The historic uphill area of Lincoln has hosted a 10k race since 1997 and for several years has been part of Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All series of events which raise money to help children be happier and healthier and improve the lives of people living with cancer.
More than 2500 runners, including fourteen representing Grantham Running Club, gathered in the (rather narrow) starting pens on Yarborough Road in cool, dry and calm conditions, perfect for those hoping to achieve a quick time on this fast and flat course.
The City of Lincoln 10k has always attracted a good number of spectators and this year was no different. A great atmosphere was provided round most of the course and as the runners ticked off the kilometres the sun broke through the clouds.
First GRC runner across the finish line in a brilliant 35:59 was Joaquim “Flash” Geronimo, earning himself a new PB and 4th place in his age group.
Next home, after enjoying the perfect conditions, was Stewart Pick, also earning a new PB with 41:23. He remarked later at being thrilled to knock 1:46 off his previous best over this distance.
Alan Carley was next to finish having run better than he’d expected in 42:31. Daniel Pearce followed closely in 42:47 and Paul Davis ran his quickest 10k since September 2017 in a time of 44:54.
Simon Allsopp crossed the line in 50:41 just ahead of first GRC lady Marjorie Spendlow. In her third outing at this event, she ran a course PB of 51:14.
Next to finish were Esther Fraser-Betts in 51:43, Robert Pask, in his first race in GRC colours, 53:01 and Paul Kelly in 56:37.
Nichola Webster admitted later to not running her best on the day but enjoyed the atmosphere. She led a quartet of GRC ladies with a time of 1:04:10, Judi Allsopp 1:04:14, Wendy Fraser 1:04:29 and in her first race of the year, happy to make it round with minimal training Lou Kennedy finished in 1:11:50.
The race was won by Jordan Skelly of Lincoln Wellington Athletic Club in 30:19 just pipping Lewis Jagger into second place by 1 second!
First lady to finish was Lincoln Wellington’s Abbie Donnelly 31:42.
All agreed that this is a great course with a fantastic atmosphere created by the supporters. All were also in agreement that the unusually narrow start spoilt what would otherwise have been a perfect race day.
Report by Paul Davis
Photos by Andrew Scott Photography