Waveney Valley Athletic Club’s senior members have competed in a number of road races recently, some of them choosing long events as a build up towards marathons this spring. At the Valentine’s 10k, organised by Norfolk Gazelles, Alan Varle won a Norfolk County bronze medal in the veteran’s 65+ age group, an excellent performance as Alan has already celebrated his 70th birthday. From a field of 447 runners, he finished 250th in a time of 51:33. Also racing at this event was Louise Adamson who was placed 290th in 54:17.

In preparation for the Bungay Marathon on April 19, Lisa Joyce took part in the Tarpley 20-mile event near Bury St. Edmunds on February 22. She completed her longest race to date in a time of 3-13.08, in 276th place. Also competing was Becky Langford, whose training towards the Barcelona Marathon this weekend received a setback in January following a cycle accident. After attaining a satisfactory performance at the very tough Stamford 30k the week earlier, at the Tarpley 20m she was pleased to finish in a time of 3-33.39 in 319th.

The Tarpley 10-mile race was also held, which started 15 minutes after the 20m. Bill Kingaby finished 74th in this event from a field of 353 in 1-11.54. He was third in his age group but first Suffolk UKA athlete. Both races were the first in this years Suffolk Grand Prix series. At the prize presentation, the awards were also given out for last years Grand Prix series, with Kingaby the mens 60-64 age group winner.

At the Gorleston 5k parkruns, members continue to achieve personal best times. On February 14, Rob Knights recorded 23:12, February 21, David Mower 21:07, Suzy Knights 26:20, Jane Hunt 26:57. Making a habit of improving his best times in each of the last three weeks is Rober Milner with times of 24:53,24:10 and 23:36.