A sunny Sunday morning saw the Green Army descend on West Pinchbeck for the 10k event that nearly didn’t go ahead due to low numbers. Thankfully Halmer Harriers Running Club did a sterling marketing job and attracted a healthy number of entries and everyone who ran was impressed with the organisation and enthusiasm of everyone involved. The energy of the marshals keeping everyone going on the course was commended by everyone who took part. A teasing barbecue on the go prior to the race certainly encouraged people to get round quickly and sample it and there was a rare surprise of a photo booth which Sylv and Wayne gave a test drive before the remaining members squeezed in way too excitedly! Who doesn’t love a photo booth?!
Next it was down to the serious stuff, 211 people stood on the start line including 14 from GRC. There was a gentle breeze flowing around the course, which became a slightly unwelcome headwind midway round the race) which was a nice flat route around the outskirts of West Pinchbeck.
First home for the club was Richard Payne in P25 and a season’s best of 42:37, taking over a minute off his previous best this year. Next back in P60 was the in-form Dale Towning who romped home to a 4-minute PB, joining the sub 50 club in an impressive time of 49:22.
Next home and first lady for the club was Naomi Rivers (P76) in a speedy 51:36, continuing her great return to fitness. Sylv Hull (P87) followed in 53:35 and despite competing in a lot of races recently is showing some amazing consistency over a variety of distances. Next home was Paula Ebbins with arguably the performance of the day smashing a 9-minute PB in a fantastic 54:19.
These superb performances led to GRC winning the ladies team event, with top 10 finishes in their categories for all 3 them. Naomi and Sylv finished a very commendable 4th and 9th in their category and Paula finished in an impressive 6th place in her category.
Finishing in P105 was Wayne Baxter with a solid time of 55:21 despite a couple of niggles over the last few weeks which has affected his training. Shortly after was Emma Duncan who gave a mention to the splendid atmosphere and enjoyed the course which helped her put our a progressive run, finishing in 57:55 and a return to the sub 60 enclosure which she was very pleased with on the day.
Emma Weighill, in her first 10k race since April, crossed the line in 1:01:6 and was noted by the photographer to be the most smiley runner of the day, tackling the course with her usual cheery attitude.
Catherine Wallace was thrilled to finish in 1:02:18, as her return to fitness continues after a self-confessed custard habit derailed her training.
Next home was Natalie Hardwick in a time of 1:04:23 giving her a place of 21st in her category and she was closely followed by Yvonne Buckley in a time of 1:04:46 who also loved the event and said the organisation and flat course ensures she will return in the future.
The next member over the line was our very own parkrun enthusiast Julia Hallam. Her love of parkrun tourism has spurred her on to competing on a regular basis and her time of 1:07:42 was a big step in the right direction. Not normally one for race bling, Julia was quick to give a special mention with the words “Oooh look, a pretty medal” which was a just reward for another good run.
Saving the very best for last was the impressive Brendon Buckley who just continues to perform race on race. He finished in a time of 1:12:26 and also paid tribute to the well-run local event with brilliant enthusiastic support for all runners with a good turnout from the Green Army.
Race winner was Alan Oliver from Sleaford Striders in a time of 33:49 and the female race winner was Rachel Doherty of Higham harriers in a time of 38:24.
Female team winners were Grantham Running Club.
No comments:
Post a Comment