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On Sunday 20 April 2008, Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers proudly hosted the
15th Flitwick 10K. 2008 is
the 20th anniversary of the Club, and a special commemorative
medal was on offer to all finishers.
The race was also doubling as the County 10K Championships, and for the
first time, part of the Road Running Grand Prix Series organised by
England Athletics East.
Race Officials gathered at 0730 to make final preparations, with not a
little trepidation as the funfair finally trundled off the field a few
minutes later.
Entries were at an all-time high, with 977 runners entered, and 841
eventually lined up at the start.
The weather was rather murky and overcast, but thankfully, the
rain held off – perfect weather for runners.
The Town Mayor started the race, and the runners surged off following
the Chevrolet lead car, and ably supported by the Goldwings Bikers Club
riders. Just 31.57 minutes
later, the first person sighted was Owain Matthews of Bedford AC who
came over the finish line 36 seconds quicker than the second athlete
Matt Janes, last year’s winner also of Bedford AC.
Paul Farmer of AFF put in a superb performance to finish 4th with
Stephen Hartley a valiant 8th.
These two performances plus that of Phil Holland ensured the AFF
men’s team won the Team Prize.
Tracey Ranson of Springfield Striders galloped home in a time of
38.26 for first prize in the ladies’ section.
Tracey was followed home by Selina Staines of Dacorum & Tring AC
in a time of 38.36.
Biggleswade AC ladies team won the Team Prize for their Club.
The prize giving was a double event, as the race was also the County 10K
Championship. Owain and
Tracey both received their prizes as Men’s and Ladies’ County Champions
respectively. Our own Ady
Wadsworth won the MV40 category
Meanwhile, the Children’s Fun Run had set off enthusiastically, with
many youngsters (and parents and grandparents) trotting round at their
own pace. All youngsters
received a medal and ‘goody bag’ and all seemed to thoroughly enjoy
themselves.
This event would not have been the success it was without a huge amount
of work before, during and after the day.
We are particularly grateful for the support that Flitwick Town
Council give for this prestigious local event.
Thanks go to all sponsors who provided prizes, hardware, goodies
etc, and others such as the local Police, St John’s, Goldwings and
Chevrolet who assisted in other ways.
Thanks also to SportsSystems who provided the timing and
efficient results service and Infinite Images for their superbly
professional photography.
Last, but certainly not least, thanks to all officials, marshals and
‘backroom boys/girls’ who gave up their time to help, making the Race
Director’s job much easier.
The feedback on Runners World is overwhelmingly positive, and any
‘glitches’ will be reviewed and hopefully, the race will be even better
next year.
Thanks to all athletes who took part; I hope you enjoyed the race, and
were pleased with your time.
We look forward to seeing you at our next event, the Marston Vale 5K on
Friday 20th June.
Ann de Winter
Race Director
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