Picture Special
Regency Run a success again

Buy photos » They're off. (s)

RYAN Kenny won his fourth Wright Hassall Regency Run - and then went home to tell his family.

The Coventry Godiva has recently returned to top flight athletics after a six month break following the birth of his first child but looked fully back in the swing as he was the first over the line.

Around 2,000 competitors took park in the eighth Wright Hassall Run organised by Leamington Round Table.

Competitors - who ranged from serious athletes to fun runners - enjoyed near perfect conditions with bright blue skies overhead as they ran over Newbold Comyn and through the streets of the town before finishing in Mill Gardens.

For Kenny, who finished in 31:50, it was a welcome return to home territory.

“I only live about two miles form here so it is perfect for me. It is a really nice course and every year it is a great event,” he said.

“My time was slower than last year but I have had a bit of time off after starting a family and just the day before I took part in the National 12 Stage Road Relay, so I am quite pleased.

“The family did not come and watch - they are still in bed!”

He was followed home by Ashley Miles (Sphinx) in 34:02 and Andrew Savery (unattached) in 34:18 respectively.

The fastest woman home was Eleanor Fowler of Nuneaton Harriers in 37:43, followed by Nicky Healon (Huncote Harriers) in 38:03 and Amanda Deavy (Northbrook) in 38:04 respectively.

The team category was won by National Grid.

The event, voted the best 10k in the Midlands by Runners World magazine, has raised around £200,000 for local good causes.

Nick Abell, senior partner of Leamington-based law firm Wright Hassall - who also ran the 10k - said the event was a firm fixture on the Midlands calendar.

“This year's was one of the best in the event's history,” he said. “We had a record field, the weather was fantastic and the route was lined with people cheering the runners on. 

Race organiser Russell Hall, of Leamington Round Table, said: “The event seems to get better with every year. It is really a part of the regional calendar and this was one of the best we have ever held.

“There seemed to be more people out cheering the runners on and I know that gives them a real lift.”

Buy photos» Perfect running conditions. (s)

Buy photos» Keep on running. (s)

Buy photos» Warming-up - from left - Matt Gibbs, Graham Ison-Jacques, Mark Gibbs, Leigh Hill and Kevin Whitmore. (s)

Buy photos» Warming down - from left - Sarah Learmouth, Tanya Weaver and Lina Statham. (s)

Buy photos» Race winner Ryan Kenny with Nick Abell from Wright Hassall. (s)

Buy photos» Scout volunteers - front from left, James Scott, Charlotte Wadsworth and Joshua Menadue - back from left - Chris Scott, Ian Carson, Caroline Menadue & Sarah Wadsworth. (s)

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