GPW Recruitment St Helens 10k run 2019 was a great success despite appalling weather conditions

The 9th annual GPW Recruitment St Helens 10k run took place on Sunday 10th March despite appalling weather conditions. The 10k run is organised by the Steve Prescott Foundation (SPF) in association with principal sponsor GPW Recruitment and it was a real privilege to welcome the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu and his entourage to the event. The Archbishop of York gave all the runners a special Blessing before the event and was present to start the race. The Mayor of St Helens Cllr Pat Ireland and Mayoress Lynne Glover were also on hand to start the race of 1699 runners from the Totally Wicked Stadium amid cold driving rain and strong winds.

The flag ship event of the SPF was inspired by Steve Prescott MBE in his determination to enhance the health and fitness of the whole community. Over 2000 runners registered for the run, with many taking the opportunity to raise funds for their chosen charities including the Isabella Rose Foundation. Team Violet-Grace, Team Tony Barrow, Willowbrook Hospice and Alder Hey Hospital.

The SPF had scores of fund raisers taking part including trustee Linzi Prescott and ambassadors and ex rugby league stars Chris Joynt, Barrie McDermott, Adrian Morley and Terry O’Connor. Sky Sports pundit Phil Clarke was the first of the Sky Sports pundits to finish. Ex players Steve Hall, Dave Lyon and Chris Morley also took part. Team Precky included teams from CMH van Hire, Handepay and personal trainer Mark Hunt’s Team.

Every North Road Survivor received a goody bag which included a commemorative event t shirt and a specially designed medal.

First across the line was reigning champion Matthew Crehan of St Helens Sutton AC in 32’ 29’’.
Second was Chris Pownell of Knowsley Harriers in 34’15’’ with Jay Clarke of Penny Lane Striders third in 35’ 12’’.

Winner of the open ladies race was Nicola Jackson in a time of 39’08’’ with Rachel Fairclough of St Helens Striders second in 41’00’’ and Jade Smith Of St Helens Sutton AC third in 41’10’’. Louise Blizzard of Warrington AC was the winner in the F40+ category with Sue Heaps of St Helens Striders first in F50+. The female 60+ winner was Pauline Horsfall of St Helens Striders.
Winner of the mens 40+ was John Barker, with Matt Thompson winner of M50+. Mens 60+ winner was Stuart Dyson.

Feedback for the event was very positive with volunteers marshalls in particular being praised for their enthusiastic support and encouragement along the challenging course.

Personal Trainer Mark Hunt led the warm up for the athletes before the run and TDL events provided registration support and time management of the event. The race featured an online facility where runners and followers could track the progress of runners at 2k, 5k, 8k intervals and find their times and results straight after the run. http://www.tdleventservices.co.uk/

Massive thanks to Principal sponsor GPW Recruitment for their continued support and to associate sponsors Vigour Kitchen, Branded Items Group, Youth Sports Development, Made to Run, High5, Ruskin St Helens, CMH Van hire, Timpsons, Vinyline, St Helens RFC and St Helens Council. Commemorative T shirts for all participants were provided by Bubble Customised Clothing.

SPF ambassador George Riley was on hand as Master of Ceremonies and commentator of the run.

Other invaluable supporters of the 10k include, St Helens Striders who provided pacers for the run, AG Barr, St Helens Rotary Club, Kick PA, Triprint, Urgent Care North West, Traffic Direct, Paramount Security, St Helens Star and the SPF committee. Thank you so much to everyone for their fantastic support.

The event would not have been possible without the wonderful army of volunteers who donated their time and vocal support for the runners. The marshalls on the course and at the stadium were widely praised for their amazing support.

Martin Blondel General Manager of The Steve Prescott Foundation says. "We are absolutely thrilled with the GPW Recruitment St Helens 10k run. The feedback we have received has been absolutely top class, it was a tremendous success. The weather was the norm for the 10k; absolutely atrocious. We have been asked by a few people to consider changing the date - we have considered this many times before but we have decided that the 10k will always be first or second week in March. This fits in with the athletic and SPF calendar but the adverse weather also fits in with 10k. The great man did not want a flat track 10k. It means something to become a North Road Survivor, it was not meant to be easy. All the 1699 runners who braved the elements are heroes along with the 100 volunteers who also stood outside for hours making sure the event ran smoothly.’’

‘’The St Helens 10k is now well established as one of the best 10k’s in the country. Next year will be our 10 Year anniversary. We have increased the capacity to 2500 runners and after one day of sales we have incredibly reached 200 runners already signed up for next year. This early bird offer of £16 is only available for the first 400 runners, so we advise all runners to take advantage now.’’

Online entries are now open for the 10 year anniversary GPW Recruitment St Helens 10k which will take place on Sunday 1st March 2020 http://www.sthelens10k.com/