On a bright and sunny spring day, almost 300 runners set off on the first ever "Rayleigh 10k" cross-country run.  The winner was Chris Hatton, who completed the course in 36 minutes and 6 seconds, ahead of Southend Athletic Club runners Lee Taylor and Rhys Gillard.  Lee was the winner of the male 40+ category and completed the course in a time of 36 minutes and 27 seconds.  The first female to finish was Joanna Rimmington, who finished in 19th place overall, in a time of 42:38.  Vicky Knight was the winner of the ladies 35+ category, finishing in 26th place in a time of 44:08.

For the full results list, please click here. The results are also available on the RunBritain website, please see http://www.runbritainrankings.com/results/results.aspx?meetingid=207627.

Trophies were presented to 3 of the 4 category winners by 2016-17 President Bill Farmer.  Unfortunately, Vicky could not stay for the presentation ceremony, due to family commitments but has received her trophy by post.

Over £1,300 was raised for Rotary charities and many compliments were received from the runners on the "technically challenging but very enjoyable" course, as well as the "friendly and helpful marshals", most of whom were the members of the Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill. The ladies of the Inner Wheel Club of Rayleigh Mill were superb in their help with the on-the-day registration check-in and the handing out of medals at the finish. The cadets of 1476 Squadron ATC helped with manning the on-course water station and also with marshaling parts of the course near to their HQ in Rayleigh.

We are extremely grateful to Makro for their support in providing the water for the on-course water station and also the bottles of water at the finish.

With the success of the event, the club has decided to repeat it next year, on Sunday 29th April 2018.

Photos courtesy of Nicky Hayes Photos (www.nickyhayes.com).