On Thursday we were supporting the Thornbury 10k organised by Thornbury Running Club. This is the second race in a series of three annual races organised by the club. This one is 10k in distance and takes place on quiet rolling country lanes around the Thornbury area. Kinisi Run Hub were proud to be back for the second year running!
The race HQ is at the Oldbury Sailing Club which offers an ideal HQ location with plenty of parking and space for number collection, a bag drop and even our Kinisi Run Hub pop-up shop! The finish is down the road at the Anchor Pub which is an ideal location for the presentations and well-deserved post-race drink!
The conditions this year were much more favourable than last year when we were in the middle of a heatwave. The sun was shining but the temperature was far more pleasant and there was little wind which made for ideal racing conditions. This race takes place on rolling country lanes around Oldbury with great views but as the lanes are rolling there are a few big hills towards the end. The roads are open during the run but there are plenty of marshals out on the course ensuring on-coming traffic is aware of the race taking place.
There was a strong turnout for the event with athletes from many local clubs showing up to race. Looking around at the start there were some familiar races and it looked like it would be a good event. The race starts part way along the lane going from the main road to the sailing club by the River Severn. It was a fairly controlled start with no-one going out too hard as we headed out towards the main road. I quickly found myself at the front with James Harrod (Leeds Valley Striders) who was back home from university for the summer holidays.
After the first couple of kilometres I started to pull away from James and realised it was going to be a lonely solo effort with just a couple of lead bikes to chase. The first 6km of the race is relatively flat before you get to the water station. During this time I got my head down and focused on taking it one kilometre at a time.
It was a hot day but not as tough as last year and I was feeling strong so kept pushing myself. The tough part of the course starts at 6km where at pretty much the start of each remaining kilometre there is an uphill section with the most difficult hill at 9km. The only positive of the hill at the end is the last few hundred metres are all downhill to the finish back at the Anchor Pub.
I was happy with my race and time given where my training is at as things are progressing in a positive direction. I was also pleased that after needing to take a couple of days off last week after Clevedon 10k where my ankle flared up slightly to not have any discomfort after the race. My time was 5 seconds slower than last year but I still managed to break 32 minutes as I took the win in 31:58. James Harrod (Leeds Valley Striders) was second in 33:23 and Philip Blackburn (Thornbury RC) was third in 34:42. Louise Harris (Unattached) won the women's race in 39:04 followed home by Jessie Sanzo (Bristol & West AC) in 39:27 and Vicky Roberts (Spirit of Monmouth) in 41:18. In total there were 282 finishers. Full results of the Thornbury 10k 2026 here.
Well done to everyone who raced and thank you Thornbury Running Club for hosting a great event!
