Trent 5

 On the evening of the 25^th May, 11 runners from Grantham Running Club travelled over to south-west Nottingham to take part in the Trent 5 Mile organised by Beeston AC.

This traditionally distanced, rectangular course included river paths, canal paths, tarmac, and a grass finish.

Runners started on the road aside the Beeston Canal, before turning sharply onto compacted paths alongside the River Trent. The course followed the Trent all the way to Lenton Lane, through Thane Road, before dropping down to the paths of the Beeston Canal. The course then followed the canal paths back towards the start, before finishing on the Weirfield Recreation Ground field. 

Whilst being relatively flat, the multi-terrain surfaces meant it was a less than ideal PB-chasing course.

Nonetheless, there were several GRC runners who managed to do exactly that.

First home for the club was Sam Jepson, in a time of 28m 15s. Although his time represented a fantastic 2m 5s PB, and an age-grading of over 76%, Sam felt he could have gone even quicker on a road course.

Next for GRC was the ever-improving Sam Dodwell, whose time of 32m 38s was a brilliant PB of 2m 28s.

Darren Harley, back on his old stomping-ground, was the 3^rd runner home for the club, in a time of 33m 16s. Although initially disappointed with his time, he was delighted to see some familiar faces from his old running club. On his debut at the 5 mile distance, and despite being hampered by an everlasting hip injury, Alan Carley produced a fine run to finish in 34m 55s and achieve his sub-35 minute goal.

 

Next home was Paul Rushworth, in a time of 35m 17s. Paul found the after-race hydration and food in the local pub the highlight of the evening! Another to record a fantastic PB for the distance was Stuart Baty, who produced a great run in recording a time of 36m 50s. This represented an impressive 1m 34s PB.

 

Ben Mason crossed the line next in a time of 38m 19. Ben was followed by Paul Jepson in 39m 51s, another GRC runner to record a fine PB for this distance.

 

The battle for the next GRC runner home was a tight affair, with just 15s separating the next 3 runners.Naomi Rivers was the first GRC female back in a time of 41m 39s.

 

Following closely behind was Sarah High in a time of 41m 49s, which resulted in a fantastic FV55 age-category win. Wayne Baxter ran better than he expected, producing a strong finish to come home in a pleasing 41m 54s. All GRC runners commented on how well this small, friendly event was organised.

 

The first finisher was Derby AC runner Grant Cummings, in a time of 26m 03s. The first female finisher was Juliet Potter of Charnwood AC, in a time of 29m 10s.