High Bridge Jewellers’ Bourton 10k - 24th February 2019
This year’s Bourton-on-the-Water 10k, sponsored by High Bridge Jewellers, not only sold-out in a record 23 minutes, it attracted over 700 entries. It also enjoyed the support of local residents, businesses and visitors alike, receiving brilliant coverage from BBC Gloucestershire radio too. What a day, one degree Celsius at 6 o'clock in the morning, then the sun just rolled-up and made for that happy backdrop. In addition to the many club and unattached runners, word had got around that there were a number top-quality runners present, looking to make their mark, leading to high expectations from everyone watching; they were not to be disappointed.
Start of the 2019 Bourton Highbridge Jewellers 10k Race - picture by john gibson
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Right from the off Daniel Studley of Bristol & West AC demonstrated why he is a 29-minute 10k runner, taking an early lead whilst making it look so easy, setting a new course record of 30:05, ahead of second place runner Simon Nott (31:33) from Calne Running Club .
The first lady was Rachel Felton (34:20) from Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers; Rachel having achieved this in three of last 4 years at Bourton.
Samuel Goodchild from Cornwall Athletics Club, who was celebrating his 18th birthday achieved a stunning performance of 32:16, finishing 5th in the race. Amongst the many passing faces were several immediately familiar names, including Alex Lee, Dennis Walmsley and Garry Payne (all previous Bourton 10k winners), to mention just three.
Bourton Roadrunners had six of its own runners competing. Darren Long had another fine run (37:16 and 4th MV45). Close behind was Victoria Briggs in 40:04 and disappointed not to break 40 minutes again this year. Martin Cook was closing fast in 40:41 and on his heels, Niamh Shoemark with a PB of 40:51 and 2nd LV50. Gill Carrick, celebrating her 60th birthday had a fine run and was pleased with 51:58 and earning her 2nd LV60. Finally, Alan Gibson, who ran with his niece Kate in her first ever 10k in a time of 61:06.
The club wishes to thank everyone that supported the event and made it all possible, particularly High Bridge Jewellers Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswold First Aid and Bourton-on-the-Water Parish Council. The club is also grateful to all of the runners and marshals helping it to raise more than £4,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK, the nominated charity for this year’s race.
Highlights
Congratulation to Daniel Studley of Bristol & West AC, the race winner in a new course record of 30:05.
Also, congratulations to Rachel Felton of Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers for winning her third Bourton 10k in four years, in a time of 34:20.
Niahm Shoemark booked another PB in a time of 40:51 (2nd LV50).
Catch our photo gallery of 10 pictures from the Bourton 10k.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.