There were many reasons to be cheerful at the Knighton 20 (Sunday 19 March) as over 350 runners from near and far achieved their goals or in some cases surpassed them. Whether individual or as part of a team they took on the 3 lap hilly course and came out on top.

Race 3 in the 2023 NSRRA League Programme, the VeloRunner Knighton 20 is the ideal event as spring marathon preparation in an attractive rural location. Held at Knighton Sports and Social Club, participants in the 20 mile and relay completed three loops on country lanes close to the Staffordshire-Shropshire border. It was time to test their race strategy on an overcast and chilly morning.

Those running at a steadier pace (over 4 hours) had the option to start at 9.30am. The rest set off at 10.30am on the lumpy and bumpy route, passing through the villages of Knighton and Adbaston as they ticked off the laps. They were helped on their way by efficient marshals and the jelly babies handed out by cheerful volunteers who clapped and encouraged every runner as they passed.

Oliver Harradence looked strong and in control as the Royal Sutton Coldfield AC man powered his way around the laps and across the finish line to win in 1:51:13. Wrexham AC’s Ryan Davies was second in 1:52:04 and City of Stoke AC’s James Condlyffe third in 1:54:12.

A fine display of running from Shrewsbury AC’s Lauren Cooper saw her become the women’s winner in 2:09:03. West Cheshire AC’s Keely Smith was second female in 2:13:27 with Buckley RC’s Tracy Rogers third female in 2:14:47.

In the 3-stage relay, Team HP “R” Us were the male winners in 2:01:28; Team The Gog Girls were the female winners in 2:13:04.

View all the results from the 20 Mile and Relay via the runABC Midlands Race Listing page.

Finishers in the 20 mile and relay received a medal (combination one if they ran the Alsager 5), technical t-shirt and free downloads from Mick Hall Photos.

The Knighton 20 also incorporated an Inter-Area match with teams of runners from Shropshire, Cheshire, North Wales and Staffordshire. They represented their respective areas in a competitive field with medals and county pride at stake.

Shropshire men were first with North Wales second and Staffordshire third. First place for Shropshire women with Staffordshire second and Cheshire third.

NSRRA Chairman Ken Rushton thanked everyone involved in a successful Knighton 20 and relay saying: “Without their support, these events wouldn’t happen.”

The next NSRRA race is the Crewe 10K on Sunday 9 April at 9.30am.

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale (Race Photos).