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Big field to gather for Chichester 10k
The Chichester Priory 10k takes place with its largest number of runners this Sunday.
There are only a few days left before the runners in the 19th event of its kind set off along Oaklands Way.
As the Observer went to press, the Rotary Club of Chichester Priory said the race was officially closed and there would strictly be no
entries on the day.
Organisers are pleased a return to the February date has not affected interest in the race and with more than 1,700 entries, they anticipate a real sporting spectacle.
It is one of the major road races in the English road-running calendar and the success of the 18 previous years' events has ensured this year's has again proved popular with runners locally and from all over England.
The race has secured new interest from clubs in the Sussex Grand Prix, especially from a number of clubs in the east of the county, including Seaford Striders, Portslade Hedgehoppers, Hailsham Harriers, Heathfield Runners and Worthing Harriers. One of the biggest club entries is from Tone Zone in Bognor.
There's a big prize list for different categories of runner.
There is a special prize available again this year for anyone who breaks the course records of 29.02 for men and 32.07 for women.
The Observer is putting up the Ben Steppel Memorial Prize to the first under-23 local man home and the Colin Thorne Memorial Prize will go to the first under-23 local woman.
Race organisers' spokesman Graham Jessop said: "We're pleased to see the return of Williard Chinhanhu of Poole Runners, the winner in 2007 in a sub 30-minute time.
"Challenging him are likely to be Josh Guilmant of Pheonix AC, Jon Pepper of Enfield and Haringey AC, Michael Johnson of Cardiff AC and Paul Whittaker of Southend-on-Sea AC.
"James Baker is usually the first Chichester Runner home and this year looks to be no different."
A number of entrants have hardly missed an event since 1992.
Chichester's Gary Wright was sixth in the first event, Reg Ball of Porstmouth Joggers was 45th and Pip Cozens was 21st in the
women's race.
Other loyal runners include Phil Western of Havant, Bob Hooker of Portsmouth Joggers and John Bristow of Brighton & Hove.
Special mention goes to Hugh Foord, also of Brighton & Hove, who was 121st in the first race and will be 81 in March.
Ed Warner, chairman of UK Athletics and Fittleworth Flyers, will also be there.
The women's race is likely to have a new name on the winner's podium. At the head of the field are likely to be Clare Elms of Dulwich
Runners and Barbara Yff of Winchester AC, both returning to Chichester after good runs in previous years.
Spectators are welcome to line the course. The 11am start and the finish are centred around the Northgate car park.
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Weather for Chichester
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South west
