Last Sunday saw the launch of a new local race: the “Church Eaton Chase”, a 10k race taking place in and around the village of Church Eaton, just over the border in Staffordshire. Starting and finishing at Church Eaton Cricket Club, the route took runners on an anti-clockwise lap of the village and surrounding scenic country lanes, including two passes over the Shropshire Union canal.

(Left to right): Phil Cross, Maff Wellman, Anne Strowger, Liz Holbrook, Helen Edwards

David Brown was the first Newport & District Running Club member to complete the course, taking just 45 minutes and 17 seconds to cross the line, and placing 17th place overall, as well as 2nd in his age category, in the process. Phil Cross was next, 42nd overall with a time of 53:48, and also taking 2nd in his category. Maff Wellman was 55th, clocking a time of 59:13, whilst Anne Strowger took 81st, as well as winning her age category, with her time of 1:14:12. Helen Edwards and Liz Holbrook ran together with Anne, finishing in the same time!

Phil Cross gave the race his seal of approval!

Phil Cross said of the race: “Church Eaton 10km was a great little race! Well organised and a good atmosphere over a lovely route through the lanes.”