The long-standing NSRRA race and on many club championships calendar the VeloRunner sponsored Ipstones Five (ish) saw a close friend and familiar face back to take first place.
Ben Gamble (whose coaching and sports Therapy business has taken residence at Velorunner and running in the Velorunner colours for this race took the race win despite some strong running competitors, including the in-form Carl Moulton winner of many local races so far this year, including the recent Potters Arf and the Uttoxeter half.
Ben took the to the front from the start and led a select group for the first climb before it thinned out a little more for the technical descent down the farm track. it was once past here that Ben applied a little more pressure and pace to take the lead on his own. He didn't relinquish this to the end and finished comfortably in first place crossing the finish line to win in 25:48. Carl Moulton followed in second place in 26:29 and Ashley Maughan third in 26:58..
It was also a first win in Ben's new shoe choice the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro.
In the women's race, it was Green as Trentham RC took the top three places with an excellent race and win for Isabella Shaw clocking 31:15. Teamate (another firm Velorunner Friend) Jayne Dickens took second in 32.34, and Joanne Stanfield finished third in 32:46 respectively.