Runners sign up to 2025 as Oswestry 10k declared best yet

Nearly 900 runners took to the streets on Sunday to complete the tough hilly course with Matthew Benson, from Maldwyn Harriers, coming home first in a time of 33 minutes and 56 seconds.

Sophie Hurst, from Coventry Godiva Harriers, was the first woman back in a time of 36:58, as Simon Barkley, from Oswestry Olympians, finished in a time of 37:24.

READ MORE: Oswestry named in top 10k race by Runner's World

Alan Lewis, owner of organisers Adrenaline Sporting Events,  admitted he was delighted to see so many people on the streets to run and support.

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“I think that it was one of the best we’ve had,” he said.

Jack Copson celebrates the crowd at the Oswestry 10km. (Image: Simon Lewis.)

“It’s not the biggest event that we’ve done but I think it’s the biggest 10km we’ve held.

“The numbers have dropped off over the years around Covid-19 and it’s taken a few years to get back to 2019.

Runners set out for the early stages of the Oswestry 10km. (Image: Simon Lewis.)

“The numbers we’ve had this year were really good and to get them is great, as it s the support from members of the public.

“They have bought into it, 100 per cent, and it’s an established event for the runners and the spectators.

Town mayor Cllr Mike Isherwood is interviewed prior to the Oswestry 10km. (Image: Simon Lewis.)

“There were so many familiar faces so it’s an event for them too.

Winner Matthew Benson is met by the crowd as he prepares to cross the line in the Oswestry 10km. (Image: Simon Lewis.)

“The runners were always just a corner away from more support; for example, if they were running in the countryside and there was quiet, they would turn a corner and hit a pocked of noise.

“The support was brilliant and we didn’t know what to expect when we were in the lead car but it was great to see.

“It was ace, it really was”

Minion man William Worthing prepares to cross the line in the Oswestry 10km. (Image: Simon Lewis.)

Next year’s race has already been confirmed by the company but it was the immediate reaction that has delighted Alan.

He added: “Not only have got a date for the 2025 event of October 12, but we’ve already got entries.

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“Some of the runners who have signed up took part this year so it shows how much they want to support it as 24 hours after the window opened for next year, we have had 20 entries.

“That makes me really proud.

“As do all the marshals and volunteers who not only had to be there early but got to their posts as quickly as possible after the briefing with enthusiasm and passion.”