A 17-year-old runner from Newport set the pace at this year’s Nettlestone ‘RAT Race’ – the 1st time the event has been held since the pandemic.
A massive 109 runners entered the event across 3 distances: a 5-mile course; a 5km course and a children’s 600m race.
The event – which was sponsored by Grace’s Bakery and Hovertravel – raised more than £1,000 for the Friends of Nettlestone School (FONS) group, which is run by parents of children at the school.
Both groups competing in the 5km and 5-mile races started together at 10:30 after a quick warm-up routine by local fitness instructor Phil Bell.
The Island’s High Sheriff Dawn Haig-Thomas competed in the 5km course with her three children to raise awareness of her literacy programme for Island primary schools.
Dawn Haig-Thomas, High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight says:
“The Nettlestone Primary community is really special, it was lovely to see the children doing a 600m race before the main event… it’s just so important that they get into the habit of exercise and have the confidence that they can run.”
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Winner of the 5-mile race 17-year-old Louis Forster from Newport says:
“It was a good course, overall very enjoyable. The great views definitely help, they motivate you a lot more.”
Race organiser Sarah Peake says:
“It’s been an absolutely great day, it’s been so nice to see the local community come together helping with marshalling; local businesses supporting the runners; and the school hosting the event.”
“It was great to see so many families running the longer courses with primary-aged children – embracing the challenge of a hilly 5km and crossing the finish line with a smile on their face – including Alex Reese from Year 5 at Nettlestone Primary taking on the tough 5-mile route, running it in an incredible time.”
The children’s 600m race was won by Harry Pragnell; 2nd was Lucas Hammond and Arthur King was 3rd.
The 5km race was won by former Nettlestone Primary student Freya Taylor, who recently competed in the Island Games; joint 2nd were Joshua Peake and Noah Redrup; with Eugene Smitherman in 3rd.
The 5-mile course was won by 17-year-old Louis Forster from Newport; 2nd was Nick Jeffries and Oliver Bezer was 3rd.
Next year’s event will also be in September, with the date to be announced shortly. All race info can be found on the Nettlestone RAT Race event website.
No doubt the lad will get pressed ganged in to Ryde Harriers & claimed as there own with in no time