12 June 2023
Congratulations to all who took part in the Chew Valley 10k on Sunday. Full race report below
‘You don’t have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great’ goes the Chew Valley 10k motto. On a warm and humid Sunday morning, 595 runners from across the Chew Valley, Bristol, Bath, Wells, Somerset and beyond took on this challenging rural 10km race.
Bishop Sutton’s David Eagon (Bristol & West) beat the opposition for a fourth time to win in 35:26, swiftly followed by Rosie Hamilton-James (Westbury Harriers) in 37:40, who almost smashed the 2014 women’s course record of 37:28.
Jointly sponsored by Truespeed and Winford Ford, this race raises funds for local schools (Chew Valley School & Bishop Sutton Primary School) as well as Blood Bikes NICU Support (supporting premature babies across the south west) and Chew Valley Plants Trees.
Encouraging fitness and health in all ages is another aim of this event, so organisers were delighted by a slew of junior entries this year – 24 runners were under 18. Fastest under 18s were Hazel Chambers (44:44) and Alfie Lismore Pope (45:28). There were also runners at the other end of the age spectrum with two in the 80-90 category, congratulations to Christopher Harrison who won this group (1:13:25).
Novices and club runners alike enjoy the Chew 10k, and this year entries came from many different clubs around the region. Somer AC brought 27 runners, their biggest ever group. While local running club Chew Valley Snails also turned out in good numbers, including many graduating ‘Couch to 10k’ runners.
This is very much a community event as it requires an army of helpers to run the race safely, with over 70 volunteers involved directly, not counting the villagers from Hinton Blewett and Bishop Sutton who each year hang out bunting and shout encouragement to the runners.
An incredible 45 marshals lined the course to cheer the runners, but also to be on hand for emergencies. A further 25 people organise car parks, kit stores, medical support and more. New to this year’s event was the Personal Best Bell at the finish, which rang to celebrate many successful runners.
Denise Mellersh, Chew Valley 10k race director, commented: “It was a great morning of running and we would like to thank everyone who entered. We are so lucky to have support from the local community and our sponsors, without whom this race would not be possible! Please follow our social media to see the event photos and Chew Valley 10k film. You can also see how money raised by this community event will be spent.”
Chew Valley 10k 2023 main sponsors are Truespeed & Winford Ford, and the remaining sponsors are: Ross Elliott Fitness, Anthony Osborne Surveyors, Brock & Houlford, Easyrunner, Arthur David, Highwood Wellbeing, Bishop Sutton AFC, Salt & Malt, Lisa Elliott Floral Design, The Pony Chew Valley, The Red Lion, Spar Bishop Sutton, F J Wookey & Co, The Community Farm, Photo-fit.com, Lyons Solicitors, Valley Marble & Granite & Chew Valley Snails.
For more information please check the website www.chewvalley10k.co.uk or follow the event on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @chewvalley10k.
Ends
For further information, please contact Emma Robinson via emma.robinson1@me.com
07896 359420
Photo credits are Photo-fit.com
See gallery for other photos: https://events.photo-fit.com/p/88683nnd