Gareth, part of the 42 Engineer Regiment GEO, based at Hermitage, won in a time of 34 minutes 52 seconds to set a new course record ahead of Thomas Watkins of Newbury Athletic Club (35.42) who had a close battle with Oxford Brookes runner Benjamin Cross (35.51) before finally getting the better of him.

This was the second time in a week that Gareth crossed the line first, since he had the previous Wednesday organised and won a 10k race at Hermitage. Not resting on his laurels, his next event is a charity cycle ride from June 7-11 when he will be cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats with eight others in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund.

Gareth was one of around 640 runners who lined up at the start of Bayer Newbury 10k, which has very rapidly become a flagship sporting event for the town.

Delighted with his double success, he said: “I found the course quite different to what I was expecting, but that doesn’t detract from it at all. I had a good run, and it was great coming back into the town centre at the 7.5k point because the crowd really lifts you.”

Meanwhile it was third time lucky for Fiona Walker from Newbury AC, who won the Ladies’ race in 44.25, ahead of her team mate Sue Van Huyssteen in 44.41.

Fiona said: “I was second the last two years running, and as I got married three months ago I’ve not managed to get in quite so much training as usual, so I wasn’t expecting to win.”

The race was a huge event for charity, with runners raising cash for their favourite charities and also for Bayer’s nominated charity, Naomi House and jacksplace.

Naomi House Trusee, David Livermore said: “Thank you to all the runners who have supported us. You’ve done a tremendous job, and I’m very grateful to Bayer for choosing us as its nominated charity this year.”

One of the charitable causes was Running for Rob, the local group raising money for The Teenage Cancer Trust to help Newbury teenager Rob Lees, who is currently benefiting from its support. Up to 50 of Rob’s family and friends took part, including television presenter Penny Mallory, who officially started the race before setting off with all the runners.

As a responsible local employer and a healthcare company, Bayer is committed to activities which improve quality of life, and head of communications, Steve Painter, said he anticipated Bayer would be supporting the race again next year.

“We were fully subscribed again this year even though we increased the limit on the number of entries we could accept,” he said. “It’s been another great turnout and the success of the race is such that we might have to consider raising the limit again next year.”

Race organiser, Tim Marsh, said: “This was a great day for the community and I’m very pleased it went so well. I’d like to thank Bayer for supporting the race again this year.”

The Newbury 10k was also a notable event for the Newbury Mayor Ian Grose. This was his first major event since taking over as Mayor the previous weekend. He and colleague Graham Pask, the chairman of West Berkshire Council, were delighted to officiate at the event, and afterwards helped present medals to the competitors as they crossed the finish line.

For a summary of the results, please click here

For full results, please go to http://www.chipresults.co.uk/

For more photos, please click here

Contact:
Rachel Owen, Phone: 01635 563410, Fax: 01635 563513
E-mail: rachel.owen.ro@bayer.co.uk    

Andrea Postles, Phone: 01635 563031, Fax: 01635 563513
E-mail: andrea.postles.ap@bayer.co.uk

Note to Editors

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