Wrekin Streak.
The Annual Wrekin Streak Race takes place on Wednesday 21st April starting at 7.30 pm from the Forest Glen, Wellington. This is the first race in the Shropshire Summer Fell Running Series with mid week races throughout the summer at various locations in Shropshire. The Wrekin Streak, first held in 1989 and has been organised since then by fell running enthusiast Simon Daws from Ironbridge. The race is 2.75 miles including 810 feet of climbing as the route goes to the Wrekin summit and down again by the main path. The best ever time on the route is 16 minutes 38 seconds set in 2003 by GB International Tim Davies from Forden near Welshpool, running for Mercia Fell Runners, the womens best was set in 1991 by Kath Hill from Tipton whose fastest time was 19.21.
Fast times in recent years by local runners include Anna Bartlett from Shrewsbury AC, recent winner of the Wrekin Fell Race and the Shropshire Winter Series who has won the race for the last 2 years and has the 6th fastest time ever of 21.29 whilst winning the race in 2008. Louise Taylor from Telford holds the 5th fastest time of 21.11 set in 2005 whilst Sarah Gatford, 2nd last year has the 7th best ever time of 21.35 set when she won in 1999.
Mike James from Shrewsbury AC has the 3rd fastest time ever when he won the race in 2006 running 17.16. Vaughan New from Telford AC who won the inaugural race in 1989 is still the 8th fastest time of 17.40. Last years winner was Ian Grindley from Wolverhampton and Bilston, with Steven Cale of Wrekin College and Shrewsbury AC, recent Wrekin Fell Race and Shropshire Winter Series winner second.
Runners of any ability over 14 years of age are welcome to enter on the night at the Forest Glen, cost £5. All proceeds from this event go to a charity. Further details can be found at the Shropshire Fell Running website at www.myweb.tiscali.co.uk/fellrunner.
Paul Sanderson
