A PIECE of history was recreated with a foot race from Prees all the way back to Whitchurch’s St Alkmund’s Church.
The race – 250 years and three days after it first happened – 15 members of the Whitchurch Whippets running club in the town met at Prees Heath, close to the A41 and ran back to the town’s iconic church.
The competitors – some in fancy dress to mark the quarter of a century since the last race – were given a special send-off by town mayor Councillor Andy Hall, who also welcomed them back after the last run up Whitchurch High Street.
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Alison Birch, from the Whippets, said members were delighted to take part in the event after learning of the special date from the Whitchurch Heritage Centre.
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She thanked all those who took part in the race.
“On Sunday, October 13, Whitchurch Whippets re-enacted a foot race which took place 250 years ago back in 1774,” said Alison.
“The actual date was 10th October 1774.
The foot race started at Prees Heath and ended at the steps of St Alkmund’s Church in Whitchurch. Some Whippets dressed in period costume and others wore their Whippets attire.
“The foot race was started at Prees Heath by Andy Hall, mayor of Whitchurch and he waved the flag to start them off and also at the finish at the steps of the church.
“Around 15 Whippets took part in this re-enactment and all of them really enjoyed this event.
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“A huge thanks to Whitchurch Heritage Centre who informed us of this event, also Jonathan Morgan, the president of Whitchurch Whippets) for organising this event and also to Cllr Hall, mayor of Whitchurch who very kindly started and finished the race.”
If anyone is interested in joining Whitchurch Whippets, please pop along on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm at Whitchurch Rugby Club.
Alison added: “We would love to see you.”
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