ATHLETICS: Kettering runner wins the Eye Grand Prix

Despite a huge downpour before the race and a high level of humidity there were still some eye-catching performances in both the 5k and the junior 3k race.

The quality was clear to see, with Jonathan Goringe of Kettering Town Harriers coming home in first place in a time of 15.39, with local runner Stuart Haw of Peterborough AC second in 15.48 and veteran John Pike in third in a time of 16.05.

The rivalry for the overall title is starting to appear with Yaxley’s James Mogridge and Eye’s Ben Heron finishing in fifth and sixth place respectively after previously finishing third and second in the first race in the sox-race series.

A local rising talent in the guise of Eye runner Isaac Ellard is also turning in some great performances finishing in 16th place in a time of 17.03, an improvement of some 30 seconds and five places from the first race.

Ladies winner was Claire Somerton of Cambridge & Coleridge in a time of 17.40, followed by the impressive Grace Mullins of Nene Valley harriers in a time of 18.20, with Bethan Everson of Fenland finishing third in a time of 19.01.

Not to be out done by the younger rising stars of the local running scene, established local veterans and indeed running greats including Eamonn Dorling, Ron Cave, Jim Grant and the evergreen Terry Fone were all seen to be mixing it with the top runners.

The first three boys home in the junior race all came from Nene Valley Harriers with Ben Roberts (10.26) first ahead of Ethan Ellison (10.37) and Matthew Dowling (10.44).

For the girls Molly Peel of Bourne Town Harriers was first home in a time of 11.01 followed closely by Flo Brill (NVH) in a time of 11.03. This certainly puts Brill in a strong position in the series after having won the first race, Katie Tasker was third in a time of 11.49.

For Eye first home was Maddison Moore for the girls with Jacob Carty first home for the boys.