Heron flies home in Fen race, PANVAC veterans deliver a fine finishing position in cross country event

Abi Kefford ran well for Yaxley Runners in the Fen 10. Photo: Willow Florence Photography.Abi Kefford ran well for Yaxley Runners in the Fen 10. Photo: Willow Florence Photography.
Abi Kefford ran well for Yaxley Runners in the Fen 10. Photo: Willow Florence Photography.
​Ben Heron took advantage of a rare windless Fenland day by flying to victory in the Fen 10.

​The race which is run on roads between Wisbech and The Wash is often a battle against the elements, but the Helpston Harrier took advantage of perfect racing conditions to win in a time of 52:29.

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He didn't have it all his own way though as former Nene Valley man James McCrae battled him all the way.

McCrae, who now runs for Sheffield club Hallamshire Harriers, stuck with Heron for the first seven miles before dropping slightly off the pace and finishing in a time of 52:34.

Michael Kallenburg (right) after the Great Eastern Run. Photo David Lowndes.Michael Kallenburg (right) after the Great Eastern Run. Photo David Lowndes.
Michael Kallenburg (right) after the Great Eastern Run. Photo David Lowndes.

Better known as a 1,500m runner McCrae did gain some ground in the last half mile, but the gap was too big as Heron maintained his consistent pace even putting in a late burst himself.

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March AC’s Andrew Jakeman finished third in 54:49 with Helpston’s James Gelsthorpe fourth with a 56:29 clocking.

Steve Wilkinson of PANVAC placed sixth in a time of 57:52. while Nat Freeman was the third Helpston man home finishing 14th in 1:01:14. This helped to earn his club the men's team prize.

George Dove was the leading runner from a sizable Yaxley Runners contingent placing 26th in 1:04:42.

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Helpston also tasted success in the ladies race with Shara Jones finishing as runner-up in a time of 1:04:39 and Abi Kefford placing sixth with a 1:09.16 clocking.

Shannon Barton of Higham Harriers was a comfortable winner of the ladies race crossing the line in a time of 1:01.22.

Thorney’s Kelly Maddy came home ninth in 1:12.00 while Sue Ball of Yaxley was the leading over 65 lady with a time of 1:23.33.

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Werrington Jogger Roger Sayer was the first male over 70 home in 1:24.28.

CROSS COUNTRY A Peterborough & Nene Valley AC over 55 relay team finished fifth in the British Masters Cross Country Relays in Nottinghamshire.

With three of the four team members in their 60s, the PANVAC squad were one of the oldest in the field, but despite this they ran a competitive race.

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Paul Larkins ran the first 3km leg on the Long Eaton course in a respectable time of 13:15 before handing over to Malcolm Tuff in 12th place.

Tuff was the third quickest second leg runner with his time of 11:05, and he was followed by Dave Neal who was the second fastest athlete on the third leg with an 11:26 clocking.

This left the team in fifth place which was where they finished after Dave Knighton ran the fourth leg in another respectable time of 11:57.

SNOWDONIA

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RAF Wittering based serviceman Mike Kallenburg finished second in the Snowdonia Marathon.

Kallenburg runs for Swansea Harriers, but he is also a Helpston Harriers member and he crossed the finish line in Llanberis with a time of 2:33.39.

Kallenburg had finished third in the recent Great Eastern Run over the half marathon distance.

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Helpston's Ruth Jones was the 19th lady home in Snowdonia, completing the mountainous course with a 3:28.49 clocking.

Jones, who has been a top distance performer on the local scene for many tears, was using the race as preparation for the Valencia Marathon which she will run in four weeks time.

FROSTBITE LEAGUE

The second race in the popular winter event takes place at Nene Park on Sunday.

The junior event kicks off at 9.45am with the seniors due to set off at 10am.