MORE THAN 500 runners completed either the 5k or 10k in this year’s Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run.
The 5k and 10k runs started and finished in Wythall Park where the Families on Track is also held.
This year was a record-breaking one for the latter event with more families than ever before taking part.
The Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run is organised by the Wythall Community Association in partnership with Worcestershire County Council and Events of the North.
It is also backed by Olympic medalist Steve Cram CBE.
The men’s 5k was won by Joseph Hook from Knowle and Dorridge Running Club. He finished in a time of 17mins, 1.45secs. Second was Lee Neal from Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletics Club and third was Stephen Pearson from the South Birmingham Striders.
In the women’s Lucy Hellingsworth from Belbroughton won the 5k for the second time in a row, completing the course in 18mins, 44.43secs. The 17-year-old is a member of Halesowen Athletics Club. Second was Katy Mcgonigal from Bournville Harriers and in third was Malinowska Dominika from Birmingham Running and Triathlon (BRAT) Club.
Lucy, who started running in 2020 during the Covid lockdowns, said she was delighted to win the race again.
“I like 5k as a distance to run and I really like this course – there’s a few gradients which makes it challenging.”
In the men’s 5k, Steve Dunsby from BRAT came first with a time of 34mins, 37.87secs. In second place was Matthew Herbett from Bournville Harriers and Dan Dalmedo, also from BRAT, was third.
In the women’s 10k, Nicola Sykes from Bournville Harriers won the race in a time of 39mins, 15.37secs. The runner-up was Lauren Sykes from Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletics Club and Sarah Horton, also from Bournville Harriers, finished third.
The event had plenty of entertainment for runners and supporters to enjoy, including a barbecue, bouncy castles, food stalls, ice cream and a licensed bar.
People could also try a range of sports, including tennis, bowls and archery.
Mark Stinton, chair of the Wythall Community Association, thanked everyone who gave their time to make it possible, adding they were all incredibly proud of what the event had become.
“This fun run shows our community at its best, bringing together people of all ages and abilities.
“It’s a great celebration of what makes Wythall and Hollywood so special.”
Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health in Worcestershire, said: “Each year, this event just gets better and better.
“Whether runners ran for time or just for fun, the achievement was simply taking part, and everyone involved did fantastic.”
Visit: wythallhollywoodfunrun.org.uk for more pictures of the day and information on next year’s run, which will take place on June 13.
Click here for the full results of the 5k and 10k races.
