A course record which has stood for 13 years narrowly survived on Sunday as 160 runners tackled the South Cheshire 20.
John Gilbert of Kent AC completed the demanding course in one hour, 48 minutes and one second—just 77 seconds short of the record set by Tipton Harriers’ Ben Gamble in 2013.
Competing in the M45 category, Gilbert finished more than four minutes ahead of his nearest rival.
Race winner John Gilbert, Kent AC.
Photo by: Bryan Dale
Andrew Miles of Vale Royal AC took second place in 1:52:02, followed by Paul Tatler of City of Stoke AC, who completed the men’s podium with a time of 1:54:37.
The women’s race was won by Joanne Stanfield of Trentham Running Club. Stanfield, who competes in the F55 category, finished in 2:17:51 and placed 19th overall.
Anna Hollingworth of Newcastle (Staffs) AC was the second woman home in 2:23:27, while Lianne Milner of Cheshire Dragons finished third in 2:24:22.
Women's race winner Joanne Stanfield, Trentham running club.
Photo by: Bryan Dale
Organised by South Cheshire Harriers, the annual race started and finished at Shavington Leisure Centre on Rope Lane.
From there, runners followed a single 20-mile loop through the country lanes of Weston, Englesea Brook, Betley, Wrinehill, Shraleybrook, Audley and Barthomley before returning to Shavington.
The measured and certified course is known among runners for its hills and is often used as preparation for autumn marathons.
The 160 finishers included 95 men and 65 women, representing 46 running clubs. Some had travelled from as far afield as Kent, Herefordshire, Newport and Lancashire, as well as from across the Midlands and North West.
Langton Chereni and Kudakwashe Julius still smiling at the 7 mile mark.
Photo and cover photo by: Bryan Dale
South Cheshire Harriers had the largest contingent, with 14 members completing the race. The first runner home for the host club was Asa Garnett, who finished ninth overall in 2:09:16.
Around 50 club volunteers helped to stage the event, covering 45 marshalling points, five water stations, registration and the finish area.
Sadie Prince of South Cheshire Harriers said: “We’re a club race, run entirely by volunteers, and to see a field of this quality come to Shavington year after year means a great deal to us.
“To have the course record pushed that hard was a real thrill for everyone out on the lanes. Our thanks go to every runner, every marshal and every one of our sponsors.”
The South Cheshire 20 will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027, with the club planning a special edition of the race to mark three decades on the same country lanes.
The event was supported by Running Bear, Protein Rebel, Lee Wilkinson Sports Therapy, Lee Wilkinson Sports Coach and Mornflake.