ATHLETICS: Grantham RC father and daugthter win bronze at Notfast 10
When Grantham Running Club send a team to a local race they are hoping to collect a few prizes and the 29th Notfast 10km was no exception with Paul Durham and his daughter Penny Hodges both picking up bronze medals in the County Championship section.
Catherine Payne finished as first FV45 lady and Nick Rossington out-sprinted team-mate Rob Howbrook to take the prize for second in the MV50 class.
On a challenging course not suited to recording personal best performances, the Grantham runners nonetheless recorded some excellent times. First home, in 16th place, was 10km specialist Ben Hodgkin in a time of 38min 38sec. The next GRC runner was Nick Rossington in 41.40 which placed him 31st overall, Robert Howbrook was close behind in 41.48, with Gav Meadows less than a minute adrift in 42.39.
Catherine Payne was the first GRC lady in 57th place in a time of 43.59, followed by Penny Hodges in 45:06. Next home was Robert McArdle in 46:10, with Nev Chamberlain, still suffering the effects of jet lag from his recent American adventure, managing a commendable time of 51.08. Husband and wife team Brendan and Yvonne Buckley finished in 61.37 and 64.04 respectively.
l This year’s Whissendine ‘6’ saw an exceptionally strong field, including six from Grantham Running Club, compete over the undulating six-mile course.
Numbers this year were boosted by many local clubs targeting this race as part of their club championships. The historic Rutland race, hardly changed since its inaugural event in 1985, proved a stiff test for the Grantham runners.
Dave Kay continued his recovery after a long injury lay-off to finish in 19th place with a confidence building time of 38:46, close to his pre-injury best. Ever consistent veteran Rob Howbrook was next to finish with 39:24, placing him second in the V50 age category.
Andrew Pask and Gavin Meadows raced to the line, with only one place between them, finishing with 40:13 and 40:20 respectively. Paul Davis continued his good run of form with 41:05, followed by a very strong run from Sarah High in 49:09.
Andrew Pask said: “This race provided a really tough test, in particular mile four which was all uphill. I liked the old-school feel about this race and, with whole of the village out to support the runners, it had a real community feel about it. It was great fun.”
