‘That was a great 10k,’ say runners in Cotswold Lakes Trust water park event

They came in all ages and fitness levels: athletes chasing a Personal Best, club runners enjoying the challenge, and newbies tackling a 10k race for the first time.

But all who took part agreed that Cotswold Lakes Trust’s charity event was first class.

“It’s a lovely location, well marshalled, well organised - and the scenery! It’s great to watch swans and ducks as you’re running along,” said Elaine Marshall from Cirencester.

Much of the course was along lakeside paths in Cleveland Lakes Nature Reserve at Ashton Keynes which aren’t usually open to the public.

The event supports Cotswold Lakes Trust which is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of the Cotswold Water Park. It was sponsored by Hoburne Cotswold.

It was open to all abilities so there was no pressure to finish in a certain time, although it was chip timed by DB Max for runners chasing a Personal Best.

The overall winner was Kyle McConnell, completing in an impressive 37:51 minutes. First woman was Ellie Pudifoot in 40:41 mins. All results can be found on https://dbmaxresults.co.uk/Results.aspx?CId=16421&RId=30269

For 54-year-old Wendy Butt, crossing the finish line in 1hr 32 secs was the achievement of a lifetime. “I started the couch-to-5k a year ago and this was my first ever 10k. I’m exhausted but so proud I did it. I even shaved 13 minutes off my target time,” she said.

Prizes, donated by Hoburne Cotswold, were presented by the Trust’s Executive Chairman Paul Hazel who thanked all the runners and supporters. “The proceeds of your efforts will go towards the Trust’s vital charitable work in the Cotswold Water Park. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.”

Cotswold Lakes Trust plays a major role in the environmental welfare of the Cotswold Water Park – a network of 180 lakes stretching across 42 square miles from South Cerney in the north and Somerford Keynes in the west, to Cricklade in the south and Lechlade in the east.

The Cotswold Water Park is nationally recognised as a unique wetland area which is home to tens of thousands of water birds, 20,000 residents and 1 million visitors per year.

For more information, www.cotswoldlakestrust.org