In the hunt for his best 10k time since returning to running, Julian Oxborough was in Yeovil for the Easter Bunny 10k
Following on from an appearance at the ABP Southampton Half Marathon, which was one of the toughest races he’s ever done, Julian Oxborough was back on the start line at RNAS Yeovilton for the Easter Bunny 10k. Here’s Julian’s take on how the race went from his perspective…
“The event is organised by Yeovil Running Club and is traditionally staged on the Easter Monday in Yeovilton. The race history dates back a number of years, with talented athletes from far and wide competing in previous years.
Bournemouth AC runners who have taken part in the past include Steve Way, who won it in 2010 race with a time of 30:55. Last year Trev Elkins managed it in 37:46 which put him 18th place.
The 10k has always been one of my favourite distances, with my fastest one being the Totton 10k in May 1995 when I clocked 37:50. My aim and goal one day is to get under the 60 minute barrier again especially as I’ll be approaching 60 years old next year.
This event was the perfect opportunity to see if I could pull off a good performance and get under 1 hour 14 minutes which was my fastest time since coming back into the sport.
The day saw heavy showers and less than favourable conditions, with previous events having had roads flooded. The suddenly the sky opened up to reveal perfect conditions.
As the race started I settled down and got into a really good, relaxed racing pace. I felt absolutely fantastic and my goal was to run under 13 minute mile pace. The first mile I went through at 10:14 before reaching 5k in 35:33. It was then the onto 5 miles, which I went through in 58:31. My target for that had been under an hour so that was pleasing.
It was then onto the final push to get in under 1:14. Crossing the line in 1:13:31, it was a best time since I made my return to running. My race position was 160th and I was 18th in my age group.
The route was really enjoyable and flat with just one slight incline. The weather turned out to be warm but with a cool breeze, which was ideal conditions, making it the perfect bank holiday race.”
Julian was pleased with the performance he put together
The fastest man on the course that day was Ben Smith of Ealing Eagles and he soared round in 33:50. That was enough for a five second margin of victory over Daniel Cahill of DC Performance Coaching who took the runner up spot. He went on to take third place in the Marnhull 10k which was the next race of the Dorset Road League season.
Wayne Loveridge of Chard Road Runners was 3rd in 34:08. Kate Reed of Bristol & West claimed the prize for first female and she had to pull a tremendous performance out of the bag to fend off Vicki Ingham of Poole Runners.
Kate’s time was 36:16 which put her in 6th place overall. Vicki was the next person over the line, recording a time of 36:44.
Lee Dempster of Twemlow Track Club was running as well and he registered 15th place in a time of 38:27. That put him just ahead of Gill Pearson of Running for Time who was 3rd female in 38:39.
The medal for the Easter Bunny 10k was well worth the effort Julian put in to obtain it