Express & Star

Hundreds of runners from across the Midlands lined up beneath clear blue skies for the annual 10k run around the roads of Wall Heath and Kingswinford.

Around 1,200 people set out on this year’s Dudley-Kingswinford 10km Road Race in warm and breezy conditions last night. “Mad” Mac Carr, who last month completed seven marathons on seven continents in seven days as running partner of “Blind Dave” Heeley, blasted the horn to get the race under way at 7.15pm.

Running clubs across the region, including groups from Kidderminster, Stourport, Dudley, Stourbridge and Stafford, were represented.

Well-wishers lined the route, which goes out from Dudley Kingswinford Rugby Club in Swindon Road, down the Mile Flat and through the countryside before the finish line back at the club, to scream encouragement to the runners.

Tipton Harriers man Martin Williams was first home in 31 minutes 52 seconds for his third victory in three attempts. Claire Martin headed the women’s field, also taking her third title in three appearances at the event as she crossed the line in 35 minutes 36 seconds.

Mr Williams, aged 30, of Gate Street, Sedgley, followed up successes in 2005 and 2006 and said he was delighted to have won after running 10km in Bristol on Monday.

“I love doing this race but my legs were going towards the end. It was warm out there,” he said.

Ms Martin, aged 33, from Telford, also ran in Bristol and she said she was “very happy” to triumph after a 12-year break from the race.