Plenty of choice for runners

WITH three races on offer over roads, the country and even along a railway line, you might have expected more than just seven of the Great Yarmouth Road Runners to be out and about last Sunday.

Four of the Seasiders were at the Turkey Trot ten-miler at Beccles. The GYRR quartet can be more than pleased with their performances, led home by newcomer Matthew Sutton in one of his first races for the club.

Next was John Hills, running strongly and delighted to be first in his age category. So too was the indefatigable Carole Spong, while Rod Shulver showed just why he is one of the most frequent trainers and racers in the club at the moment.

Maintaining the club's interest in the cross-country scene were the trio of Richard Blake, Stephen Haughton and Mike Spragg, who showed up at a fog-laden Shouldham Warren for the third race in the Ryston Runners' cross-country series.

This series, organised so expertly by Martin Simmonds and his team, remains a top draw.

The third race, over a fast 6.5 kilometre course, saw Blake as first clubman home, (also second in his age category), followed by Haughton and Spragg, (first in his age category).

The third race on offer was the Buxton 5k Christmas race which attracted over 150 competitors, with not a single Road Runner in attendance, unlike in previous years when a festive time was had by all.

As the running season gathers pace there are going to be more weekends when there will be several races to choose from. Hopefully local participation will be a little better than on this occasion.

Results. Turkey Trot 10 miles, Sunday, December 14 - Great Yarmouth Road Runners: 1 Matthew Sutton 1-6:29, 2 John Hills 1-14: 13 first over 60, 3 Carole Spong 1-23:36 first over 60, 4 Rod Shulver 1-30:25.

Ryston Runners' Cross Country race three, Sunday, December 14 - Great Yarmouth Road Runners: 1 Richard Blake second over 55, 2 Stephen Haughton, 3 Mike Spragg first over 60.