ALMOST 500 people took part in the inaugural Brewers 10K yesterday.
The race, which was the first-ever closed road event in Burton-upon-Trent’s history, saw 478 people don their running shoes.
At 9am prompt, the High Sheriff of Staffordshire Ben Robinson MBE DL, sounded the klaxon and the runners set off from the front of the Pirelli Stadium.
Exiting right out of the stadium and onto Princess Way, the route stretched through Main Street, Church and Station Road in Stretton before heading through Burnside, Knowles Hill, Rolleston Road and Bitham Lane before returning back down Princess Way and finishing at the Pirelli Stadium, the home of Burton Albion Football Club.
The first runner to return home was Callum Abberley, of Burton Athletics Club, in a blistering time of 33 minutes and 47 seconds, which is of course a record for the Brewers 10K. Sally Higgs set the new female course record in a time of 40 minutes and ten seconds.
There was huge support and the event saw the community truly coming together. Thanks to the local volunteers who generously gave up their time to marshal the event, as well as public service students from Burton and South Derbyshire College, members of Rolleston Scout Headquarters, local police cadets, the local people who came out to cheer on the runners on all parts of the race route and of course, everyone who ran the race.
We must also thank our sponsors and supporters, including: Palletforce, Stretton Parish Council, VIP sponsors Visiting Angels, course record and timing sponsor Running Form, Willshee’s who kindly provided waste disposal on the day, Hilton-based TLC Bakery for providing delicious cakes and Epic Action Imagery for providing event photography.
BACT Business Development Manager Stefanie White said: “This event has been months in the planning and to see it received as well as it has been, is incredible. There were so many smiling faces and the whole day was a pleasure to put on.
“To the trust staff, volunteers and everyone else, thank you. We hope we haven’t missed anyone out.”
Head of Community Matt Hancock said: “This event was a shining example of the community coming together for a great cause. Seeing local residents going out of their way to cheer on the runners was a delight to behold.
“The support from everyone on the race has been overwhelming and we can’t wait for next year’s race.”
