There were records galore at the third edition of the Bristol 10k – proving a double victory for Kenya with course records for both Gordon Mugi (28:29) and Edith Chelimo (32:53).

There were superb British victories for Aldershot & Farnham’s Andy Vernon (29:12) fresh from his lifetime best set in California just seven days ago and Faye Fullerton – the Havering Mayesbrooke AC athlete had a massive PB (33:03) improving by over 70 seconds to illustrate just how fast the Bristol course is.
In addition to course records in both men’s and women’s races, there was also a record entry of 10,620 competitors with 8,595 finishers. In the men’s race, to highlight the quality of the field 11 men broke 30 minutes for the 10k distance and there were numerous PBs in the women’s race.
The England Championships proved an undoubted success with numerous fast times being recorded. In the Up & Running University Race quite fittingly Bristol University stole the honours.
In the Clarke Willmott Buisness Challenge sponsor Stephen Clarke ran the race and was back in time to present Bristol Blue Glass trophies to the first man – Robert Hayes (Bank of Ireland) 35.44 and first woman – Sarah Mansfield (RBS Atoms) 43.58.
In the Inter Area event the Midlands Teams took both Men’s and Women’s honours.

Runners taking part revelled in the atmosphere generated by thousands of spectators out on the course – a big city welcome from Bristol to participants from all over the UK and abroad. The event seems to be destined to go from strength to strength and in all probability three waves will be required next year.
Finally, thousands of pounds were raised for numerous charities in particular St Peters Hospice and COCO. “A great day for Bristol and race organisers Bristol City Council and especially for British road running” said England National Coach, Bud Baldaro.