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Hundreds race for Paul
RUNNERS from far and wide converged on Leighton-Linslade on Sunday to pay tribute to marathon man and local jeweller, Paul Dimmock, who collapsed and died last year.
More than 400 running enthusiasts were joined by the sportsman's family at the soon-to-be-opened Stoke Hammond Bypass, to take part in the Paul Dimmock Memorial Run.
The very special five-mile race and two mile fun-run brought together many who had known Paul through his long association with Leighton Fun Runners and his business, Pyman's Jewellers, in Leighton High Street.
The world of local athletics was left shocked when super-fit Paul, of Woodman Close, died suddenly in October, aged 59, after completing a training run.
On Sunday there was a mix of tears and laughter from an emotional crowd of family, friends, fellow runners and supporters, which brought an almost carnival atmosphere to the start of the inaugural race.
It was very much a family affair with Paul's sons, Chris and Stuart, tackling the five-mile run while widow, Rosemary, son, Adrian, two daughters-in-law and five grand children, aged four to 14, joined the crowds for the more sedate shorter distance.
Paul was a renowned and highly-respected member of Leighton society, president of the local St John Ambulance, actively involved in the Lions Club, and a sports representative on local and county boards. A popular figure when running in his famous bandana, he was especially remembered for his encouragement and inspiration to all standards of runners.
A cloudy, dry morning greeted the entrants with 251 runners entering the longer event and 181 fun runners/walkers in the two-mile challenge. It turned out to be a real family occasion with many families having entrants in both sections.
Several pushchairs were seen on the course, together with a few dogs and one brave soul in a full size badger suit. Also spotted were the matching T-shirts of the Pyman Diamonds team, who were running in honour of their boss.
The deserted dual-carriageway had no major hills although there were a few demanding inclines, especially one in the last half mile. It was the perfect setting for the racers, with many of them achieving personal best times.
Event director, Martin Walker, said: "It was truly amazing to see so many people taking part – athletes, fun runners, families and even toddlers in pushchairs – plus, of course, the Pyman Diamonds.
"I would particularly like to thank all the willing volunteers who helped to make this such a success.
"Paul would have been proud of everyone. His enthusiasm and inspiration lives on".
Sponsorship money is still coming in, but it is anticipated over 2,000 will be raised for Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation and St John Ambulance.
Awards for the fastest men and women in senior and veteran categories were in the form of gold-trimmed silver shields which were presented by Rosemary.
Full results will appear on www.leightonfunrunners.org.uk/bypass.htm and in next week's LBO.
Preliminary Results:
Male results : 1st: Adam Peters, 26:41; 2nd: Stephen Hartley, 26:52; 3rd: Ben Corfield, 27:21.
Female results: 1st: Nicola Sykes, 29:07; 2nd: Amy Farr, 33:01; 3rd: Karrie Archer, 37:08.
Male Veteran results: 1st: Andy Magnall, 27:42: 2nd: Jonathan Kilsby, 29:16; 3rd: Brad Plummer, 29:56.
Female Veteran results: 1st: Michaela Colwell, 34:41; 2nd: Lorraine Daglish, 34:58; 3rd: Anick Valapinee, 39:35.
Fun Run results:
Male: 1st: Liam Quinn, 13:42; 2nd: Daniel Quinn, 13:43; 3rd: David Milton, 15:12.
Female: 1st: Deborah Sykes, 13:56; 2nd: Anna Dwyer, 15:05; 3rd: Jessica Redmond, 16:41.
After the event Rosemary said: "Paul's family would like to express their thanks to all who helped to organise the memorial run and to everyone who helped – Leighton Buzzard Fun Runners, Leighton Buzzard Athletic Club, Leighton Linslade Rotary Club, St John Ambulance and the Observer/Citizen – and to everyone who helped on the day to ensure everything went smoothly, not forgetting McAlpine for allowing the road to be used and for their donation.
"We were touched by the great response from so many club runners, friends and acquaintances together with Mr and Mrs Trebisacce, the new owners of Pymans, their family and all the girls from the shop and the efforts made by everyone taking part."
Rosemary said Paul would have been really proud of his family and everyone who entered and especially the youngsters he had helped and encouraged from an early age.
"Not only the family benefited from the day but everyone there was able to take something positive from the occasion." His enthusiasm and inspiration lives on".
Sponsorship money is still coming in, but it is anticipated over 2,000 will be raised for Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation and St John Ambulance.
Awards for the fastest men and women in senior and veteran categories were in the form of gold-trimmed silver shields which were presented by Rosemary.
Full results will appear on http://www.leightonfunrunners.org.uk/bypass.htm and in next week’s LBO.
Preliminary Results:
Male results : 1st: Adam Peters, 26:41; 2nd: Stephen Hartley, 26:52; 3rd: Ben Corfield, 27:21.
Female results: 1st: Nicola Sykes, 29:07; 2nd: Amy Farr, 33:01; 3rd: Karrie Archer, 37:08.
Male Veteran results: 1st: Andy Magnall, 27:42: 2nd: Jonathan Kilsby, 29:16; 3rd: Brad Plummer, 29:56.
Female Veteran results: 1st: Michaela Colwell, 34:41; 2nd: Lorraine Daglish, 34:58; 3rd: Anick Valapinee, 39:35.
Fun Run results:
Male: 1st: Liam Quinn, 13:42; 2nd: Daniel Quinn, 13:43; 3rd: David Milton, 15:12.
Female: 1st: Deborah Sykes, 13:56; 2nd: Anna Dwyer, 15:05; 3rd: Jessica Redmond, 16:41.
After the event Rosemary said: “Paul's family would like to express their thanks to all who helped to organise the memorial run and to everyone who helped – Leighton Buzzard Fun Runners, Leighton Buzzard Athletic Club, Leighton Linslade Rotary Club, St John Ambulance and the Observer/Citizen – and to everyone who helped on the day to ensure everything went smoothly, not forgetting McAlpine for allowing the road to be used and for their donation.
“We were touched by the great response from so many club runners, friends and acquaintances together with Mr and Mrs Trebisacce, the new owners of Pymans, their family and all the girls from the shop and the efforts made by everyone taking part.”
Rosemary said Paul would have been really proud of his family and everyone who entered and especially the youngsters he had helped and encouraged from an early age.
“Not only the family benefited from the day but everyone there was able to take something positive from the occasion.”
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Weather for Leighton Buzzard
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North
