Stamford Striders take part in the Grim Reaper race held in the Grimsthorpe Castle Estate

james.bedford@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 12:41, 25 May 2023

Stamford Striders fielded competitors in most of the distance categories at the Grim Reaper race on Saturday held in the Grimsthorpe Castle Estate on an undulating rural course.

The early starters all ran the longer distances and, although no Striders entered the 100 mile solo event, five ran the 40-mile challenge and one completed the solo 70 mile.

The 10 mile event was the most popular as it was also a Club Championship race and 13 Striders lined up for the 10am start as the day started to warm up in glorious sunshine.

Suzanne Moon receives the trophy for first placed lady at the Grim Reaper 10 mile race.

Stamford Striders team photo, back row from left: Wayne Staff, Nessa Winters, Chris Gold, Mark Johnstone, Jim Grant, Lesley Beckingham, Simon Carr. Front from left: Jenny Marples, Suzanne Moon, Cheryl Allibone and Nick Wells

Stamford's 'Near Miss' relay team proved they weren't like their name by winning the 40 mile relay.

More silverware was collected as Suzanne Moon won the ladies 10 mile event after finishing nearly nine minutes ahead of the second-placed lady.

Overall Striders had six runners finishing in first place, and four in second place, in their respective age categories.

David Babbs (10 mile) in white cap, first Strider

Results: 10 mile event: David Babbs (1:15:50); Wayne Staff (1:16:51); Suzanne Moon (1:18:41); Nick Wells (1:18:42); Jim Grant (1:19:43); Chris Gold (1:22:25); Alex Shaw (1:24:21); Simon Carr (1:24:35); Cheryl Alibone (1:35:02);Lesley Beckingham (1:35:05); Mark Johnston (1:56:20); Jenny Marples (2:02:18); Ness Winters (2:04:46).

40 mile event: Polly Albon (9:00:05); Rupert Clifton (9:02:39); Caroline Geddes (10:12:47); Ian Powell (10:12:47); Louise Lee (11:27:37).

70 mile event: Fiona Martin (14:50:13).

40 mile Team: 'Near Miss' - Keith Reid, Cali Robertson, Helen Schofield, Amy Hodgson (6:34:30).

The 10-mile race was won by Steven Sheppard in a time of 1.02.41 which was nearly three minutes clear of runner-up Iain Bailey (1.05.04). Will Baker was third in 1.13.04.

Mark Flitton won the 40-mile event in 05.51.50 while Mark Coley claimed top spot in the 70-mile race with a time of 14.32.17.

Alexander Whearity took the plaudits in the 100-mile event after finishing more than eight hours clear of second spot.

Ultra runner Whearity came home in 14.42.04 while runner-up Matthew Denniff clocked 22.45.50.

Athletics James Bedford