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.