Tamworth 5 always attracts an impressive turnout; 31 in blue toeing the start at the track for this one.

Tom Potter, returning to NW Leics following university set a spectacular club course record in 28:18, finishing 5th overall, Results Officer Mark Parker trying to stay with him for as long as possible in 28:41. Matt Pleass had a strong run for 30:21, and Shaun Coulton was first in his age category in 30:59. Ian Bolton ran well for 32:35 and it was Andy Hough next back in 34:54. Mark Hoult was out first PBer of the day, improving by 23s for 35:53.

Suzy Parish also ran a super PB; 36:13 improved on her BDSL season opener time by more than 2 mins; superbly setting the stage for the ladies, alongside Emily Partridge (37:19) and Mindy Ashton (38:15) securing the team prize. Not only that, Mindy and Shaun came out top overall in the league this year after having consistent fabulous seasons, congratulations to you both.

Mark Bradford & Andrew Bottrill entered into their usual race battles finishing 36:46 and 37:17 respectively, and George Giles put his first 5 miler in the board in 37:52 and Pat Horn ran a controlled 37:44. Andy Cole had a great effort building towards his star-studded marathons in 38:09, completing the set of all BDSL events this year, and was nearly caught down by Vic Smith (38:20)

Bec Sharpe crossed the line in 39:22, then came a trio of PBs from Paul Averillo (49s for 39:49), Cath Watkins (a huge 7 mins in 39:52) and Lindsay Tilbury who has two successful, PB glittered years, improving by over a minute in 39:54.

Our Captains arrived next, Louis Barnes running 39:54 supporting our PB champs and Gemma Shaw improved her Steve Morris time by 35s for 40:57. Andrew Stanley was out giving encouragement in 40:59 and wasn’t far ahead of Carolyn Osborne in 41:36.

Sue Tait was another age category hero topping her chart in 42:15, Sophie Turner in 42:31 and our second 100%er Martin Yeomans was next in 43:19. Jenny & Rich Hope came over the line next clocking 45:08. Ellen Bolton continued her fine form after finishing second at Adrian Smith running a 47s PB in 50:33 and Jeff Cross had her in his sights, rounding up an amazing team running 50:52.

Written by Emily Partridge - last updated on 12/10/2023