The Erewash Jog Derbyshire 5K  took place in the scenic surrounds of West Park in Long Eaton on Saturday 11 August 2012 – and joggers were all smiles as they gave the day a big thumbs up!

Groups from around the county turned out for the event and enjoyed great sunshine, and a chance to  jog in beautiful parkland on a flat, even course – a great choice for a first 5k.

For the full results, click here. 

There was also a chance to grab some great freebies courtesy of the Jog Derbyshire Dynamos – Jog Derbyshire's England Athletics affiliated running club.

Jog Derbyshire Co-ordinator Natalie Trethewey said the event, organised by Jog Derbyshire and Erewash Borough Council, had been a big success, with 78 joggers taking part on the day.

“This sort of event is what Jog Derbyshire is all about; it was a chance to run in a friendly, non-competitive environment and benefit from the support and encouragement of other joggers. 

“It was great to see joggers really surprising themselves with what they were able to achieve. We had people who perhaps a few months ago didn't believe they were capable of running this distance, and today they managed to get all the way around without stopping.

“It was lovely to see other joggers waiting at the finish line to cheer everyone else on – the support was fantastic.”

Winners prizes included vouchers donated by the Derby Runner running store and Belper Rehab Physio and were presented by Erewash Borough Councillor Mike Wallis. The firms also provided 15% discount vouchers for all participants. 

Winners of the Dynamos award for the group with the most team entries were the West Park Leisure Centre group, with their prize donated by Breadsall Priory.

First to finish was Derby Jogfit Jog Leader Russ Parkin, who was pleased to achieve a personal best with a time of 16 minutes 53 seconds. 

Said Russ: “It was very enjoyable; a nice flat course in a scenic park. 

“Everyone seemed to have a great time, it was a very well organised race. Some people set their own PBs and there were a lot of smiles at the end. 

“A race like this is ideal, especially for beginners, because it's low key, there's no pressure and it's great fun. I'll certainly be encouraging my group members to have a go next time.”

Jog Derbyshire 5k top 3 finishers, from left: Carl Hughes (3rd), Russell Parkin (1st), Gary Cooper (2nd)

In second and third place were Gary Cooper, who finished in 18 minutes 11 seconds and Carl Hughes (19.11).

The first woman to finish was Dawn Blatherwick of the West Park Leisure Centre group with a finishing time of 21 minutes 56 seconds, followed by Rose Leivers (23.34) and Karen Rhodes (23.51).

Jog Derbyshire leading ladies, from the left: Rose Leivers (2nd), Dawn Blatherwick (1st), Karen Rhodes (3rd)

Overall, the winning team was the West Park Leisure Centre Jog Group. Well done everyone!

A big thank you to everyone who turned up to participate and support the event. We hope you enjoyed it and that you're looking forward to the next Jog Derbyshire 5k!