Around 150 people took part in a charity fun run and bike ride in Stockbridge.
The 36th George Skeates Fun Run was held on Sunday, January 14, starting at Stockbridge Town Hall.
The long course varies slightly each year depending on which fields are available and is approximately 7.75 miles.
The short course (3.4 miles) is very scenic going through Longstock and across the River Test at The Bunnies and can be done entirely on the road.
George Skeates had a spinal injury in a sidecar motocross race and was treated in the Spinal Unit at Salisbury District Hospital. The money raised goes to the Inspire Foundation which funds research into spinal injury. The event was supported by Inspire who were handing out goodie bags including the My Trusty handcream made from sunflower oil created by the NHS in Salisbury.
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Braishfield Cycle Club were well represented lining up at the front in their green shirts before the start.
George Beadle was the first runner home over the eight-mile course for the second year running.
George’s dad, John, was an occupational therapist on the spinal unit at Salisbury District Hospital when George Skeates was a patient. John and his wife Liz have attended the event since its inception before their children George and Laura were born.
John’s brother, Bob, won the run three times in the past so it is a family tradition. Liz Beadle was the first female runner home over the short course, Zodwa Chosokela who won it last year was second.
Graham Lovell also attends every year accompanied by his wife, Sally, completed the long course on his bike.
Results: Eight-mile run: George Beadle, 56 minutes, Craig Woodall, 57 minutes, Michael Tanner 1hr3mins, Alice Foster 1hr1min. Short run: Wayne Rossi 25 minutes, Max Standfield 29 minutes, John Beadle 26 minutes. Liz Beadle 34 minutes, followed by Zodwa Chosokela. Long course cycle: Duncan Edwards 33 minutes, Malcolm Baker, Charlotte from Longstock 51 minutes and her husband Peter who got a puncture, went home repaired it and finished the course. E-bike: David Cox 33 minutes, Gordon Mckinnon 36 minutes, Julia Downs 47 minutes (only used assist for the crest of the first hill, having run the course last year), John Elliott (former British sidecar cross champion), Lauren Stanfield, Sam Baker.
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