Chris Batty (quality assurance assistant), Tony Rendall (draughtsman), John Sinkinson (company accountant) and Matthew Way (project engineer) recently entered this year’s local Christmas 10k run. This family fun event has taken place annually for over a decade. It allows runners from over Dorset and Hampshire of all abilities to take a run along the River Avon, through the roads of Burton.
The course takes runners through a part of Burton that perhaps locals don’t visit often. Despite this, it is really quite picturesque with large hedgerows marking the way. The farmland roads make for a good, flat course; perfect for a personal best.
However, the best part is receiving a congratulatory Christmas pudding upon crossing the finish, so everyone’s a winner! The day is a lovely festive start to the Christmas season. Everyone was still very much in the spirit, even though the Christmas puddings this year turned out to be just a tad unfit for consumption.
Our resident triathlete, Tony finished 35th overall with a time of 37:34. Matthew and John followed him across the finish line shortly after with times of 51:13 and 53:40 respectively. Chris came close behind with a time just past the hour mark.
Even though Chris trained more than he usually would, he suffered a hamstring pull just as he was reaching the third mile. Despite this he carried on and was met by John at the finish with a nice, hot cup of soup. Chris says he is determined to come back next year and Matthew agrees, aiming to cut his time by at least three minutes.
There was a good team spirit amongst our REIDsteel runners, with just a hint of friendly rivalry. Matthew explains how it is nice being around a group of likeminded people and that even away from your team mates, the pace you run at gives you a group of people to keep you steady and runners ahead to keep you competitive.
Christchurch Runners, part of the East Christchurch Sport and Social Club organise the event. They generously provided timekeepers, marshals and hot drinks to warm up runners and spectators on the bright, but nippy winter morning.
Out of 519 people, the REIDsteel runners all did really well, with no one coming in last! We are really proud of them and hope to see them share their Christmas puddings with us next year!
