In a field on the outskirts of Eye near Peterborough 6 of GRCβs veteran runners stood proudly in their club tops. Poised in anticipation, walking sticks and Zimmer frames cast aside, noses blown and laces tightened they waited behind the start line among 460 other runners.
The BBC weather team had kindly turned up the thermostat and the North Sea Wind Turbines were put into reverse to provide a stiff breeze.
Jostling for position at the start, then like a tide of humanity flooding round the course, sweeping past parked cars and squeezing through safety barriers, the runners huffed, puffed and sweated along the roads and over a bridge until reaching a lonely cone.
Turning round for the homeward leg, shouting encouragement at the runners still heading outwards, with leaden legs and Red Kits circling overhead, eyeing up the stragglers as a tasty yet salty snack, the runners hurriedly ran (some might even say raced) back towards the finish. With more squidgy squeezing and twisting turns they made it back safely across the line.
First back was Peter Bonner, follow by James McMullen, Rob Howbrook, Peter Jennings, Caroline Davis and Sarah High.
Results:
Peter Bonner: 20:14, position 103. Age cat position: 8/31
James McMullen: 21:16, position 136. Age cat position: 15/31
Rob Howbrook: 22:08, position 163. Age cat position: 3/11
Peter Jennings: 22:39, position 182. Age cat position: 4/27
Caroline Davies: 25:08, position 267. Age cat position: 1/21
Sarah High: 25:56, position 294. Age cat position: 5/13