Leamington Regency 10K

Date of event: 6th April 2025

Distance: 10k

Pre Race

For this event I was a new runner and had only completed one previous 10k race. This race was recommended by a number of DRR colleagues. The event was sold to me as a good local race and easy to access. There were a significant number of other club runners participating and good support with multiple people providing encouragement me as we traversed the course.

I had been covering the 10k distance in the weekly runs the club puts on so the distance was within my capabilities and I had been moving up the pace groups as my fitness levels and speed had increased, without taking part in races and challenging myself I would not be able to measure progress effectively and take me out of my comfort zone.

The club had a significant presence and we all met up for a photo beforehand and gave us all the opportunity to wish each other good luck on the run and set off at the start with a group who were of equal pace. The event is popular within the club and there were circa thirty runners taking part.  

The Race Experience

There was plenty of local parking both on the road and in local car parks. It was easy to access the race start area and drop off bags

The registration was very straightforward if you choose to collect your number on the day. The baggage drop was in the finishing area and well marshalled. The start line and finish line are not the same they are across the road so after bag drop make your way to the start. The start line was divided into projected finishing times though this was not abided by as I found myself going faster than expected to start with slower runners who had started to far forward blocking the way.

The course narrows quite quickly after the start as you run alongside the golf course, and after a mile or two there is a very steep downhill where I had to watch my footing as there was a danger of going too fast and falling over. After the off road section we returned to the roads and parks and this was easier for running on with lots and lots of supporters lining the roads. There are a couple of narrow parts towards the end when you run through some tunnels by the water.

The finish is in the park.

I took a tumble towards the end which was down to me losing concentration, no real damage done except to my pride and some embarrassment.

I really enjoyed the event. The number of runners and the constant pushing to pass people drove me forward and I ended up completing the race much quicker than I expected.   

There are multiple good viewing opportunities for supporters with them able to change positions to see the runners at different places throughout the race.

I ran the last couple of Kilometres with another DRR member who was slightly ahead of me for most of the race and I pushed to catch them to help to the end.

I was planning for a gentle run around to get into the art of race running, however my competitive spirit soon took over and I really pushed all the way. At the time this was a PB.

The Finish

There was a medal but no T-Shirt at the finish though you could have chosen to buy one when entering the event or purchase one afterwards.

The finish is within the park so very easy to meet up with other DRR participants and cheer those still to finish over the line or greet them as they came through the finishing funnel. There was plenty of opportunity to discuss the race and the trials and tribulations plus celebrate the completion and take 2some pictures.

The event is close to the middle of Leamington so plenty of opportunity for refreshments though we chose to drive to a local Pub for breakfast and drinks where we had reserved a table and allowed the post-race analysis and discussion to continue.

 I will definitely complete this race again. A lovely atmosphere, lots of support, local, good vantage points and an interesting course.

To sum up the Regency Leamington experience – pleasing / fun / repeatable