Snow Problem for Royal Navy Athletics

Storyline: Athletics

The Telford 10K race took place on Sunday 11th December and the Royal Navy Athletics team had a strong representation.

On the days leading up to the event, many were calling for the race to be cancelled due to the snowy and freezing conditions. The event organisers worked tirelessly to ensure that the course, which is statistically proven to be the fastest 10K course in the UK, was clear of any lying snow and icy patches, ensuring it was safe for racing.

The race was split into three waves, with the first wave starting at 10:30. The six representatives from the Royal Navy Men’s team all started in wave one. First to cross the line for the Royal Navy was Mne Ben Di Salvo, coming home in a personal best time of 31:33, followed closely by LCpl Dylan Naylor in 31:50. The remainder of the team consisted of AET Mark Duffett in 32:53, Mne Sam Wordley in 33:24, SLt Joe Palmer in 34:27, and Mne Hamish Rae in 34:57. A specific mention goes to Sam Wordley and Hamish Rae, who were representing the Royal Navy 10K team for the first time, both producing excellent performances in challenging conditions.

Just as the final athletes from the first wave were finishing and the snow started to fall, the second wave started at 11:10. Lt Chelsea Baker was representing the UKAF as part of the Inter Area Road Running Championships, producing a brilliant performance with a huge personal best time of 34:13. The UKAF athletes compete against the best athletes from the home nations and regions within England throughout the year. Chelsea’s excellent performance played a significant part in helping to secure a third-place finish for the UKAF Female team in the inter area team event. 

A special mention goes to LPT Sarah Rushton, who was unfortunately prevented from racing due to the challenging road conditions from the snow fall.

The next race in the calendar for 2023 for the Royal Navy 10K team is the Plymouth 10K, which will incorporate the Royal Navy 10K Championship, and provide team selection for the Inter-Services 10K Championships expected to be held at the Leeds Abbey Dash 10K.