MARK Pittaway produced a fantastic run to win the Round The Rock 10k race on Portland.
The 47 year-old, representing the host club Royal Manor of Portland AC, completed the course in 35mins 49secs. Graham Jex of Poole Runners came second in 36mins 36secs while Andrew Jennings of Bournemouth AC finished third in 37mins 34secs.
The ladies’ race was won by South-ampton RC’s Karen Rushton in 37mins 14secs. Following her home was Sarah Unwinn-Mann of Team Bath AC in 37mins 59secs and Anne Luke of Tamar Trotters in 38mins 04secs.
More than 80 runners turned out to support the event, which this year incorporated the South West Veterans 10k Championship. There was also a 2k fun run for aspiring youngsters.
President Les Ames started the two races and almost perfect running conditions provided some quick finishing times.
The course rounded the Young Offenders’ Institute before turning into Easton and continuing down to Southwell. A lengthy climb then tested runners back up to the Heights Hotel before dropping back down Easton Lane and returning to Portland United Football Ground.
The winner of the 2k race was six-year-old Khai Locke and first girl home was nine-year-old Niquita Farley, daughter of RMPAC club member Darrell Farley.
All the winners received trophies as well as a commemorative t-shirt designed by Matt Swinhoe of Portland, which were handed out to everyone who finished the race.
Event organisers Becky Alford, Bill Hicks and new club chairman Wayne Smith were delighted with the turnout and quality of the runners taking part.
Smith said: “Due to the success of this year’s race, the Round The Rock will now become an annual fixture in the Royal Manor calendar.”
RMPAC meet for training nights on Tuesdays at the YMCA in Reforne at 6pm for beginners and 6.30pm for the intermediates and advanced runners. Anyone wishing to find out more is welcome to come along. Men: 1 Mark Pittaway (RMPAC) 35.49, 2 Graham Jex (Poole Runners) 36.36, 3 Andrew Jennings (Bournemouth AC) 37.34.
Women: 1 Karen Rushton (Southampton RC) 37.14, 2 Sarah Unwinn-Mann (Team Bath AC) 37.59, 3 Anne Luke (Tamar Trotters) 38.04.
Fun Run – First Boy: Khai Locke, 14.44. First Girl: Niquita Farley, 17.49
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