A MAJOR event in the sporting and charity calendar celebrated its 10th anniversary in style.
The Wright Hassall Regency 10k Run attracted around 2,000 runners raising money for a variety of causes.
The run, organised by Leamington Round Table, goes through the streets and parks of Leamington.
To mark the anniversary, British Blind Sport was nominated as the event’s charity and the race was started by Noel Thatcher – a patron of the charity – and a multi gold winning Paralympian.
Noel, who went to school in Coventry, sounded the starting claxon – and then took part in the race himself.
Home town athlete Andy Savery, who runs for Leamington C&AC, crossing the line in first place in a time of 33 minutes and three seconds.
The 31-year-old from Milverton had entered the race on two previous occasions, but tasted victory for the first time.
The first woman home was Zoe Chandler of Stratford AC in 37.45.
Mark Chambers, of Leamington Round Table, said: “It was a really good event for our 10th anniversary. The weather was perfect for the runners.
“Over the years we have had snow and hot sun, but this was mild enough to be comfortable and not too warm for the runners.
“Everyone enters into the spirit of the event and we raise a great deal for local causes, in additional to what runners raise for their own particular charities.
“Some people train very hard for the event and it is great to see all that effort rewarded.”
British Blind Sport helps blind and partially sighted adults and children to become active and play sport. It was founded in 1975 and is based on Tachbrook Park.
Law firm Wright Hassall, based in Leamington, has sponsored the race since it first started and more than ten of its staff took part.
Senior partner Nick Abell, who has run in seven of the events, said: “I am not sure ourselves or the Round Table knew when we first linked up just how successful the Regency Run would become.
“A great deal of work from volunteers goes into making the event happen and become such a firm fixture in the calendar. The Round Table do a great job and we are delighted to be so involved.”
This year’s event also featured a 1k kids run, organised through charity Kids Run Free.
Noel Thatcher, Alaina MacGregor (British Blind Sport CEO), Paul Grundy (Leamington Round Table) Rhys Jarman (Wright Hassall)
Regency Run 3; Arfan Usman stretching
Regency Run 51 Andy Savery, with Mark Chambers (Leamington Round Table), and Jane Senior (Wright Hassall).
Keep on running. (s)
Yes! (s)
Showing support. (s)
Limbering up. (s)
Young run. (s)
Men’s race winner Andy Savery (centre), with Mark Chambers of Leamington Round Table, and Jane Senior from sponsors Wright Hassall. (s)
Crowds lined the streets to cheer on the runners. (s)
The Wright Hassall runners. (s)
