Sunday was a busy day in the local road racing scene, and the Wolves 10k was one of the many races taking place that day. Starting and finishing at Molineux stadium, the race takes runners on a 1-lap route around the north-west of Wolverhampton city’s suburbs, passing landmarks such as Oxley Park golf course, Wolverhampton Racecourse, and a lap of West park, which many local runners will be familiar with as the location of Wolverhampton parkrun. 

Wendy Baker (left) and Alison Hodson

Seven members of Newport & District Running Club were part of a field of over 2,200 runners who took to the streets to test themselves over 10k. This year, it was NDRCs junior runners who led the club’s runners home, with Harry Wilmot narrowly finishing ahead of Alex Cochrane, both of whom ran in the Under-20 category. 

Alex Cochrane during the race

Harry finished 77th overall, in a time of 39 minutes, 28 seconds, whilst Alex was hot on his heels with a time of 39:47 in 85th place. That they both beat the 40-minute mark and finished in the top 100 runners at such a young age is very impressive! Alex’s uncle, David Evans, was next for the club, taking 324th overall with a time of 46:55, whilst Mandy Purves finished 477th in 49:04. Siobhan Martin clocked 1:06:02 in 1,532nd position, whilst Alison Hodson and Wendy Baker ran together, and both finished in a time of 1:06:57. 

David Evans on his way to 324th place

Alison wrote of her and Wendy’s race: “Apart from the Tibberton Trot, this was our first official race! A soggy, drizzly Wolverhampton turned into a perfect dry day for running! Starting and finishing in the Molineux Stadium was fab, and added a unique touch! Wendy had been ill in the run up to the race, and was still struggling with her chest, but did amazingly well to keep going! 

Wendy and Alison celebrating with their medals!

We both finished just over our 1:05 target in an emotional line crossing moment! Wendy ran for the Heartburn Cancer UK charity in memory of her brother Kevin, who she lost 2 years ago. Wendy has raised £1000 for the charity and should feel super proud of herself! Definitely doing this again next year!” If you wish to support Wendy’s fundraising, you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/wendy-baker-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL 

Alex Cochrane at the finish line

Andrew Wilmot, Harry’s dad, wrote: “Harry started the race in fine fettle with a 5 minute, 48 second first mile, which hopefully was not going to impact him later in the race (and he should not have completed parkrun the day before!). As he settled into the race he noticed a green top ahead, which looked like a Newport runner, after a few more miles he realised it was Alex, he encouraged him towards the end as he was pushed for a sub-40 minute 10k. Harry continued to push himself up the last couple of hills towards the famous stadium and crossed the line in 39 minutes, 28 seconds, which is a new PB, finishing in 78th place overall out of a field of over 2,000. Well done Harry!”