February saw a variety of race distances covered by 42 members of the club, ranging from 10k’s to Marathons to Ultra’s with some Cross Country running thrown in for good measure!
The Stamford Valentines 30k was featured from the GP series calendar, but participants were not feeling the love running in pretty horrendous weather conditions. The Belvoir Challenge was equally as soggy and the club had representatives in both the 15 and 26 mile distances. GRC shirts could also be seen at the Rauceby Ripper, Fountain Abbey 10k, the Bedford Half and 10k and the Run for Cake Ultra.
Nominees
Nichola Webster was nominated for giving Cross Country a go for the first time, making her debut at the Stroxton venue and navigating the challenging course in a time of 38:27. Nichola also completed the Rauceby Ripper in 01:36:12.
Ross Warden completed the 26 mile Belvoir Challenge in an impressive 06:05:38 in what he described as the “muddiest event of the last 4 years”. Despite this, he enjoyed the many food stops and almost achieved a PB in the amount of cakes consumed mid race.
Joaquim Jeronimo has been totally committed to all the Lincolnshire League fixtures of the Cross Country season which has earned him a nomination for February. Flash always puts in an impressive performance and does it with a smile, despite the often less than kind conditions.
Jake Richardson, who is known for his strength and natural flair at Cross Country events, placed 1st in both the local Stroxton fixtures, winning by a clear lead on both occasions and flying the flag for GRC as top spot on the podium.
Runner Up
February’s Runner Up is the ever consistent Caroline Davis who had a high mileage month, competing in both the Belvoir Challenge 26 miler and the Ultra event “Run for Cake”. Caroline completed the Belvoir Challenge in a fabulous 05:31:35, not letting the mud and hills slow her down. She completed the Ultra race in 05:53:59, banking a distance of 53k (10 laps) in this time and bringing her home in 1st place, amazing!
Winner
The winner for February is Peter Bonner who represented the club in 2 events this month. Pete was first home for GRC at the Rauceby Ripper in a time of 01:06:42. He then came home in a time of 02:16:36 at the Stamford 30k, giving him an age grade of 68.97%, all whilst pausing his own race to help a fellow runner in need. The signs are good for Peter as we approach marathon month!
Congratulations to Peter, Caroline and all the other nominees.