GBRC are doing all wright

The Sudbury 5 Mile Fun Run is one of the most longstanding events on the local running calendar, dating back to the early 1980s. This Good Friday, five of our runners were up early to take on the course, which was everso slightly short thanks to emergency gas works being carried out close to the planned finish line. Our first runner across the finish line was Doug McGillivray who ducked under the 30 minute mark to finish in 29:36, as he continues his comeback from injury. Following Doug were Charlie Keitch (30:25), Justin Hayhoe (30:42), Craig Mitchell (30:54) and Kelly Hayhoe (37:23).

The main event of last weekend is a much newer one. Dave Wrights’ Colchester 15 and 7.5 mile road race takes place around the quiet rural roads of Langham and Boxted, and is organised by our very own Craig Mitchell. It might be quiet, but it’s certainly not flat. The 15 mile route takes in almost 700ft of elevation gain over two laps, whilst runners of the 7.5 mile event complete one lap of the undulating course.

There was a mass turnout of blue vests and over the 7.5 mile distance Kelly Hayhoe finished third in the women’s race in the fantastic time of 1:1:15. Over 15 miles, our ladies’ vice-captain, Lisa Briggs, also finished third in the women’s race in a new PB of 1:54:21, which also earned her a place in the women’s all time Top 10. Following close behind Lisa were Magdalena Komorowska (2:04:33) and Kathy Bishop (2:10:49) who earned themselves the prize as the first women’s team.

Not to be outdone, Craig Slocombe (1:37:28), Josh Beaumont (1:41:06) and Jon Mann (1:41:26) came away with the prize for the first men’s team and Craig and Jon also earned themselves a place on the men’s all time Top 10 over 15 miles.

Elsewhere on Saturday 23 March we had parkunners in action at: