‘Truly incredible’ – Race director hails another successful Bognor Prom 10k
The community proudly came together to welcome the 30th edition of the Bognor Prom 10K Road Race to the town – and what a record-breaking occasion it proved to be.
The event attracted the highest number of entries ever seen for the main 10K race, while the Junior Fun Run sold out faster than ever before.
Race director Peter Ramsdale said: “To have spent nine months planning the event with my amazing team and then see the community come together like this is truly incredible. For me, my team, the volunteers, the runners, and the town, I would like to thank them all incredibly for their fantastic efforts."
The records did not stop there. Kurt Taylor shattered the men’s course record, crossing the line in an astonishing 30min 17sec – 14 seconds faster than the previous record set by Tadele Geremew 13 years ago.
Taylor led home a remarkable field of 1,982 runners, the largest number ever to finish the event.
Nick Dawson followed two minutes later in a time of 32:18, with Ben Clarke taking third place in 33:08. Previous winner and course veteran James Baker, from Chichester, finished fourth in 33:48.
For the women, Kate Natkiel was first home in 35:47, followed by Linda Spencer in 36:46 and Catherine Hill in 38:33.
Bognor Regis Tone Zone Runners fielded a record-breaking 135 runners on the day and provided pacers for the event, a welcome addition for participants aiming to achieve personal best times.
Among those attending the event were the new Mayor of Bognor Regis, Cllr Paul Ralph, and Alison Griffiths, MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.
Speaking to participants, Alison noted that while the weather forecast earlier in the week had looked uncertain, she had told fellow MPs that Bognor proudly boasts a reputation as one of the sunniest towns… and Sunday proved exactly that.
Conditions on race day were generally fair, although runners faced a headwind along the promenade on the return leg, which may have impacted finishing times.
One inspiring example of community spirit came from Lee Taylor of 1981 Photography, who put down his camera this year to take part in his first-ever 10k. Alongside the challenge of training, Lee chose to raise vital funds for the event’s charity partner, St Wilfrid’s Hospice, and has so far raised £1,000.
On finishing, many runners commented on the fantastic organisation and support provided by spectators throughout both the Bognor Regis and Felpham areas.
See two galleries of pictures from the race – 236 photos here, free to Sussexworld subscribers, and another 62 great pictures here free to all.
Race results can be found at chiptimingresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=61&RId=7046&EId=2&dt=0&PageNo=1