Shrewsbury Athletic Club staged the inaugural Mad Jack’s Five mile multi-terrain race on Sunday 9th November in the grounds of Attingham Park, in conjunction with the National Trust. Despite heavy rain and strong winds in the hours before the race, the organisers were really pleased by the turnout of over 200 runners, whose bravery was rewarded by an improvement in the weather conditions just before the start of the race.
Mike James of Shrewsbury AC was the emphatic winner in 29mins 26secs, followed by Richard Lucock of Telford AC in 31mins 21secs with Steve France of Shrewsbury AC third in 31mins 44secs. In the Ladies race, Sian Davies of Telford AC had a great run to win in 33mins 29secs and place 11th overall in the race. Anna Bartlett of Shrewsbury AC was second in 36mins 17secs and Nicky Cowe of South Cheshire Harriers third in 37mins 12secs.
Male Category winners were: over 35, Paul Jones, Oswestry Olympians, 32mins 55 secs; over 40, Andy Davies, Mercia Fell Runners, 31mins 55secs; over 45 Steve Hatton, Shrewsbury AC, 34mins 45secs; over 50, Chris Wakeman, Shrewsbury AC, 35mins 38secs; over 55, Alan McDonald, Telford AC, 36mins 52secs; over 60, Michael Whiteside, Tattenhall Runners, 39mins 5secs; over 65, Douglas Davies, unattached, 46mins 13secs; over 70, Geoff Howarth, Northern Vets, 56mins 27secs.
Female Category winners: over 35, Anna Bartlett Shrewsbury, AC 36mins 17secs; over 40, Julie Moore, MSW Tri Club, 40mins 9secs; over 45, Cheralyn Evans, Telford AC, 38mins 34secs; over 50, Libby Collinson, Shropshire Shufflers, 41mins 49secs; over 55, Pauline Newton, Newport & District AC, 44mins 44secs; over 60, Christine Sedman-Smith, 44mins 24secs; over 65, Kathy Ling, Wrekin Runners, 73mins 55secs;
Junior Men: 1st, Daniel Hoof, Wrekin Runners, 35mins 30secs. Junior Women: 1st,Gemma Cutler, South Cheshire Harriers, 49mins 42secs.
Race organiser Kevin Francis said “It was great to see so many runners out today. Attingham Park is a great place to run in and The National Trust deserve a big ‘thank you’ for being prepared to host this race. I’d like to thank all the runners for the positive feedback – they all seemed to enjoy the scenic off-road course, and we look forward to seeing them all next year. I’d also like to thank the sponsors who generously donated prizes and helped with financial support, Up and Running Shrewsbury, Rybrook BMW Shrewsbury, Mytton and Mermaid Hotel Atcham, Women In Mind Shrewsbury, Welti Tennis and Fitness Shrewsbury, Tesco Shrewsbury, Harry Tuffins Churchstoke and Tanners Wines Shrewsbury”.
