On a fresh but sunny morning on Sunday 30th November, 23 runners from GRC made their way to Doncaster to take part in the ever-popular 10k race. The event, organised by Curly’s Athletes, starts at Doncaster Racecourse and takes runners on a loop of central Doncaster before a long out and back section where runners can spot their fellow club mates as a nice distraction, before they head back into the racecourse for the final stretch in front of the grandstand.
The first 2 back for GRC were David Poole and Russel Whittaker who finished just 1 second apart, crossing the line in 36:15 and 36:16 respectively. This was a new PB of 2 minutes for David who loved the event and will be returning next year. Russel also commented on his enjoyment of the race and his result.
Peter Bonner was next in an impressive time of 38:10. He was just 6 seconds off the gold standard grading for his age, noting that the weather was almost perfect despite a slight head wind on the last downhill back towards the finish.
Finishing next and beating his previous PB by 7 seconds was Jack Heathershaw in a time of 38:30.
The next 2 runners coming in just over the 40-minute mark were Joe Clarke (40:10) and Matthew Atter (40:18). Matthew was happy to walk away with a 72% age grading as he had found the race a real struggle.
Holly Durham was the first female back for the club in a time of 42:27. This was Holly’s fastest 10k this year after struggling with her Achilles for most of 2025, so she was very happy to have some speed back in her legs.
43:16 on the clock saw Alan Carley crossing the line next. This was his first race in 4 months, so he was fairly pleased with the outcome and pleased to see a good GRC turnout and some great performances from club mates.
Adrian Land finished in 43:45, shortly followed by wife Hannah Whittaker who finished in 44:13.
Peter Jennings was happy to have a gallop through the streets of Doncaster and appreciated the cheers from supporters. He managed a course PB by 1 second, crossing the line in 45:17.
Robin Atter was mostly pleased that he wasn’t overtaken by anyone in a costume and especially enjoyed his veggie sausage roll and hot chocolate at the finish. He completed the race in 46:24.
Zoe Wragg was next home in a time of 49:41. She was pleased to achieve a sub-50 time but was more pleased to see the finish line after finding the race fairly tough.
Ladies Captain, Sarah High, was next to finish in 50:59 putting her 3rd in her age category and giving her an impressive 80% + age grading.
Sam Caton (52:34) and Emma Duncan (52:42) finished just seconds apart in both their debuts at the Doncaster 10k. Emma really enjoyed the course and was happy with her time, especially after a lack of racing this year.
Next home was Susan Copping who did better than she expected in a time of 54:16, following a period of recovery and rest. Carlene Veasey followed in 55:27 and commented on how much she enjoyed the race and that her main aim was just to have a comfortable run.
Nicci Whittaker absolutely loved the race and plans to return next year. Nicci crossed the line in 58:16 and was pleased to feel comfortable the whole way round the course, feeling like she had more to give at the end. A positive outcome following half a year of injury rebab and recovery work.
Tracey Gell was pleased to run faster than she had 3 weeks previously, finishing in 01:04:09. She felt the event was very well organised, with the bonus of a great medal and pork pie at the end!
Clare Mitchell and Kris Radford were next finishing in 01:04:52 and 01:05:06.
Having originally planned to finish around the 1 hour 10 mark, CJ Walker was elated to finish in 01:05:14, giving her a new 10k PB, which was last set in 2017. She loved the support around the course and getting some quiche at the finish!
Finally, Briarny Hayes crossed the line in 01:05:32.
Winners of the race were Daniel James from Cleethorpes AC finishing in 31:25 and the first female was Georgina Weston of York Knavesmire Harriers in 36:30.
Photos c/o Chris Cull, Patrick Barnett, Susan Forbes