Aldi Ashby 20 produced a thrilling race of speed and stamina ahead of Bath Grounds finish
David Narborough of Mickleover Running Club and Emma Pick of Peel Road Runners took the men's and women's honours at the Aldi Ashby 20 on Sunday.
The streets of Ashby and its neighbouring villages pulsed with energy, excitement, and passion as the annual road race once again took centre stage.
With a rich history dating back to 1988, this beloved event has cemented itself as a cornerstone of the running calendar. This year's edition was no exception.
Against the backdrop of perfect running conditions, dry, slightly overcast, and comfortably cool, up to 1,500 runners embarked on the scenic two-lap, 20-mile course.
Starting at Upper Packington Road at 10am, the determined field wound its way through Packington, past Swepstone and Heather, before circling back via Normanton le Heath and finishing triumphantly on the Bath Grounds in Ashby.
In a thrilling display of speed and stamina, Narborough claimed the men's title with a blistering time of 1:52:22.
Hot on his heels were Stephen Marks (1:53:39) and Thomas Shaw (1:54:18), both delivering outstanding performances.
In the women's race, Pick triumphed with an impressive time of 2:03:18. She was closely pursued by Alice Bourne (2:06:29) and Alice Wright (2:08:59), showcasing the fierce competition and remarkable endurance of the female field.
Beyond the podium, all the other finishers crossed the line victorious in their own right, many using the race as a stepping stone toward upcoming spring marathons.
The overwhelming feedback from participants captures the race's magic. Hanna MacWilco, shared her experience on social media and wrote:
"Today was my first 20-miler and what an event it was! Thank you to everyone who was involved! Marshalls, Scouts, supporters, and fellow runners—you were all awesome!"
This sense of camaraderie and community spirit extended far beyond the course.
Ashby came alive with buzzing cafés and bars, packed with finishers proudly donning their well-earned Ashby 20 hoodies.
Laughter, shared stories, and post-race celebrations filled the town, creating a festival-like atmosphere that lingered long after the final runner crossed the line.
Staying true to its ethos of giving back, the Aldi Ashby 20 supported several remarkable charities, including: Teenage Cancer Trust; Heartwize for Runners; Bright Hope; LeicSAR; and Wishes 4 Kids
The race's not-for-profit status ensures that it remains a powerful force for good, with proceeds helping to support these vital causes.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of volunteers, spectators, and sponsors. A special thanks goes out to Aldi, Pladis, LeicSAR, Odyssey Explorer Scouts, Ashby Castle Rotary, Ashby Spa WI, and Ivanhoe Runners. Their dedication and passion continue to make the Aldi Ashby 20 a true highlight of the running calendar.
As the echoes of this year's race fade, the memories of grit, determination, and celebration will linger on. The Aldi Ashby 20 is more than a race, it's a celebration of fitness, community, and charity, and we can't wait to do it all again next year, on Sunday, March 22.
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