The Rugeley 10 miler, postponed in 2020 (flooding) and again in 2021 (Covid-19) made a welcome return yesterday, February 20^th. Despite the long delay and challenging conditions produced by the tail-end of Storm Eunice, there was a good turnout of LRC members, all keen to put in a good performance in the first Grand Prix event of the season. For many, it marked a return to racing after the pandemic and/or injury, so there was some nervous anticipation at the start line!

The race was tightly fought, with Joe Goodwin and Hermione Green vying to be the first LRC runner home. Only a second separated them at the finish, with Hermione placing as 3^rd female in 1:09:11 (34^th) and Joe finishing in 1:09:12 (35^th). They were closely followed in by Owen Davies (1:11:14 – 44^th), Gareth Stubbs (1:14:09 – 58^th), Tim Nicholls (1:16:32 -68^th), Phil Sutcliffe (1:17:03 -70^th/ 1^st in age group), and John Hutchison (1:19:43 -91^st); then came Abi Kanabar (1:34:40 – 177^th), Alan Miles (1:40:01 – 193^rd), Alexandria Evans (1:42:30 – 206^th) and Marian Lowther (1:47:41 -218^th)

Thanks should go to Rugeley Runners, for staging such a well organised event. The well-signposted route was staffed by an army of volunteers who remained cheerful despite the conditions, and the organisation of the race HQ was excellent in every way.

What a great way to restart the local racing calendar! The next GP event is the Fradley 10k, on March 13^th. Let’s hope for kinder conditions for that one!