On a hot and sticky Lincolnshire evening Grantham Running Club welcomed runners from across the East Midlands to Ropsley for the 2026 Summer Solstice 10K, marking the beginning of a new era for the club’s summer flagship event.
This year saw the race move to a brand new location with the wonderful Ropsley Village Hall setting the stage for race HQ.
The 10K route took runners out from Ropsley onto quiet rural lanes, passing through Little Humby, Sapperton and Braceby before returning to the village.
On a difficult evening for racing with heat, hills, and a new course, the event still saw runners achieve PBs, firsts and comebacks, The sellout race saw runners receive a warm welcome for an evening of joy, ice-cream, a cold drink and camaraderie. In a nutshell the Summer Solstice 2026 was a roaring success.
Nine, new to GRC, members took part this year, while the club also fielded its largest ever pacing and tail running team, ensuring all runners were supported and encouraged along the course.
All the GRC runners were unified in their opinion that the heat and the hills provided a dual challenge.
First back for the hosts in the green and black was Niall Ó Faoláin at 48:39, a very strong effort despite the heat.
Avril Nash was next back for GRC in 51:23 having really enjoyed the race.
Andrew Hutchings, who took on a running buddy role for several colleagues on their first ever race, arrived in 57:12 commenting that “Everyone loved it”.
Dean Watson finished at 1:00:48 in what was his first timed race. Dean, like all the runners, cited the heat as a challenge, but felt good for completing the event.
Tony Hart came home in 1:04:08, beating his target time despite racing his first 10K less than a week prior.
Katy Gilbert crossed the line in 1:05:46 in what was her second ever race. She had dismissed any PB hopes due to the heat, but she was delighted with the ice cream at the end.
Jessica Guest finished in 1:07:16, running her first race representing the club and coming away with a new PB.
Hannah McArthur, having opted to enjoy ice cream prior rather than after the race, arrived back in 1:09:19
Jamie Footitt rounded out the GRC finishers when he crossed the line at 1:11:49.
It’s fair to say the heat made conditions considerably tougher for all runners. Despite this, great feedback has been received from runners and spectators “Well organised, great venue, great views along the course, friendly and supportive marshals and runners.
The race was won by Chris Davies (Harrow AC) in 32:03 and Sophia Tucker (Clapham Chasers) in 40:43.
As the host club, GRC needed a huge volunteer effort to make the race happen, from the work beforehand to setup on the day, car parking, race number collection, marshalling, pacing, finish area support and more so thanks must go to them all. Particular thanks go to the Solstice team of Nicci Whittaker (Race Director) Zoe Wragg, Russel Whittaker, Matt Atter, Holly Wragg, Pete Jennings, Sylv Hull and Julie Gilbert.
Photos c/o Lincs Snapper and Ed Mayes Photography