Runners have great time

Almost 1,000 road runners took to the streets of Lichfield in what is being hailed as the city's largest sporting event ever.

The Lichfield 10k Road Race and Fun Run was held yesterday. Just under 800 runners took part in the 10k, and 165 pounded the streets in the fun run.

And not only did the annual event prove to be a huge success, it also saw a new course record set.

Phil Nicholls, from Tipton Harriers, romped home in a time of 30m 16s.

In second place was Chris Jordan, from Hinckly Running Club, with a time of 34m 52s, and in third place was Malcolm Eustace, also from Tipton Harriers, with a time of 35m 06s. The first lady home was Michelle Buckle, of Newcastle Staffs Athletic Club in 39m 20s; followed by second place Abbey Norman of Burton Athletic Club in 39m 49s, and in third was Nina Skilton, of Stafford Harriers, in 40m 46s. The annual event also helped to raise money for Queens Croft School.

Runners gathered at King Edward VI Leisure Centre for the respective 10.30am and 10.40am starts, and a large crowd of spectators was also on hand to cheer them all on. This year's event had attracted sponsorship from Waitrose – which supplied 800 goody bags – Sutton Runner and Lichfield Health and Fitness Club.

Spiderman also dropped by to keep the children entertained.

The winner of the Fun Run was Luke Roughley, from Lichfield, in a record time of 10m 09s.

The first girl was Sarah Hough, from Ashby De La Zouch, who came in at 13m 06s and was seventh overall.

Money raised from the 2006 Lichfield 10k and fun run was presented to Queen's Croft School, which is set to benefit again this year.