Bigg finish to celebrate 5k race through town

Runners took to the streets of Basingstoke for an unusual race through the town’s business areas.

More than 300 runners took part in the Croudace Homes Festival 5k with its quirky course through Festival Place, the Top of the Town, Basing View and Eastrop Park.

Festival Place hosted the race, which was organised by Destination Basingstoke and sponsored by Croudace Homes.

Professional and amateur runners competed for glory with Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletics Club member Rob Wood eventually crossing the line first in a time of 16 minutes and 52 seconds. Hot on his heels in second was Alex Bigg who finished just four seconds later.

Fellow club member Mitch Lloyd was the first woman to complete the course in a time of 19 minutes and 48 seconds as Gemma Bigg slipped by a second after.

Croudace Homes corporate affairs manager Paula Parsons said: “It was a brilliant morning; as usual the atmosphere was terrific, the organisation first class and even the weather obliged.”

Felicity Edwards from Destination Basingstoke said: “We have had some fantastic feedback and want to thank all the sponsors and businesses that got involved.”

The race was part of Destination Basingstoke’s strategy to create self-funding events and projects in the area.