Veteran runner, 80, sets new UK five-mile fastest time in City of Preston Road Race

Preston City Road Race 2024. — City of Preston Road Race 2024.

A new British fastest time for this year’s record was set in the annual City of Preston five and 10-mile Road Race.

Hundreds of people, old and young, took place in the race on 11 August, starting and finishing at Walmer Bridge Village Hall.

Veteran athlete, Elaine Statham, 80 years old, took part in the five-mile race. She finished the course in just over 52 minutes to knock four minutes off the previous fastest UK five-mile time this year for a woman in her age group. This also made Elaine the fifth fastest British W80 athlete over the distance.

Michael Brennand, who organises the race with members of the Central Lancs Running and Triathlon Club (CLAN), said: “We were both delighted and surprised Elaine set the fastest time of this year.

“We were surprised because it was seriously hot so not ideal running conditions. We were delighted because Elaine successfully demonstrated that age doesn’t need to be a barrier to achieving goals.”

As Rosemere Cancer Foundation is the race’s partner, Simon Blackburn from Penwortham was among those taking part in fundraising for the charity.

Simon Blackburn of Penwortham who fundraises for Rosemere every year.

He has run the 10-mile event every year for Rosemere, for around a decade. This year, he raised £1,500, taking his total donation to the charity to £11,000.

This year the event had 166 participants. The first man to complete the 10-mile event was Callam Jones and the first lady home was Louise Blizzard.

Michael added: “Our race attracts a mixture of serious club runners along with fun and charity runners. Everyone received a premium bespoke medal made from glass at the finish, which was fully deserved and hard-earned for pushing through in the heat.”

“Extra water was provided on the course to keep participants hydrated in the hot conditions with the extra cups of orange squash provided by Rosemere Cancer Foundation volunteers at the finish proving especially popular.”

Entry to next year’s City of Preston Road Race, which will take place on Sunday, 10 August, is now open.

See pictures from this year’s event below.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.