NEWS

Date 15 April 2007

Jamie Farr gets a PB in the Flitwick 10K

On Sunday, 15 April an irresistible blend of fine weather and a County Championship race attracted a broad spectrum of athletes and their supporters to the 14th annual Flitwick 10K. Road works in Ridgmont and disruption on the Thameslink meant that some were challenged even before they arrived. However, a record field of 923 appeared nonetheless.

Toilet queues are almost tradition and something that the Flyers work hard to avoid. But this year the inexcusably late arrival of gold-plated hire facilities led to more standing around than you would wish.

The race field had a vibrant buzz as Commentator, Paul Lydon encouraged athletes to gather near the Race Start. At 10:50 Start Director Jeremy Bell called his charges into position for them the released by Town Mayor, Cllr Mrs Anne Lutley on the stroke of 11 o'clock. A great swathe made its way up Temple Way climb and onto Eagle Drive, led by the Goldwing Bikers and a spanking new Chevvy 4x4.

The early pace was predictably swift - not necessarily the best plan on such a hot day - and vocal residents did the Town proud. Leaving Flitwick behind them the athletes made their way out into rolling countryside past Steppingley. The up and down course was no contest for Track specialist Ben Warren (Hailsham Harriers) streaked back in a time of 31:53, followed by Paul Farmer (2nd; 32:54; County 10K Champion) and Adam Peters (3rd; 33:46 PB). Hull Springhead Harriers fielded one sole runner, a superb athlete coming in with a personal best of 42:31 a final position of 119th. Well done Jamie for traveling 180 miles to compete in the race.

His identical twin brother Darren, who again is a superb athlete and normally competes had the job of commentating from the lead car.

This confused a lot of the local runners when they thought that Darren had defected to another team and was ignoring all of his so called friends. It soon came to light that it was in fact his slightly better looking twin brother.

In the ladies race Bedford & County GB Star Jo Wilkinson (33:48) enjoyed a searing run to obliterate her 2006 course record. Also, Huncote Harrier Nicki Nealon (2nd; 37:00) lopped a healthy minute off the FV35 record. As usual Bedford Harriers provided the largest contingent by a mile and Anna Litchfield (7th; 41:50), Carla Fisher (9th; 42:13) and Andrea Ward (12th; 43:13) combined to win the Ladies Team Prize - congratulations.

The Flitwick 10K manages to successfully embrace a very broad spectrum of athletes - from GB star, Jo Wilkinson, through to Jamie Farr (HSH) from the land of the flat caps and whippet's. Sport can and should be accessible to all - yet again we ably demonstrated this. Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers take great pride in organising and delivering not only this event, but others also. If the participants and spectators leave happy, we are happy. Thank you to everyone for their support and see you on 22 June at the Marston Forest 5K.

Links    Flitwick 10K race results

Submitted by Jamie Farr

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