Local veterans lead the way in the Thorney 10k

The start of Sundays Thorney 10k, won by Phil Martin (hand on watch).

Martin, who runs for Bushfield Joggers and Peterborough AC, completed the flat Fenland course in a personal best (PB) time of 34:08 with another local veteran, Welsh cross-country international Paul Halford, coming in 15 seconds later.

It was a fine run for Werrington Jogger Halford, who is returning to full racing fitness after a spell away from the action.

The ever-consistent Rob Brownlee of Nene Valley Harriers took the final podium place.

Stamford Strider Simon Fell finished sixth, with Peterborough AC veterans Simon Mead and Steve Hall both making the top 10.

Ramsey’s Lisa Marriott was the ladies winner running a PB of 39:08. Toni Alcaraz of March AC was runner-up, but was nearly two minutes behind the race winner.

Nene Valley’s Laura Grimer ran strongly taking third spot with a 42.51 clocking.

The evergreen local duo of Eric Winstone, running for Bushfield Joggers, and Eye’s Terry Fone won the Over 65 and Over 70 prizes.

Yaxley’s Roslyn Loutit claimed the Over 50 ladies award with a time of 45:42.

DARK SKIES

Nene Valley’s Yvonne Scarrott illuminated a gloomy Saturday night at Kielder Water with a starring performance in the Dark Skies 14 Mile Trail Race, in which she picked up two trophies.

The race, run on footpaths around the shore of the Northumbrian reservoir, which is noted for its lack of light pollution, started at 8pm just as the last of the daylight slipped away, and with just the beam from their head torches and minimal starlight to guide the athletes, it was as much a test of nerve as running ability.

The course was rarely flat and was designed to contain considerably more uphill than downhill. There was also the constant threat of wildlife disrupting the event, with locals speaking of an abundance of badgers and deer in the thickly-forested surroundings.

Scarrott finished as second lady and was 17th overall. To the surprise of the organisers, she also qualified for, and was awarded, the prize for the first veteran lady Over 50.

Barry Warne of Nene Valley was 12th out of 250 finishers and was second Over 50 male.