Penfold Breaks Club Record as Tone Zone Dominates Chichester 10k

David McManus
27 minutes ago
3 min read

Penfold Breaks Club Record as Tone Zone Dominates Chichester 10K

It was a successful day for Bognor Regis Tone Zone Runners at the Chichester 10K, as the club swarmed to one of the South Coast’s most prestigious races along with over 1,700 other runners. The club walked away with a new club record and a staggering seven personal bests.

Despite the initial chill and a persistent rain that slicked the asphalt of the Goodwood Motor Circuit, the club's spirits remained high. No rain tyres, safety car or red flag today at the circuit, instead it was just 29 hardy blue and orange runners from Bognor Regis tackling the course.

The Chichester 10K is renowned for its unique course. Runners began with a 4k loop of the iconic Motor Circuit before heading out onto the surrounding roads for 3k. The final stretch saw athletes return to the track for a 3k anti-clockwise push toward the finish line, a segment where the hard training clearly pays off.

The sun did finally try to break through the clouds around 40 minutes into the event, however by then the blue and orange army was already lighting up the timing mats.

Pre-race team photo for Bognor Regis Tone Zone Runners

A Record-Breaking Performance

Jack Penfold, delivered a masterclass on the day crossing the finish line in a blistering 33:22, not only securing a personal best for himself but setting a new club record for the 10k distance. He was pushed every step of the way by teammate Garry ‘Turbo’ Turner, who finished a mere eight seconds behind in 33:30 after a tough few weeks with a niggle.

Jack Penfold and Garry Turner leading the charge

PB Harvest at Goodwood

The "PB bell" was ringing virtually non-stop for the club. Joining Penfold in the personal best club were Cameron Coe and Jamie Retter who finished close together in 37:13 and 37:22, nothing like a bit of friendly rivalry! Frazer Deans almost broke 40 with a time of 40:04, it’ll come. Mark Green who is midway through Marathon training became Mr Beast on the day to finish a great time of 41:05. Allen Porter was another PB on the day in 45:22. Lee Hayward who was hoping for a sub 50 and smashed that with a time of 47:16.

The depth of the squad was on full display, with impressive sub-45-minute finishes from Christo Oosthuizen, Mark Phillips, Jessica Thomson, Callum Strowger, Vitalijs Drozdovs, Nathan Meager and Graham Wells. Jake Miles was the other runner under the 50-minute mark alongside Allen and Lee who set PBs, Jake finished in a time of 47:15.

Mark Edwards was the first runner from the club over the 50-minute mark finishing in 52:03. Peter Ramsdale was the other club runner dipping below 55 in 53:57, the Bognor 10k Race Organiser was making notes as he made his way around the 10k course. Dave Boddy led the charge for those finishing between the 55 and 60 minute mark, Boddy recorded a time of 55:36 on his 483^rd consecutive day of running! Sandra Lobato finished in 56:14 followed by Mark Deal in 58:03 and then the dynamic duo of Kirstee Porter and Lucy-Jayne Isitt nattering their way around in 59:12. Sarah Spurr and David Paige finished in 1:02:52 and 1:02:59 respectively. Stuart Thomson was next in 1:03:03 and just 15 seconds back was Matt Macey in 1:03:18. Lesley Ward finished in 1:08:21 with Fiona Hazelden-Grace finishing off a great day for the club in 1:28:54