Sun brings out the Fun Runners 

Ideal cool and dry running conditions lead to fast times for most of the 1900 runners who entered last Sunday’s (15th May) 28th running of the Knowle Fun Run.

Joanne Malin from BBC radio WM’s morning show sent the runners on their way on the stroke of midday. Overall winner Christopher Ashford from Knowle was also the first local home said ‘It’s a great course with no traffic and loads of residents outside their houses cheering us round’.

‘We were delighted when Joanne re-arranged her Sunday lunch in order to be with us’, said Knowle and Dorridge Lion President Adrian Harris. ‘She did a great job entertaining the Mini Runners and gave words of encouragement for the Fun Runners about to set out on their 5 mile run. She is a true professional’.

The Lions were grateful for the continued sponsorship from Hunters Estate Agency as well as many other companies. ‘Despite the financial situation all the costs of the day were met by corporate sponsors in cash or in kind before anyone entered,’ says organiser Simon Newell, ‘so we were able to tell runners that every £ of entry fee, donation or sponsorship raised will go to our nominated charities – the Warwickshire & Northants Air Ambulance, Stroke Association and local Scouts. We hope to have raised over £40,000 when all the sponsorship has been received. Many runners raised funds for their own charities and we shall never know how many thousands of pounds to add to that we receive’

The day started well when nearly 300 under 9 year old Mini Runners were cheered around the Arden school fields each wearing their complimentary cream Fun Run t-shirt all keen to pick up their Mars bar and certificate of achievement. The winners Jacob Redden, Millie Mcpherson; Oliver Adnitt; Lillie-Mae Woodbridge all received gifts courtesy of MiniRun sponsor Sytner Mini.

All winners took away trophies and prizes and everyone received the traditional certificate of achievement.

Overall winner was popular local resident Christopher Ashford who completed the 5 (and a bit) mile course in 27mins 49secs. After the run Chris said ‘This is the third time I have taken part, and as a Knowle resident I think it is an important part of the Knowle community. I think the prizes are fantastic, and am really looking forward to my weekend's drive of the Renault Megane’

Winners of the Walter Smith’s team prize were the Endorphin Seekers whose aggregate time for 4 runners of 2hours 6 minutes and 2 seconds was just 1 second ahead of Knowle and Dorridge Running Club A team and 36 seconds ahead of Brueton parkrun A team. Secondary team winners were Solihull and Small Heath Girls and Junior team trophy was won by a Lady K Leveson school team also from Knowle.

This year’s 1st Super Veteran was Graham Lawrence from Yardley Wood for the 3rd year running in a very creditable 34:43mins.

‘It’s great to lead the team organising such a popular and successful community event,’ said organiser Simon Newell. ‘It takes well over 200 helpers on the day, we now have to thank so many people, too many to mention here, who helped to ensure the day went off without a hitch. Anyone interested in ensuring the continued success of the Knowle Fun Run should contact the Knowle and dorridge Lions now via 2011@knowlefunrun.org.uk.

The full results and winners can be viewed on www.knowlefunrun.org.uk.