The ‘Frenchay 10 K’ returns
Up and Running Again!
The 40th Frenchay 10K is set to be held on Sunday the 24th April 2002, starting and finishing at the UWE Glenside Campus, but with the central part of the course making its way through Frenchay, and attracting a large number of both runners and spectators, while raising substantial funds for charity.
Back in 1979, local resident John Honeywell attended a talk given by Hugh Coakham, pioneering neurosurgeon working at Frenchay Hospital, about brain tumour surgery in 1979, which inspired John and his friend John Laurie to raise some money to fund his research. They were both on the local neighbourhood council at that time. As John was also a runner at the time, he thought, why not set up a race, and the Frenchay 10k (F10k) was born!
After raising money for Hugh’s research for 7 years, F10k began selecting different charities, as Hugh’s research became funded nationally by Imperial Cancer Research. The first Frenchay10k meeting took place on North Street Downend, next door to where the legendary cricketer WG Grace used to live. This year will be John Honeywell’s last as race director, and in recognition of his fantastic efforts with the 10k, in 2021 he was given a ‘Champions’s Award’ by the Parish Council.
Originally the prize for every runner was a certificate signed by Hugh Coakham. Then it was medals, until the famous mugs were added - we think sometime in the mid 90’s. These mugs are much sought after!
The inaugural F10k had about 120 runners, which has risen greatly over the years to around 600 runners each year, and in 2022, they are hoping for a record field of 700 runners to celebrate the 40th running of the race.. Since the inauguration of the race, it has been held each year with the exceptions of 2001 (due to Foot and Mouth), 2020, and 2021 (both years due to Covid), meaning that the 2022 race will be the 40th occasion and which makes it one of the oldest such regular events of this type in the country.
Nick Rose, Olympian and former international runner, is the current course record holder from sometime in the 80s. Nick was the half marathon world record holder for a few months in 1979, and he was the British champion for the 10k, 2 mile and 4 x 1 mile relay. When he ran the F10k he famously ran to the event, ran the race and won it, and then ran back home afterwards!
The same solicitors from Fishponds have always sponsored the race - currently Star Legal, previously under the name of Davis Wood solicitors, and before that again, as Bennett & Legat.
This year’s nominated charities are the Freewheelers (Bloodbikes) and Ronald McDonald House Bristol. Both charities provide marshal support volunteers, and all the proceeds from the race (less the expenses) are donated each year to the charities. Since the race was instigated in 1979, it is estimated that nearly £175, 000 has been raised for local charities.
Entries are welcomed on-line, at frenchay10k.co.uk, and at the time of writing, there is already a field of over 350 runners. You can follow on twitter and facebook. There is always a field of established runners, casual runners and people who just enjoy a leisurely jog or stroll around the course.
Although entries are usually accepted on the day, with a record field in mind, it may be too late so book your place now to guarantee entry! The race starts at 11.00 am on Sunday 24 April, from UWE campus, Blackberry Hill, Stapleton, Bristol.
Where to watch in Frenchay
At around the 6k mark, the route crosses Frenchay Bridge, turning right to go up Frenchay Hill, then left into Church Road, passing the school, making its way alongside the Common on to Begbrook Park, where it turns left on to Frenchay Park Road, all the way down to Duchess Gate, and then bears left towards Blackberry Hill and leading eventually to the Finish at the UWE Glenside Campus.. A map of the route can be found on the Frenchay10k website. So, be there to support the event, to encourage the runners, or better still to be one of them, but either way, to enjoy the day and to help raise money for the Charities.