Bayer Newbury 10K is Bigger, Better and Brighter than ever

Outright winner on Sunday was Gareth Watkins of Army Athletic Association and part of the 42 Engineer Regiment GEO, based at Hermitage, who made it a hat trick with a record time, both for him and the Bayer Newbury 10k, of 33 minutes and 4 seconds. “I’m really pleased to be in such good shape at the moment,” he remarked at the finish line, also noting that his personal best time for a 10K run is another minute faster. “But this year was a minute better than the same race last year – so next year, who knows?” he speculated.

Second in the men’s class was Sam Hall of Newbury AC (35.40), while David Morgan of Serpentine RC came third (36.00).

First of the ladies across the line was Jessica Franklin of Newbury AC, with a time of 39 minutes, 45 seconds. Second was Sophie Crumly (39.59) and third, Lyng Kaersager (44.18).

Other prizes went to Newbury AC (team trophy) as well as veterans Steve Barnes and Karen Kennedy, Super Veterans Tim Mahoney and Jenny Eaton, Geoff Anderson (male over 60) and Sarah Fowler (female over 55).

Part of a field of over 40 runners representing the race sponsors, the “Bayer City Rollers” ran off with the Bayer team prize.

And last but by no means least – judged by the huge cheer they received on crossing the finish line, the fancy dress award went to the four guys (and training dummy) from Newbury fire brigade Red Watch, who were raising money for the Silver Star Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital, and completed the 10K in full fire-fighting kit, including breathing apparatus!

There was stiff competition in this class, with a number of assorted mascots and super-heroes running – not forgetting one runner appropriately attired head to toe in a patriotic jubilee suit of union flags!

An unusual further prize was given this year by Donnington Valley Hotel and Spa – a year’s gold membership at its health club. In order to recognise not just the elite leading runners, but also the keen “mid-fielders”, the prize went to the 200th person over the line who, this year, was Reece Money, with a time of 50.48.

Nearly 700 runners laced up for the start this year. “It was a fantastic record field,” said Tim Marsh of co-organisers Newbury Athletic Club, “And they were supported by the biggest crowd I’ve seen so far. It just shows how this event has quickly grown to be one of the key events in the local community and sporting calendar.”

As a mark of the importance of the race, both Newbury Deputy Mayor, Cllr Arthur Johnson, and West Berkshire Council Chairman, Cllr Adrian Edwards, were there to help start the race, hand out the medals and to award the trophies at the end.

Cllr Edwards thanked all those runners who were raising money for good causes, this in addition to the local children’s charity, Swings and Smiles, which is this year’s nominated charity and will receive a portion of the all the race entry fees.

“The Bayer Newbury 10K is going from strength to strength,” said Bayer spokesperson, Andrea Postles. “The whole event has been so exciting, fun to organise and rewarding, knowing that the community and so many good causes will benefit. We even had sunshine, which brightened up the day!”

She added, “It’s a tremendous team effort, and our thanks go to Newbury AC and all the sponsors and helpers who worked so hard to make this, yet again, a day to remember.”

Full race results and photos can be viewed on this page.

Ends

Andrea Postles, Tel +44 (0) 1635 563 031

E-Mail : andrea.postles@bayer.com

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