In the late fourteenth century the last wild boar in England was allegedly killed at Rothwell in West Yorkshire by Sir John of Gaunt, who Shakespeare scholars will remember for his stirring speeches in Henry 4^th Part 1. This information may seem incongruous in the sports pages but it explains why the annual Rothwell 10k is called The Wild Boar Stampede by the organisers, and it serves to introduce a note of culture to an otherwise routine sports report.

There are in fact plenty of bores left in England, including some in the running fraternity, but thankfully they remained untroubled by aristocratic marksmen on Sunday as a large field of nearly 700 runners contested the 10k. Just five Viking Striders made the trip, but such was the quality of this little group that four of the five either beat the 40 minute barrier or just missed out by seconds. The only fly in the ointment was the old chap at the back who cited injury as the reason, proving that an experienced runner always has a range of excuses ready for a poor performance.

The two front runners were Andy Masterman (25^th overall) and Simon Griffin, both fantastic efforts, Andy because he smashed his previous best by over one and a half minutes, and Simon because he has had no time to recover from last week’s London Marathon.

Neil "Half Man Half Biscuit" Bentley was in next despite his persistent refusal to train (good to see him back anyway) closely followed by Mark Thompson, who is working harder and harder to beat 40 minutes but this race may have come too early in the season for him. The next attempt is at Askern in a month’s time.

Rothwell times: Andy Masterman 35.29, Simon Griffin 37.41, Neil Bentley 40.32, Mark Thompson 40.36, Nigel Warner 44.12.