Hucknall 10k ready for starter's orders

Long-established as a red-letter day in the local sporting calendar, this year's 15th renewal of the race will happen on Sunday August 1 and will once again be organised by Hucknall Roadrunners.

Entries are being taken between now and July 27 for the event, which last year attracted 218 runners of all ages and abilities.

Likely to defend their titles are Dave Quinlan and Emma Phillips, who defied last year's scorching heat to finish first in the men's and women's races respectively.

Mansfield Harrier Quinlan won the race in 34 minutes, three seconds — an impressive 21 seconds ahead of his nearest rival after a strong sprint finish.

Tipton Harriers athlete Phillips went one better than the previous year to secure her first win in the event in a time of 37 minutes 27 seconds — almost a full minute ahead of her time from 2002.

The 6.2-mile course will once again follow the same tried and tested route, beginning from Roadrunners' headquarters at Hucknall Leisure Centre and making its way through the Vaughan Estate, Papplewick and Linby before returning to the finishing line on Hucknall Market Place.

The event will once again be sponsored by Kodak, which has a base on the Sherwood Business Park in Annesley, and supported by Ashfield District Council and Hucknall Rotary Club.

Awards for winners in various age-categories will once again be presented at the leisure centre after the race. Proceeds will go towards various charities and a 50 training grant is up for grabs for any runners who break the course record.

This is 30 minutes, 52 seconds for men, a time which was recorded by Andy Tarry, of Redhill Roadrunners, and 34-56 for women, which is held by Carol Holmes, of Notts AC.

For many leisure runners, the 10K is not about finishing times and everyone who completes the course will once again receive a commemorative T-shirt.

Entry forms are available from the leisure centre and from the Dispatch Office or by ringing 0115 9564956.

The entry cost is 6 for runners attached to a club and 7 for unattached runners. If you want to enter on the day there is an extra charge of 1.