Despite heavy showers Thame’s runners were out in full force for the annual CPM 10km road race last Sunday.
The unfortunate weather conditions meant the race had to be shortened from 10km to 9.65km so as to finish on the main road and not in the waterlogged fields.
The children’s fun run also had to be cancelled due to safety concerns.
However, 780 runners completed the course through Thame and back along the Phoenix trail.
The overall winner was Darrell Bellinger of Oxford City in a time of 31.52. Coming in 12th overall and taking the first Thame Resident trophy was Jack Hobbs with a time of 35.27. First woman was Sophie Carter of Woodstock Harriers in a time of 36.40.
Woodstock Harriers claimed the men’s team prize while Bearbrook Joggers from Aylesbury took the ladies team award. CPM, the sponsor, took the first place in corporate teams.
A new Ultra-Vet trophy in memory of Thame runner Arthur Airey got its first name engraved on the silver with Liam O’Hare taking the men’s 60 and over category.
Thame Runners sub committee 10k Race organised the run and secretary Reg Koster praised the turnout despite the poor conditions.
“I think the fact we had a bad hand and still had almost 800 people turn up says a lot.
“Hopefully next year we can look forward to heat exhaustioncoming back,” joked Reg.
He admitted it was disappointing to see the kids’ race cancelled but that they were looking into organising a possible replacement run one evening in the summer.
For more photos from the event visit www.jadeimages.com