On the first official weekend of summer, over 300 people took part in the Thames Chase 10k and family fun run, collectively running just under two million metres.
The annual event was popular once again with local running teams, high level amateur athletes and a vast array of individuals looking to challenge themselves over the gently undulating course through the picturesque Broadfields site, at the heart of the Thames Chase Community Forest.
This year’s fastest male was Gavin Watts, completing the course in 37:04, followed shortly after by Robert Vinicombe just a few seconds later in what was a close race up until the final few hundred metres. Last year’s winner, John Booth, came in third.
Veronique Surry was the fastest woman, completing the course in 49:28.
Mary Wright, Acting Chair of Thames Chase Trust, said:
“Congratulations to the competitors in this year’s 10k. It was a very warm race, and it was clear that runners had put a lot of effort into preparing for the competition. There was a high standard from the top athletes, and fantastic support for all the runners from the crowds.
“Thank you to our sponsors Waitrose & Partners and Upminster Yummy Mummies, too, for backing this event and showcasing their support for encouraging active and healthy lifestyles in the Community Forest and beyond.
“And a big thanks to the volunteers who organised the event, including on-the-day set-up and marshalling, and to Hornchurch Photographic Society for capturing the event so thoroughly.”
The full Thames Chase 10k results can be found online here
Trophy-winning performances
Martin Barkwith, Acting Chair of Thames Chase Trust, was on hand to present the awards to the category-winning athletes.
Fastest male: Gavin Watts (37:04)
Fastest female: Veronique Surry (49:28)
Fastest male over 50: James Johnson (44:11)
Fastest female over 45: Louise Mozzanica (50:17)
Fastest female over 55: Joy Leader (1:07:11)
Fastest male over 60: Clive Tweedle (51:26)
A big fundraiser for the charity
Money raised from the Thames Chase 10k and family fun run this year will be used to purchase two new defibrillators for the Thames Chase Trust.
One will be based at the Forest Centre, to improve and enhance the safety for more than 125,000 people who visit each year, and the other will be available for the Thames Chase Conservation Volunteers who are out and about throughout the year improving the landscape across the Thames Chase Community Forest.
Find out how you can raise money for Thames Chase Trust or make further donations.
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