Round 1 of the Grantham Running Club GP Series 2024 got underway on a cold January morning at the Oundle 10K. A bumper 14 GRC runners braved the cold in otherwise good conditions for racing, all hoping to set a strong early benchmark for races to come. Unfortunately, due to heavy rain the day before, the organisers decided to make a late alteration to the approved course which made the distance around 150m longer than expected.
First home for GRC was as expected, Gavin Potter. His time of 36:30 would have almost certainly been another sub 36 run had the distance been correct.
There were some GRC battles throughout the field; the determined Gav Meadows in 41:03 who traded with clubmate Adrian Land (41:11) and Daniel Pearce (41:26) who went at it with Andrew Pask (41:32). Then came Sam Dodwell (42:40) who edged Alan Carley (42:52).
Next came the first GRC lady and the only PB of the day. Carlene Veasey continues to improve at a rapid rate, posting a 28s PB with 44:33 despite the long course.
Simon Allsopp (49:50), Tommy Napier (52:56) were and were happy with their times. Andrew MacAllister is a man who could have done without the extra 150m. Getting helped over the line by a clubmate after blowing up catastrophically, he still managed to clock an impressive 53:03.
Next came Jon Whittaker (54:36) and Judi Allsopp (59:35) who will both be pleased with their times.
Kevin Wallace cut his race short at halfway after suffering from a niggle. He crossed the line with a 5k time of 22:36. Amazingly, a 30s PB.