There were impressive performances at the Stone 10K (Sunday 26 June) that saw wins for Lee Gratton, Claire Clancy and Staffordshire men. They raced hard and fast in windy conditions at this long established road race.

Race number 9 in the NSRRA league programme, the Stone St Michael’s 10K is a favourite with many due to the fast, flat course and the strong likelihood of a PB. Warm weather and a stiff breeze made that task more difficult but runners were keen to give it a go along with competing for those highly prized points. This event included an Inter Area Match between Cheshire, North Wales and Staffordshire with county pride at stake.   

The pandemic led to the 2020 and 2021 events being held as virtuals but nothing beats racing against others and pushing to your limits. Sterling work by Race Director Chris Barlow and his team of volunteers got the show on the road in 2022 that resulted in a well organised and marshalled event for all. 

It began with a race briefing at 9.50am by NSRRA Chairman Ken Rushton who sent everyone on their way at 10am. Off they went on a two lap course around Stone with a few twists and turns and a water station efficiently manned by youngsters from Stone Rugby Club Mini & Juniors. 

Rugeley Runners Lee Gratton is going from strength to strength in the local race scene. A former mountain bike champion, he is proving equally talented at running and is coached by John Danahay of High Performance Runner (HPR). This was his first road 10K where, in the leading group wearing the green and white vest for Staffordshire, he battled alongside runners from Cheshire and North Wales. 

He and Gavin Tomlinson (Chorlton Runners) broke away and duelled until near the end when Gratton sprinted ahead to win in 31:22, only two seconds separating him from Tomlinson who followed him in 31:24. Another Cheshire runner Andrew Miles (Vale Royal AC) was third in 32:20. 

Cheshire athlete Claire Clancy (Wilmslow RC) looked strong as she raced across the line as the women’s winner in 35:53. Staffordshire’s Emma Taylor (City of Stoke AC) was second in 36:17 and Cheshire’s Kate Moulds (Vale Royal AC) third in 36:40. 

It was first place for Staffordshire men’s team and second for the women’s team. 

All the 10K results can be viewed via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page. 

Volunteers handed out medals and goody bags to finishers at St Michael’s CE Junior School followed by the prize presentation inside.          
  
Congratulations all round!

Image courtesy of Race Photos (Bryan Dale).