Birthday boy Tim claims club honours at Two Castles Run

RUNNING conditions were perfect for the almost 3,800 runners who completed this year’s running of this iconic Two Castles 10k race.

It is run between two of England’s most beautiful castles, Warwick and Kenilworth.

A large contingent of 26 Stratford AC runners lined up at the start of the race, which is part of the Warwickshire Road Race League and as such, club runners are given priority at the start.

First home for the club, on his birthday, was Tim Hutchinson (36.06, 17th). Not only was Hutchinson third in a very competitive age group but he also broke the club record for his age group by 19 seconds.

Next was 19-year-old Sam Weaving (39.39, 81st). The youngster was ninth in the junior male age group and he continues to go from strength to strength.

David Smyth (40.55, 119th) was next. David tripped over a water bottle during the race, requiring an ice pack but despite this, he still managed a superb race.

Paul Jeffries (44.26, 399th) has recently returned to competitive running after a lengthy break but you would not know it following this strong performance.

Next quickest was Adrian Mason (44.54, 370th) followed by Luke Watkins (46.20, 550th).

This was a superb run by Watkins and his best 10k time for four years. He was just 20 seconds quicker than the ever-improving Pete Sugden (46.40, 319th).

Just 12 seconds separated the next three Stratford runners.

Ryan Bakewell (47.17, 478th) overtook the next-placed Stratford runner, David Jones (47.29, 483rd), with only half a mile to go.

Jones resumed his rivalry with fellow club runner Lynne Hinson (47.29, 487th) with honours being even this time, both finishing in exactly the same time.

Hinson also managed to finish sixth out of 383, in her competitive age group.

A mere three seconds separated the next three SAC runners with David Wolstencroft (49.06, 641st) just getting the edge over Emily Adams (49.08, 637th) and Karl Harris (49.09, 640th). Pete Wharton (50.34, 1393rd) was followed by Ruth Calderbank (52.27, 1031st). Calderbank was ninth in her age group.

Next was Christopher Wilson (52.37, 926th) followed by Naomi Whittaker (54.03, 1431st). Whittaker had doubts about running due to recent injury niggles but her decision to take part was fully vindicated by this fine performance. Daniel Whittington (56.16, 1,256th) was just 11 seconds ahead of Jan McLure (56.27, 1,684th).

Jan is a club member who competes in many local races and as a result, is a much improved runner.

Christine Pastrak (57.48, 1,573rd) is another runner who has suffered niggling injuries of late but despite this she was able to run an excellent race Next was Gemma Smith (1.01.06, 2,213rd).

Smith was pleased with her efforts even though she was slower than last year.

She had hoped to run under the hour, even after her dip in fitness, after having a few weeks off to recover from injury. She commented that it is always good to have a target even if you fail to achieve it.

Five SAC ladies completed the club’s contingent, with Nicola Reynolds (1.02.22, 2,367th) leading them home, followed by Jane Fradgley (1.03.05, 2,523rd).

Tash Watkins (1.05.01, 2,637th) was followed by Alice Baxendale (1.05.45, 3,297th) and finally Eva Lowe (1.07.17, 2,920th).

The race was won by Alistair Smith in a time of 32.25 and first lady finisher was Amy Clements in 26th place and a time of 36.47.