THE thirteenth annual Chew Valley 10k recently attracted more than 635 runners to compete on the scenic route through the valley’s countryside lanes.

On Sunday, June 1, crowds of supporters in the local villages of Bishop Sutton and Hinton Blewett loudly cheered on the runners. Some even used water pistols to help cool off participants after the Coley Hill climb.

Dan Wooler started the runners on their way, while local journalist and comedian Dr Phil Hammond kept everyone entertained at the finish.

Matthew Battensby (Bristol & West) finished first in 33:59 and this year’s fastest female was Caroline McAleese (Vegan Runners UK) in 39:27. Oliver Day (43:49) and Steph Hamilton-James (42:08) were the first juniors (15-18 years) to finish.

A team of Chew Magna Firefighters, alongside others from the service, took on the challenging race in full firefighting gear (weighing 29lbs). They raised more than £1,000 for Cancer Research and the Firefighters Charity, an organisation dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of current and past firefighters. Many other participants also ran for various charities, often in memory of loved ones.

Set up as a school fundraiser by parents from local Bishop Sutton Primary School, the event now raises funds both for this and Chew Valley School Society – supporting children of all ages. Each year, Bishop Sutton Pre-School provides legendary teas and cakes, raising almost £1,000 in the process.

Besides the schools, the main beneficiaries are neonatal support charity NICU Support and the star* scheme, enabling children who have experienced adversity to build resilience through the help of the grassroots rugby community. Over £1,600 was donated by runners as they entered the race online.

This year saw a record 32 junior runners aged 15 to 18 enter the race, including 15 Chew Valley Rugby Club U15 players who raised over £2,000 for the charity star* scheme.

Many people are drawn to running via this community event, so there is always a mix of elite club runners and novice runners taking part, with every age group and ability in between well represented.

Tom Veck, an ex-Bishop Sutton Primary School teacher, said: “It was such an amazing experience. My first ever race and I couldn’t think of anywhere I’d rather have done it! Really nice to catch up with old students who are suddenly teenagers and adults. Great people, brilliantly organised and a great atmosphere. I’ll definitely be back next time!”

Local motor simulation company Dynisma entered 30 runners in six teams to take on the Team Cup, to which they were narrowly beaten by a team of lawyers from Bristol’s Burges.

Salmon. Dynisma also brought a team of volunteers to help rehydrate the runners at the first water station.

Denise Mellersh, Chew Valley 10k race director, said: “We are so grateful to all our supporters – local villagers, businesses, clubs, medics and volunteers – who all turn out and support our 10k race. It is a collective community effort and we couldn’t do it without you all!”