Grantham Running Club take on the challenge of the AEPG Great Eastern Run Half Marathon

Thirty-three members of Grantham Running Club stepped out of the morning fog to take on the challenge of the AEPG Great Eastern Run Half Marathon.

The flat, fast course began and ended at the Embankment, weaving through Peterborough city centre, heading to Werrington before returning to the finish through the stunning grounds of Peterborough Cathedral.

In ideal race conditions, 4,706 runners crossed the finish line.

Leading the charge for Grantham Running Club were David Poole in 01:18:24, Matthew Kingston-Lee (01:22:27) and Peter Bonner (01:23:10).

Close behind was Riley Maksymiw-Magan, competing in his first half marathon.

Setting out with a target of 01:28, Riley began steadily and felt comfortable throughout, smashing his goal with an impressive 01:23:12 — a performance he was rightly happy with.

Next home was Jack Heathershaw, finishing in 01:27:05 despite running the second half with what he thought was a stone in his shoe but later revealed to be a monster blister.

Following injury, Andrew Pask chose this event as his first race in 18 months.

Still not fully fit, the race went better than expected and he finished in 01:33:52.

Despite the disappointment of not holding his target pace for the last few miles, James McMullen was happy to finish in 01:34:32.

Kevin Wallace was next home for Grantham as the crowds in the final mile pushed him to finish in an impressive 01:36:14, a personal best by more than four minutes.

Finishing strong, Holly Durham had ensured to leave enough in the tank to up the pace for the final 5K and cross the line in an impressive 01:38:04.

Running alongside Holly for the first 10 miles, Russell Maksymiw praised her perfect pacing and finished just behind with a new personal best of 01:38:55.

Russell entered the race with modest expectations after a training block focused on supporting his sister’s race prep but the well-organised, enjoyable course helped him smash his previous best by three minutes.

Next back for Grantham was Mark Toms (01:40:21), followed by Clive George (01:41:05) who despite being slower than he would have ideally liked, was pleased with his time after recent performances.

Crossing the finish line together with matching times of 01:42:20 were newly-weds Adrian Land and Hannah Whittaker.

First-time half marathoner David Amos-Reeves set a public goal of sub-two hours, privately aiming for 01:45:00.

Starting strong, he hit a 10K personal best and reached 10 miles in 01:18:00, beating his Heckington 10 miler time.

The final stretch was tough but David crossed the line in 01:42:58.

Holly Wragg set out aiming for sub 01:50:00.

With conditions on her side, Holly felt great in the race and was able to pick up the pace for the last 5k, crossing the line delighted in 01:47:57. This was a personal best of more than three minutes previously set in March this year.

Anthony Boyle was next across the line, delighted with 01:51:28 after expecting a time just under two hours. This was only 28 seconds off his personal best set six years ago.

The next green shirts to cross the line were Michelle Parczuk (01:52:47), Harriet Morgan (01:53:44) and Daniel Wallace (01:54:15) which was a personal best by around two minutes.

Jaimie Lord was the third half marathon first timer to cross the line pleased in 01:54:50.

Jaimie found the conditions perfect for racing and praised the well organised and highly supported event.

Just nine seconds behind was Sylv Hull (01:54:59), achieving a personal best of around three-and-a-half minutes.

Zoe Wragg was next back for Grantham in 01:56:05.

Paced by Joe Clarke, Zoe set off aiming for a personal best but early on realised this wasn’t achievable and decided to pull back and relax the pace.

Despite the race not going as planned, this was still Zoe’s second fastest half marathon.

Addelle Pattison, racing her first half marathon, loved the flat route and the crowds supporting around the course.

The cherry on the cake was achieving her sub-two-hour goal with a time of 01:59:37.

Katie Wallace managed her goal of sub two hours on her first half marathon after finishing in 01:59:38.

A fellow half marathon first timer Rhys Nicholls was recommended this race and enjoyed the course and the event.

Despite the chillier than anticipated start, he stuck to his plan, coming in happy with 02:09:13, laying down a benchmark for next time.

Melissa Winter was nervous for her debut half marathon, going into the race with no expectations other than to finish.

Crossing the line in 02:11:42, Melissa was pleased with her time and soon overcame her nerves, loving every minute of the race. She found the support from the crowd and atmosphere was amazing.

Completing the amazing turnout for Grantham were Paula Ebbins (02:12:40), Amelia Britten (02:13:40), Catherine Wallace (02:13:56), Shannon Walker (02:20:43), Emma Weighill (02:24:31) and Natalie Hardwick (02:25:54).