Boston UK Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km

Ten athletes from Grantham Running Club travelled to the fens to take part in the Boston UK Marathon. Originally held on the same day as the iconic World Marathon Major of the same name, the lesser known Boston UK Marathon boasts to be the flattest marathon in the country with full, half, 10km and relay options and cash prizes in each category.

 The race was the pinnacle of months of training for many club members, with the recent rain clearing the way for favourable conditions and minimal breeze, which can hamper race conditions across the flat lands of the course. The grey conditions made way for bright sunshine and climbing temperatures later in the race, which hampered mid-race performance for many of the participants.

 Balint Beni and Andrew Macallister took on the challenge of the full marathon distance. First-time marathoner, Balint was proud to complete the race in 03:54:50 after encountering difficulties with leg cramps at mile 20 which meant maintaining pace was a challenge. Balint reflected that the race was a memorable experience with a scenic course, and the volunteers and spectators providing fantastic, encouragement and aid throughout the race. Long distance expert, Andrew Macallister crossed the line in a solid 04:37:58.

 The first of the GRC’s seven half marathon runners home was club favourite Robin Atter, running the race for the third year and continuing his upward trajectory in a respectable personal best of 1:31:12, securing a fifth in age group placing. Robin was followed home a few minutes later by fellow club member Penny Hodges, who ran a well-paced race and was delighted with a personal best of almost two minutes, landing her a top ten overall finish position, as ninth female. Club member Ian Burridge was next home in 1:56:06.

 Injury blighted GRC’s second lady home, Zane Wojtowicz, who experienced problems after 10km with her foot but despite this managed to secure a time of 02:02:57. Zane was followed home by Richard Urquhart, Joni Goodband and Rachel Deans, all running the half marathon distance for the first time. Joni was pleased to get to race day after a never-ending battle with injury and finished in a time of 2:13:31, recommending the race for first time half marathon runners as being great value. Joni was chased in by Rachel Deans, who found the race tough after mile seven due to the lack of shade on the flats, but commended the regular water stops and the enthusiasm of the marshals.

The 10km race option attracted only one GRC runner, Tracy Webb, who enjoyed the race and was pleased with her finish time of 1:02:51

The marathon was won by Richard Ollington of Thames Hare in a time of 02:30:00 with Johanna Oregan of St Neots Riverside Runners taking the female top spot in a time of 02:50:21. Unattached runner Thomas Sargeant took the HM first in 01:12:26, with Anya Culling securing third overall and the female first place in 01:14:41. Kristian Watson of Mansfield Harriers won the 10km race in 31:36, with Nicola Curtis winning the female 10km in 37:16.

 

Full Marathon GRC Results:

Balint Beni 03:54:50

Andrew Macallister 04:37:58

 

Half Marathon GRC Results:

Robin Atter 01:31:12
Penny Hodges 1:37:41

Ian Burridge 1:56:06
Zane Wojtowicz 2:02:57
Richard Urquhart 2:04:34
Joni Goodband 2:13:31
Rachel Deans 2:15:46

 

10km GRC Results:

Tracey Webb 1:02:51

 

Belvoir Half Marathon

Six members of Grantham Running Club made the short journey to the village of Hose in the Vale of Belvoir for the fourth round of the club’s own Grand Prix Series.

The event has taken place in the Vale since 1982 and follows a gently undulating, scenic route taking in the villages of Harby, Langar, Colston Bassett and Long Clawson. 

Conditions at the start were good, though overcast and quite chilly. However, the sun emerged from the clouds after around 45 minutes and bathed runners in its early Spring warmth until the finish. 

The GRC contingent were led away by Piers Pye-Watson who settled into a strong position toward the front of the field of 200 runners. After the 13.1 mile loop it was Piers who was the first GRC competitor to cross the finish line in a fine 34th place and a time of 1:29:48.

Next back, after a huge effort, was Paul Davis in 80th place and 1:44:26 followed by Peter Jennings (88th) in 1:46:02. First GRC lady to finish was Caroline Davis in 1:48:43, with Jo Grace 1:53:56 and Simon Allsopp, who was a last minute entrant, crossing the line in 2:04:42.

 

London Landmarks Half Marathon

2 April 2023 saw London close its roads in the city and Westminster area, so eager runners could take part in the Landmarks Half Marathon.  Over 17,000 Participants started on the iconic Pall Mall, then were able to take in the sights and sounds of London’s awe-inspiring landmarks, eventually finishing outside Downing Street.

It was an all-female squad of 8 from Grantham Running Club that arrived in London for a chilly start but the love of London and the support from the amazing charities and some GRC shout outs were very welcome to keep them inspired round this fantastic course.

First over the line was Rachel Hamilton who powered her way to her fastest time at this distance in an amazing 1:39:37. She was also thrilled to be running for the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, raising a fantastic £300, her first charity run of the year.

Next was Nicci Whittaker in her debut at the distance.  Having never experienced anything quite like it before, the atmosphere helped her around the course, especially when the race started to feel hard at 18k and she had to dig deep.  In fact, she was so pre-occupied, she didn’t notice running past Big Ben.  It was worth all the hard training as she achieved fastest times for 10k, 10 mile and the half marathon. Her overall time was 1:51:34.

Paula Ebbins had also been training hard and raising money for Alzheimer’s Research and crossed the line in 1:54:54, knocking an incredible 50 minutes off her previous best at the distance.

Holly Wragg continues her immense improvement and enjoyed the support and atmosphere and was pleased to finish in 2:04:52 which was over 14 minutes quicker than her last half marathon.  She was running to raise money for the Lincolnshire NHS Charity.

Emma Duncan echoed that the atmosphere was amazing with entertainment and spectators all around the course.  She was pleased with her finish time of 2:05:20 which was 5 minutes faster than her Great North Run time and she also raised more than £700 for Marie Curie.

Running in a pack of 3 were Vicky Platts who crossed the line in 2:26:55 and raised a staggering amount of money for Macmillan Cancer Support. 

Kathleen Gray was just pleased to the don the mighty GRC vest and to achieve a half marathon distance after too long a break away. To run and finish with a time of 2:26:56 fellow friends made it even more special.  She ran closely with Tracey Gell who finished in a time that was nearly 2 minutes faster than her previous best, crossing the line with Kathleen in 2:26:56.

 

Bedford Oakley 20

For those fancying a change of scenery from the Ashby 20 or miss out on a place, the Bedford Oakley 20 is a good shout.  Taking place around the same time as Ashby, it presents a good opportunity for those preparing for the spring marathons. There are 2 laps - a larger loop then smaller loop with a start of 2 laps around a field before heading past the race headquarters heading out towards the Bedford countryside.

It is classed as undulating with what could be called a hill to climb with a welcome downhill. This is where the 2 laps overlap and another 4 miles or so to run past headquarters again for the next short lap.

The sole Grantham Running Club representative was Caroline Davies who found that she initially needed to increase her speed but it looked like she could beat last year's disappointing time. Her eventual finish time was 2:53:52, about 8 minutes faster than last year.  This performance earned her a race hoody whose design took inspiration from the mad March hare.

The winner was Phil Martin from Peterborough & Nene Valley AC in 1:56:08. First lady home was Troi Baxter from Newmarket Joggers in 2:11:18.

 

Ashby 20

On 26th March Robin Atter and second claim member Kirsty Dickens from Grantham Running Club made the journey over to Ashby de la Zouch to compete in the Ashby 20.

The Ashby 20 is organised by Ivanhoe Runners and was established in 1989. The 20 mile race is over an undulating 2-lap scenic route mainly on closed roads and is popular with runners and ideal preparation for a Spring marathon.  The event presents a challenging route with plenty of hills.

The day looked to be a wet one, with heavy rain in the morning, but thankfully this quickly cleared up to leave a dry fresh morning for the race.

Robin and Kirsty ran the course together, which made for a pleasant run and helped tick the miles off whilst having a chat and supporting each other to complete the distance. On the route the pair were encouraged by numerous marshals and spectators. They even saw a dog sitting watching in a bed and another in a tracksuit.

Kirsty Dickens came home in 02:47:55, followed by Robin Atter 02:48:04.

All runners received the famous Ashby 20 hoodie, this year in orange.  The colour is always kept secret until the runners are awarded the hoodie on completion. Chocolates, biscuits, and fruit were also in plentiful supply at the end of the race.

The winner was Daniel Bagley of Mansfield Harriers in 01:47:36. The women's winner was Abigail Halcarz of Ivanhoe Runners in 02:07:53.

 

Ironbridge Half Marathon

 On a cold and rainy morning, new member of Grantham Running Club Balint Beni arrived at the starting line for the Ironbridge half marathon, his first race running in GRC colours. Despite the weather, he was excited to take on the challenge and see what he could do despite still suffering the effects of a bout of flu.

The route allows runners to take in the sights of Telford landmarks such as Coalport Bridge, the historic Ironbridge, Coalbrookdale Viaduct and Rough Park with a start and finish in the award winning Telford Town Park.

The first lap was around the Telford town park and was very narrow and it was challenging to pick up any pace and overtake other runners but the scenic countryside surrounding iron bridge was beautiful.

As Balint hit the halfway point, he was feeling strong and confident, thanks to the course being downhill. As they reached the world’s first Ironbridge, the course began to get more challenging, with lots of steep hills and winding paths, but he tried to keep focus and maintain the pace.

As he crossed the finish line, he was happy to see a time of 1:50:07, a new PB.

Overall, the Ironbridge half marathon was an amazing experience, more as a trail run with lots of puddles and mud, then a road half marathon. Despite the rain and cold weather, he had a great time running the course and pushing himself to his limits. The crowd support was amazing, with spectators cheering the runners on and volunteers handing out water and snacks along the way.

Caythorpe Dash

On Sunday 26th March 5 members of Grantham Running Club made the short trip to the village of Caythorpe for the biannual Caythorpe Dash. Held twice a year, the March event sees a 5k and half marathon race and September holding 5k and 10k races.

For the sold-out spring event there were 4 classifications: a 5k, 5k-canicross, half marathon and half marathon canicross.

All club members opted for the 5k distance with 2 choosing to run with their canine companions. The recent wet weather had made its mark on the mostly trail route adding an element of ‘fun’ as the runners dodged puddles and tried to avoid slipping on the slick sections of greasy mud.

In the 5k Martin Rodell was first home for the club in 9th place with a time of 24:58 having already run 3 miles to the event. Gillian Cardus and Vicki Geeson ran the race together coming in 37th and 38th place in 37:34 and 37:40 respectively.

In the 5k canicross Alan Carley ran with his trusty companion Fergus and with a great time of 21:24 came in 3rd place. Vicki Ball had run the event in 2020 with her dog Monty and was pleased to come in 33 seconds quicker at 24:11 and 7th place.

After the race everyone enjoyed a slice of homemade cake whilst they discussed their adventures in the mud and how trail shoes would have been beneficial.

The 5k was won by Ben Allen in 17:53 and Jenny McBain 22:38. The 5k canicross by Sarah Murdoch in 18:24 and Paul Chandler 19:53.

The half marathon was won by James Ross in 1:19:46 and Samantha Cullen in 1:29:08. The half marathon canicross by Jess Ross 1:37:43 and Steve Bienkowski in 1:57:58.