Ashby 20 Race Sees Massive Turnout for Spring Marathon Preparation
Over 1,300 runners from across the United Kingdom participated in the latest edition of the Ashby 20, as this popular long-distance road race made its return to Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire. Organised by the local running club Ivanhoe Runners, the event successfully brought together athletes, volunteers, and the wider community for one of the country's most renowned 20-mile races.
The weather conditions were ideal for running, with dry, bright, and cool temperatures contributing to a fantastic day. Approximately 80 percent of the participants used the Ashby 20 as a key part of their spring marathon preparation, including many training for the London Marathon.
Race Route and Community Support
Runners began their journey from Upper Packington Road in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, heading out towards Packington and completing a two-lap route through Swepstone, Heather, and Normanton le Heath. After the second lap, they returned to Ashby, finishing at the Bath Grounds where a large crowd gathered to cheer them home.
Strong support was evident throughout the course, particularly in Packington, and the finish line atmosphere was electric with hundreds of spectators. The event relied on around 250 volunteers, including members of Ivanhoe Runners, Odyssey Explorer Scouts, Ashby Spa WI, LeicSAR, Castle Rotary Club of Ashby, and Conkers parkrun.
Winners and Course Records
Race Winners:
- Men's race: Ian Allen finished in a time of 1:51:46.
- Women's race: Alice Bourne completed the course in 2:10:28.
Team Winners:
- Men's team: Rugby and Northampton AC with a total time of 6:10:25.
- Women's team: Holme Pierrepont finished in 07:19:04.
Course Records:
- Men's record: Gareth Raven set the benchmark at 1:44:17 in 2005.
- Women's record: Diane Lobacevske holds the record with 2:02:40 from 2009.
Charity Fundraising and Personal Stories
As a not-for-profit event, the Ashby 20 supports several charities, including Wishes 4 Kids, Heartwize for Runners, Bright Hope in North West Leicestershire, Teenage Cancer Trust, and the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS). Many runners also used the race to raise money for personal causes.
One notable participant was Emma, who started running in 2024 after turning 40 and took on the Ashby 20 as her biggest challenge to date. She fundraised for Bright Hope, a charity that provides day care services for her mother, who lives with Parkinson's. Emma set an initial target of £500, motivated by the incredible support the charity offers her family.
Another standout effort came from local runner Johnny Sparks, who raised over £4,200 for his friend James, who suffered a life-changing brain bleed in 2024. Johnny's fundraising, supported by over 100 donations, aims to help fund James's ongoing rehabilitation, describing the race as something he "had to do" for a friend who had previously supported him.
Event Highlights and Future Plans
The race saw 1,373 finishers, with the fastest Ivanhoe Runner male being Liam Morris in 2:26 and the fastest female being Georgie Smith in 02:30:28. The event is expected to raise many thousands of pounds for various charities and local good causes.
After the race, volunteers were invited to relax at the Ivanhoe Social Club, enjoying chip butties and sharing stories from the day. With another successful event completed, the organising committee is already planning for next year's race, scheduled for Sunday, March 21.
Race Director Richard Bebbington expressed gratitude, stating, "The Ashby 20 is organised by runners for runners and relies completely on volunteers. We're really grateful to everyone who gave up their time to help, and to the local community for their support again this year. It's a crucial race for many, with around 80 percent using it for spring marathon training, so it's great to provide that opportunity close to home."
