On an unseasonably warm 24th November, 18 runners from the Grantham Running Club herd competed in Doncaster 10K. With going good to firm, and no sign of the forecast storm, the runners were chomping at the bit to start.
The popular event starts at Doncaster Racecourse, follows a loop in central Doncaster for 6K taking runners and riders back to the racecourse before a 2K out and back again before the final straight in front of the grandstand.
Gavin Potter, again outstanding in his field, finished with a remarkable PB time of 35:31, not furlong ahead of Russel Whittaker at 35:41. Galloping in next for the GRC men was the unhandicapped Peter Bonner, also achieving sub 40 minutes in 39:28.
The impossible to rein in Holly Durham, first mare for GRC came in at 42:02. Also galloping into the grandstand finish were Stefan Latter in 42:32, Alan Carley (43:50), Cameron Hoggan (44:21), Peter Jennings (45:18) and David Poole (45:59).
Hannah Whittaker (47:39) was closely tailed by Catherine Payne in 47:47. Jo Grace, on pastures new, finished her first 10K race just outside her target of 50 mins by 23 seconds, overall enjoying the experience despite an off-par performance on the day. Sarah High wasn’t horsing around, finishing in 51:29 and placing 8th in her category.
Blinkers on, Anthony Boyle finished in 51.55. Julie Gilbert, on the nose in 53:00 minutes. Robert Pask cantered across the line in 55:09, Addelle Pattison in 1:02:23 and Clare Mitchell in 1:05:01.
At the finish the runner’s nosebags were replenished with “toppings” pies and hot chocolate with unlimited marshmallows. Participants were overall satisfied with the organisation of the event with nothing negative to neigh.
First past the post – Samuel Roberts 30:57. First female runner – Emily Soanes 34:50
Photos c/o
Shoots Like a Girl Photography
