THE 13th Chew Valley 10k has proved to be another big success with 635 runners taking on the scenic route around the countryside lanes of the Chew Valley. Main sponsors were Winford Road Garages and Brock & Houlford Expert Eyecare, for whom the organisers are extremely grateful.

Matthew Battensby (Bristol & West) was the first runner home in the fast time of 33:59 minutes while this year’s fastest female was Caroline McAleese (Vegan Runners UK) who came in with a time of 39:27. Oliver Day (43:49) and Steph Hamilton-James (42:08) were the first juniors (15-18 years) to finish.

The event brought out crowds of supporters in local villages Bishop Sutton and Hinton Blewett, who loudly cheered on the runners. Some youngsters even fired water pistols to help them cool off after the infamous Coley Hill climb. The star* scheme’s Dan Wooler started the runners on their way, while local journalist and comedian Dr Phil Hammond kept everyone entertained at the finish.

A team of Chew Magna firefighters (and others from the service) took on the challenging race in full firefighting gear (weighing 29lbs). They raised over £1,000 for Cancer Research and the Firefighters Charity, which supports the health and wellbeing of current and past firefighters. Many others ran for a range of charities, often in memory of their 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 15-18 enter the race, including 15 Chew Valley Rugby Club U15 players who raised more than £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. It was my first ever race and I couldn’t think of anywhere I’d rather have done it! It was 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, the Chew Valley 10k Race Director, said after the annual event: “We are so grateful to all of 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."