Locomotion was the order of the day at the Crewe 10K (Sunday 9 April) as a full complement of runners raced hard and fast for individual and club glory. There were big hearted efforts from those taking part including a group of Port Vale fans fundraising for the John Rudge Statue.

Team Ale and the Vale podcast were part of the 305-strong field of runners who gathered on Electra Way, close to the Ramada Hotel, for the start of the Crewe 10K supported by Avanti West Coast. This was Race 4 in the NSRRA Fixture List for 2023, attracting runners from Cheshire and Staffordshire clubs vying for points and standings in this competitive league.

Away they went at 9.30am on a bright and breezy Easter Sunday morning to follow a two lap course on the edge of the town centre. The route was mainly on roads apart from a twisting and turning section through the woods with plenty of marshals keeping everyone safe and on track to the end. Groups of spectators waited at the roundabout at Electra Way to cheer everyone on and when they headed down the road to the finish.

Arun Dight of Vale Royal AC showed a turn of speed as he raced across the line to win the 2023 Crewe 10K in 31:53. There was a gap of over a minute between him and Robert Weston of Whitchurch Whippets who finished second in 32:59. Samuel Crozier of Newcastle (Staffs) AC was third in 33:19.

City of Stoke AC claimed fourth to ninth places and first lady with Donna Sherwin the women’s winner in 37:06. Hayley Gill of Matlock AC was second in 38:12 and Isabella Shaw of Trentham RC third in 39:18. The last runner crossed the line in 1:38:17. View all the results via the runABC Race Listing page.

Runners were handed a goody bag as they finished containing water, home made banana bread and a bar of chocolate. Staying with the chocolate theme... there was a stall with Easter Eggs that went down well with finishers.

Ale and the Vale Podcast raised £1,600 towards the John Rudge Statue – a ‘thank you’ from fans for his service and success as manager of Port Vale FC during a 16-year period.

This was a well organised and marshalled event from South Cheshire Harriers and an egg-cellent way to celebrate the Easter weekend.

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale (Race Photos).