Following appalling weather during the setup on Saturday afternoon, a bright dry day beckoned the entrants for the 20th annual Rotary Club of Calne 10km Fun Run on Sunday 30th March. Some 200 runners and walkers, from as far away as Aberdeen, turned out to sample the delights of the countryside in Bowood, as well as raising money to help the 1st Derry Hill Scout Group (inc. Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Brownies) build a new hut.
It has to be said that some entrants missed the race as they turned up at 10am, having forgotten to put their clocks forward.
The Mayor of Calne, Mr Roy Golding, started the race at 10am after saying a word of thanks to the participants for supporting the event.
The race started with a mile stretch on tarmac, ideal to give the runners a chance to find their legs and spread out before starting the cross country sections, firstly on footpaths and then tracks through the woods. The last mile and a half was past the lake at Bowood and through the park before a final 100m sprint to the finish on tarmac.
Clevedon AC put in a blistering performance, taking the top two places. Mr Vito Graffagnino won in a stunning time of 33 minutes, 13 seconds. Nigel Charman came second some 4 minutes 17 seconds later. The fastest lady was Jo Quantrill from Surrey in a time of 44 minutes 50 seconds followed by Jo Aves from Corsham in 45 minutes 46 seconds. The top junior was Simon Nott from Calne, in 5th place overall with a time of 38 minutes 37 seconds (beating his time last year by over 8 minutes).
97 runners finished the course within an hour.
Race Director and President of the Rotary Club of Calne, Alastair Muir, presented the prizes and medals to the top 3 men, ladies and boys and girls of 16 and under. Prizes and medals were provided by Regency Presentations of Calne and Ronhill clothing.
This was the 20th annual 10km Charity Fun Run organised by the Rotary Club of Calne. Rotarians and their friends provided the marshals and helpers. Over £1,500 will have been raised by the event.
To register in advance for next year’s race, please contact the Race Organiser, Alastair Muir.
Bowood kindly opened the coffee shop, which was welcomed by spectators and runners before and after the event.