Inaugural Farm Run is a huge success
More than 100 runners flocked to an organic farm Little Bytham on Sunday to take part in the village’s inaugural LB5K Farm Run
The event, which was run over the farm’s tracks and fields, raised more than £850 for Little Bytham’s church, St Medard’s, the village hall, and the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.
Farmer and co-organiser John Turner, said: “We weren’t sure whether we would get five people or 50 when we first looked at the suggestion, but we knew we had a good course, designed to cater to runners of all abilities and age groups, and the weather was definitely on our side.
“What really made the difference was the way in which the volunteers from the village and beyond got behind the idea and made it such a success – it was a real team effort. “
The first runner past the post was James McCrae from Nene Valley running club, who completed the course in a blistering time of just 16.51, while Bourne Harrier Tallulah Spurdens was first woman home with a time of 22.46.
There was also a category for runners from the villages within the various parishes around the Bythams, with Little Bytham resident Sam Hughes taking the honours for the boys in a time of 18:28, and Josie Rule from Castle Bytham leading the local girls home with a 26:55.
The winners each received a hand-carved hare, which was donated by local craftsman John Kirkham, with all finishers taking home a gift bag containing wild flower seeds, organic peas grown on the farm, a well-earned post-race banana and a bottle of water.
Co-organiser Sara Fraser said: “The photos show just what a great time people had on the day and it is something that we will definitely do again next year.
“I’d like to thank Stamford Striders who helped with the timing and the equipment, and Bourne Harriers, who helped promote the event and turned out in force.”
Organisers are already turning their attention to 2019’s LB5K and are hopeful the event will become a firm fixture on the running calendar.