Grimsthorpe 10

 One sleepy Sunday morning, while most sane people slept soundly in their beds or were recovering from a Saturday night partying with the Foo's at Glastonbury, an army of green vests made the procession from Grantham to Grimsthorpe. 

The 25th June saw SBR Events host the fourth of their 10/10 series. Runners were spoilt for choice with races ranging from a 5k family friendly fun run to half marathon distance with a canicross option available for all 5km, 10km, 10 mile and 13.1 mile distances. A beautifully detailed, bespoke finishers medal, t shirt and goodie bag was enough to lure runners to the finish. Grantham Running Club members; Scott Jones, Rosalind Sadler, Sue Swann, Tracey Smith, Vicky Willan, Justyna Gill, Belinda Baker, Angela Carr, Yvette Taylor and CJ Walker took on the 10 km route. Nicola Cottam, SJ Willis, Caroline Davis, Jacqueline Jacobs, Paul Davis, Peter Bonner, Martin Carter, Gav Meadows and Nicholas Jones completed the 10 mile race while the fearless Rachael Smith and Hazel Dunthorne battled and won pb's in the half marathon.

 

The start and finish area in front of the castle made an impressive backdrop for finish photos and trails boasted the beauty and charm of our county's countryside. Many runners commented on the hills and challenging and varied terrain including tree lined avenues and a redundant Victorian railway cutlet which is rarely seen by the public. The tough course was reflected in the times of even the lead runners and many of the Grantham Running Club who had turned out, treating the event as a chance to experience a more sociable and relaxed race atmosphere, some who had raced less than 48 hours previous in the club's own Summer Solstice 10k in Long Bennington.

Scott had an inspiringly strong run

First green vest home competing in the 10km race was Scott Jones. Scott ran an inspiringly strong 43:52 in his first race since injury and was rewarded with 3rd place overall, his first podium finish! After collecting his trophy Scott commented that he was obviously chuffed to have been placed so high, however, was more thrilled to have run pain free which meant he could return to training "full throttle" again.

Another podium place was for the men's 10 mile team, who claimed first place; Paul Davis, Peter Bonner, Martin Carter and Gav Meadows.

Team prize for Martin

Other successes for the club were the 10km ladies team; Rosalind Sadler, Sue Swann and new member Tracey Smith receiving second place. Tracey, who has clearly been bitten by the running bug, said she would wear her medal with pride all week. The ladies 10 mile team; Nicola Cottam, SJ Willis and Caroline Davis, also returning from injury, also claimed second place despite SJ suffering from breathing difficulties during the final mile.

The event was a testament to the spirit of the running club and the running community with great support from fellow athletes, marshals and family members. Many runners left already talking about race strategies for next year.