Burton 10k race report

[Chris Fletcher]

There were double celebrations at Hatton Darts, as both men's and women's teams finished 

topping the tables in their respective leagues after the Burton 10k road race, the final fixture

of the Burton Summer League.

A record field nearing 300 runners set off in humid weather on what is regarded as a challenging

course. After passing Queen's Hospital, and a stiff climb up Denton road onto Field Lane, the route took 

runners along country lanes to Anslow village, before a mainly downhill descent from Henhurst hill along

to Shobnall leisure Centre, and a lap of the athletics track to the finishing line.

Despite having to host the race and strong opposition from Burton A/C and Tamworth A/C, 

the Darts were able to field strong teams with Ashley Hurdman and Jamie Fletcher heading 

off with the leading pack. It was Hurdman who was able to maintain the blistering pace as

he romped home in style for a superb 3rd place in a time of 35 minutes twenty seconds.

Track star Fletcher showed his versatility with a fast finish to cross the line in a fine 6th place in 35:42.

Stan Knopik shrugged off a pre-race stomach bug to put in a creditable performance for 19th place, 39:06.

Men's Captain Paul Mellor ran well for 35th, in 42:01, with Pete Dawson also giving his all for 63th 

place in 45:34.

Final counter for the men was Jonathan Gregson, who put in a spirited run for 70th, in 46 minutes.

After a short recovery from her Ironman exploits, triathlete Naomi Warr put in an excellent performance

for 2nd place in the women's race in a time of 42:19. Ladies' Captain Clair Calladine put in an inspirational

run for 8th place for 8th place,in 47:04, ahead of a fast finishing Wendy Freeman in 47:31 in 11th.

The ever-dependable  Jane Godfrey was the final counter, scampering across the line in 48:55,

for 13th place. There was good back support from: Pam Chamberlain 52:13 (23rd); Kelly Morris 55:11(27th);

Lisa Townsend 55:51(167th) and Carol Sharratt 56:50(32nd). 

Chris Fletcher 19/8/12