A memorable 2020 Belvoir Challenge, held on Saturday 29th
February, certainly lived up to its moniker as an intrepid group of 33 members from
Grantham Running Club braved the elements to complete the undulating, mostly cross
country race, remarkably with all footwear present and correct, despite almost
knee-deep mud in places!
Starting and finishing in Harby village, both the 15 and 26
mile routes followed footpaths, byways, tracks and minor roads through the
beautiful Vale of Belvoir, and with the kind permission of the Duke of Rutland,
included land in the Belvoir Estate. Annual variations to the routes ensure
variety for returning participants.
Organised by the parents and friends of children attending
Harby Primary School, the popular and well-supported event raises funds for the
school's extra-curricular activities. Runners need not fear running out of
energy on the challenging route, as the event is famed for its well-stocked
rest stops, with participants enjoying copious quantities of cake and
sandwiches en route and much-welcomed hot food served at the finish.
 |
| Phil went sub 2:00:00 |
After a false start, the race finally got under way and it
was Phil Devine who was the first GRC finisher, coming home fourth overall in the
15 mile event in an extremely impressive 1:59:32. Phil enjoyed the race,
although noted that some vague course markings had nearly sent him off route in
the closing stages of the race. In an act of great sportsmanship Phil actually
waited for the third place runner to return to the course having headed in the
wrong direction, only returning to the correct path thanks to Phil’s verbal
intervention.
Dean Riggall was next home for the club with a very
respectable time of 2:08:29, which earned him fifteenth position. Paul
Rushworth was third GRC male home, completing the 15 mile route in 3:02:59.
First woman home for GRC was Claudette Joint, who ran well in
the muddy conditions to clock 3:09:51. Sinead McDonnell was the next GRC
female to finish, doing so in 3:42:54, with Claire Martin following in 3:57:22.
Five brave GRC runners braved the multiple miles of mud to
complete the 26 mile course. Caroline Davis was first home for the club, finishing
in a time of 5:37:18. Mark Hillson followed in 6:21:10, closely followed by
Sarah High in 6:21:26. Hayley Staff enjoyed the experience, despite the
conditions, to finish in 7:03:51 with Justyna Gill doing well to complete a
very tough course in 8:54:07.
Even though the muddy course and changeable weather made for
a demanding race, many participants commented that it had been an enjoyable, friendly
and sociable event, with much positive comment on the organisation and support
from marshals. Although for many there was not much running to be had, so tough
were the conditions, the excellent refreshments were much applauded. Most said
they would enter again in the future, albeit hoping for kinder conditions!
Oliver Matharu won the 15 mile event in a time of 1:48:13, with
Chrissie Dover the winning female in 2:01:47. Chris Cope won the 26 mile
distance in 3:24:28, with first female, Verity King, finishing in 4:12:29.
Also completing the 15 mile event for GRC were:
Name
|
Time
|
Daniel Howson
|
3:10:46
|
Sam Dodwell
|
3:43:43
|
John Southwood
|
3:44:00
|
Gordon Geach
|
3:59:11
|
Michelle Parczuk
|
4:10:49
|
Kate Marshall
|
4:11:08
|
Sylv Hull
|
5:22:46
|
Jacqueline Jacobs
|
5:23:16
|
Nicola Fahy
|
5:23:17
|
Nicola Cottam
|
5:23:32
|
Martin Carter
|
5:23:51
|
Rosalind Sadler
|
5:23:07
|
Julie Gilbert
|
5:23:31
|
Kathleen Gray
|
5:57:50
|
Yvette Taylor
|
5:57:51
|
Sue Swann
|
5:57:55
|
Angela Carr
|
5:58:19
|
Amanda Mumby
|
6:03:20
|
CJ Walker
|
6:03:15
|
Vicki Geeson
|
6:15:06
|
Vicky Willan
|
6:16:41
|
Nick Payne
|
7:41:42
|
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