l/r Alexandra Robinson, Ian Gower and Sam Tyler
Ian Gower, 54, from Coventry, has been a keen runner since he was 13 and will be taking on his 15th Leamington Regency 10k in April, having completed every instalment so far of the annual run, which is organised by Leamington Round Table and sponsored by leading law firm Wright Hassall.
Entries will be taken for the popular run from January 1st and Ian, who works at the Technicolor distribution centre in Rugby, has his sights set on setting a new personal best this time around after leading the way with entries.
He will also be standing out from the crowd after being given a special number 15 to wear across his chest during the run.
He said: “I have been running since I was a teenager, I don’t really work to a regime anymore I just keep going, like Forrest Gump.
“I have taken part in runs across the country over the years but for a while now the Regency 10k has been my main one.
“I think it is really well organised, the people who take part are friendly and the course has a great mix of beautiful views, challenging stretches and more relaxing sections.
“The course is ideal for both beginners and experienced runners.
“I have run the Regency 10k in snow, rain, hail and sun over the years, so I am prepared for whatever can happen this time around.
“Everyone should sign up as soon possible to take part in this year’s run, I was first in the queue January 1st getting my name down.
“My best time is 39:07, which I set in 2010, so I want to beat that this time around.”
More than 2,000 runners took part in the 2018 run, which was won by Leamington C & AC’s Hanlon who took just 32 minutes and 40 seconds to complete the course.
Wright Hassall which has sponsored the event every year since it began, entered a 10 strong team into the 2018 run and is aiming to build on that this year.
Alex Robinson, partner at Wright Hassall, said: “We are always proud to sponsor the Regency 10k run and get involved with the organisation.
“To see so many people get together for something positive and raise money for good causes is a wonderful thing and we are very happy to be a part of that.
“We will be sending along a team from Wright Hassall to take part this year and encourage everyone who wants to take part to sign up early.”
The event has raised more than £275,000 since it began and is one of Leamington Round Table’s major calendar events.
Sam Tyler, social member of the Leamington Round Table, said: “Ian’s story proves the high level of support we have from the running community across Warwickshire and beyond, the Regency 10k has become a real noteworthy event for runners.
“We can’t wait to see everyone at the starting line in April.”
To register for this year’s run please visit www.regency10k.co.uk
