Smiles at Super Shrewsbury 10K
A buzzing atmosphere in Quarry Park made the day for many.
A new start and finish in The Quarry was one of several highlights at Sunday’s (22 August) Hatfields Shrewsbury 10K as over 1,500 runners were happy to be back in this medieval market town. The weather and local population were on their side.
The weather was dry and mild for this well organised race from Simon MacDonald and Ultimate Fitness Events that took runners of all abilities on a tour of the town. There was a sense of anticipation as they waited, ready for the off at 9am from Quarry Park with 6.2 miles ahead.
Off they went to the sounds of clapping and cheering to follow a scenic route that included a climb up Porthill, river crossings and a dash through the grounds of Shrewsbury School (Charles Darwin was educated here) before heading back into the town centre then onto the finish in Quarry Park. Crowds lined the streets to show their support, exhorting them to keep going until the end.
Daniel Connolly of Telford AC was the winner in 31:06. Two Shrewsbury AC men followed him with Paul Jones taking second in 33:00 and Jim Hickinbottom third in 33:44. It was another podium finish for Hickinbottom who took third in the Solihull Half Marathon a week ago.
Sophie Birtles of Shropshire Shufflers was the winning female in 35:30 and 6th overall. Sara Willhoit of Shrewsbury AC was second in 35:52 and Claire Thomas of Ludlow Runners third in 38:49.
The last runner crossed the line in 1:55:12. A full set of results is available via the RunABC Midlands Race Listings page.
There were 1561 finishers who received a bespoke medal, water and a technical t-shirt worthy of a gold medal for its design. It will turn heads when the wearer goes for a run!
Image courtesy of Stephen Peck.