JAMIE Shingler led home several competitors from Ludlow and Cleobury Mortimer’s running clubs in a successful afternoon at the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon.
Shingler finished 27th overall in a time of 1:18:43 with Amy Fulford next over the line, claiming second spot in her age category in 1:41:46.
Stuart Booker gained a personal best, finishing with a sub-1:30, while Paul Francis and recent injury victim Craig Collier narrowly missed out on a similar milestone.
Clive Richardson, Peter Cartwright, Dan Pavitt all finished high in their respective male categories, feats matched by Vicky Honeybourne, Andrea Ford, Viv Dempsey, and sisters Shannon and Eilish Gilbert in the ladies’ section.
Among the many half-marathon debutants taking part were Paul Parker, Wendy Booker, Emma Gittens and Stella Stilwell.
The strong showings were a fitting tribute with the recent first anniversary of Cleobury Mortimer Running Club, formed to supplement the Ludlow outfit.
In that first year, Cleobury has made great strides with three groups of beginners graduating from the Couch-to-5k programme designed to assist newcomers.
“Some are now running half marathons. I’m so proud of them,” said coach Jo Watson.
Another initiative is the Wyre Forest Park Run, a free, weekly timed 5k run which is open to all every Saturday from 9am.
A year after its inception, the weekly get-together attracts up to 200 runners much to the delight of coach and event director Andie Ford.
“It has been phenomenal,” said Ford. “It is fabulous to see an event become so popular with beginners and families turning up each week.”
Cleobury is also participating in Run and Talk, a national initiative of organised runs which aims to raise awareness of how the sport can improve mental well-being.
The run is open to all and takes place at Cleobury Mortimer Sports & Fitness Centre on Tuesday, October 11 (7pm). Newcomers can join in a short walk, jog or run followed by refreshments.
The club also plans to launch its first 10k run in the spring of 2017.
More information can be found on their Facebook page or by emailing run@runcleobury.org
Alternatively, new runners are welcome to join the group at the sports centre on Tuesdays from 7pm.
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