On Sunday 7th April, 4 Grantham Running Club athletes made the short hop down the A1 to Rutland Water to take part in the Rutland Spring Half Marathon.
Conditions were gale-force winds, but at least they were dry and sunny (for the first time in around 6 months).
The course itself started at Barnsdale Wood and followed the water’s edge anti-clockwise, looping round the edge of Hambleton before retracing back to the start/finish.
The course was billed as ‘undulating’ which translates in real terms as brutal with hills, mud and more hills. It was going to be a day of triumph, inspiration, and determination.
First home and a huge welcome in his debut race in a GRC vest was Brian Hawkins. He made the podium, grabbing a fantastic 2nd place in a remarkable time of 1:25:50.
Next in was Anna Harding who did amazingly in the conditions to achieve 2nd in her age group with a sub 2hr in a time of 1:58.00.
Veteran Tommy Napier had to dig deep into his reserves and was happy he gave it his all with a time of 2:02:28.
Club newcomer Marina Racheva rounded off the GRC representation with a remarkable time of 2:11:45.
The race was won by Tim Kennedy, 1:23:39 of Sale Harriers with first female Victoria Cooke 1:29:59 from Stamford Striders.
Report by Tommy Napier
Photos c/o Mick Hall