Sun shines on Aldridge 10k runners

Runners from across the Black Country, Staffordshire and Birmingham flocked to the streets of the town yesterday to make the most of the good weather.

Whether testing their fitness, raising cash for charity or just enjoying the day, the event, organised by Aldridge Running Club for the 23rd time, saw more than 600 competitors across all age groups.

In the early morning children's races 87 kids took part, while there were 71 entrants for the shorter 4.3km race, and a huge 450 for the main 10km event, which was started by Mayor of Walsall Councillor Mohammad Nazir.

Race director Helen Hirst said: "It's a pleasure to be race director again.

"This year we have even more entrants, the race is becoming more popular every year, particularly with the children.

"Those were so popular this year that we even had to delay the starts to make sure they were all signed up."

One of those running the 10k race was 79-year-old John Summerton, the oldest entrant.

From Handsworth Wood, Mr Summerton is a member of Birchfield Harriers running club, and despite only starting running at the age of 46 in 1981, he has completed 54 marathons, and has applied to do next year's London Marathon.

He said: "Running is a part of my life.

"I used to do more of these events, about eight or nine a year, but this is my last one this year and I've done two or three.

"I just do it to keep fit now really.

"The quickest time I did a marathon was three hours seven minutes, but the last one I did I was last but eight, and it took me nine hours.

"I was slightly injured, and if you consider the hundreds that drop out it isn't as bad as it sounds."

There were also teams competing for charity, like those from Craig and Derricott raising cash form Compton Hospice in memory of their former director Paul Cranshaw.

Marketing manager at the company, Poonam Walid, aged 28 and from Bilston, said: "Paul got cancer last year and actually passed away in February, and Compton Hospice is where he spent his last few days.

"He did this run on a regular basis every year, so we think it's a fitting tribute to him."

*To see more pictures online, visit www.expressandstar.com