More than 2,000 people enjoyed the Leamington sunshine on Sunday as they took part in the seventh annual Wright Hassall Regency Run.
The 10k race filled up in record time this year and the entry fees alone raised over £30,000 for local charities, taking the event’s overall fundraising total past the £150,000 mark.
The event is organised by Leamington Round Table, sponsored by law firm Wright Hassall and the funds raised will be used by the Heart of England Community Foundation – Coventry and Warwickshire’s largest independent, local grant maker.
The route takes runners through Newbold Comyn and the streets of Leamington before finishing in Mill Gardens.
Race organiser Russell Hall felt the event had once again been a huge success and was delighted to see the community spirit it brought out in local residents.
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 – particularly when we have such a nice day for it.”
The event is for fun runners and serious athletes and has previously been voted the second best 10k in the United Kingdom.
Nick Abell senior partner at Wright Hassall, said: “It has been fantastic to see this race grow year on year and become a real showpiece event for the town.
“What is great about the run is that it attracts both international and casual runners – while raising a huge amount of money for charity in the process.
“Russell and the guys at the Round Table do a fantastic job in organising the event, ensuring it is fun for all, and this year the Heart of England Community Foundation will help to make best possible use of the money raised too - so long may it continue.”
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 their success of last year, edging out TMG Human Performance and Wright Hassall to secure the corporate team title.
