TR24 Liam's Team

Grantham Running Club team 'B', aka 'Team Beautiful' comprising of 8 runners (including a couple of new members to the event), came home at the end of the 24hours in 26th (out of 215) position overall; clocking 27 laps. The total on course time was 24:31 with an average lap of 54:30. Fastest lap for the team was logged by event newbie Sam Clark covering the challenging 10k course in a brilliant 44:46. Sam logged the fastest lap on his first and lap 1 for the team: starting at 12 midday under the incredibly hot conditions the bar was set for the team. Logging a total of 4 laps Sam gave an impressive first event showing, and came away from the weekend with enthusiasm for this race format. 

2nd fastest lap went to Paul Rushworth who covered the 10k in 47:45. Clocking 3 laps in total, Paul never strayed more than 4 minutes off this impressive record and kept the pace flying through the 24 hours. 3rd fastest lap was attained by Dean 'The Machine' Riggall with 48 minutes for the course. Logging 4 laps in total, all of which were below 50 minutes and with no more variation than around 1 minute Dean lived up to his nickname.

Captain Liam

Second batch of 'TR24 fresh meat' Jack Dodwell also came away from the event enthused and looking forward to competing again in this most challenging of formats. Jack was also the third of Team B to complete 4 laps - 51:46 being the fastest.

The enthusiasm of Sam and Jack is to be applauded - make no mistake: these were challenging conditions that tested the resilience of all of the runners during the weekend, with the only respite in temperature found during the nighttime laps, where traditionally laps slow as runners pick their way through the course, relying as much on memory of one or two laps as torches that never seem bright enough. But excellent dry conditions and a fantastic atmosphere throughout the course encouraged all to exceed expectations by adding no more than 5 minutes to day-lap times, and Dean and Jack impressively coming close to equalling their fastest laps overall. 

First time Team B Captain Liam Vincent managed 3 laps and 5th fastest with 52:13; Nev Chamberlain also logged 3 laps, 6th fastest at 56:53. Perennial GRC Cross Country captain Sarah High - who had suffered a recent injury - defied this possible set-back by logging 3 laps with 57:22 being the fastest. Providing an essential 3 laps for the team was 8th fastest runner John Bainbridge whose efforts ensured that Team Beautiful secured that 26th overall position by 10 seconds! 

Captain Vincent spent too much time trying to do maths at unearthly times of the day and night to try and keep the team schedule whiteboard on track. But at the end of the 24rs it was sheer enjoyment and gutsy performances that made for an impressive showing.