Percy Pud 10km : 2003 Race Report
Sunday 30th November 2003

Sheffield’s Andrew Kilding retained his title in a classic finish to the 11th annual New Balance Percy Pud 10km road race in Sheffield on the last day of November.

Rotherham’s Joe Garner challenged him stride for stride for the first half of the race before the City of Sheffield A.C. runner pulled away to win in a time of 31 minutes 5 seconds, some 37 seconds in front of Garner. Gavin Keight of Hallamshire Harriers took the third prize in 32 minutes 13 seconds.

The ladies race was even closer with the first three finishing within seconds of each other. Sheffield’s Jane Shields lost out by just 8 seconds to Lucy O’Gorman from Wakefield who won in a time of 38 minutes 25 seconds. Barnsley Harrier Wendy Barnes was just behind in third place.

John Cox of Hallamshire Harriers took the male veteran’s prize for the first over 40 year old finishing 10 th overall and Don Weigel of Askern took the supervets prize.

Ken Chapman of Kimberworth showed a clean pair of heels to over 1000 runners, many half his age, to win the over 60’s prize in a time of 43 minutes.

The mild weather combined with the mostly flat or downhill course made it a good day for fast times but it was not all deadly serious for the record capacity field of 1250. Everyone who entered was presented with a Christmas pudding.

Several runners were in fancy dress including Strider Dave Campbell who was dressed as a woman!! Simon Wiles and Les Morton once again ran the course in a two man camel outfit, raising over £300 for the local Children’s Hospital appeal. Their finishing time of 46 minutes left the camel in some distress; surely time to send it to the knackers yard.

Amongst the pack was Sports Minister and local M.P. Richard Cabourn who is becoming quite a celebrity in local road races. He finished this one in a personal best of just over 51 minutes.

Once again Steel City Striders can be proud of their achievement in organising a first class race, led by Race Director Richard Dunk, who was assisted by a small army of helpers before, during and after the event.