Organised by Redhill Road Runners, this 5K race was held in the beautiful grounds of Newstead Abbey on a very warm Friday night. The chip-timed event attracted nearly 300 runners of all abilities from elite to recreational.
Runners had a longish uphill walk to the start, the upside being a first 1km back down again where everyone ran as fast as their legs would carry them to gain a little time. The downhill ended too soon by the Abbey and lake and was followed by a sharp incline into a tree lined route. Runners then had a long stretch to the turnaround point where they headed back to the leg-sappping uphill finish in front of the Abbey again.
5 members of Grantham Running Club were represented. First back was Jack Heathershaw who is working his way back to full fitness after his injury at last year’s Benidorm Half. He acquitted himself brilliantly with a strong time of 19:34 in his first official 5K race.
Next was Sylv Hull who enjoyed the event and felt that she actually ran quite well. She came over the line in 25:01 which gave her a course PB.
CJ Walker ran strongly, her training efforts clearly paying off as she dealt with the tough, undulating course in warm conditions. She initially set out to come in at sub 36 minutes and her time of 34:14 added to her sense of achievement. She praised the event for the organisation, setting and support.
Julia Hallam had a super-fast first mile but was slightly bowed by the heat and undulations so she altered her plan of attack to completion rather than an all-out effort.
Rounding out the GRC representation was Yvonne Buckley who sprinted up to the finish to cross the line in 36:19. She struggled with the humidity on the night but hope cooler conditions will lead to faster race times.
First male was Jacob Nugent of Mansfield Harriers in 15:24. First female was Charley Whysall, also of Mansfield Harriers in 17:39.
