Great Eastern Run (Peterborough Half)

Last Sunday was the Perkins Great Eastern Run, the largest half-marathon in the East Midlands. Thirty two members of Grantham Running Club ran in the event, the highest number the club have had in a UKA Licensed Event. Many of them are recent members of the club and running this distance for the first time. The course is flat and fast, offering runners a good chance of getting a personal best time. 

A chilly start to the day with light rain made waiting for the event start rather dismal, unless you had the foresight to bring an umbrella, or a bin bag to use as a poncho. Once the race started, the weather proved perfect for running. 

The course, a single loop from the Embankment to Werrington village and back, going through the city centre. It is well supported, with many people along the route clapping and cheering, offering hand slaps and snacks to runners - Jelly Babies and Haribos being ever-popular choices.

First member across the line was Rob Howbrook with another impressive national standard run in a time of 1:28:50, closely followed by Dean Riggall in 1:28:51, Scott Jones in 1:30:22, Andy Atter in 1:31:02 and Gav Meadows in 1:31:06. First lady member was Holly Durham in 1:31:49, just three weeks after her 150km Equinox24 performance. But the days standout age grade performance was from Sarah High with a superb 1:46:48, her fastest for 3 years. 

Other finishers were Matthew Williamson (1:33:38), Nick Rossington (1:36:23), Rob McArdle (1:42:06), Gordon Geach (1:43:46), Mark Hillson (1:43:55), Andrew McAllister (1:44:18), SJ Willis (1:45:10), Sarah High (1:46:48), Liam Vincent (1:47:04), Paul Durham (1:48:43), Sinead McDonnell (1:52:36), Suzanne Britz (1:54:48), Rachel Birch (1:56:02), Martin Carter (1:58:06), Hazel Dunthorne (2:02:19), Nik Jones (2:03:25), Nicola Cottam (2:08:47), Jacqueline Jacobs (2:09:03), Louise Fenton (2:10:42), Frances Shelton (2:11:10), Ros Sadler (2:13:08), Kieran Atter (2:14:59), Lizzie Potter (2:15:00), Suzanne Angeloni (2:37:53), Beverly Toon (2:37:53). 

All the finishers were given a goody bag including t-shirt, medal, gels, pens, bananas and flapjack. Overall the event was a great success for the club, with many members achieving personal best times.

Photo: GRC members before the start