On Sunday 13 September 2026, six Grantham Running Club members travelled to Mablethorpe for the East Coast Classic 10K. Cool, overcast and still conditions provided welcome relief after a summer of heatwaves, giving runners near-ideal weather for the 10:00 seafront start.
The race returned under Lincolnshire Athletics, supported by Haven Holidays, and included the inaugural county 10K road championships. GRC’s Rob McArdle was race director, while volunteers ensured a friendly, well-organised event.
Early arrivals found the coastal flood gates closed against the 7.2m spring high tide. After Environment Agency approval, runners collected bibs at Mr G’s Beach Cafe before gathering near the RNLI lifeboat station. The start was briefly delayed while the RNLI carried out a scattering of ashes, before runners headed south along the promenade to Sandilands and back.
The mainly flat, traffic-free course included a few short inclines, sea views and strong support for the 270 runners.
William Strangeway of Lincoln Wellington AC won the men’s race in 30:30, while clubmate Sylvia Parkinson won the women’s race in 39:38.
First home for GRC was Peter Bonner in 40:17, placing second in the M50 Lincs County 10K Championship. He was soon back at the finish cheering on clubmates and other runners.
Holly Durham followed in 43:08, winning the F45 Lincs County 10K Championship, and welcomed the cooler conditions after the heat of Sleaford.
Niall Ó Faoláin finished in 45:20 with a new personal best. He found the concrete ramps testing but thanked Holly for pacing him and Tracy for reminding him to use his GRC Grand Prix race joker.
Paul Jepson finished in 51:35, improving his season’s best by two minutes and three seconds and taking second in the M70 Lincs County 10K Championship.
Lisa Udall crossed the line in 56:43 in her first race of the year, using the run as a fitness test and finding the flat course deceptively tough.
Tracy Webb completed the GRC line-up in 1:00:27. Although just outside her hour target, she was pleased to exceed expectations on a harder-than-expected course.
GRC runners praised the seafront support and organisation. With medals, goody bags, season’s bests, personal bests and county championship success, it was a memorable return for the East Coast Classic.
Report by Niall Ó Faoláin
Finish line photos c/o Sublime Timing