Hundreds run in the SPAR City of Preston 10K

Hundreds of runners attended the SPAR City of Preston 10K on Sunday 25th September.

The popular race event delivered by The Running Bee Foundation and sponsored by SPAR welcomed runners, friends and families to the streets of Preston City Centre to take part in the City’s much loved 10K run.

The race started and finished in the historic Flag Market where the event village was located. The route led runners through Preston’s picturesque Avenham Park, before heading back towards the city centre for the finish.

The winner of the 10K race was Christopher Ovenden who completed the distance in 34 minutes and 36 seconds. Following with a time of 35 minutes and 51 seconds was Matt Jiggins. Third place was Karl Hodgson of Red Rose Road Runners after he finished in a time of 35 minutes and 53 seconds.

Victoria Osten from Preston Harriers was the first female to cross the finish line, with a time of 43 minutes and 32 seconds. Alysia May McAndrew then followed second in 45 minutes and 35 seconds. Striding into third place was Janette Rayton in 47 minutes and 44 seconds.

Prize money is given in the form of a charity donation to a charity of the winner’s choice.

Preston’s very own Mayor, Neil Darby took part in the race, whilst a number of exhibitors including Preston North End in the Community, Lancashire Mind, Explore Learning, Clayton Park Bakery and Cheeky Coffee, Lancashire Teaching Hospital Charity, Kimberley Barracks, The Intact Centre Charity and The UCLan Confucius Institute entertained spectators as loved ones were out on the track.

The day also saw over 50 runners of all ages take on the MyFirst Fun Run course – an initiative created and delivered by the Running Bee Foundation to encourage people to complete their very first event, and make their step to a more active and healthier lifestyle.

The Running Bee Foundation lead, Steve Kenny, said: “Sunday’s SPAR City of Preston 10K was a fantastic success. We’d like to thank SPAR, PAR Group, our amazing volunteers and all our partners for all their help on the day. Most of all, every runner who has helped raise vital funds for health and wellbeing projects in Preston.

“We look forward to this event year after year. The local community have really embraced the run and always bring a family fun and friendly feeling to it! We can’t wait for next year’s already!’’

Niels Dekkers, Retail Development Director at James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR UK’s primary wholesaler and distributor, said: “We were thrilled to see so many runners taking part in the SPAR City of Preston 10K on a fantastic route that really showcases the city.

“The Preston 10K builds on SPAR’s mission to bring communities together and through the MyFirst Fun Run, the activities in Preston Flag Market and of course the race itself we are proud to support this fantastic annual event.

“Congratulations to all of the runners, including the many from James Hall & Co. Ltd who ran in our home race here in Preston.”

All runners who crossed the finish line received a commemorative medal and T-shirt as well as official race chip timing and fruit and Clayton Park Bakery flapjacks provided by SPAR.

All profits from the race will be granted to community projects and causes in Preston to fund health and wellbeing projects and fight in tackling childhood obesity.