Holme Pierrepont Grand Prix 10K

Just three members of Grantham Running Club made the short mid-week trip to the National Water Sports Centre for the Holme Pierrepont Grand Prix 10K road race. On a flat course that was roughly a lap and a half of the regatta lake, taking in some of the surrounding lanes, the test is always with the wind. With moderate winds on the day, runners were hoping for fast times and cool temperatures on the day meant that excuses were fast running out.

With a fresh tail wind during the opening mile, runners were given a quick start before turning into the wind the other side of the lake. Andrew Pask leading the GRC pack, tucked in behind other runners to save his legs for later in the race. Running purely on ‘feel’ he had his first glance at his watch at the five mile mark. Knowing there was a tough 1.2 miles remaining into the wind he dug deep to finish with a time of 40:49, someway off his best but a good marker for races to come.

Next was Robin Atter who is just trying to gain some speed in his legs after feeling drained by a tough marathon block through April/May. Setting off strong, Robin found the pace tough to hold onto in the second half of the race finishing with a respectable 43:36. Faster races to come from Robin for sure.

Marj Spendlow was the top performer on the day. As the only club member to achieve something special, Marj has only been running for two years is clearly enjoying wearing the famous green vest. Finishing with a sprint, Marj beat her previous PB which she set in Skegness by over 1 minute to clock an impressive 51:13 and finish 12th in her age category. Marj later admitted that she had the ability to talk to other runners which is a good indicator of extra capacity. Exciting times ahead for Marj.

The race was won by Dan Nugent of Mansfield in 32:33 and Natalie Bunce of Holme Pierrepont in 38:34.

LWAC 5k series Match 2

On the final Tuesday of the month nine athletes from Grantham Running Club travelled to Lincoln to take part in match two of the LWAC 5k series and challenge the perceived wisdom that “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result” as they tried in blustery conditions to improve on the May times. First home for GRC was Daniel Pearce taking a second off his previous best to claim a PB with Peter Bonner close on his heels two seconds behind. A further three seconds back was Gav Meadows in his first 5k for four years. The final finisher for the club also secured a personal best as Sarah High crossed the line over 20 seconds faster than she had ever run the distance.

Three of the runners also took park in the Mile Race half an hour before when the wind was a bit stronger putting paid to decent times and ended up having to use it as part of their warm-up – perhaps next month will be better!

Full Results below;

5k Time	Name
19.59	Daniel Pearce	PB
20.01	Peter Bonner
20.04	Gav Meadows	SB
20.09	Stefan Latter
20.44	Rob Howbrook
21.32	Catherine Payne	SB
22.48	Robert McArdle	SB
24:00	Paul Jepson	SB
25.04	Sarah High	PB
Mile Time	Name
5.39	Peter Bonner
6.04	Rob Howbrook
6.38	Robert McArdle	SB

 

GRC Club 5K Race

 For the 2nd year, Grantham Running Club hosted its 5K road race at Harrowby Hall Lane. This popular club event also welcomes graduates from its 2022 ‘Begin to Run’ course who get to sample one of the perks of running club membership and having a bash at racing. This race also acted as round 9 of the Club GP Series so plenty of ranking points were at stake.

First home in the men’s race was Joaquim ‘Flash’ Jeronimo who continues his super-hot streak of form with a brilliant 17:31. Having taken a few years away from racing, Flash is now enjoying the fruits of a new healthier lifestyle and a consistent block of injury free training. Flash was also the highest GP points scorer of the day with a near national standard 77.92%.

Hot on Flash's heels, was the lesser spotted but exceptionally talented Piers Pye-Watson who clocked 17:55 in what although unofficial, is his first 5k road race! We really need to get a green vest on Piers more often.

In 3rd place was the legend, Matthew Kingston-Lee. Matthew is struggling with injury and therefore had to ease into the race, only reaching full stride for the last few kilometres. Matthew’s time of 18:40 whilst impressive was some way off his official 5k time.

In the ladies’ race there were no surprises. The dependable Holly Durham romped home with an outstanding 20:38, only 4 seconds outside her best despite this being a fairly tough course. Collapsed in a heap at the finish, Holly’s titanic effort was clear to see and placed her in the top 10 overall.

Next was Holly’s big sister Penny Hodges who’s also enjoying a good run of form. Penny’s time of 21:15 was just 16 seconds outside her best but her 74.08% cements her place in competition for the GP Series title.

In 3rd place for the ladies was Rachel Hamilton in only her 5th ever appearance in the famous green vest. Clocking an impressive 22:15, Rachel should be itching to chalk-up more performances like this in the months to come.

Some standout performances from further down the field came from Wendy Fraser and Richard Urquhart. Wendy’s time 30.44 was near county level standard for her age category and bumps her into the top tier of the ladies’ rankings with 69.04%. Richard who is new to the club produced a brilliant run to beat his only time over the distance by 1min 30secs. His time of 26:00 puts him on a collision course for a sub 55min 10k. Exiting times ahead for Richard.

There was a cold beer (or gin, or soft drink) waiting for everyone at the finish for the 54 runners, and 11 volunteers who got involved in this event that has clearly captured the spirit of the club.

Peterborough GP Series 2022 (Race 1 Eye)

On a sunny June evening, 6 members of Grantham Running Club took a trip down the A1 for the Peterborough GP Series, with the first of 5 races starting in Eye. After a 3 year break due to covid, 324 runners tackled the out and back route which starts at the Lindisfarne recreational ground before crossing over the A47, heading along county roads before turning at halfway and running back to the finish line.

First back for GRC was Sam Dodwell who despite the high temperature managed to best his 5k time from Lincoln by a mere 2 seconds, crossing the line in 19:08. Next back was Peter Bonner in 19:55. Following Peter was Robert Howbrook in 20:45 securing him second place in his age category. Catherine Payne was the first female back for GRC recording 22:09 in her first race this year following an injury. Catherine also secured second place in her age category.

Next back was Robert McArdle in 22:55 achieving a season’s best time. Rob was also 3^rd in his age category. The final member of GRC Vicki Ball who was pleased to make a return to racing following a bout of Covid which curtailed her training.  She was happy to cross the finish line in 26:48.

Next up is Stamford on the 6^th of July.The race was won by Stuart Hawe of PANVAC in 15:40 and the first female was Rachael Docherty of Higham Harriers AC in 17:55.

 

 

Baslow Bootbash

 

Just before the start at Chatworth House

The Baslow Bootbash offers a choice of a 14 mile or a 27 mile route through the beautiful scenery of the Peak District National park and is a favourite with runners from GRC who return year after year to line up outside Chatsworth House for this popular event. With the wild flowers in the White Peaks in full bloom  and light rain forecast it was a perfect day for trail running and attracted a quintet of experienced “Bootbashers” from Grantham.

 

Photo taken for the water sponsors

Sarah High and Nev Chamberlin opted for the 14 mile route which they had both completed before, with navigation not a problem they finished in joint 7^th place in 2:40:59 with Nev knocking a full forty six minutes off his previous mark set in 2016. Sarah was classified as third lady back.

 

On the 27 mile route which starts in the village of Baslow before wandering through Chatsworth Park, Edensor, Over Haddon, Sheldon, Monsal Dale, Cressbrook Dale, Foolow, Eyam, Froggatt and Calver, then passing through Bramley Wood and Bank Wood to return to Baslow you get full tour of the Peak District in one morning! The biggest improver for the club on this one was Andrew MacAllister in 5:36:00 in 23^rd position, an improvement of over 15 minutes on his 2018 time. In joint 12^th place Catherine Payne and Robert McArdle also enjoyed a fastest time albeit only by a couple of minutes. Catherine was second lady back.