Scott scorches to Spa victory

Scott set off at speed and led from the start, extending his advantage throughout the race. His finish time of 31:12 gave him an advantage of well over two minutes on runner-up Matt Pyatt of Royston Runners.

Nene Valley’s Philippa Taylor often trains with Scott and also had a day to remember.

Taylor is nursing a chronic achilles problem, and is unable to train or race to the extent that she would like. Yet despite this the 48 year-old GB international is returning to something like her best form and had a tremendous run, finishing as second lady behind Natalie Burns of Lincoln Wellington AC. Taylor’s time of 36:54 gave her a huge winning margin in the veterans race.

Peterborough AC pair John Pike and Paul Larkins were both age group winners.

Spalding-based Pike (41) finished fifth overall and was first Over 40 in a time of 33:53 while Larkins’ 37:18 clocking was good enough to win the former four-minute miler the Over 50 prize.

Jake Richardson was the first Nene Valley Harrier home, finishing 14th in 35:10, while veteran Sean Beard finished 44th in a time of 38:14, one place and seven seconds behind Yaxley Runner Andrew Todd.

Harrier Jay Belham clocked 39:31 while team-mates Emma Penniston and Nicky Morgan were eighth and 10th ladies respectively.