A new course record was shattered at the 16th Robert Moffat Memorial 10K race, held in March in the scenic town of High Legh. The event attracted a remarkable turnout of nearly 550 dedicated runners, marking it as the largest participation in the race’s history.
Leading the pack was John Gilbert from Kent AC, who blazed through the course in an impressive 30 minutes and 16 seconds. His remarkable performance not only secured him the first-place position but also set a new course record. Mr. Gilbert crossed the finish line more than three minutes ahead of the second-place runner, Dan Morgan from Lonely Goat RC, who completed the race in 33 minutes and 57 seconds.
Amie Bagnall of Cheshire Dragons made history by clinching the title of the first woman to finish, with a commendable time of 37 minutes and 41 seconds. She came close to breaking the women’s course record by less than a minute, showcasing her exceptional athletic prowess.
The event witnessed several noteworthy milestones, including a remarkable turnout of 103 entrants from Lymm Runners, representing almost a quarter of the club’s total membership. The camaraderie and spirit of unity among the participants were palpable as they raced towards the finish line, fueled by the cheers of local residents and volunteer marshals lining the course.
As the runners pushed themselves to achieve personal bests, glass medals were awarded, and unique prizes in the form of hedgehog boxes, generously donated by sponsor Unearthed Gardens, were presented to winners in different age categories. The community of High Legh played an integral role in the success of the event, with their unwavering support and enthusiastic encouragement adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the race day.
Phil Rowen, a dedicated member of Lymm Runners, shared his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the hard work and dedication of the organizing team, volunteers, and marshals. His sentiments echoed the sentiments of many participants who appreciated the seamless execution of the race and the warm hospitality extended by the local community.
Beyond being a thrilling sporting event, the Robert Moffat Memorial 10K race also served as a platform to support local initiatives and give back to the community. Proceeds from the race were directed towards High Legh projects and High Legh Primary School, which served as the race headquarters. A total of over £200 was raised for the school’s PTA, demonstrating the collective impact of the participants’ contributions.
In a heartwarming display of environmental consciousness, participants were given the option to donate to Tees for Trees, in lieu of receiving a traditional T-shirt in their goody bags. This eco-friendly initiative resulted in a substantial donation of more than £1,432 to the charity, underscoring the participants’ commitment to sustainability and community welfare.
Nick Gerrard, the race team chair, expressed his gratitude towards the volunteers and sponsors who played a crucial role in making the event a resounding success. He commended the generosity of the sponsors, who contributed their resources and support to ensure the smooth execution of the race day festivities.
As the sun set on a memorable day of spirited competition and community bonding, the organizers announced that the Robert Moffat Memorial 10K race would make a triumphant return in 2026, after a well-deserved hiatus. The legacy of this iconic event lives on, inspiring runners and community members alike to come together in the spirit of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and giving back to the local community.
