Charlie Jones of Western Tempo RC was in an upbeat mood at Sunday’s (15 August) Jon Ward Hereford 5K as he sped to victory in this memorial race.  It was a jump of 5 places from his 6th place finish in last year’s race.

He and his teammates joined runners from local clubs in a race dedicated to the late Jon Ward who enjoyed a stellar career across a variety of distances from 5K to ultra. A former member of host club Hereford Couriers RC, he was a well-liked and respected runner with an altruistic nature, fundraising for a number of charities over the years. 

Runners were allocated to one of two start waves based upon their times at this distance with the first wave (sub-20 minutes) at 9.45am followed by the second wave (over 20 minutes) at 10.15am. They set off an a fast, flat course nearly all on open roads apart from a short section of gravel track that was fully marked and marshalled.          

Jones was looking to improve on his 2020 race time and position and raced strongly from the outset, driving through over 5K to win in 15:03. Rhys Park also of Western Tempo RC moved up a place from last year to finish second in 15:11. Alastair Campbell of Stroud & District AC was third in 15:45. 

Donna Morris of Builth & District RC was the winning female in 17:50. Cherry Fowler of Chepstow Harriers was second in 18:53 with teammate Niki Morgan third in 19:08.  

The complete set of results is available via the RunABC Midlands Race Listings page. 

There were prizes for the top three men and women: a bespoke medal for all finishers. All profits donated to charity Herefordshire Mind. 

Image courtesy of Hereford Couriers RC.