Whitchurch: Hundreds take part in first 10k since 2019

Crowds gathered at Sir John Talbot's School on Sunday, April 3 ­- the starting point and the finishing point of the race – with many runners taking part to raise money for charity.

Event organiser, Hayley Alldridge, said it was "amazing" to hold the race in person again having been in 2020 and 2021 cancelled due to Covid-19 and added some of the money raised will help students at Sir John Talbot's School.

She added: "It is amazing, the last race we held in person was in 2019 and we did a virtual one in 2020.

"It is great to have 600 runners here today taking part in the Whitchurch 10k.

"A lot of runners are raising money for charity and then our money here is split between local groups than can apply for funding to help with activities for children, sports groups, money for Sir John Talbot's School to help improve the mental health and wellbeing of students.

"We are supported by lots of local businesses who helped donate things like the water, the bananas, the sweets and then Sarah's Embroidery who make our T-shirts.

"I am really passionate about keeping the local supplies from local people."

Mike Arthan, who is from Telford, was running in aid of the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund and had previously run the London Marathon in aid of the charity.

He said: "I ran the London Marathon for them last year. We raised over £3,000 and then hopefully we will be able to raise some money for them hopefully throughout this year as well.

"I always wear the Lingen Davies vest to promote the fund.

"I have got a few 10ks lined up in the near future and I hope to do the London Marathon again in October."

The deputy mayor, Councillor Andy Hall, said the event was "great" for the town and the town is "coming alive again."

Cllr Hall added: "It has been absolutely brilliant, loads of people arriving here.

"It is the first time back after two years being away.

"We have over 500 athletes here this morning.

"It is great for the town, the town is coming alive again."