The first Sunday in May (3rd May 2026) saw the 34th edition of the popular Langtoft 10k, nestled between Bourne and Market Deeping. Its popularity is testament to what is becoming a rarity; a well-organised village road race run by and for the local community.
The usual excellent organisation, friendly volunteers and local village support coupled with a flat course and ideal racing conditions (cooler temperatures with little breeze), brought a positive vibe to this year’s event. It was also round 7 of club’s yearlong GP series.
The 10k was preceded by a 3km fun run, adding to the family atmosphere and providing a warmup for the GRC members who ran with their children.
Leading from gun to tape, was GRC’s own top-boy, Jake Richardson. His rather neat 32:32 was another controlled and competent performance in his journey back to full fitness ahead of the summer season. He also broke the longstanding club record for 10K!
Next in was club Captain Russel Whittaker – newly inducted into the V45 category, he shows no signs of slowing as he clocked an accomplished 36:03 for 16th overall.
Posting a belting 78% age grading, Alan Carley ran 42:17. A golden race (80%) is surely imminent.
First lady back for GRC, the evergreen Catherine Payne showed her class with a solid 45:20 and 86+% age grade.
Having a fantastic day was Jaimie Lord and his upward trajectory continued with a well-judged, remarkably evenly paced race, bagging a shiny new PB of 48:35. This was a 51-second leap on his Lincoln 10k in April.
Next on the PB train was relative GRC newcomer, Niall Ó Faoláin, clocking just outside 50 minutes with 50:07.
Nicci Whittaker’s 2026 keeps on getting better. Although her 50:36 narrowly missed her sub 50 target, it still knocked more than a minute off her Valetta 10k in March. After “dying at halfway”, she produced a Lazarus esque resurgence to finish strongly. That’s nearly an eight minute improvement on her pre 2026 10k times — a huge uplift!
Matthew Sadler was another GRC runner to score a PB his time of 50:32, knocking more than a minute off his 2025 PB.
Another golden girl, Ladies Club Captain Sarah High, continues to perform strongly year after year. Her 51:31 once again broke the 80% age grade barrier.
Katherine Thompson came within touching distance of her 2024 PB. Just three seconds outside her West Pinchbeck 10k time from 2024, she ran 53:23.
Martin Carter has found his mojo once again, with 54:35 — his fastest 10k for around four years.
Anne Fleming blasted her way to a 1:07 PB, clocking 54:50, eclipsing her Skegness Coaster 10k from last year.
Rachel Pattison’s comeback from a broken ankle over the winter will surely boost her confidence; 57:58 was a real nod to her grit and determination.
Kathleen Gray showed granite like resolve as she progressed through the field, picking up the pace at every mile. Her 58:19 boosted her self-belief once again.
The smiling, energetic Tracey Gell came within 10 seconds of her PB — her 01:03:01 competing with times set back in 2019!
Nick Thorpe was elated with his new PB of 01:03:55, bettering his Woodhall Spa 10k time from last year by 28 seconds.
Brendon Buckley flying in the face of Father Time, as he keeps racing– an inspiration to us all! He closed off a slew of GRC magnificence at Langtoft, with many PB’s, fine season openers and a podium place, not to mention a new club record.
The Ladies winner was Ellie Piccaver of Yaxley Runners and Joggers in 39:29.
Report: Sam Jepson
Official Photos c/o Christ Lowndes
Full GRC results:
Name Chip time
Jake Richardson 32:32
Russel Whittaker 36:03
Samuel Jepson 40:15
Alan Carley 42:17
Sophie Carley 44:09 PB
Ross Warden 44:50
Catherine Payne 45:20
Ben Mason 45:46
Russell Maksymiw 46:23
Mark Toms 46:46
Richard Payne 48:17
Jaimie Lord 48:35 PB
Tony Johnson 48:41
Niall Faolain 50:07
Matthew Sadler 50:32 PB
Nicci Whittaker 50:36 PB
Kevin Wallace 50:36
Robert Mcardle 50:48
Peter Jennings 51:30
Sarah High 51:31
Julie Gilbert 53:20 Course PB
Katherine Thompson 53:23
Martin Carter 54:35
Anne Fleming 54:50 Course PB
Richard Urquhart 56:11
Paul Jepson 57:29
Rachel Pattison 57:58
Tracy Webb 58:12 Course PB
Kathleen Gray 58:19
Tracey Gell 1:03:01
Nicholas Thorpe 1:03:55 PB
Christine Sawyer 1:11:22
Yvonne Buckley 1:11:38
Brendon Buckley 1:13:39