The village of Checkendon in South Oxfordshire was the location for this multi-terrain event, complete with stunning views of the Chiltern Hills – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There was a choice of 10K, 5K and children’s races (100m, 1km and 1.8km), making it a family affair and an enjoyable day for everyone involved.

Blue skies formed a backdrop to an action-packed day beginning with the children’s races at 10am followed by the 10K at 11am and then the 5K at 11.15am. All races started and finished in a pasture field at Hammonds Farm where there was entertainment, homemade cakes, ice cream and catering from Blue Tin Produce farm shop.

Personal trainer Laura Pye led the warm-ups before runners streamed away from the start and out onto country roads as they descended within the Chilterns. They headed back towards Checkendon via an off-road section along beech wood tracks and footpaths before encountering the hill on their way to the finish.

Kevin Wheeler won the 10K in 39:28; Rebecca Patton was the winning female in 45:24.

Sam Lindsey-Halls was first across the line in the 5K in 21:59; Emma Cutler was the first lady in 25:57.

There was a commemorative medal for every finisher and for the adults, a half price drink courtesy of The Cherry Tree Inn.

The date for next year’s Checkendon Run will be announced shortly.

Image courtesy of Charlotte Snowden Photography.