COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

More than 2000 people enjoyed the sunshine yesterday as they took part in the seventh annual Regency Run in Leamington.



Crowds also basked in summer temperatures as runners pounded the 10k circuit in Leamington.

Places for the event filled up in record time this year.

Entry fees raised more than £30,000 for local charities, taking the event’s overall fundraising total past the £150,000 mark.

The route took runners through Newbold Comyn and the streets of Leamington before finishing in Mill Gardens.

Race organiser Russell Hall said part of the event’s success was “community spirit”.

He said: “We had to close a few more roads this year but that didn’t seem to upset anyone. It just meant more local residents came out to show their support for the runners.

“It was fantastic to see the streets lined with people enjoying the sunshine and getting behind those taking part.

“We were also pleased that people were very complimentary about the cleanliness of the town’s streets.

“A lot of people have to pull together to make an event like this a success, from organisers to people out cleaning the streets early in the morning, so it is a good feeling when it all goes well.”


The Mayor of Leamington Cllr Robert Cunliffe with race winner Ryan Kenny and
Nick Abel from Wright Hassall & Lady Mayoress Helen Cunliffe.

The event, organised by Leamington Round Table, is for fun runners and serious athletes and has previously been voted the second best 10k in the UK.

Funds raised by the event, organised by Leamington Round Table, will be used by the Heart of England Community Foundation to fund local projects.

Nick Abel senior partner of sponsors Wright Hassall, said: “It has been fantastic to see this race grow year-on-year and become a real showpiece event.

“What is great about the run is that it attracts both international and casual runners – while raising a huge amount of money for charity.

“The Heart of England Community Foundation will help to make best possible use of the money raised too.”

Ryan Kenny completed a hat-trick of Wright Hassall Regency Run victories with a time of 32:39, just ahead of Richard Simkiss who finished at 33:01, helping his team, Kenilworth Runners, to the men’s team crown.

Northbrook AC had cause for double celebration on the women’s side as Amanda Deavy was first woman home in a time of 40:17 while the team also secured top spot ahead of Leamington C & AC.

National Grid repeated its success last year, edging out TMG Human Performance and Wright Hassall to secure the corporate team title.