60th Aylesbury Boxing Day Race hailed a 'huge success'

Philip Sewell from Aldershot, Farnham and District retained his title by winning the 5km race for a second time at the 60th running of the traditional Boxing Day Road races around Aylesbury Town centre in a time of 16 minutes and 8 seconds.

Sewell was well clear of second placed, Mark Booth from Reading AC who had more of a challenge holding off Thomas Halling from St Albans Striders and the Vale’s Nathan Jones who won the under 17 category and retained the Kirk Clifford Shield in the process.

Jones was one of 5 Vale runners inside the top 10, William Ralston, Max Perry, Ewan Maxwell and Jamie Pugh all breaking the 18 minute mark.

1st over 40 was Richard Gould from Bicester AC with Kenny Lowies from Headington RR 1st over 50 and the Vales Tim Jones 1st over 60, in what was a new course record for his age group.

The Vale dominated the younger age groups with Woody Day and Freddie Mackintosh winning both the under 15 and under 13 categories.

Top Bearbrook runner was Michael Fryer and Richard Bazeley was the top On the Run, Aylesbury runner home.

Sophie Crumly from Reading AC was a clear winner in the Ladies race in a time of 18 minutes and 13 seconds. Antonia Jubb form St Albans AC was 2nd and Johanna Sharples from Leighton Buzzard was 3rd.

1st over 35 was Rebekah Edgar from Thames Hare and Hounds, Paula Robinson was the best of the Bearbrook ladies and 1st over 45 and Jo Gundle from Bicester Triathlon Cub was 1st over 55.

Vale faired much better in the younger age groups with Anna Cuthbert and Emily Williams winning both the under 17 and under 15 categories.

Anna was also the 1st Vale lady home so was also awarded the Ruth Allcock shield. Laura Bell was the best for On the Run, Aylesbury ladies.

The race had 204 finishers.

In the Under 11 Fun run which was held over 2 laps of the Market and Kingsbury Squares, the winners were James Hawkins and Alessia Dolan.

The Club arranged for an earlier race for younger runners which measured approximately 800m starting at the Clock Tower in the town’s Market Square at 9.25 am.

The 2 lap race was for children aged 11 and under, and for little ones, parents could also take part.

The main event for those aged 12 and over set off from Market Square at 9.45 am on a measured 5k course around the town.

The Vale of Aylesbury Athletic Club said: "We are very grateful to Up & Running, Oxford who provided the prizes.

"The course was marshalled by Vale’s great volunteers.

"A MASSIVE thank you to those who helped out before, during and after the races."