Long Wittenham 5K Fun Run & Walk 2009

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Youngsters Take the Glory

Over 150 runners took part in the 2nd Long Wittenham 5K Fun Run and Walk round Paradise Woods on Sun 5 July.

From toddlers to grannies and brilliant sunshine to torrential rain the race was full of contrasts.  The winner, 16 year old David Walters, an Oxfordshire county runner, crossed the line in the scorching heat in a trail blazing 18m 11s.  Zuzana Bencokova was the first woman home in 24m 12s, with 12 year old Rosie Stainthorp putting in a magnificent performance to come second, and win her U18G category. Other runners on the course were drenched in a sudden downpour – which soaked them through in seconds and left them to plough on in mud caked trainers. 

The course around the Northmoor Trust’s beautiful Neptune Wood wound its way through new oak woods, corn fields and open tracks.  The race started and finished in the Plough pub gardens, where spectators and organisers gathered to cheer on everyone who finished and indulged in a well earned burger. 

Along with the winners’ trophies, a special award was presented to Honor Gitsham and Lucy Roper, two local girls, who ran the whole 5K as a three legged pair, and the Murphy family who won the family award for fielding a team of 8 finishers – everyone who finished received a certificate.  Race organizer, Prew Bowtell, said “The support we received has shown that we should endeavour to make this an annual event once more. It was lovely to see so many families take part, and to enjoy the beautiful countryside surrounding our village”.  Money raised from the event – expected to be in the region of £200, will go to support village projects, and the sponsorship money in excess of £500 raised by participants will go to their own chosen charities.