Running: Top runners expected at spring race

ENTRIES are now flooding in for the 2009 Cheadle Spring Five road race.

The popular five-mile event, organised by Cheadle Running Club, will take place on Sunday, March 7.

Tom Humphries, centre, won last year's Cheadle Spring Five with a new course record time. Humphries is pictured alongside second-placed Phil Hoole, right, and third-placed Mark Powell.
Race sponsors Brian Stoddard, of Stoddard's Coaches, Garry Wheawall, of Weaver Fencing, and Derek Fower, of Derek Fower Transport.

A club spokesman said: "The event has always attracted top runners from all over the Midlands and the North and provided some memorable races. It is now one of the top races in the area."

For younger runners, there is also a short fun run which starts just after the main race.

In last year's event, Cheadle RC celebrated home success.

Ruth Watchorn-Rice had been bridesmaid on three previous occasions, but the veteran athlete finally claimed the senior ladies' title at the age of 41 after clocking 30.45.

In the men's race, Cheadle's Kelvin Amos took ninth spot in a time of 29.40, but Amos and the rest of the field were left in the shadow of GB international Tom Humphries, who recorded an impressive time of 24.24.

Entry for the main race is £6 for club runners and £8 for those who are unattached.

Runners who enter on the day incur an extra £2 charge. Fun run entries are priced £2.50.

Stoddards Coaches, Derek Fower Transport and Weaver Fencing will once again be the events main sponsors.

And prizes will be dished out in the usual categories together with spot prizes and there are medals for all finishers.

For an entry form, visit www.cheadlerc.co.uk and follow the links. Further details can be obtained from Barrie Clutton on (01538) 754339.