The 14th annual Lincoln 10k was held on Sunday March 21st and it saw records broken – even before the first runner had crossed the starting line at 11.10am.
A staggering 5,000 people filled out the various different forms enabling them to compete, yet only 4,161 bodies limbered up before the race, which due to time management started later than first announced.
Yet on a day that saw parts of the nation put on their running shoes for Sport Relief, the population of Lincoln took to the streets to cheer on loved ones including, among many, a joggler – someone juggling the length of the 6.2 mile circuit whilst running.
There were the more serious athletes amongst the runners and it would be a battle between the three front runners that would decide this year’s race.
Last year’s winner Matthew Bowser had suffered from illness in the week, but made it to the starter’s area representing Lincoln Wellington AC, wearing number 408.
Alongside Bowser for the length of the race was Tom Doe, no. 203 and also a Wellington runner, as well as Notts AC athlete Bruce Raeside, no. 463.
Yet in the sprint to the finishing line – just inside the Lincoln Castle grounds – it was Raeside who pipped Doe by a whisker to emerge the winner, posting a course record of 30.05, beating last year’s time by one second. Bowser claimed third place, but was happy with his performance overall, having to combat illness to even compete in the race.
Race winner Raeside spoke to The Linc minutes after he claimed his medal and declared his delight at winning such a mass participation event.
He said: “It’s a really good achievement, I’ve come here today not really expecting to win [and] I was actually competing yesterday so I was just coming here thinking about running as easy as possible.
“My girlfriend is a doctor at Lincoln Hospital so that’s the reason I’ve been here basically just to be with her over the weekend. I had heard it was [Lincoln 10k] a big event and I’ve seen the amount of people that turn up and it’s not known to be one of the biggest 10k’s in the country.
“I would love to come back next year to defend my title.”
Scottish born Raeside does not have long until his next race. Next weekend he will be competing for Scotland and believes this win provides him with a great measurement for the next few months, looking ahead to the Commonwealth Games in the summer.
“Being a Scottish athlete I’ve got a really good chance to get the Commonwealth Games and I’m hoping to compete in the 3,000 metre steeplechase, and that’s my main target really,” said Raeside.
Lincoln 10k 2010 top three:
1st: Bruce Raeside — Notts AC — 30.05 (Personal best and new course record)
2nd: Tom Doe — Lincoln Wellington AC — 30.06
3rd: Matthew Bowser — Lincoln Wellington — 30.18