Just three members of Grantham Running Club made the short mid-week trip to the National Water Sports Centre for the Holme Pierrepont Grand Prix 10K road race. On a flat course that was roughly a lap and a half of the regatta lake, taking in some of the surrounding lanes, the test is always with the wind. With moderate winds on the day, runners were hoping for fast times and cool temperatures on the day meant that excuses were fast running out.
With a fresh tail wind during the opening mile, runners were given a quick start before turning into the wind the other side of the lake. Andrew Pask leading the GRC pack, tucked in behind other runners to save his legs for later in the race. Running purely on ‘feel’ he had his first glance at his watch at the five mile mark. Knowing there was a tough 1.2 miles remaining into the wind he dug deep to finish with a time of 40:49, someway off his best but a good marker for races to come.
Next was Robin Atter who is just trying to gain some speed in his legs after feeling drained by a tough marathon block through April/May. Setting off strong, Robin found the pace tough to hold onto in the second half of the race finishing with a respectable 43:36. Faster races to come from Robin for sure.
Marj Spendlow was the top performer on the day. As the only club member to achieve something special, Marj has only been running for two years is clearly enjoying wearing the famous green vest. Finishing with a sprint, Marj beat her previous PB which she set in Skegness by over 1 minute to clock an impressive 51:13 and finish 12th in her age category. Marj later admitted that she had the ability to talk to other runners which is a good indicator of extra capacity. Exciting times ahead for Marj.
The race was won by Dan Nugent of Mansfield in 32:33 and Natalie Bunce of Holme Pierrepont in 38:34.