On a fresh but sunny November morning, what better things are there to do than go for a run? 10.30am on Saturday at Attingham Park saw nine Newport and District Running Club members start the 15th running of the Mad Jacks 5, a 5-mile trail race which utilises the tracks and trails of the National Trust site, as well as a trip through a pond! There were 293 runners who took part this year. 

(Left to Right): Kay Wilkinson-Smith, Annabel Bolton, Pat Arnot, John Metzger, Helen Holdroyd, Alex Millington

Due to the recent wet weather, there were a couple of route changes, including negotiating the side of ‘The Pond’ shortly before the finish, as the organisers didn’t want competitors swimming! The terrain was actually pretty good considering the amount of rain that has fallen in the past week, although there were a number of trainer-sucking spots.

Helen Holdroyd and John Metzger cross the finish line

First male home for the club was Alex Millington in a time of 32 minutes, 29 seconds; 13th overall and 6th in his age category. Next, in 49th place was Scott May in a time of 36:46, 6th in his age category, followed by Philip Link in a time of 42:04. First Female home for the Club was Annabel Bolton in 141st place overall and 17th female in a time of 44:04 and 2nd in her age category. Helen Holdroyd was next home for the females, coming across the line with John Metzger in a time of 52:12, whilst Kay Wilkinson-Smith and Patricia Arnot also crossed the line together in a time of 56:36.

Kay Wilkinson and Pat Arnot exit “The Pond”!