Lodders sets the pace for the return of the Stratford 10k

On 5 September, 1,500 runners will take to the streets of Stratford upon Avon to mark the return of the town’s hugely popular fundraising event, the Stratford 10k, with Lodders as its principal sponsor for the eleventh year.

After a two-year absence because of the Covid pandemic, the 2021 Stratford 10k will see Lodders field a team of fourteen runners, who have their sights set firmly on retaking the corporate challenge team title.

Long-term amateur runner Mike Poole (38) joins Lodders’ team for the first time this year, and is looking to complete the course in 45 minutes:

“I’d love to run a 45 minute 10k this year,” says Mike, who has been Lodders’ IT Manager for three years. “I’m looking forward to running the course for the first time, but also running in an event for the first time since the pandemic. It will be great to see supporters turning out for the event.

“I planned to run in the last event in 2019, but unfortunately had to pull out due to injury, so it will be good to be part of Team Lodders and the Stratford 10k. It would be great to break my Personal Best of 42 minutes 24 seconds, but I will be delighted to finish in 45 minutes.”

Runners from the firm returning this year include James Mottram and Heidi Brennan, experienced runners Jane Senior, Jon Wood and Simon Perkins, and newbies Nicola White and John Padget.

All competitors will set off from the Shipston Road adjacent to the Recreation Ground at 9.30am, with the route taking them past many of Stratford’s famous landmarks, including the RSC Theatre, and finishing at the bandstand.

All runners will receive a medal upon completion, with prizes for the first three male and female finishers and the first over the line in each age group starting from 35 and going up in 10-year increments.

Race organisers Tempo Events have selected The Time Out Group as the event’s charity partner again this year. Based in South Warwickshire the charity aims to provide specialist support to children with disabilities and their families, helping them to access numerous family opportunities.

Runners must be a minimum 15 years old, and entry fees are £20 for running club members or £22 for unaffiliated runners. There is a children’s race in partnership with Marathon Kids UK that starts at the pavilion at 11.00am.

Lodders’ Steven Baker, partner in the firm’s real estate team and seven-time Stratford 10k runner, adds: “The Stratford 10k is an important fixture on Stratford’s annual events calendar. I am delighted to see it return, and the firm is honoured to have taken a lead role as principal sponsor of every race since 2010.”

For more information and to register for the Stratford 10k that takes place on Sunday 5^th September 2021, visit the Stratford 10k event page.