Organisers of a new race that started in Whitchurch last year are celebrating after it was nominated for a top award.

The Whitchurch 10k, which was organised by staff at Sir John Talbot’s School, is nominated for a prestigious, national running award in the category of ‘Best National 10K event in 2018', despite being only in its second year in 2018.

Sir John Talbot’s School Whitchurch 10K, sponsored by Grocontinental, has been shortlisted for the national awards, having won gold in the regional running awards at the end of last year.

Hayley Alldridge, race director, is delighted to be recognised so early and is hoping to establish the race as a go to for many for many top runners in north Shropshire and beyond.

"As a new race, to be nominated for such an award is an incredible achievement especially as the Whitchurch 10K is up against many more established races across the UK.

"We appreciate all the continued support we have received from our sponsors, runners, volunteers and the community – thank you."

The race attracted hundreds of competitors last year, ranging from fun runners to the best elite athletes in the area as the own showed it could pull off a big event.

It raised more than £5,000 for charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support as around 550 runners participated in the inaugural road race starting and finishing at the school and taking competitors on a route around the historic market town

Organisers are now hoping the event will welcome more than 600 entries in 2018 and raise further funds for its chosen charity partner.

Headteacher David O’Toole admitted the schoolw as delighted with the reception it received.

“The warm reception and level of support for Whitchurch’s first 10K run was astounding from our sponsors, runners, volunteers and the wider community," he said. "We are delighted to be underway with preparations to cement the Whitchurch 10K in the race calendar for 2018 and welcome wider support in making this happen.

To vote for your local 10K to be the best in Britain, go to https://therunningawards.com/, click vote, 10K, National and click vote next to Whitchurch 10k. Voting ends on Thursday 15th March.

If you do wish to participate in this year’s Sir John Talbot 10K, which takes place on Sunday April 8, the children’s fun run and the training runs, please visit the website: www.sirjohntalbots.co.uk