Marwell runners aid 'Save the Rhinos' Fund
A warm, sunny spring Sunday morning greeted the runners for this year's Marwell Zoo 10k race once again organised by Eastleigh Running Club.
Thousands of participants and runners swarmed into the Zoological Park for what turned out to be a very enjoyable day out.
The event is unusual for the fact that so many new or unattached runners brave the undulating lanes around Owslebury.
The proceeds are to be donated to the Marwell Preservation Fund who in turn will use the cash to support the 'Save the Rhinos' campaign.
This year's main event was preceded by a children's fun run which took place inside the Zoo itself which proved very popular and was enjoyed by all who took part.
For the 10k race, nine staff members from Marwell Zoo climbed into heavy Rhino outfits to complete the course with their 18 'minders' to raise awareness for the campaign including the Chief Executive at the Zoo, James Cretney.
The men's event was won for the second year in succession by Chichester A.C's 29 year old James Baker who powered around the tough hilly course in 32:56 a full minute ahead of second placed man Mike Grist from Poole. Third was Andy Clements also from Poole.
The ladies race was won by Nicola Moxham from Gosport in a time of 42:19, closely followed by Siobhan Mitchell from Southampton Running Club and Sarah Rhimes of Eastleigh Running Club.
The men's team event was taken by Southampton Running Club and the Ladies by Gosport Road Runners.
The organisers would like to thanks everyone who made the day a great success especially New Balance, Freeborn Citroen, members of Eastleigh Running Club and of course the staff and volunteers at Marwell Zoological Park itself.
Despite the lack of a main sponsor the event hopes to raise a substantial amount for the Marwell Preservation Trust. Should there be any local businesses who wish to support next years event please e-mail the event organisers at marwell10k@yahoo. co.uk
For a full round-up of results and pictures see this week's edition of the Hampshire Chronicle
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article