Watermead Challenge
The Dunelm Watermead Challenge took place on 5th July. Over 315 runners ran a fast and flat five mile run through the wonderful backdrop of Watermead Country Park.
The race was organised by volunteers at the Rotary Club of Wreake Valley and supports charities. At the time of going to print the Rotary Club had not confirmed which charities would be supported this year. Following the success of the Watermead Country Park parkrun (which was inspired by the Watermead Challenge), some funds have been diverted to make a modest donation to the set-up of the new Watermead Junior parkrun.
Dave Snutch was the Race Director for the 2022 event, ably assisted by Assistant Race Directors Mel Snutch and Daniel Burns.
He said, “This year’s Watermead Challenge was once again sponsored by Dunelm. Thank you so much and we look forward to an ongoing relationship. We’d also like to thank the park rangers who always support running events. They do a marvellous job and often go above and beyond”
Everyone was back safe and sound with no casualties. Only one participant did not complete the course, he was recovering from Covid-19.
As always, the support and quality of the marshalling around the course was excellent – provided by the Rotary Club, Birstall Running Club and the headline sponsors, Dunelm.
Thanks also go to Trailmed (www.trailmed.co.uk), based in Syston for providing first aid cover.
Course record
Local long-distance runner, Gemma Steel, completed the Watermead Challenge in 26 minutes and 33 seconds.
Looking back at the last 12 years of records, it is believed that Gemma now holds the course record.
Full results are available at www.wreakevalleyrotary.org.uk