THE popularity of the inaugural Cleobury 10-kilometre run was illustrated by the fact that, having advertised 144 places in the race, there were eventually 173 finishers.

The event was won by Jamie Shingler in a time of 38 minutes and 1 second- 77 seconds ahead of Darryl Carter, of Team Elagen. John Alton took bronze in 40.36.

Woking AC’s Jaydee Peters was next home, to win the women’s race in 41.52, and host club Cleobury’s Sarah Weavers was runner up, finishing 7th overall in 42.43, with Croft Ambrey RC’s Kelly Bowen third – and 12th overall – in 44.48.

Dan Pavitt was the first Ludlow Runner, finishing 16th in 45.29 to claim runners-up spot in the V50 race, behind Simon Link. Paul Dews, in 20th, was the second Ludlow Runner with clubmate Clive Richardson three seconds behind in 21st.

Alice Helen Godding (49.41) was the first female Ludlow Runner home, in 39th, ahead of clubmates Hayley Jennings (42nd place) and V50 competitor Ann Baskeyfield (118th).

Fourth-placed Lee Pearson claimed the men’s V40 title and Tina Smith the women’s V50 prize. Vivien Joy Dempsey won the women’s V40 bragging rights in a section which included Cleobury runner Emma Hennessey, who finished 75th overall in a time of 56.56.