The sun shone on Sunday 30th September providing ideal weather conditions for the annual Saffron Walden 10k run. This mult-terrain event, sponsored by local businesses including Chesterford Research Park, follows a circular route, including Audley End Estate. The Park entered a Team of nine runners, including Katherine Maguire, Park Manger and Noel Cooper, Gym Manager, Mike Parkinson, Tim Cook, Alice Ind, Katey Smyth, Craig Rouse, Omar Aziz and Joanne Shearer.

At 10.30, following a Team “before” photo and several of Tim Cook’s jokes the race started. The pace began quickly with Mike Parkinson and Craig Rouse the early team leaders, with everyone else not far behind. At 4k Windmill Hill stretched before us providing the challenge that we had been dreading. In Littlebury Amanda Newman and family were helping to handout water and encouragement – a very welcome site. There was great support from local people along the route, with the course marshals cheering us on our way.

It was a great event, which took in fantastic sites and provideda real buzz to all who participated. Many thanks to the event organisers, especially Nigel Coates, Course Director, who works at Biotica. The event finished with the “after” photo, some aches and pains and a few blisters. However, the promise of a free sports massage from Noel sent us happily on our way home. Well done to all who took part.

Craig Rouse
44mins 17secs,

Alice Ind
49mins 13secs, came 22nd in the females,

Mike Parkinson
53mins 29secs, came 59th in his age group

Tim Cook
57mins 35secs, came 69th in his age group

Katherine Maguire
57mins 55secs, came 18th in her age group

Omar Aziz
60mins 1 sec

Joanne Shearer
60mins 26secs came 69th in females

Katey Smyth
62mins 2secs came 77th in females

Noel Cooper
70mins 10secs