29th June 2012

ILMINSTER: Delight for first Father's Day 5k

ORGANISERS of the first Ashill Fathers’ Day 5K road race were delighted when close to 50 members of the local community and runners from local running groups turned up to take part in the inaugural event.

Alastair Lindsey came in first place with a time of 17:34, followed by Paul Chapman with a time of 19:23.

The first under 16, William Retter, came in eighth place overall with a great time of 22:25 while the first female Rebecca Squire came in with a good time of 25:08.

Proceeds from the day currently stand at over £400 and offers much-needed funds for Ashill Community Primary School.

All registered participants received an official Ashill Fathers’ Day 5K medal and goodie bag kindly donated by the race’s main sponsors Grittit.

After the race, runners sank their teeth into a delicious feast from Bonners butchers of Ilminster cooked on the barbecue by Ashill school’s headmaster, Mr Scotney,

Drinks came from Frobishers and cakes were prepared by the pre-school.

Lynn Crouch, PTFA member at the primary school and one of the key organisers of the event said: “We’d like to thank everyone that was involved in making this run a success.

“We had a great bunch of runners taking part who all enjoyed the run and the sun!

“Not to mention the lovely barbecue and cakes afterwards which were definitely well worth running 5K for.”

Plans are already afoot for making the race an annual event and the organisers plan 2013 will be bigger and better.

PICTURE 1: PAIN OF VICTORY - Paul Guiver and Vicky Chapman race through the finish line together

PICTURE 2: FIRST VICTORY - Winners Alasdair Lindsey, William Retter and Rebecca Squire with Grittitís Sean Tozer and Frobisherís David Pearce