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Tadworth Ten 2018 start

And They're Off At Epsom

The 35th Tadworth 10 drew more than 600 runners to the windswept Epsom Downs yesterday (Sunday 8 January) and a hot pace was set by this year's champions, Martin Rutter and Alex Baird.

Temperatures just above zero felt like freezing with the wind chill on the exposed sections of this attractive course in the Surrey countryside. Starting from Epsom Downs racecourse at the two furlong point, the route incorporates two laps through the North Downs village of Walton-on-the-Hill, known to be home to the Romans in the 1st century AD.

Race winner, Martin Rutter (Clapham Chasers, 59:22) did not dominate completely as he had to work hard to hold off the challenge of prolific parkrunner, Andrew McCaskill (59:53), who is a relative novice compared to his 2:43:53 marathon running opponent.

The top two men were the only athletes inside six-minute-mile pace on the testing multi-terrain course. Third place went to the first M40 master Adam Teszke (1:01:03), making his first competitive outing for four years. Leading higher age group men were M50 Neil Reissland (South London Harriers, 1:03:30) and M60 Walter Hill (Crawley, 1:15:08).

There was also a close contest in the women's race between Alex Baird (Serpentine, 1:09:26) and Collingwood AC pair Debbie Jackson (W40, 1:09:42) and Lisa Rooney (1:10:20). Eight of the top ten were masters and the next age groups were won by W50 Phyllis Flynn (Stragglers, 1:13:19) and W60 Gill Hudson (1:29:33), who was among the 320 runners inside 90 minutes.

This year there were 615 finishers in 2:41:06. Many positive messages have been posted on social media to thank the well-wrapped marshals and commending the race organisation. One example reads: “Thank you for a fabulous run. Great venue, so well organised. Lovely marshalls, awesome medal. THANK YOU for all your hard work, it's much appreciated”.

The Tadworth 10 offers secure baggage storage, pop up running shop, free massage, free parking, ample toilets and hot food and drink concessions. Race details and results are available through runABC South race listings.

Image courtesy Stephen Robinson, Tadworth AC

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