Full Streams ahead for runner, 53

A VETERAN runner was thrilled to be the first woman home in the Goring 10km on Sunday.

Katherine Streams, 53, from Wokingham, finished in a time of 40 minutes and three seconds, 39 seconds ahead of her nearest rival and in 18th place overall.

Last year, she set a record in the women’s super-veteran class by coming home in 40 minutes and 26 seconds.

Mrs Streams, a member of Reading Roadrunners, said: “I’m very pleased. I was determined to beat my time for last year, which I did.

“I didn’t remember quite how hard the race was. It was useful that I’ve been doing hill work recently, working on my speed.”

Mrs Streams began running 12 years ago after her father died and has run the London Marathon to raise money for Rennie Grove Hospice in Tring, where he was looked after in his final days.

She is not taking part in this year’s marathon in order to take a “mental break” after running three marathons last year.

Mrs Streams said: “This is my first time since 2013, other than during covid, that I’ve not been training for a spring marathon.

“I enjoy running and I met my husband at Reading Roadrunners. It’s about the endorphins and feeling well and fit into my Fifties and hopefully more.”

The race, which raises money for Goring Primary School, was won by Connor McGurk, 27, from Didcot, in a time of 35 minutes and 28 seconds.

This was the second year he has taken part since moving to the area.

Mr McGurk, who runs for the Harwell Harriers, said: “It was a good race. My team-mate Rich was in the lead for the first 7km or so and I got to the front in the last 3km. It was a tricky course with the hills but it was to my advantage because I was gaining a bit of ground.”

The runner-up was Dougie Moffett, 22, from Oxford, who runs for Headington Roadrunners, ib a time of 35 minutes and 47 seconds.

He said: “It’s my first 10km race in quite a long time. I’ve been doing cross-country because I had an injury and it means softer ground — this was a more ‘roady’ race.

“I was testing my fitness and I’m pretty happy. I was aiming for around 35 minutes but it was difficult because of the hills. I was a little bit slower than usual but it was good fun.”

In third place just two seconds behind was Cameron Weir, 32, from Witney, who runs for Abingdon Athletics Club.

He said: “It was a good race and a challenging course. There were some good hills and a good field — there were lots of quality runners. It’s my first time in this race and I’ll definitely be back to beat my time next year.”

The second woman home was Nikki Gray, 38, from Reading, with a time of 40 minutes and 42 seconds. Her husband, Arjen, and son Finnley, two, were waiting for her at the finish line.

Mrs Gray said: “I’d never done this race before. It was very hilly. I hadn’t done a 10km for a few years, just half marathons.

“I train with Kath and had her in my sights throughout. She’s faster than me and I thought that if I could stay in second place, I’d be happy. It’s a lovely course and there was nice support.”

In third place was Leanne James, 41, from Goring, in a time of 41 minutes and 27 seconds.

Mrs James, who runs for Reading Athletics Club, said: “It’s nice to race in my own village because you know everyone but it does have extra pressure.

“I prefer longer stuff so the 10km was a bit of a shock for me because it’s a lot faster. I’m training for the London Marathon.

“I’ve been running for about 10 years — I enjoy the challenge.”

Some team awards were introduced this year.

The winners were Abingdon AC for women’s teams and Reading Roadrunners for both men’s and mixed teams. Some runners were raising money for charity. Two people dressed up as Humphrey the camel to raise money for Water Aid, which provides clean water and toilets for people around the world.

Geoff Clark, 46, has been running in the costume for years but Callum Lackey, 17, from Pangbourne, was taking part for the first time. The pair finished in 59 minutes and 20 seconds.

Mr Clark, from Tilehurst, said: “It was time to pass on the baton to younger legs. I was at the front at the beginning but we switched places after 6km.

“Callum is faster so he set the pace to get to the finish. The exuberance of youth was on his side while I’ve got experience.”

Mr Clark, who had his wife Michelle and three-year-old son Joel supporting him, said: “I’ve been running as Humphrey on and off for about 20 years. We’ve done the Reading half marathon and the London Marathon.

“It’s hot and humid in the suit so you get sweaty but it’s great fun really. This is a great event and we encourage as many people along the way as we can. People always want to beat the camel as his four legs have an advantage over two-legged runners. We’ll be back next year.”

Chris Storey, 42, was representing his charity Venture Autism and finished in 45 minutes and 28 seconds.

He is originally from Northamptonshire but now lives in Ecuador with his wife and son. They were on holiday in the area.

He said: “I’m autistic but I don’t take medication — I use running and cycling to manage my problems.

“I created Venture Autism to support people like me and ordinary people as well through sport. I buy all the sports equipment myself. I opened social groups in Northamptonshire and I help people in Ecuador.

“This race wasn’t too bad because I’m used to training at high altitude in South America, which is more difficult.”

Before the runners set off they were warned about slippery surfaces and potholes. The weather was mild and dry and the sun came out during the race but it had been raining on previous days.

The countdown to the start was conducted by Kate Gibbons, one of the organisers, along with Rosie Green, the author of How To Heal a Broken Heart, who lives in Goring.

Ms Green was meant to race but couldn’t due to injury.

Mrs Gibbons, who has two children at the primary school, Jack, eight, and Seb, 11, said: “In previous years we’ve managed to get a minibus, new playground markings and last year a brand new library.

“But this year, with the funding crisis, the money will just go into running the school and making sure the children can get a go-getter education.”

More than 700 people started the race, including 55 who signed up on the day.

Mrs Gibbons, who also has a son Joe, 12, said “It’s amazing. We had a couple of years where it was frosty and then we had covid, which reduced the numbers.

“This is our main fundraiser for the school and it’s a true village affair. My garden backs on to the field and we use water and electrics from my house.

“I have sausages in the oven for the barbecue and all the parents made cakes for a cake sale.

“There are volunteers all around. The parent teacher association runs it along with parents and lovely folk from the village.”

Race director Elkie Mace, whose five-year-old daughter Anwen attends the school, said: “I got up at 6am and got here for 7am.

“We started by putting up marquees and tables. We have about seven marshals, some of whom were running and some who have to stay in their positions for the whole race.

“There are 10 volunteers committed to organising it throughout the year. My job is to make sure everyone is doing what they need to be doing, that there is ambulance access and making sure a helicopter could land if it needed to.

“I’m happy with the turnout. We’re trying to grow it to make the maximum money for the struggling primary school.”

Mrs Mace is a running coach and invited runners whom she coaches in London, where she used to live.

She said: “It’s a relevant thing for me to volunteer — it lends to my skill set. This is a great event and I’m proud to be directing it.”

About 10 volunteers came together the previous week for a “wine and twine” evening to tie string around the hundreds of compostable finisher medals, printed by Fine Print Services in Witney and designed by Team Porcino.

The event sponsors were Goring estate agent Warmingham, Pierreponts, which provided flapjacks for all the runners, the Boathouse Dental Surgery, K A Technology, Goring Vets, Gap HR Services, Simplehuman, the Botanical Gardener, the Oratory School in Woodcote and Sport in Mind.

The Goring Tesco store donated bananas and the Goring Butcher provided sausages and bacon at a reduced price.

More than £16,000 was raised for the school.

Headteacher Angela Wheatcroft said: “This is a fantastic community event.

“The funds raised really impact on education provision for children. In previous years we’ve been able to buy things we wouldn’t be able to normally, which help to enrich children’s educational experiences.

“It’s crucial given the lack of funding and the current financial climate. School budgets are under considerable pressure and events like this have become even more crucial.

“We couldn’t do this without the amazing community and fantastic parents that volunteer. There are also lots of marshals who don’t have children at the school and are just supporting, which is brilliant.”

The full results will be published in next week’s Henley Standard.