Peterborough GP Series 2022 (Race 1 Eye)

On a sunny June evening, 6 members of Grantham Running Club took a trip down the A1 for the Peterborough GP Series, with the first of 5 races starting in Eye. After a 3 year break due to covid, 324 runners tackled the out and back route which starts at the Lindisfarne recreational ground before crossing over the A47, heading along county roads before turning at halfway and running back to the finish line.

First back for GRC was Sam Dodwell who despite the high temperature managed to best his 5k time from Lincoln by a mere 2 seconds, crossing the line in 19:08. Next back was Peter Bonner in 19:55. Following Peter was Robert Howbrook in 20:45 securing him second place in his age category. Catherine Payne was the first female back for GRC recording 22:09 in her first race this year following an injury. Catherine also secured second place in her age category.

Next back was Robert McArdle in 22:55 achieving a season’s best time. Rob was also 3^rd in his age category. The final member of GRC Vicki Ball who was pleased to make a return to racing following a bout of Covid which curtailed her training.  She was happy to cross the finish line in 26:48.

Next up is Stamford on the 6^th of July.The race was won by Stuart Hawe of PANVAC in 15:40 and the first female was Rachael Docherty of Higham Harriers AC in 17:55.

 

 

Baslow Bootbash

 

Just before the start at Chatworth House

The Baslow Bootbash offers a choice of a 14 mile or a 27 mile route through the beautiful scenery of the Peak District National park and is a favourite with runners from GRC who return year after year to line up outside Chatsworth House for this popular event. With the wild flowers in the White Peaks in full bloom  and light rain forecast it was a perfect day for trail running and attracted a quintet of experienced “Bootbashers” from Grantham.

 

Photo taken for the water sponsors

Sarah High and Nev Chamberlin opted for the 14 mile route which they had both completed before, with navigation not a problem they finished in joint 7^th place in 2:40:59 with Nev knocking a full forty six minutes off his previous mark set in 2016. Sarah was classified as third lady back.

 

On the 27 mile route which starts in the village of Baslow before wandering through Chatsworth Park, Edensor, Over Haddon, Sheldon, Monsal Dale, Cressbrook Dale, Foolow, Eyam, Froggatt and Calver, then passing through Bramley Wood and Bank Wood to return to Baslow you get full tour of the Peak District in one morning! The biggest improver for the club on this one was Andrew MacAllister in 5:36:00 in 23^rd position, an improvement of over 15 minutes on his 2018 time. In joint 12^th place Catherine Payne and Robert McArdle also enjoyed a fastest time albeit only by a couple of minutes. Catherine was second lady back.

Summer Solstice 2022

Following a 3-year enforced hiatus, some 550+ runners, volunteers, medics and spectators enjoyed the sunny weather and high temperatures for the Summer Solstice 10k.  The event, which is Grantham Running Club’s flagship race, took place in the quiet lanes around Long Bennington on a boiling Friday June evening and runners were treated to excellent support from residents who also kindly turned on their hoses to cool everyone down.

First of the GRC members to cross the line was Russel Whittaker who has been enjoying the benefits of his training regime.  His time of 37:24 netted him an impressive overall place of 21^st.

Alex Curtis continued his run of excellent results with a time of 40:44.

Sam Dodwell is another GRC runner who has seen some stratospheric progress in the last few months was next back in 41:11, a little off his PB but given the conditions he was still happy.

The first lady to come back for GRC was Penny Hodges who has been turning in some amazing results following a return to training.  Her time of 45:42 netted her 7^th place in the women's race.

Following on were Cameron Hoggan (47:58) and Mark Toms (48:15).

Russell Maksymiw made a welcome return to racing following a long-standing injury with an impressive 48:23 with plenty more to come as he continues his recovery.

Hannah San Hose found the heat somewhat taxing so slowed a little in the latter stages but nevertheless posted a sub-50 minute time of 49:47.

Esther Fraser-Betts defied all logic to post a PB of 53:02 in the heat.

Simon Allsopp was next in 54:03, then Peter Storey in 59:37.  Carol Storey followed closely behind in 1:01:15.

Holly Wragg was pleased to cope with the intense heat to complete in 1:08@20.

Jordan Skelly of Lincoln Wellington AC was the first runner back in a quite literally scorching time of 31:46. 

The first lady back was Catherine Charlton of Notts AC in an amazing time of 39:20.

Runners were treated to a bespoke medal and bottle of beer and the race village had a barbecue, bar and various vendors, giving everyone a reason to stay after the race to enjoy the atmosphere and warm evening.

First time Race Director Sam Jepson sends his thanks to the Long Bennington Playing Field Committee and Parish Council for the use of the facilities and the club look forward to welcome runners back for the next GRC race the Winter Solstice likely to be December 2022.

 

Grimsthorpe Gallop – 5k, 10k, 10 Mile, Half Marathon and Canicross

 

On the 12^th June, Grantham Running Club staged its own invasion of Grimsthorpe Castle when 21 members descended to take part in the Grimsthorpe Gallop. Set in the beautiful grounds of the castle, the event hosted 4 distances: 5k, 10k, 10 miles and half marathon. Various Canicross races were also on the agenda.

All four routes took runners through stunning scenery within the private grounds including the castle, lake, tree lined tarmac avenues, ancient woodland, grassed paths and for the 10-mile and half marathon routes a Victorian railway culvert. This terrain coupled with undulating off road routes made a challenging route for the runners, however those who competed in this race the prior year were very thankful for cooler conditions.

First to race was the 5k Canicross which saw Stuart Baty participating with his ever-trusted sidekick Oscar, coming home in 2^nd place in 24:03, and Paula Ebbins coming in 4^th place with Rosie in 24:38.

Next off for GRC were those competing in the 10-mile race. Julie Gilbert, Rachel Pattison and Rosalind Sadler used the race to make a great kick start to their London Marathon training plan. Teammates CJ Walker, Yvonne Buckley and Julia Hallam utilised the race to build up distance in preparation of the Dovedale Dipper 15-mile race. Sylv Hull enjoyed a scenic trail race after several back-to-back races, and Dale Towning enjoyed returning to racing following a recent injury. First back was Simon Allsopp in a cracking time of 1:31:03; followed by Julie Gilbert 1:38:03 (and first in her age category), Sylv Hull 1:38:59, Rachel Deans 1:40:03, Dale Towning 1:41:06, Rachel Pattison 1:42:05, Rosalind Sadler 1:44:49, CJ Walker 2:14:40, Yvonne Buckley 2:14:40 and Julia Hallam 2:14:41.

The 5k race saw Zoe Wragg return to racing after a recent injury which she was thrilled about, and she achieved a very respectful time of 26:50. Rebecca Rice also competed in the 5k race which saw her come home in 41:37.

The only participant in the half-marathon was Alex Curtis who stormed round in 1:36:39 which netted him 4^th place.

The 10k participants were the last to depart. Brendon Buckley, who has been increasing his mileage since returning to running, raced 10k a bit sooner than originally planned and thoroughly enjoyed the day. First to return was Mark Rice in a fantastic time of 50:12; followed by Nicola Cottam 58:59; Wendy Fraser 1:07:07; Tracy Webb 1:10:05; Judi Allsopp 1:10:58; Samantha French 1:11:49; Brendon Buckley 1:16:34 (and 2^nd in his age category).

All runners were full of praise for SBR events who consistently deliver amazing events in fantastic locations. The free event photography and rainbow medal ensured all participants came away with great keepsakes to remember the event by. Members are already planning their return distances for next year, along with a repeat of this year’s team building post-race picnic and ice-cream stop which was a huge hit by all.