Runners ignore rain in race around the villages

THE Reedham Ten annual road race around the quaint villages of Reedham, Limpenhoe, Freethorpe and Wickhampton was orig-inally planned for January 31, however due to adverse weather conditions it had to be cancelled on the Saturday afternoon.

Great Yarmouth and District Athletic Club must have wondered what they had done wrong when they saw the forecast for last Sunday - torrential rain and strong winds.

Thankfully the weather on Saturday was better then predicted so they hoped the forecasters had got it wrong. However, it rained all night and just didn't stop all day, but the race went ahead with 194 runners - just incredible considering the conditions.

The winner Paul Higham from Norwich Road Runners finished in a time of 59:24, followed by Richard Scott from Wimbledon Windmilers, who travelled up on the day.

The first lady home Rachael Leathwood, again from Norwich Road Runners. In training for the London Marathon with a place on the Elite Ladies line-up, she broke the course record by almost three minutes with 1-08:33.

Norwich Road Runners claimed a clean sweep in the team prizes for both men and women seniors and masters.

All the runners were encouraged along the route by the cheerful marshals from GYDAC, along with the families and friends without whose help this event would not take place.

Despite the weather conditions several runners travelled from outside the county. All battled the weather to reach this remote location. All the winners were presented with excellent prizes by David Hale, vice-chairman of the Reedham Parish Council. All the runners received a replica running shoe as a reminder of the day.

Thanks go to sponsors and supporters MR Scaffolding, Asda, St John's, Reedham Ship Freehouse, Cobalt Systems Reedham and the Reedham Village Hall committee.

The next local race will be on Sunday, which is a two-lap 20-miler at Wymondham.

GYDAC's next race is the Humpty Dumpty 10K on Sunday, June 27 at 10.30 am.