On Sunday 9th February 2025, nearly 650 runners took a trip to Butlins, joined by 8 members of Grantham Running Club. Partly to take in the sunny sights of a chilly Skegness, but mainly to take part in the 10K which has recently been taken over by Curly’s Athletes. The sun was shining early on, but true to form, it soon clouded over.
The route started at the Pig and Whistle pub, briefly taking runners out of the caravan park, before re-entering to run numerous loops past hundreds of caravans, watched by bemused retirees on holiday. Despite the repetitive nature of the scenery, everyone got their heads down, passing a water station at 5k that was ‘manned’ by seagulls for those needing a quick sip (including GRC’s own Jo Grace).
The finish line was back at the Pig and Whistle, concluding what was a very flat but also very twisty course.
First back for GRC was Gavin Potter in a time of 37:38. Gavin was using this race as a steady training run in preparation for the London marathon in April.
Second back was Robin Atter in a time of 42:06.
Sam Caton was out to get 52 minutes but came home in an impressive time of 49:13, nailing a new PB.
He was closely followed by Marj Spendlow who last completed this race back In 2022, not long after joining Grantham Running Club. Marj completed in an impressive time of 50:25 giving her a shiny new 10k PB.
Kate Thompson was still recovering from an injury and was told to take it steady. Things were going well ok until her knee began to grumble but she still completed it in a time of 59:28. She was cheered by the medal and T-shirt followed by fish and chips.
Anne Fleming finished in 55:57. She was followed by Martin Carter in 56:45 who was happy with his time. He recommended the race “if you like a caravan, a free sports massage afterwards and the fish and chips by the sea”.
Wayne Baxter loved the friendly atmosphere and the fish and chips afterwards. Finishing in 1:01:33 he was really pleased with his overall time considering the lack of training.
Emma Hopkinson crossed the line in 1:04:23 to round off the GRC contingent.
Overall winner was Ryan Page in a time of 33:25. Winner of the ladies’ race was Judith Broadbent of Lincoln Wellington in 38:19.
Photos coutesy of Angela Reeve and Patrick Barnett