Record number of runners take on Telford 10k

The event took place in Telford Town Park yesterday and attracted runners of all abilities from all over the UK.

Organised by Telford Athletic Club, the event was split into elite and mass races.

The overall winner was Jonny Mellor, from Liverpool, who produced an eye-catching display to cross the line in 29 minutes and 39 seconds.

He was closely followed by Conor Bradley, from Ireland, who ran in 29 minutes and 52 seconds.

The leading county male was Paul Ward, from The Rock in Telford, who completed the course in an impressive 32 minutes and six seconds.

The first lady to cross the line was Louise Damen, from Winchester, who finished in 32 minutes and 47 seconds.

Organisers said her time was a record for a female in the history of the race.

The leading county female was Claire Martin, from Aqueduct, Telford, who ran in 34 minutes and 50 seconds.

Dave Mansbridge, one of the organisers of the event, hailed it as a success and said it has grown from strength-to-strength since it began 30 years ago.

"It went very well. We had a record turnout," he said.

He added: "We had 1,000 entries and about 800 turned up which is what we expected – 200 in the elite race and 600 in the mass race.

"We had lots of personal best times and everyone seemed very happy

"We had a good mix of runners of all abilities from the age of 15. We even had some runners in their 70s.

"A few people dressed up but it was a more serious race than the Santa runs that have been happening.

"There were lots of spectators and it was quite a good atmosphere."

Mr Mansbridge added: "The race is in its 30th year.

"For the first 10 years it was held in Wellington town centre then we had to move off road.

"Since 1995 it has been held in Telford Town Park."