Inaugural Run Wisborough branded a roaring success

The inaugural Run Wisborough has been branded a roaring success as more than 360 took to their heels in the heat on Sunday.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th May 2016, 17:41 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 21:31 BST

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Runners pace down from the start of the first-ever Run Wisborough on SundayRunners pace down from the start of the first-ever Run Wisborough on Sunday
Runners pace down from the start of the first-ever Run Wisborough on Sunday

The brand-new race features a 5k and 10k course for serious runners, local families and individuals of all abilities around the picturesque village of Wisborough Green.

Close to 1,000 people packed the village green for the main event, a popular children’s race and pre-and-post-race entertaining on a beautiful summer’s day.

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There were 145 finishers in the 5k race and Bernie Spannagl was the first home as he completed the multi-terrain course in an impressive 17min 15 sec.

Runners pace down from the start of the first-ever Run Wisborough on SundayRunners pace down from the start of the first-ever Run Wisborough on Sunday
Runners pace down from the start of the first-ever Run Wisborough on Sunday

He was followed by Wisborough Green resident and Horsham Jogger Pete O’Connell, one of 25 from the club competing, in 17-56 and third-placed Dean Ansell in 18-27.

Horsham Jogger Zoe Stone was the first female home in 21-39 which saw her place seventh overall.

The second-placed female was Fittleworth Flyers’ Linda Tombs in 11th overall with 22-34 and third was Jogger Val Purnell in 14th overall with 22-53.

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Harry Johnston led the way in 10k as he paced to 36-21 in front of another 218 competitors to set a first and new course record.

Run WisboroughRun Wisborough
Run Wisborough

Arena 80’s Timmy Gedin was just eight seconds behind in 36-29 overall and Horsham Joggers’ Dan Pettitt was third in 37-01.

Del Wallace was third in 39-15 and Horsham Tri Club’s Alex Smith was fifth in 40-16.

The first female was Emma Coleman, who was sixth overall, in 40-29. Joanna Comber was next in 42-34 and tenth overall. Organiser Michael Gadd said: “We are all absolutely delighted with how the event went.

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“Our initial expectation was to achieve 120 participant runners.

Run WisboroughRun Wisborough
Run Wisborough

“We nearly quadrupled in registrations with 367 people completing the course – which is fantastic.

“On top of that we had over 200 children participate in the kids’ races for the under-11s which again far exceeded our expectation.

“Overall we surpassed our target of funds raised to go towards the first stage of rebuilding of the sports pavilion – and I am so grateful to all the amazing members of the community who volunteered their time to help us to stage this event.

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“We will definitely be looking to build on this success and we are already working on Run Wisborough 2017.”

Run WisboroughRun Wisborough
Run Wisborough

Full results can be viewed at www.runwisborough.co.uk

Thee annual Horsham 10k race - which is part of the Sussex Grand Prix series - takes place at Horsham Rugby Club on Sunday.

The Horsham Joggers’ event starts at 11am.

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