Expectations were greatly exceeded as Shrewsbury Athletic Club staged their second Mad Jack’s five-mile race, held in conjunction with the National Trust, at Attingham Park.
An exciting off-road course, picturesque surroundings and the rave reviews of last year’s inaugural event led to more than 350 entries for Sunday’s race, the biggest in the Shrewsbury area.
The runners again praised the course, including a section which took them through a pond, and also the organisation of the event which was won by Richard Roberts of Eryri in 29.01 with Shrewsbury-based Paul Ward coming in as runner-up 22 seconds behind.
Telford AC’s Robin Sedman Smith finished third, with Pete Middleton of Shrewsbury AC in fourth spot.
Jessica Bailey of Telford AC won the women’s race in 36.53.
Race organiser Kevin Francis praised the excellent turnout and the assistance received from Attingham Park, as well as the Shrewsbury Athletic Club marshalls and registration team plus Keith and Pauline Richards and Charlie Levington for timekeeping and results.
A provisional date of Sunday, November 7 is already being discussed with the National Trust for next year’s race.
