Surrey County 10,000m Championships

Tootting Bec, Saturday 27 August

Report by Charlie Dickinson

A terrific performance from Nick Buckle who placed a close second in the Surrey Country 10,000m Championships at Tooting Bec on Saturday 27th August, just losing out by a few seconds to the experienced Matthew Sharp of HW, the 2014 champion.

It was good to see three Belgravians line up with over 20 other runners at the start on hot, humid afternoon not conducive to 25 laps on the track. Alongside Nick were his two friends and training partners Ed Auden and Matt Welsh, all three had trained hard on the Battersea track and at Wimbledon throughout the summer and supported both the Rosenheim and Southern League teams all achieving personal bests. Their dedication and enthusiasm had inspired many others in the group.

Soon after the start, a group of seven runners broke away. They were led by  Matt Sharp, Ollie Garrod and 2015 winner Ben Savill, with Nick and Ed sensibly tucked in at the back. Matt Welsh was beginning to drop back suffering again from stomach problems and he did very well to finish a creditable 8th.

The leading group continued to push on the pace at about 78 seconds a lap until just over half way when Ed dropped out realising it was just not his day. It was then down to five then four with Nick Buckle still looking relaxed and purposeful.

Then, with just under four laps to go, Nick feeling the pace drop, made a sudden surge which got rid of all but Matt Sharp.

These two battled it out right to the final lap when the final speed of Sharp was just sufficient to hang on for the win.

However, Nick can be really proud of a very fine performance.

1. Matthew Sharp HW                    32;46.86

2. Nick Buckle Belgrave                 32;49.23

3. Ollie Garrod Eprom and Ewell   33;08.14