Belvoir Clockback 10k: Matharu crowned first winner

Dry terrain and kind conditions helped bring out a healthy field of runners for the inaugural Belvoir Clockback 10k on Sunday.
A healthy field leaves Harby for the inagural Belvoir Clockback EMN-171031-184244002A healthy field leaves Harby for the inagural Belvoir Clockback EMN-171031-184244002
A healthy field leaves Harby for the inagural Belvoir Clockback EMN-171031-184244002

A total of 173 runners completed the trail race, held to mark the official end of British Summer Time.

The event started and finished at Harby Village Hall with a multi-terrain cross country course sandwiched in the middle.

Oliver Matharu became the Clockback’s first champion, crossing the line in an impressive 37min 09secs and edging a close-fought battle with runner-up Aaron Brown who finished just nine seconds back.

The Stilton Striders team at the Belvoir Clockback EMN-171031-184225002The Stilton Striders team at the Belvoir Clockback EMN-171031-184225002
The Stilton Striders team at the Belvoir Clockback EMN-171031-184225002

Eddy George (37.31) was a handful of seconds back in third place, with Mark Popple (37.47) also breaking 38 minutes for fourth spot.

There was an even closer sprint finish to decide the ladies’ winner with Harriet Johnson taking the honours in 43min 46secs.

She was just three seconds ahead of Hannah Sampson, the pair finishing overall 17th and 18th respectively.

Ruth Hodgkinson completed the ladies’ top three in 45.54, or 27th overall.

The Stilton Striders team at the Belvoir Clockback EMN-171031-184225002The Stilton Striders team at the Belvoir Clockback EMN-171031-184225002
The Stilton Striders team at the Belvoir Clockback EMN-171031-184225002

A contingent of Stilton Striders made the short trip up from Melton to compete, with Alan Thompson (40.41) leading them home in eighth place. Richard Gray was next Strider back in 46.15, followed by Jon Wilson (47.21), former Melton Times editor Michael Cooke (47.26), Louise Houghton (51.26), Deb Wilson (59.10), Kaye Mead (63.17), Susan Pettingill (63.31), and Rebecca Forester (68.08).