A damp and grey dawn on St Stephens day saw seven members of Grantham Running Club make their way to Rauceby Hall Estate for the inaugural winter 10k trail race; or was it cross country?
Farm tracks, country foot paths, open ploughed fields and woodland paths were all included in the course. The damp conditions made it demanding and challenging but also fun for all the competitors.
First to the finishing line for GRC in fourth position was the racing postie Gavin Potter, in 40:17. Despite being a little reticent about running off hard road surfaces he produced an excellent time. Just behind was the ever consistent Russell Whitaker who would have pushed Gavin harder if he had not overshot and had to turn around to get back on course earlier in the race. He crossed the line in fifth position in 42:17.
Peter Jennings followed in next with a credible time of 50:04, demonstrating that Christmas pudding is the ideal running fuel.
Deciding to race just a few days before the event, the sole lady for the club Hannah Whitaker crossed the line in 53:38, showing that marzipan chocolates help one to race well. Racing in tandem and less than one second behind Adrian Land produced a splendid time of 53:39.
Paul Jepson came in next with a time of 58:17 the senior competitor in the event and finishing well within the top half of the field.
Running for the first time in this type of event after joining GRC from the couch to 5k course earlier in the year, the ever improving Jaimie Lord, finished with a time of 1:02:11.
One hundred and thirty six runners took part in the event and were rewarded with a race medal, a goody bag and best of all a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Lots of spectators, friends and families supported and encouraged the competitors around the course on the day and the race organiser’s planned a wonderful event to blow away any Christmas day indulging.
Race report by P Jepson
Photos c/o Total Race Timing
