Run Bratton run! Hilly race returns for another year

THE 22nd running of the popular Bratton Hilly Run saw a good entry of 106 runners on the start line, with a good contingent from Corsham Running Club, who had made it one of their league races.

Race director, Simon Reeves reports, “The weather was good, dry with no wind and not too hot! This year a donation from the profits will be made to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

“There were no course records again this year, but nevertheless the winner, Jamie McBrien of Corsham Running Club, got round in a very quick 41:27. Second home was Daniel Piper of Avon Valley Runners in 44:14. James Sharland was third for the third year running, improving his time of the last two years by a minute and a half, finishing in 44:38.

“The women’s race was won by Veryan Cranston of Avon Valley Runners in a time of 51:11 with Nicola Clark-Yalland just dipping under 57 minutes (56:59) for second. Third was Bratton resident Jennifer Marlow of Avon Valley Runners in a time of 57:53.

“The first of the veteran prizes, for male vet 40, went to Paul Marchant of Warminster Running Club in 50:28. The male vet 50 prize was won by Robin-Mark Schols of Avon Valley Runners with a time of 50:23. The male vet 60 class was won by Corsham Running Club’s  Stephen Hible in 56:21.

“Jennifer Marlow of Avon Valley Runners was the first female vet 35 home in a time of 57:53. The female vet 45 category was won by race winner Veryan Cranston and the final vet category, the female vet 55, was won by unattached runner Jaqueline Johnson in 61:57.

“Despite the presence of Corsham Running Club, Avon Valley Runners maintained their dominance of the team prizes, winning both. The men were Daniel Piper, Stuart Sellers,  Robin-Mark Schols and Pete Valeski. The ladies were, Veryan Cranston, Jenifer Marlow, Laura Hoskins and Ali Atkinson.

“The shield for the first Bratton Resident to finish went to Chris Joyce in a time of 53:27.

“Thank you to all of those taking part. But also those who volunteered to help out with organisation, with marshalling, with manning the important finish line tasks and with providing the food and drink.

“Special thanks to Martin Pearce who really helped out with the social media for the event, as well as being the event photographer. Without these volunteers the event could not take place, so their help is really valued.”