Release Date:  06-May-2008

Bristol’s first-ever 10k road race has been declared a runaway success, with just under 4,000 runners taking part. It’s another example of how Bristol City Council’s sports services are working hard to get more people in the city more active – more often.

The race itself, which took place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5 with perfect running conditions, attracted a whole range of runners, including: novices; fun runners, experienced athletes and elites. The first over the finishing line was Jean Ndayasenga with a time speedy time of 29mins, 10 seconds.

The 10k race followed a route around the harbour, along The Portway and back again. And there were thousands of spectators to cheer them on their way.

Tens of thousands of pounds have been raised to support the work of local charities and other good causes. The official race charities: The Association of Children’s Hospices and Penny Brohn Cancer Care both reported a hugely successful day, not only with hundreds of runners raising thousands of pounds through sponsorship – but also with hundreds of volunteers on hand to make sure the race went smoothly.

Councillor Rosalie Walker, Bristol’s executive member for health and leisure said: “The 10k has been a hugely successful event for our city. Getting more people involved in sport and taking regular exercise to promote health and wellbeing is one of our priorities. Today’s race shows there’s is a real demand for participation sports in the city and demonstrates just how well the city council is able to respond to that demand.

“I’d like to congratulate everyone who took part, well done.”

Race director, Georgette Van Hoof, added: “Bristol’s first-ever 10k went brilliantly, thanks to the massive, behind-the-scenes support from sports services staff and our partners.

“It has taken about eight-months to get this event up and running. I now hope will become a permanent part of the city’s sporting calendar. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves on the day and I’m delighted with the feedback I’ve received from running clubs and individual runners.

“Well done to everyone who took part – and a big thank you to all the volunteers.”

Phil Nicholls, of Tipton Harriers, came second with a finishing time of 29:35, said: “I really enjoyed the race. It was well-organised and had a great atmosphere, thanks to the crowd who were really supportive. It would have been nice to have won it – maybe next year….”

Race results:
Men
1 Jean Ndayasenga  29:08
2 Phil Nicholls   29:35
3 Zak Kihara   29.50
4 Adrian Marriott  30:26
5 Martin Williams  30:43
6 Toby Lambert   30:43

Women
1 Wendy Nicholls  34:07
2 Louise Damen  34:08
3 Claire Martin   34:14
4 Karen Haslitt   35:46
5 Catherine Dugdale  37:15
6 Nicola Jane Brookland 37:41

Author:   Helen Hewitt, tel. 922 2646

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