Newton's Fraction Half Marathon

Gav goes sub 90

Winning Ladies Team

​Sunday 5th March saw runners flood into Grantham along with a deluge of rain to top up Doris's puddles from the previous weeks. The 12th Newton's Fraction Half Marathon organised by GAC, was sold out to maximum capacity of 500. The mighty GRC team dominated the soggy track at the Meres Stadium, where the race started and finished, with a sea of 30 green vests, many beneath waterproof ponchos and bin liners.

Fifth PB at the half in 6 months

​The 13.1 mile route took in a good mix of terrain and elevation including the canal towpath from The Drift to Woolsthorpe by Belvoir and Woolsthorpe and Casthorpe Hills. Matthew Kingston-Lee led the way for GRC and finished in fourth place overall in 1:18:01 earning the MV40 prize and celebrated with daughter, Molly, who completed the 3km Little Apple Fun Run. Chris Limmer ran another strong race particularly after his efforts at last week's 26 mile Belvoir Challenge, finishing in 1:20:05 and 7th place overall. Gav Meadows was doubtful that he'd reach his sub 1:30 goal considering the conditions. Despite an ankle injury in a particularly deep puddle which spanned the road to resemble a ford, Gav soldiered on for the final two miles and even managed a sprint finish into the stadium to arrive home in an impressive pb of 1:28:26.

GRC members take shelter before the race

​Other victories for the club included first in age category for Rob Howbrook, Sarah High (both also completing the longer version of Belvoir last week) and Holly Durham. Holly, Penny Hodges and SJ Willis winning first place for female team. Despite the tough conditions there were a number of other PB's including Peter Bonner, Caroline Davis and Martin Carter. A special mention to the beginners' group c25k for braving the elements and distance. Many of whom were unable to run one mile without stopping this time last year before joining the club. Everyone finished with a smile and were rewarded with a t-shirt, medal and goody bag including locally brewed beer! 

Full results:

4	Matthew	Kingston-Lee	1:18:01
7	Christopher	Limmer	1:20:05
32	Gav	Meadows   PB	1:28:26
51	Matthew	Williamson    PB	1:32:40
55	Robert	Howbrook	1:33:12
65	Holly	Durham	1:34:27
75	Paul	Davis	1:36:11
87	Peter	Bonner   PB	1:37:52
91	Thomas	Williamson	1:38:32
104	Penny	Hodges	1:40:24
106	Mark	Hillson	1:40:49
121	Ben	Mason	1:43:14
126	SJ	Willis	1:43:38
155	Adrian	Walker	1:48:09
178	Sarah	High	1:50:36
200	Liam	Vincent	1:52:33
207	Caroline	Davis  PB	1:53:19
242	Rachel	Birch	1:56:47
243	Martin	Carter  PB	1:56:47
268	Tommy	Napier	2:00:31
339	Hazel	Dunthorne	2:11:09
345	Bianca	Parnaby	2:12:42
349	Paul	Durham	2:13:39
353	Nicholas	Jones	2:13:44
369	Jonathan	Lill	2:17:32
372	Rosalind	Sadler	2:19:51
374	Louise	Fenton	2:19:52
390	Yvonne	Buckley	2:24:28
391	Brendon	Buckley	2:24:28
401	Andy	Barradell	2:32:59