Crowds of supportive friends and family turned out for yet another successful Marwell 10K and junior Fun Run yesterday (Sunday 22 March).

Defending champion James Baker, from Chichester Runners & AC, finished the course in 33mins exactly, well ahead of his closest rival. It seems the course certainly suits James, as he has now won four out of the last five year’s races. Richard Batchelor from Aldershot, Farnham & District came in second clocking 34mins 22secs. Mark Campbell from Southampton Running Club was the first local boy, finishing third with a time of 34mins and 45secs. 

Ladies winner Rachael Elliott from Team Kennet came home in 37mins and 44secs. Her main opponent was last year’s winner Karrie Blake from City of Portsmouth AC finishing just 12 seconds behind. Lesley Locks from Hart Road Runners was a fairly close third in 38mins and 55secs.

Despite being known for its tough course the Marwell 10K attracted over 750 runners, including Sue Mavor who came all the way from New Zealand to take part. Sue immigrated to New Zealand over 20 years ago but is originally from Winchester and as a keen runner couldn’t resist the lure of the unique setting. Sue was given a special club vest from organisers Eastleigh Running Club and plans to wear the vest in her next running event back home.

Deborah Tyler, Race Director from Eastleigh Running Club was delighted with the turn out: “Despite being Mother’s Day, over 750 runners took part in the 10K and over 200 children had fun in the Junior Run. They were given a taster of competition as they dashed around the park and used the same finishing arch the adult’s race.”

The runner’s fee included entry to the park for the day, and we also offered discounted entry to all supporters. The money raised will go towards our conservation work including SPRINT, the cheetah campaign for 2009. 

Jointly organised with Eastleigh Running Club, the Marwell 10k Road Race is kindly sponsored by Saucony and Up and Running Southampton.

View full results and photos here

Photos have been kindly provided by Nick Kurr, Judi Hussey, Nigel Auckland and Kath Weston, member of Marwell Photographic Group.

 

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23 March 2009