Hundreds run in the sun for second Thatcham 10k race

Hundreds of runners took part in the second annual Thatcham 10k on Sunday (April 6).

Runners of all ages and abilities gathered under a glorious sun at the Lower Way Playing Fields, with spectators arriving in force to support both the 10k and the inaugural 1.5k Kid’s Race, which took place before the main event.

The route incorporated the scenic paths of the Nature Discovery Centre, run by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust.

A total of 245 runners completed the 10k, while 48 children finished the Kid’s Race.

This year’s winner was Jack Boswell (Aldershot, Farnham and District AC) in a course record 35:06.

In second place was Matthew Woolridge (unattached) and third place Andy Goddard (Basingstoke and Mid-Hants AC).

The first female over the line was Emily Craggs (Newbury AC) with a time of 45:20.

And in second place was Corinne Callaway (Reading Joggers), with Alice Snare (unattached) following in third place.

In the Kid’s Race, the top three finishers were Matthew Jones, Liam Whatson and Joshua Bailey.

This year also saw the introduction of a Non-Binary category to represent the event’s inclusivity.

In first place for this category was Freddie Watson Stubbs (unattached) in 55:31.

Newbury AC retained their Club Team title (Ethan Kuijten, Jeff Bird and Emily Craggs).

Mayor of Thatcham Suzanne Adamantos awarded medals and trophies to the winners and was inundated with requests to have her photo taken.

Her chosen charities Cruse Bereavement Care and Thatcham Youth will receive the proceeds raised.

Race director and Thatcham town councillor Ben Schiffer-Harte (Lib Dem, Thatcham North East) said:

“The weather was glorious, which helped to keep the course nice and dry compared especially around the paths running next to the fishing lakes, which last year were very soft underfoot due to the amount of rainfall.”

“When I brought this idea to Thatcham Town Council to support this event, I never imagined it extending to include a kids race.

“Many runners from the 2024 race decided to come back again for a second time.

“The race committee was created to raise not only money for charity but also to raise the profile of health and wellbeing.”

Event sponsors Roots Estate Agency also retained its Corporate Team title (Ben Perrins, Paul Slater and Craig Butcher).

The organisers wish to thank main sponsors Roots Estate Agency, English Provender Company, Bella Luna Restaurant and Howden Insurance, without whose support the event would not be possible.

Visit https://my.raceresult.com/331918/results to view the results from this year’s event.

Newburytoday understands there are plans to introduce a 5k next year to make the event even more inclusive.