EAST Allington Primary School’s second 3k and 10k fun runs were a great success on Sunday, held in memory of teacher Claire Widdicombe.

Karen Partridge, Head of East Allington School, began the proceedings by reminding the runners how the event had transpired because of the school’s beloved teacher, Mrs Widdicombe, and ‘her love for the school and for running’.

The sun mostly shone and Claire’s husband Graydon attended, saying a few words before he ran in the 10km race. He was also the race starter for both fun runs using Claire’s whistle.

Graydon thanked the race organisers Katie Lethbridge, Emily Tibbetts and Karen Partridge for the fitting tribute to Claire’s life and later praised the event through his Facebook page.

Karen said: ‘There was a great atmosphere up at the school with music from DJ Russell, bunting, a bouncy castle and a food tent selling an assortment of delicious cakes and hot food.

‘Feedback from the race showed that everyone enjoyed both the 3km and 10km courses – although the long up hill to the end was quite challenging!’

Trophies were awarded to the fastest child within the 3k race, fastest 10k male and the fastest 10k female and all other race finishers received medals and fruit.

Derry Owen Architects kindly sponsored a new trophy for this year which went to Neil Lethbridge for being the fastest parent or teacher from East Allington Primary School.

Max Ferguson won the 3k race with a time of 14 minutes and 51 seconds, followed by Sam Oakshott and Henry Howells. The first girl back was Astrid Thomas.

Lee Eastly won the 10k, with a time of 42 minutes and four seconds, followed by Steve Weeks and Roger Hayes, while Vicky Winzer lead the women with a time of 44 minutes and 52 seconds, followed by Eyvoll Aston and Clare Youngman.

Karen continued: ‘The school would like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers that helped make sure the event ran so smoothly. We were all very proud to be a part of it, and as it has proven so successful we are looking forward to making the fun run an annual event!’