Bridgnorth 10k winners revealed after record-breaking race

Records were smashed in the sunshine at a “brilliant” Shropshire road race set to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

A total of 461 runners braved steep inclines in the annual Bridgnorth 10k on Sunday (October 18) - the highest turnout in the race’s 11-year history.

Competitors came from as far away as Dundee, the Isle of Wight, Hampshire, Berkshire and The Wirral, alongside around 50 runners from Cleobury Mortimer Running Club.

Organisers are hoping the record turnout on the 6.22-mile course could mean last year’s total of £3,000 donated is beaten, with this year’s beneficiary being the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

Bridgnorth resident and 10k founder Bob Seaward, 81, fired the gun to start the race in the High Street.

Alan Kimber from Cleobury Mortimer RC, aged 83, was the oldest finisher in one hour, 11 minutes, nine seconds. His wife of 61 years Deana, 80, marshalled.

Retired engineer and great-grandfather Alan, who only started running at 76 when he was inspired by his six grandchildren excelling themselves, said: “I found it tough in the first mile, but then I settled down in the middle section and I enjoyed it.”

Despite its infamous hills, which have made it one of the county’s toughest 10k road races, dry conditions helped set some scorching times.

Retaining his crown, Bridgnorth’s Alex Burrows was overall winner, shaving almost two minutes off last year’s record on the new course in a time of 31 minutes, 48 seconds. The Birchfield Harrier knocked one minute 42 seconds off his 2025 time of 33.30.

The women’s winner was Shrewsbury Athletic Club runner Lauren Cooper, 38 - who gave birth to son Harrison just eight months ago - clocked in at 38.33.

She said: “It was such a brilliant event and it was so lovely to win my hometown race. Well done to everyone involved in putting it on.

“I actually normally avoid the Bridgnorth 10k because I know just how tough the course is.

“I only decided to enter quite last minute, so it wasn’t something I’d been planning for a long time.

“I’m still trying to find my feet with racing again after having Harrison in January, and this was my third race back.

“One of the best parts was the incredible support from the marshals and everyone cheering along the course.

“I really felt the love out there, and it gave me such a boost, especially on the tougher sections.

“It was lovely to feel that support in my home town, and I’m so grateful to everyone who came out to cheer and helped make the event what it was.

“To come away with the win and a new ladies’ course record just eight months after having Harrison is something I’m really pleased with.”

Lauren Turley was second women finisher, finishing in 40.38, ahead of Holly Climo (41.06).

Second man home was Bruce McLaren, 29, a Great Britain triathlete from Worcester-based Black Pear Joggers in 35.33, followed by William Fallows in 35.54.

Bridgnorth 10k race director Vicky Morris said: “It was a fantastic day, made even more special by the men and women achieving new records, having the biggest amount of finishers and the dry, sunny weather.

“A special thank you go to our marshals from Bridgnorth Running Club and also those from Cleobury Mortimer Running Club and our many sponsors.

“It once again proves how worthwhile the event is and how good the town is at supporting it, so we thank everyone involved.

“It also means that our partners this year the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity should receive a healthy donation.”

Photographs by Captured Creations and Bridgnorth Camera Club