Grantham Running Club race in the final fixture of this season's North Midlands Cross Country League
Fourteen hardy members of Grantham Running Club travelled to Bulwell Hall Park for the final fixture of this season's North Midlands Cross Country League.
The afternoon was sunny and mild yet there was more mud than expected which made for a very challenging, slippery and strenuous race for both the ladies' and men's teams.
The men ran three laps of the course in their 10k race while the ladies, who raced over 6k, ran two laps.
Harriet Morgan was first back for the ladies in 30.38, followed by captain Sarah High and the ever-consistent Caroline Davis and Paula Ebbins.
The club's men's captain, Sam Jepson, was back first for Grantham in 37.16, having done battle with Alex Curtis, a second claim member of the club, on the final lap during which they changed places five times.
Peter Bonner, 39.07, and Matthew Atter, 39.12, were next back after a closely fought race, followed by James McMullen who had a very strong run.
Rob Howbrook put in another great effort as did Jason Walker who followed him. Jason has participated in every cross country fixture this season.
Cross country regulars Peter Jennings, Paul Davis, Andrew MacAllister and Craig Drury completed the team, all putting in a sterling effort.
Yet again the event brought out the super team support and camaraderie that has been a feature throughout the season.
The general feedback was that it was a good course, a great run to complete the 2023 league and great fun making for a sociable afternoon.
The overall league individual results and results by age category after the four races are saw Sarah High finish 31st and second in age category while Caroline Davis was 34th and eighth in age category. The ladies team came fifth overall.
Rob Howbrook was first in his age category and 42nd overall while Jason Walker was 43rd and ninth in age category.
Peter Jennings was 45th and second in age category, Paul Davis 50th and third in age category while Andrew MacAllister finished 53rd and fourth in age category.
The club are now looking forward to more cross country with the Lincolnshire League and are encouraging more of their members to give it a go.
