County Champs at Carl Rutt 10K

Sunday 23rd August saw the latest fixture in the Leicestershire Road Running League calendar get underway. The event, delivered by the Hermitage Harriers, was a sell-out with 540 runners crossing the start line. 2015 saw a name change for the notoriously challenging 10k in memory of club coach Carl Rutt, who sadly passed away in late 2014 after a short battle with cancer.

The starting line-up included former Hermitage Harrier, and now international athlete, Gemma Steel. Steel used the race as part of her weekly training plan and enjoyed the "fantastic home support and organisation" of the event and even found time to pose for photos and sign autographs for some of the family members at the event.

The race also included the LRAA County 10k Road Running Championship and several trophies were awarded on the day. First man across the line, Chris Jordan of Leicester Coritanians, collected the senior male county championship title for his finishing time of 34:21. Second place in the championship went to fellow Coritanian Jamie Short, who clocked 34:50 and third place was claimed by Matt Adcock of Hermitage Harriers with his time of 35:14. Adcock adds the title to his 2015 silver medals for the half marathon county championships, 5000m track event and Midlands Men’s Road 10k as well as a gold in the 10,000m track event. Hot on the heels of Chris Jordan for second place overall and first lady over the line was Gemma Steel who was delighted with her time of 34:43 and became senior female county champion too. The championship second place went to Rachel Doherty of Foyle Valley for her finishing time of 38:30 whilst third place was claimed by Emily Ault of Barrow Runners who crossed the line in 38:58. The male veteran county champion title was claimed by a runner on home turf - Jason Williams of Hermitage Harriers scooped the accolade with his fantastic run of 36:32 whilst Huncote Harrier, Nicki Nealon, collected the female veteran title for her time of 40:19.

Further impressive performances were delivered by Charnwood A.C., Owls A.C., Roadhoggs, Hinckley, Beaumont and Stilton who all had finishers in the top 20. Harry Short of Leicester Coritanians was the first junior runner home with a very impressive time of 36:21. First finishers in the vet50 category were Michael Kingsbury of Charnwood A.C. (36:38) and Hermitage Harrier Louise Mason (45:41) and in the vet60 category, Barrow runner Malcolm Harris (45:24) and Judith Brand of Hermitage Harriers (55:04) took home the honour of being first over the finishing mat.

Of course, there was great success for the hosting club too with many personal accomplishments. Zoe Sewter was PB setting again as she set a new course best of 46:50. Katie Wright, James Willoughby, Rob Wells and Ryan Twigg were all on fine form shaving around 2 minutes off their previous course bests. Many of the club members also took to the home-turf race for the first time including Richard Watson, Penny Wellard and Lisa Collins, who has spectated at the event for many years. They all thorough enjoyed their race around the Whitwick countryside!

All the clubs will now be turning their attention towards the final fixture of the LRRL race calendar, John Fraser 10, which takes place on Sunday 6th September 2015.