A dramatic sunrise heralded the start of the Tempo 10K Winter Series for 2021-2022 as nearly 300 runners took part in Race 1, glad to be back with friends old and new. Adam Notley was the winner and put down a marker for the rest of the series.

This popular series from Tempo Events was back with a bang(er) as runners took on Larkstoke Hill again and were rewarded with homemade Cumberland sausages courtesy of Barry the Butcher. These are a favourite with many as well as a good incentive to enter and endure the hill!

It was like old times as in pre-Covid days as they gathered en masse on Mickleton Road before setting off at 10.30am to run a scenic route in Ilmington that stays the same for all races. There are 5 races in the series which alternate between anti-clockwise and clockwise for each one. 

Races 1, 3 and 5 are anti-clockwise whereas 2 and 4 are clockwise and all involve the climb up Larkstoke but at different stages. Run in an anti-clockwise direction and meet the hill early on or clockwise and face this behemoth near the end. The question remains as to which is preferable.  

Adam Notley of Spa Striders looked strong as he sped along Mickleton Road then onto the field by Ilmington Sports & Social Club to win in 37:23. Andrew Boon of Coventry Godiva Harriers followed him in 37:53 with Richard Liggatt of Stratford-upon-Avon AC third in 38:22. 

Donna Allen of Hook Norton Harriers was the female winner in 46:27. Myshola Kirkham was second in 46:48 and Rachel Wignell of Leamington Spa Striders third in 46:59.

Finishers collected their prized packets of sausages (just in time for Bonfire Night!)

Full results can be found via the runABC Midlands race listing page.

Race 2 in the series is on Sunday 21 November. Enter all 5 and be rewarded with a series memento.

Photo by Barry Cornelius.