25th July 2012

BRIDPORT: Hopes that re-introduced fun run will be the first of many

Photos by Paul Crompton and Chris Denne

A large entry field made Bridport’s first fun run in a decade a huge success.

Runners of all ages lined up in what organisers hope was the first of many races as they resurrect the Great Bridport fun run in the town.

The five-kilometre run was completed by 146 people - including one man in his 80s and a boy aged five.

The run, based at Brewery Field, was held in conjunction with Bridport Lesiure centre’s week of Olympic themed events and open days.

The Brit Valley Rotary Club helped organise the run along with extreme sports company Bustinskin and Bridport Runners Club.

Brian Shelley, the Bridport Runners secretary, said: “A lot of places around here have runs and so it would be nice if Bridport had its own. We are trying to re-establish the Great Bridport Fun Run again.

“It used to be organised by the school before the rules and regulations got so much. Because we are a small running club it would have been impossible to organise it on our own. It has been really nice to have the Rotary Club and the leisure centre on board.”

John Dobinson, a Bride Valley Rotarian, said: “I think this could be a great event. At the moment it’s a five km run but the runners would like it to be 10km.”

Runner Stuart Carrington took his sons Oliver and Edmund and daughter Arianna to the race – ten years after he last competed in the event.

He said: “It was fun when it was done previously so we thought we’d come back. At the last one I tripped up my son by accident, which he claims was so I could beat him, so we came to set the record straight.”

Eighty-year-old Harry Moore was competing in his 1121st race. He said he had enjoyed running since 1984 after he stopped playing football and cricket.

PICTURE 1: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT - Stuart Carrington with his sons Oliver and Edmund (far left) and daughter Arianna at the start of the race

PICTURE 2: Aitor Arenas and Rose Wright were the first two runners to sign up for the first Bridport Fun Run for ten years

PICTURE 3: AND they’re off!

PICTURE 4: Oldest competitor Harry Moore before the race

PICTURE 5: Junior winners Matthew Elliot and

Isabel Watkins both of Charmouth Primary School