Grantham Running Club members took part in the Nene Valley 10 on Sunday.
Despite the slippery underfoot conditions caused by overnight leaf fall, the town athletes recorded some great times on this classic 10-mile course around Peterborough.
In the form of his life, first home was GRC new boy Matthew Kingston-Lee who recorded 57min 20sec to set his second personal best in as many weeks.
Ultra-runner Paul Rushworth was the next GRC runner, setting a personal best of 65.19. There were also PBs for Andrew Pask and Scott Jones, while Andrew MacAllister and Wendy Tremain made their debuts at the distance.
Other times: Andrew Pask 1.07.44, Scott Jones 1.10.13, Abigail Schofield 1.13.36, Catherine Payne 1.13.36, Robert McArdle 1.13.56, Andrew MacAllister 1.29.35, Wendy Tremain 1.31.48, Yvonne Taylor 1.47.43.
l The Grace’s Gallop 10km race took place at Great Ponton in memory of popular runner and coach Grace Plant who passed away in the autumn.
Despite being organised at short notice, the race attracted just under 200 entries and brought Ian Fisher, Jan Anderson and Dave Madge out of retirement.
Many of Grace’s close friends finished at the sharp end of the field, with Vicki Greenhall finishing as first lady and Sarah Walker first female veteran. Emma Johnston and Penny Hodges finished second and third respectively.
Promising junior Jake Richardson took the outright win in the men’s race with Matthew Kingston-Lee taking the runners-up spot and first senior home. Evergreen Arthur Short came in third as first veteran.
Now representing Wigan Phoenix, Steve Gould was first MV50 just a few places in front of Grace’s brother Dave Philp who runs for East Cornwall Harriers.
In 13th place overall and first MV60 was Steve ‘Bunny’ Bunn (Harborough AC). Also running were 1980s marathon star Phil Hall, Grace’s training partner Caryn Garner and Marathon de Sable finisher Adam Foyster.
Race director Gordon Geach said he was “astounded” by the quality of the field and thanked all those who took part.
l Matthew Kingston-Lee equalled his course personal best of 18.16 to cross the finish line first and 18 seconds clear in the latest Newark Parkrun.
GRC’s Lucy Roberts (26.19) finished as second lady in her Parkrun debut at Sconce and Devon Park.
Clubmate Kevin Baker came in sixth in 21.54 and Robert McArdle (22.59) was 10th. Fifth GRC runner to finish was Jane Mihill who was 15th lady in a Parkrun debut time of 31.03.