Popular road race

The annual Wymondham 20 mile road race continues its popularity in the racing calendar with the entry limit of 300 being reached well in advance.

WYMONDHAM ATHLETIC CLUB

The annual Wymondham 20 mile road race continues its popularity in the racing calendar with the entry limit of 300 being reached well in advance. First organized by Wymondham AC back in 1989 the event is used by many runners to assess their fitness and endurance in preparation for the London Marathon in April.

Starting at the picturesque Market Cross, the route took the runners through medieval streets out on to quiet country lanes via High Oaks, Deopham and Morley to finish close to Wymondham Abbey just outside Cavik House. It was again the wind which made conditions hard for the runners particularly on the exposed stretches around High Oaks.

Although well supported by members of Norfolk clubs, it was the 'outsiders' who scooped the main prizes. Craig Holgate (Ely Runners) did not seem to be unduly troubled by the wind and he was the only runners who beat the elusive two hour mark, cruising to a comfortable win in 1-58:38 an impressive six minutes ahead of second placed Simon Dobbs (Moray Road Runners). First Lady home was Jo Tweed (Rugby AC) reaching the finish line in 2-22:41.

With most Wymondham AC members helping with the event, only three took part as competitors. Leading the WAC member's home with an excellent performance was newly elected Chairman Ian Sturgess in 2.27.38 followed by Tracy Stevens in 2-44:59. Tracy, like many of the competitors, was using the event as part of her training schedule for the London Marathon. Dale Cooper, running really well over most of the distance, found the going hard towards the end and finished in 2-49:11. All three were helped along by the encouragement from the 50 odd club members working as marshals along the route.

'We are really pleased with the way the event went', said race director Karl Chapman. 'To successfully stage such a large road race requires a lot of dedicated people and I would like to thank my organising team and all Wymondham AC members and friends for giving up their Sunday morning (and their own run) in order to help. I would also like to thank Wymondham Town Council for supporting our event and the Red Cross team for providing emergency cover. Special thanks must go to Julia and David Barber of Cavik Hall Farm for the use of their private drive as finish area.'

* Wymondham AC meets every Monday at 6.30pm at the Rugby Club off Tuttles Lane. Runners of all abilities are welcome. Further details can be found at www.wymondhamac.org.