Stamford St Valentines 30k

As many of the team as we could capture at once

Gordon before the race

Mark - fastest time since 2010

Members of Grantham Running Club continued their spring marathon work-up at the Stamford St Valentines 30k. This year the tough undulating course was made even more difficult by the freezing windy conditions but that didn’t stop confidence building times from being posted. In a race that attracts only serious runners, Gav Meadows was first home in 90th place with a PB equalling time of 2:12:36. Veteran, Rob Howbrook finished 6th in his MV55 age category in a time of 2:16:57 despite struggling over the last few miles. Catherine Payne finished an incredible 2nd in the FV50 category with 2:21:05. Also running strongly was Sarah High who finished 6th in the FV50 category with 2:39:56. Other notable performances came from Sinead McDonnell and Gordon Geach. Sinead, who stepped up from the half marathon distance for the first time was pleased with her time of 2:49:39. Birthday ‘boy’ Gordon, who made his debut in the MV55 age category, has returned to the marathon training scene after a few years absence. Paul Davidson once again acted as a guide runner. Finishers were pleased to receive their commemorative long sleeve training top and a pack of Love Heart sweets. After the race Sj Willis joked that it was such a tough run, she’s now considering taking up Crochet as an alternative.

Full Results:

Position	Time	Name		Category		Grading
90	02:12:36	Gav MEADOWS		MSEN		65.47%
95	02:13:22	Andrew Pask		MSEN		64.88%
96	02:13:15	Dean Riggall		MV40		68.59%
120	02:16:49	Matt WILLIAMSON		MSEN		63.09%
121	02:16:57	Robert HOWBROOK		MV55		76.16%
135	02:18:40	Holly Durham		FV35		69.28%
152	02:21:05	Catherine Payne		FV50		78.05%
192	02:25:35	Paul Davis		MV45		65.48%
201	02:27:24	Robert Mcardle		MV55		70.10%
235	02:31:25	Mark Hillson		MV45		61.89%
239	02:31:54	Sophie STANLEY		FV35		63.24%
286	02:36:56	Sj WILLIS		FV35		61.78%
311	02:39:56	Sarah High		FV50		72.52%
324	02:41:17	Andrew Spencer		MV50		62.32%
368	02:47:18	Caroline Davis		FV45		63.42%
387	02:49:39	Sinead Mcdonnell		FV40		59.78%
403	02:51:57	Neil EMERSON		MV55		60.09%
421	02:54:52	Gordon Geach		MV55		58.01%