It was looking like it was going to be a rather damp 10k race on Sunday as the drizzle fell over Butlins in Skegness but as over 750 runners gathered the clouds dissappeared. 32 members of Boston Community Runners made the short trip up the coast for this very popular race and they did the town proud with 10 achieving personal best times. The Skegness 10k is hosted by the Skegness Coasters Running Club and is one of the best organised events of the year.
It was a fast race with Dan Clark leading the Boston Runners home in 23rd place in a time of 39.26 with Kelvin Clements just behind in 41.49 (PB). Martin Tebbs had a solid run coming in, in 42.08 followed by Andy Butler who ran a blinder in 46.04(PB). John Burton 47.40 paced Tanya Knight round to get a sub 50 and she smashed it, crossing the line in 47.41 (PB). Michael Corney shaved even more off his 10k time with a fabulous 48.07 (PB). Ian Satchwell had a super run, back from a foot injury and recorded a time of 52.10 closely followed by Matt Tunnard in 52.39. Only a couple of minutes later and Fran Mills put on a strong finish to clock 54.42 with Neil Goodwin hot on her heels in 54.51 and Dianne Houghton just behind in 55.08. Paul Maddison had his best run for a while since a knee injury and was very pleased with his time of 57.54 and Lesley Buswell who continues to improve with every run bagging another PB time of 58.57. Chris Chevis put in a solid display with a sub hour time of 59.18 just in front of Jon Carpenter wearing the Boston colours for the first time and running a fabulous 59.51. Rachel Conway was having her first competitive run after having some time off after her marathon and had a comfy run finishing in 1.00.09. A few seconds later saw a BCR run for the line with Emma Cook 1.00.31, Beth Lines 1.00.32, Graham English 1.00.34 and Sharon English 1.00.34 all finishing together. A strong finish from Jayne Clements saw her get a new PB in 1.00.41 and a target of that sub hour very much in sight. Tanya Penniston was running her first official 10k race and secured a time of 1.03.15 (PB). Jackie Hallett again had a very consistent run finishing in 1.03.20 just ahead of Dawn Cobb in 1.04.16. Claire Tunnard knocked 5 minutes off her time from last year coming home in 1.05.27. Anita Young and Debra Petley ran together and a super time of 1.07.59 was given to both runners. Jo Heron was running her first 10k race and she was very pleased with her time of 1.11.35 (PB) helped and encouraged round by Jessica Bland 1.11.36. Carmen Clark and Sarah Burton ran together and enjoyed their run with Carmen only 10 seconds off her personal best in 1.12.05 and Sarah clocking 1.12.06. Just one minute later came Fiona Clarke who only a couple of months ago was only managing half the distance. A fabulous run saw her finish in 1.13.04 giving her a personal best at this distance. It was a great morning of running for everyone in one of the last major10k events of the year and was rounded off by seaside fish and chips!
The howling wind and rain from Saturday had disappeared overnight and Sunday woke to blue chilly skies and bright sunshine. A perfect winters day for a Festive Market and the hugely anticipated Santa Run around Bostons historic landmarks.
Hundreds started to gather in the towns Central Park to collect their famous red suits from 8am. With the County Linx Radio Bus playing all those favourite Christmas songs the atmosphere really began to build and as all the marshals made their way to their allotted zones James from Geoff Moulder Leisure gave all the Santa's a gentle warm up to avoid any Santa related injuries before the big day! As the clock ticked round to 10am Sarah Burton, the event organiser, briefed the Santa's and set them off turning Central Park red as they ran from the bottom end up towards the main gates and what a sight it was! With spectators cheering the runners, joggers and walkers on their way they passed some of Bostons landmarks. Along Wormgate, around the Stump and through the Festive Market they went past the finish and caught a glimpse of Santa himself cheering them on as he waited along with Mayoress Skinner to hand out the goody bags to everyone on the next circuit!! After passing through Bargate the Santas entered the park again before heading towards the Stump for a fabulous festive finish. All the entrants received a bag full of gifts, kindly donated by some of Bostons finest and included a lovely medal sponsored by Forceshift. Other companies that helped were Calders & Grandidge, Jakemans, Bruce Mather, South Lincs Foodservice, Turnbull and Sleafords Total Sports & Supplements. The Santa Run was raising funds for the Butterfly Hospice and Barnardo's this year and a total of £750 was donated to each cause.
The idea of putting the Santa Run on at the same time as the Festive Markets was a joint venture by Boston Borough Councils Events Officer Kristina Willoughby and Boston Community Runners and with help from the Council and the Boston Community Runners the towns Christmas celebrations went up a notch! With the markets in full swing in Pescod Square and the Market Place it soon got very busy. Live music on the stage had everyone involved and the traders reported a busy day. With smiling Santa's still wandering around town well into the afternoon the days events were hailed a success showing Boston at its finest. Photo's from the event can be seen here. Check out the pictures of the Santa Run 2018 taken by David Dales.
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