On a thoroughly miserable, chilly day with biting winds, several members of Grantham Running Club, trekked North to Biscathorpe near Louth for this season’s Lincolnshire Cross Country Championships. The technical and testing course had something for everyone including hills, marshland, several stream crossings, and lots of mud and, as always, presented a challenge – the going in places was extremely difficult.
First up was the men’s race which consisted of 3 large laps of the course. Setting the pace for GRC was Peter Bonner who had a decent run finishing first for the GRC men in 47:14.
He was followed by Rob Howbrook who completed the race in 50:10 and was first in his age category.
Putting in a determined effort, Robin Atter was next in 51:32.
Cameron Hoggan, who was making his debut at the Championships, was next back, having had a good race with seemingly little trouble navigating a route through the water and mud. Also putting in solid performances in the difficult conditions were Craig Drury and Andrew MacAllister. Andrew finished fourth in his age category.
Unfortunately, Peter Jennings did not make the start line for the men’s race due to a windscreen wiper malfunction which resulted in Peter spending an hour carrying out roadside repairs in the icy rain whilst Sarah and Marj sat in his car, clueless in their ability to assist. However, repairs completed, Peter delivered Sarah and Marj to Biscathorpe just in time for start of the women’s race – there was no getting out of it and no time for a warm up.
From the off it was Harriet Morgan who lead the GRC charge making light work of the challenging conditions, finishing in a time of 30:50 and fourth in her age category. Next to finish was Sarah High in 33:52 and first in her age category.
Marj Spendlow was third to finish for the GRC ladies in 34:15 with Caroline Davis hot on her heels. Marj and Caroline finished second and third respectively in their age category.
The ladies appreciated the support of several of our men’s team and, despite the conditions, it was agreed that most enjoyed the event overall.
The bleak conditions meant that there was no hanging about afterwards with everyone hot footing it back to their cars to try and get warm. That said, we will be back to take part again next year.
Photo c/o Colin Wright & Louth Athletic Club