Sunday (9 October) was a day of celebrations for City of Stoke AC as their runners claimed the top spots at the Werrington 10K. There were wins for Peter Nimmo and Kelly Butler and podium places for James Condlyffe and Harry Bond. 2021 winner Ross Connor was fourth.

The weather was sunny and bright albeit a bit chilly at Moorside High School for the Werrington 10K. Race 16 in the NSRRA league programme, it has more than a hill or two especially between mile 4 and 5 to get the blood pumping on an autumn morning in Staffordshire. However, you are rewarded with glorious views of the countryside as you catch your breath.

This was the third race from Trentham RC with prizes for the top three men and women; age category winners and teams (male and female) and, as an extra challenge, the course record of 29:50 – set by race sponsor Clifton Bradeley of Sub-4. A gold sovereign was the reward.    

Around 170 runners gathered at the High School, picking up their numbers and ankle tags ahead of the start at 10.30am. NSRRA Chairman Ken Rushton carried out a short briefing then sent them on their way out onto the roads.    

Runners followed a one lap course on the edge of Staffordshire Moorlands where you would expect a few climbs although there were some downhill sections to spin the legs. They saved enough for a blast down Armshead Road before turning into Moorside High School and a sprint for the finish on the field. There were bananas and paper cups of water at the finish – the latter in keeping with Trentham RC’s sustainability ethos. 

Peter Nimmo of City of Stoke AC was first across the line in 34:11 with teammate James Condlyffe close behind in 34:15 then Harry Bond in 35:14. 

City of Stoke AC’s Kelly Butler was the winning female in 40:11. Kristy Gill of Macclesfield Harriers was second in 41:01 and Amanda Kelly of Stoke FIT third in 41:26. 

View all the results via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page.  

The presentation took place in the school where, in what was a nice touch, Ken Rushton led runners in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Carol Higgs who was 60 last week. Carol also won the FV60-64 age group making it, excuse the pun, the icing on the cake. 
  
This was another well organised and marshalled event from Trentham RC that rounded off their trio with a flourish!

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale (Race Photos).