Two days after Christmas Day every year, the Wheaton Aston 10k offers runners the chance to run off their Christmas lunch, and take part in one of the most popular local races around. Organised by Newport & District Running Club, this race takes place on December 27th every year, and is always well supported by runners from both the local area and a bit further afield. The race starts and finishes at Wheaton Aston School, with the 1-lap anti-clockwise course winding through the Staffordshire village and the surrounding roads and hamlets.
Set, as it is, in late December, the weather can be unpredictable (the race had to be cancelled for flooding in 2019), but for 2022 the weather was (relatively) kind. A few spots of rain threatened early in the race, but it remained mostly dry for the duration, with temperatures remaining relatively cool, yet a few degrees above freezing. A mild breeze blew behind the runners as they set off dead on 11am, and after taking in the sights of the village for the first mile of the race, they set off on a tour of the Staffordshire countryside.
This year’s overall winner was Dylan Gillett of Telford AC, who broke the timing beam at 31 minutes, 39 seconds, but he was pushed all the way by Lee Gratton of Rugeley Runners, who was just 6 seconds behind at the finish line. Andrew Miles of Vale Royal AC completed the podium with a time of 32:23. The first lady was Chloe Dooley of Optima Racing Team, who finished 29th overall in a time of 36:31. She was chased home by Lucy Calrow of Wolves and Bilston AC (39th overall, 37:59), and Claire Martin of Telford AC completed the ladies’ podium by finishing 41st overall in 38:22.
Local running clubs were well represented at this year’s race, with some Lawley RC runners continuing their tradition of turning up the race dressed as Smurfs! Aldridge RC were noticeably well-represented in their sea of light-blue tops, as were Stafford Harriers in their bee-like yellow and black. A good many more clubs took part, including (but not limited to): Sneyd Striders, TB Triathlon, Shropshire Shufflers, Whitchurch Whippets and Wrekin Road Runners. It was also great to see so many runners who are unattached to running clubs taking part.
The host club, Newport & District RC, were represented by 9 runners (and a good many more marshals!), and they were led home by husband and wife team Richard and Elizabeth Bennett – Richard taking 90th place overall in 42:22 and Liz finishing 127th (and 7th lady) in 45:46. Jonathan Pierce was not far back, in 130th and 46:20, and neither was Alex Cohcrane, who took 130th place (and 3rd under-20) in 46:33. Oliver Stokes was 156th with a time of 48:22, followed by Simon Smith, who was 169th in 49:39. Phil Hardy took 268th position in 55:07, whilst Tracey Powell ran a time of 1:01:01 for 356th place. Helen Mason was 382nd overall in 1:04:13.
Full results can be found at https://www.stuweb.co.uk/race/2zQ
Photos from the 1.4km point can be found at https://photos.app.goo.gl/HW1no2zqnhHQd3HU6 (free downloads)
Photos taken approximately 500m before the finish line can be found at https://photos.app.goo.gl/gyyYw267WgDTxQVz6 (free downloads)
Newport & District Running Club 