Bure Valley, Great Yarmouth, Southwold and Shouldham among the latest destinations for Ryston athletes
Ryston Runners AC members were in action on multiple fronts over the weekend, with the club hosting the second fixture in its Cross Country Grand Prix series while others took on road events further afield.
At home, senior and masters athletes faced a challenging 9K course at Shouldham Warren, where the club celebrated four category victories.
Phil Thompson (M50), Dickie Ebbs (M55), Jit Patel (M65) and Linda Marshall (F60) all claimed top honours in their age groups.
In the junior events, Summer James continued her fine form by winning the U15 Girls race.
There were plenty of second places for Ryston runners, including Charlie Foley Wray (U9B), Emily de Bootman (U11G), Oliver Sanlon (U15B), Leonie Stimson (SF), Dylan Whitehouse (SM), Anna Kahn (F35), Danny Smith (M40), Mark Ramsden (M45), Helen Driver (F55), Nic Bensley (M55) and Liz Blakie (F65).
Third-place finishers included Harry Leech (U9B), Alice de Bootman (U11G), Freddie Hubbard (U13B), Gareth Hunt (SM) and Chris Cann (M35).
Other strong performances came from Dexter Young (13th U11B), Maya Marcinek (7th U11G), Maisie Harrod (U11G), Joshua Downey (6th U13B), Nellie Chadderton (8th U13G), Andy Williamson (4th SM), Cody Pearman (5th SM), James Trim (9th SM), Alicia Pentelow (4th F35), Joanna Rodulfo (7th F35), Chris Chaplin (4th M40), Jake Whitehouse (4th M45), Chris Vurley (6th M45), John Crowley (5th M50), Tony Savage (4th M60), Kevin Richardson (6th M60) and Chris Milnes (7th M65).
As always, the club extended its thanks to all those who contributed behind the scenes, from course set-up and marshalling to handling results and serving refreshments.
Meanwhile, several Ryston members traded the cross-country mud for tarmac, taking on the “Chase the Train” race along the Bure Valley Railway and the East Coast 10k in Great Yarmouth.
In the 8.9-mile Chase the Train event between Aylsham and Wroxham, Ryston dominated, winning both the overall and men’s team titles, finishing runners-up in the women’s team standings, and collecting five individual category wins.
Nathan Stockdale led the way, winning the race outright in 49:38, also securing the senior men’s title.
Dawn Robinson took the Women’s victory in 60:32, while Kevin Howlett (M65) and Lynne Howlett (F65) both topped their categories.
Lucy McDowie added to the honours with 3rd F45.
Other finishers included Ben Keeley (8th, 55:29), Michael Howlett (34th, 65:36), Mark Fountain (49th, 69:20), Kevin Howlett (56th, 71:34), Lucy McDowie (85th, 77:43), Lynne Howlett (103rd, 80:44), Judith Berry (111th, 83:58) and Jonathan Gault (170th, 100:47).
At the East Coast 10k, Gina Hurrell continued her fine form, finishing second in the F60 category with a new club record of 47:44, improving her own previous mark by 30 seconds.
She was placed 349th overall, while Martin Elsegood completed the race in 69:37, finishing 31st M60 and 964th overall.
Finally, Lesley Robins represented Ryston solo in the Southwold 10k, sponsored by Adnams Brewery.
She ran strongly to place 117th overall and 12th in the F50 category, clocking 45:38.
