest point on the Long Mynd. Then the brakes were off for the downhill section whilst remembering to stay on the right for safety’s sake and full speed ahead to the finish at Rectory Field.     

Daniel Connolly of Mercia Fell Runners conquered the Burway and was first home to win the 2021 Church Stretton 10K in 35:23. Richard Lovejoy of AFD AC was close behind, finishing second in 35:29. Mathew Yap was third in 36:40.

An outstanding run by Sara Willhoit of Shrewsbury AC saw her become the women’s winner in 39:37: a gap of nearly 5 minutes between her and Amanda Wright-Smith of Birchfield Harriers who was second in 44:09. Mel Price of Mercia Fell Runners was third in 46:08.

The last runner crossed the line in 1:35:41. There were 301 finishers who received a bespoke medal for their endeavours. 

The full set of results can be found at the RunABC Midlands Race Listings page.  

Next up is something a little bit different... the Evolution Race on 7 November in the birthplace of Charles Darwin. For more information and how to enter, visit the Run UKAC website.

Image courtesy of Wendy Holm.

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