On Sunday 21st January five athletes from Grantham Running Club took part in the 33rd Folksworth 15 mile race. This race heralds the start of serious preparation for the round on spring marathons which includes Paris, Manchester and the iconic London one.
This event near Peterborough is a tough test as the two lapper takes you up Morborne Hill twice passing the BT tower before running along one of the most exposed ridges in the East of England. This year the normal ice and snow was replaced by an unseasonably warm day (for January) but unfortunately Storm Isha blew in just as the race began.
A notoriously difficult race to pace on a watch due to the three fairly steep hills per lap which results in fast times for miles one, six and fourteen with tougher miles in between. Although initially dry underfoot certain parts of the course were covered in deep mud as agricultural vehicles had been working the heavy land during the week.
First home for GRC was London bound Peter Bonner in a time of 1:45:25, outside his PB but reflecting the heavy recent training load coupled with a tough Cross Country season.
Next in was Gav Meadows in 1:53:48, Gav has no marathon plans but was just running for fun so especially enjoyed the warmer dry weather.
Holly Durham recorded second place in her age category with a time of 1:58:21, a remarkable result considering it was her first run in a week due to illness!
Robert McArdle clocked 2:06:17 with the final club finisher being Martin Rodell, also getting ready for his first London crossing the line in 2:12:30 in his longest race to date.
The race winners were David Hudson of Huntingdonshire AC in 1:22:57 and Rachel Doherty of Higham Harriers in 1:37:22