Ethiopian runner storms Norfolk event to achieve a personal best

The course record was shattered at the King's Lynn Grand East Anglia Race this morning when an Ethiopian runner took just 30 minutes to complete the 10k course.

Thousands of spectators packed Lynn town centre as almost 1,700 runners took to the starting line for the annual event.

Tadele Geremew achieved a personal best time of 30:18 when he crossed the line ahead of race favourite Kenyan Zachary Kihara, who runs for the Birchfield Harriers.

The previous course record was 31:06 which had been set in 2010 by Paul Miles.

Cool weather and light winds created good running conditions for the GEAR competitors and the first woman home was Bryony Proctor, of Aldershot, Farnham and District Athletic Club in 35:40.

Second place went to Norfolk's Marie French, of the Ryston Runners, near Downham Market, in 37:15.

The first Norfolk man home was Damian Rogers of the City of Norwich Athletic Club in a time of 32:57.

Race director Roger Partridge said he had been delighted with the event and the number of runners, both serious athletes and charity fund raisers, who had taken part.

Hundreds of fun runners also completed the course with everyone from Superman to Minie Mouse crossing the finishing line - raising money for a range of charities.

One of the biggest cheers went to mini-GEAR competitor Thomas Fysh, 8, who completed the 1.2-mile course with the aid of a walking frame.

His proud dad Andy said his son had been determined to make it - and he crossed the line in around 25 minutes.

Last man home was 80-year-old Peter Jackman of March Athletics Club who has completed every GEAR and this year his time was 1hr 36mins.