ATHLETICS: Sun shines on annual Woodhall Spa 10k

The field of well over 1,000 runners assemble at the start line of the annual Woodhall Spa 10k. Photo: John Aron

By the time the 10k started it was hot, but the 1,200 runners all finished with some good times. The first runner home was Aaron Scott (Notts AC) with an impressive time of 31min 12sec. Natalie Burns (Lincoln Wellington AC) was the first lady home with a time of 35.46

The Woodhall Spa 10k is a non-profit event organised by local volunteers. The race has established itself as one of the premier runs in the region with athletes coming from all across the Midlands and indeed the entire country to compete on this flat course through the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside.

Lots of youngsters took on the Fun Run which was great to see with some very competitive finishes.

The 10k run was open to both runner and wheelchair competitors. The main race started at 11.15am, with both the family fun run and wheelchair race starting earlier.

The race is quite unique as it is organised and run by the community, entirely by volunteers.

The core team of volunteers are members of the Round Table organisation. The event takes about six months to organise.

On the day local groups and organisations take an active role. From car parking stewards, to handing out medals; it really is a community affair.

After the race, once all the bills have been paid, the profit then goes back into the community. Each volunteer nominates a local cause and the funds are split accordingly.

Without the support and time given from the local community, the race wouldn’t happen. It is thanks to them that the Woodhall Spa 10k has been going for more than 10 years.

Regular supporters of the event are Jubilee Park, Woodhall Spa Guides, The Lincolnshire Co-op, Woodhall Spa Tennis Club, Friends of Jubilee Park, Woodhall Spa 1940s committee, Woodhall Spa Cottage Museum, HS Sports, Woodhall Spa Ladies’ Circle, Jubilee Park Bowling Club, Front Runner, Woodhall Spa Football Club, Lincolnshire Runner, Woodhall Spa Rotary, Coningsby ATC 17th Squadron, Woodhall Spa Lions, Woodhall Spa LIVES, Woodhall Spa Scouts and Woodhall in Bloom.