250 runners let their feet do the talking at Sunday’s (16 October) Daventry 10K in perfect conditions for a road race. It was “good to be back” after a two year absence and for those NRRL members, to pick up valuable points as well. 

The Daventry 10K is the ninth and final race in the Northants Road Running League (NRRL) 2022 season and this year, the Northamptonshire County Championship 10K race too. A well organised event from Daventry Road Runners (Daventry RR) who were happy to host it again after a two year break due to Covid delivering a race that everyone enjoyed – even the 200m hill!

Talent was on display not just in the running but in the design of the medals, t-shirts and bib numbers.  It was a creative flourish courtesy of Ellie Davies Designs that made for an eye-catching collection. 

Staying with creativity... Hooked and Evergreen Art Cafe in Daventry offered the male and female winner a free framing for their medal.  

There were prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female; age category winners and spot prizes. Every finisher received a t-shirt and medal and a free, post-race massage. 

The course was mainly flat – apart from the hill at an early stage and a few inclines and there was no shortage of encouragement from marshals who kept everyone going. 

Eastern Way near Daventry Leisure Centre acted as the finish (and the start too) and saw John Stolberg of Birmingham Running, Athletics and Triathlon (BRAT) club first across the line in 32:46. Lewis Knight of Daventry AAC was second in 33:01 and Jack Chennell of Kettering Town Harriers third in 33:44. 

Impressive running by FV50 Rachel Cooke of Buckingham & Stowe RC resulted in her becoming the women’s winner in 38:47. Rosanna Andrews of Rugby & Northampton AC took second in 39:09 with Claire Brooker of Kettering Town Harriers taking third in 42:45. 

The last runner finished in 1:22:23. 

All the results are available to view via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page. 

Roll on 2023 :-)

Image courtesy of Daventry 10K.