Run Barns Green: Report on the 40th anniversary run

Run Barns Green celebrates 40 years in style

On Sunday 25th September, over 1400 runners registered to take part in Run Barns Green. The event which started in 1982 was celebrating its 40th anniversary and it certainly did so in style.

Almost 550 runners took part in the Half Marathon race which started at 10am in perfect running conditions. First home in the women’s race was Penny Brook in a time of 1 hour 25 mins and 40 seconds followed by Dani Tarleton with Emma Footman third. The men’s race was won by Robert Brundish in a time of 1 hour 12 minutes and 30 seconds. Second was a former winner, James Baker with Xander Sproston third.

The event takes a huge amount of planning and almost 200 volunteers are involved. The Official Race Charity, St Catherine’s Hospice had a marquee on the Green and several volunteers shaking collecting buckets in the car parks. This wonderful local charity has helped many people from the local area and impressively over 70 runners who took part in the adult races were running on behalf of St Catherine’s.

The 10k race began at 10.20am and 500 runners lined up at the start. The men’s race was won by Michael Daly in a time of 33 minutes 32 seconds followed by Bradley Burke and Fraser MacNicoll. The Women’s 10k was won by Elspeth Turner in a time of 38 minutes 40 seconds followed by Kirsty Armstrong with Sarah Morris third.

Another innovation this year to honour former Chairman Vernon Jennings who died earlier this year, was the introduction of a new Colour Run for youngsters.

The first Jennings Junior Jog took place on the Village Green at 12.30pm after the two adult races were finished. and the new race gave primary school aged youngsters from 4 to 11 the chance to take part in a 750-metre colour run with every runner getting a wristband and a medal. The kids were bombarded by colour ‘bombs’ thrown by spectators, mums, dads and grandparents. It was great fun and the race is set to become a permanent feature of Run Barns Green. Official charity Commenting on this year’s event, Race Director, Nigel Currie said, “We are absolutely delighted with the way the event has gone this year. It was great to watch the first Jennings Junior Jog and the enthusiasm from the kids and wave of noise from the youngsters and parents provided a fitting finale to a wonderful day.” There was plenty of other activity on the Green itself. There were a number of different drinks and catering stalls as well as a funfair and plenty of music and entertainment for all the family. Registrations for heavily discounted Early Bird Entry for the 2023 Runs Barns Green adult races are already open. Next year’s event will take place on Sunday 24th September and for further details just visit the Run Barns Green website: runbarnsgreen.org.uk. Nigel Currie, Run Barns Green Committee Centre photo: Kids finishing the first Jennings Junior Jog Top-left: Half Marathon winners (men) Top-right: Half Marathon winners (women) Bottom-left: 10k Race (men) Bottom-right: 10k Race (women). Photos: Dan Stockwell