THE new organiser of Whitchurch’s 10k race says he was delighted that a town runner won the women’s race as athletes battled high winds.

Victoria Hopwood came home first in a seriously wind-affected time of 40 minutes and three seconds in the 10k which saw winds of 20mph and even stronger gusts.

Whitchurch Herald: Robert Weston crosses the winning line. Robert Weston crosses the winning line. (Image: Rubie Furber.)

Gareth Von Dinther, who is now on organising duties, admitted he was delighted with a local winner but added that runners from all over the country came to compete.

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“It’s always good if someone brings it home,” he said.

“The women’s race was won by Victoria Hopwood, from Whitchurch and the men’s race was won by Robert Weston, from Shrewsbury, in 24:47.

“They ran into the wind for most of the route so that, for me, makes it an incredible time.

“The thing that made is most difficult was that it was int heir face for most of the rase – a sustained wind with some very strong gusts so it’s a great achievement.

Whitchurch Herald:

“The runners were really complimentary about the set up and the marshalling along the route but we’ve got some areas and things to develop.

“But we’re really happy how it’s gone – it’s fantastic.

Whitchurch Herald:

“We’ve received around 50 emails from runners about how great it was and the marshals said they never felt alone on the streets because of the support from the c9ommuntiy who were clapping all of the runners.

“We had runners come to the town from Wrexham, Oswestry, Uttoxeter, Carlisle and Bristol.

“It’s great that people come to us a first time runners or returning again and it’s a great way to show off the area because the route takes runners through the streets.

“It was a fantastic community event.”

Whitchurch Herald: Peter, Jo and Olly Yates. Peter, Jo and Olly Yates. (Image: Hayley Alldridge.)

Hundreds of runners took part in the race with Shrewsbury’s Robert Weston winning by almost two minutes while Rob Kerr finished in 36:40 and David Barlow was third in 37:54.

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In the women’s race, Victoria Hopwood finished ahead of Bethan Jones in second by one minute and 19 second with Jade Watson in third with a time of 43:45.

Gareth added that runners were given a supporting message from British running legend Sir Mo Farah, courtesy of sponsors MODE Sport.

He also thanked other sponsors Americold, Blackhursts Garage and David Wilson Homes and Barratt Homes.

The race was also featured in Runners World, which is considered one fo the best for amateur runners.