On Sunday 25th of January, 9 runners from Grantham Running Club joined more than 800 competitors to taking part in the Skegness 10K.
The ever-delightful Skegness provided characteristically “coastal” conditions (read: bitterly cold) and a route which was flat but very exposed to headwinds.
Starting at the Pig n’ Whistle pub, the route winds around caravan parks before heading back to the start.
Gavin Potter was the first GRC runner back in 36:38, having taken advantage of the tailwinds where he could. He was followed by Kev Wallace in 45:31 despite running with a hip flexor injury and toothache.
Robin Atter was next in 47:32, a solid performance considering he was still suffering the after effects of the flu.
Sam Caton finished in a great time of 51:00, followed by Jo Grace who smashed a new PB with a time of 48:12.
Marj Spendlow made a great comeback following several months off running with leg issues meaning her training was compromised. She set out to enjoy the run and was very happy to finish in 53:48.
Robert Croston was next 54:14, then Emma Hopkinson who only the day before had run a half marathon at Clumber Park. She finished in 1:02:58.
Jamie Footitt celebrated his 40th birthday in style by setting his fastest official 10K time with1:09:51, a result he was thrilled in being as his training hadn’t been all it could have been. Despite flagging at 7K, the legs kept turning and he knocked 30 seconds of last year’s time.
Everyone found the event to be very well organised with a great atmosphere and thankfully a warm indoor space to get changed and get a hot drink!
GRC came 7th overall in the teams with a time of 3:04:11.
The overall mail winner was Tom North in a time of 33:37, with Sophie George 38:34 first female.