Top of the virtual class for St Thomas 10K
Top team effort at the St Thomas Virtual 10K
Gold stars all round to everyone involved in the successful St Thomas Virtual 10K (Sunday 14 June) where there were some outstanding performances given that this wasn’t the actual race. The staging of the event in the changed format provided an incentive to run especially as NSRRA points would be awarded as normal.
North Staffs Road Runners Association (NSRRA) like many others has adapted to the current situation and converted their league to a virtual one so they can put on 12 races enabling them to complete the season. The best 8 races count.
The St Thomas 10K was the first race in the virtual format and surpassed expectations in terms of the number of entries. Close on 200 runners took part and while many of them were from the UK, there were participants from Australia, Canada and Germany.
Participants were asked not to travel to Tean and run the actual St Thomas 10K course but to choose a route close to home. Their 10K had to be a continuous run or walk and adhere to the rules regarding social distancing and they had to submit evidence within 48 hours to Andrew Vickerman. Runners sent a finish line selfie to Bryan Dale and the enjoyment was clear to see as photo after photo was uploaded to the NSRRA Facebook page.
Ross Connor of City of Stoke AC was the overall winner in 33:55. Daniel Soltys of Stone MM was second in 35:42 and Ben Bewley of Newcastle (Staffs) AC third in 36:15.
Kelly Butler of Birchfield Harriers went flat out and became the winning lady in 37:27. Lucy Spencer of Newcastle Tri Club was second in 41:34 and Joanne Stanfield of Trentham RC third in 42:05.
NSRRA Chairman Ken Rushton was full of praise for the event and thanked those who made it a success. NSRRA league tables will be compiled later this week.
The next event is the Cheadle Virtual 4 on the weekend 11/12 July. For more information visit the NSRRA website.
Image courtesy: Gareth Copley-Jones