On Sunday 15th October, 10 members of Grantham Running Club took part in the Great Eastern Run half marathon in Peterborough. Runners hoped this year would break the “curse” hanging over the event, with the race measuring short in 2022 and a security scare cancelling the event in 2019 (2020 and 2021 did not go ahead due to covid restrictions).
The event got off to a great start with over 2,700 runners lining up at the start in weather conditions described as perfect for running. The fast, flat course had been improved this year, making it 100% based on road and the relocation of the start and finish allowing runners to run through the grounds of Peterborough Cathedral for the final stage of the race.
First back for GRC was Rachel Hamilton with a new PB of 01:36:40. Rachel was very happy with her time, allowing her to put this year’s Great North Run time behind her after being disappointed.
Second back for GRC was Kevin Wallace with a new 8-minute PB of 01:41:55. Kevin thought it was a fantastic course and thoroughly enjoyed the well organised event. He looks forward to attending next year.
Third across the line for GRC was Carlene Veasey who despite falling at mile 1, still managed to achieve a new PB in a time of 01:42:16. Carlene was very happy with her time and really enjoyed the route and how comfortable she felt whilst running.
Next to finish was Balint Beni who achieve a new PB of 01:42:35. Balint praised the prompt start, perfect running weather and a great course.
Emma Duncan was next across the line in a PB of 01:53:06. Emma was shocked having taken off over 8 minutes from her previous PB achieved only 5 weeks earlier at the Great North Run. Emma echoed everyone’s praise on a great course and well organised event.
Next across the line was Holly Wragg who was happy with a new PB of 01:56:16. Holly enjoyed the course and the support offered by spectators.
Keeping the GRC PB train on track, Joni Goodband was next back in a time of 02:06:21 achieving a 7 minute PB. Joni loved the race, the perfect weather and praised the organisation of the event.
Shortly behind Joni was Davina Honeywood who completed the race in 02:07:11
Katherine Thompson crossed the line to complete her second Half Marathon with a new 7-minute PB of 02:11:58. She found the event to be a great experience and enjoyed the excellent running conditions.
Gayle Smith crossed the line in 02:35:31 to complete the green and black army. Gayle was disappointed after an old injury flared up causing a lot of walking. Despite this, Gayle enjoyed the day and found the new finish through the grounds of the cathedral great. She looks forward to attending next year’s event stronger and better prepared.
Rachel Hamilton: 01:36:40
Kevin Wallace: 01:41:55
Carlene Veasey: 01:42:16
Balint Beni: 01:42:35
Emma Duncan: 01:53:06
Holly Wragg: 01:56:16
Joni Goodband: 02:06:21
Davina Honeywood: 02:07:11
Katherine Thompson: 02:11:58
Gayle Smith: 02:35:31