On Saturday 8th June 2024, our marketing manager, Jackie Hall,  popped along to the starting line to get the Nene Valley Races summer race started with their new brass bell – donated by Insurewise Limited.

Here’s what Jackie had to say:

It was a typical “not so sunny” June Saturday morning when the 282 runners limbered up to enjoy their run from the starting line in Fotheringhay (Northamptonshire) and along the surrounding countryside area to complete their 20-mile or 10-mile race.

The oldest runner on the starting line was 80-year-old Morag, accompanied by her daughter, Helen, who had travelled from Australia to join her mother for their 10-mile run and to celebrate her special (50th) birthday while she was in the UK.  Helen received a rendition of Happy Birthday before she started the race which put a smile on everyone’s face.

There were 4 separate start times;  2 for the 98 runners taking on the 20 mile race, who set up before 2 groups of runners taking on the 10 mile race took to the starting line for their race,   All the runners set off with a smile on their face, which was great.

The British weather threw everything at them during the race, from dark clouds and wind, followed by rain and sunshine.  All of the runners completed the race thanks to the excellent organisation of the event by Matt Snow and Janine Buck (Nene Valley Races), the cheerful banter from Nick Harding (compere) and the Marshalls who made sure everyone was safe and looked after along the route.

Well done to everyone who took part in the run with a smile on their face and here’s to many more outings for the Insurewise bell!

The winners were:

First female (20-miles): Claire Lewis

First female (10-miles): Helen Buller

First male (20-miles): James Martin

First male (10-miles): Miguel Cann.

Congratulations also go to Morag (and her daughter) who successfully completed the 10 mile race, proving you’re never too old (or young) to enjoy a good race around the British countryside.

Jackie Hall, Marketing Manager