Race report: PUMA Stockport 10 - Sunday December 11, 2011

The Stockport 10 is always a special race. This year, based on feedback from runners, it was better (if wetter) than ever. It was also bigger than ever – almost 800 runners started on the Stockport Harriers track in Woodbank Park

It has also, for the first time, become the PUMA Stockport 10. And 2011 is the centenary year of Stockport Harriers, so everyone involved was keen to make this year’s race an exceptional one.

The race was won by Matt Barnes from Altrincham & District in 50:55, followed by fellow Altrincham runner Mohammed Abu-Rezeq in 51:44. Antony Ford from Sale Harriers came third in 51:47. The women’s race was won by Olivia Bush of City Of Norwich AC in 58:44, with Stockport’s Sarah Lomas second in 1:00:47 and Rachel Wood from Blackburn Harriers third in 1:05:20. Stockport took the ladies’ team prize and Altrincham & District took the men’s team prize.

This year Stockport also welcomed Michael Rimmer to the race. Michael, Olympic athlete and European 800m silver medalist 2010,finished in a personal best over ten miles in 55:47.

Photos: The first three male finishers, l-r: 1st Matt Barnes, 2nd Mohammed Abu-Rezeq, 3rd Anthony Ford. MEP Chris Davies and Stockport Harrier Tony Audenshaw, who plays Bob Hope in Emmerdale, presented the prizes

One of the greatest things about the PUMA Stockport 10 is that it not only attracts many elite athletes (including Olympians, Commonwealth Games athletes and other international runners), but is also a hugely enjoyable event for runners of all abilities. Time and time again we are praised for the unique and friendly atmosphere, the inimitable and quirky goody bag, and the friendliest and most supportive marshals of any race anywhere. This year has been no exception:

“I haven't done many races, I must say though of all the ones I have taken part in, yours was by far the best organised, your marshals were an absolute credit to themselves and you, despite standing around in the abysmal weather, they all smiled, all were helpful and encouraging, they really made the race for me.”

“One of the best events ever. Weather proved interesting but loved the hills and the general organisation and that compere on the mic....awesome!!!

“First time for this one and only entered after persuasion from a friend, and oh am I so glad I did! It will be one of the first races on my calendar every year now. Organisation was superb...oh I really can’t list all the good things, just do it!”

“I give this race a great review every year because this is now the race I've done more than any other. Fantastic course. Super track stadium start and finish. This race is special and never fails.
Another great feature of this race is the sense of humour. Stockport, you really know how to put on a good show, even when the weather tries (and fails) to make it a washout.”

Presenting the prizes at this year’s race were Chris Davies, MEP for North West England, and Stockport Harriers’ very own Tony Audenshaw, who plays Bob Hope in Emmerdale, and was also our hugely entertaining compere for the day.

This year, Stockport Harriers will make a significant donation, likely to be more than £500, to St Ann’s Hospice. St Ann’s Hospice is 40 years old this year and it is also the centenary year of Stockport Harriers. The hospice offers special, unique care to around 3,000 patients, families and carers every year who are affected by cancer and non-cancer life limiting illnesses.

Men's results

Men's team prize: Altrincham & District

Women's results

Women's team prize Stockport

Click here for full results