Almost 2,000 runners put their best foot forward at Leamington’s popular 10k run on Sunday, helping to raise money for a number of local good causes.
Backed once again by Leamington lawyers Wright Hassall, The Wright Hassall Regency 10k Run returned for its 19th year on April 2, taking runners along closed roads and Leamington’s leafy parks.
This year’s race will see proceeds donated to various organisations including the official race charity Molly Ollys Wishes, which was set-up in memory of Warwick girl Molly Ollerenshaw who died from a rare kidney cancer aged eight.
In the men’s race, Frazer Knowles of Leamington Cycling and Athletics Club clinched top spot with a time of 32 minutes 40 seconds, followed in second and third by Andy Lawrence and Kenilworth Runners’ Ryan Baker.
Alice Belcher of Wellingborough and District Athletic Club was crowned winner in the women’s category with a time of 36 minutes 5 seconds, ahead of Natalie Bhangal and Monica Williamson, both of Leamington Cycling and Athletics Club, who rounded off the top three.
Frazer, 21, said: “It was pretty tough especially with the mud, but as soon as I got onto the tarmac it was nice. I was neck and neck with second-placed for a long time but thankfully I managed to do it.
“I have run this four times now, first in 2015, again in 2017, and then finished third last year, so it is nice to finally get first place!”
Alice, 31, added: “The course was quite tough but I had a good group of people to run with and the support from the town was amazing. I’ll be coming back again next year!”
Sponsors Wright Hassall saw its 15-strong team finish runners up in the corporate category, which was won by Make Good Grow.
Peter Lowe, a Partner at Wright Hassall, said: “As a company, we’re proud to be associated with such an important local event in our town, and one which so many of us in the office have taken part in.
“For some of us this was the first time we’ve entered so we’re really thrilled with our finish, whilst raising hundreds of pounds for The Wright Hassall Charitable Trust. Well done to all who took part.”
The event has raised more than £420,000 for local causes since it was first held in 2005.
As well as Molly Ollys Wishes, some of the proceeds from this year’s run will be donated to local charities, PTAs, and scout groups, whilst money will also go towards OurJay Foundation to support a campaign to install accessible defibrillators across Warwickshire in memory of 18-year-old Rugby student Jamie Rees, who died in 2022 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
The event expanded this year with a host of food vendors and hot and cold drinks at the finish line, and also included a kids 1km race.
Harpal Singh of event organisers the Leamington Round Table, and this year’s Race Director, added: “It was great to see the town come out in force to cheer the runners on and create a great atmosphere.
“This event wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of Wright Hassall and the many volunteers from across the community who helped to marshal on the day and keep everything running so smoothly.
“Well done to everyone who took part!”
