MEMBERS of Wymondham AC had a busy time competing in various events around the county.The re-scheduled Reedham 10-mile road race attracted a field of 200 competitors with six Wymondham AC runners amongst them.

MEMBERS of Wymondham AC had a busy time competing in various events around the county.

The re-scheduled Reedham 10-mile road race attracted a field of 200 competitors with six Wymondham AC runners amongst them. Strong winds and driving rain made it hard for the runners.

First home for WAC was Ed Greenland in 1-06:35, followed by Nick Baldwin in 1-10:38. In the older age groups, Patrick Larke (M50) and Robert Ewin (M60) both performed well finishing in 1-14:24 and 1-25:01 respectively. Graham Coleman, the only WAC member who managed to run a personal best time despite the difficult conditions, reached the finish line in 1-17:20. Wymondham's only female, Wendy Larke, followed in 1-52:16.

On the same day, four members battled over the toughest cross-country course in Norfolk in the five-mile event at Stody Estate. The already demanding course had deteriorated into a mudbath and only the most hardened cross-country runners rose to the challenge. Wymondham AC was represented by Phil Waity, Robert Scarfe, Eva Osborne and Louis Cooper.

All four displayed strength and determination, finishing well up in the field of runners. A strong, gutsy run by Phil placed him fourth overall.

The previous week, sleet, snow and freezing temperatures did not deter members of Wymondham AC to compete.

Fourteen WAC runners went to the Horsford cross- country race. The course over uneven forest tracks is already difficult under normal conditions, but the partially frozen ground, deep puddles and the settling snow turned the event into a real challenge.

As cross-country courses are not accurately measured, it is the finishing position which counts, rather than the running time and all members of Wymondham AC scored well in their age groups.

Phil Waity (second U17), Chris Barnard (third Senior), Andrew Vincent (sixth Senior), Andy Preston (first M40), Russell Cox (sixth M40), Gerry Watson (third M50), Mike Smith W (third M60), Mike Smith H (fourth M60), Claire Mills (second Senior), Sharon Hurren (third Senior), Juliet Cox (fourth Senior), Eva Osborne (first W60).

On the same day, six runners travelled to Bungay to compete in the Great East Run, a road race over the unusual distance of 20k. Although the going was tough, particularly on the exposed stretches of the course, some excellent times were achieved.

Eleventh overall out of a field of well over 400 runners and first home for WAC was Neil Papworth in 1-18:56. His time placed him third in the Senior category. A further individual prize went to Terry Epps, reaching the finish line in 1-26:22 he comfortably won the M55 age group. Next home was Neil Holland in a time of 1-27:14.

Tracy Stevens, using this event as part of her training for the London Marathon, reached the finish line in 1-43:05. Husband and wife team Patrick and Wendy Larke, both ran well. Whilst Patrick tackled the 20k, Wendy chose the consecutively run 10k option, finishing in 1-35:51 and 1-06:17 respectively.

The annual Wymondham 20-mile road race will take place on Sunday. For details visit www.wymondhamac.org.uk