A rain sodden course didn’t stop nearly 900 runners taking part in the Valentine’s 10K on Sunday. 

Logan Smith was in a class of his own to take overall victory in 30.58.2 in the second race of the Sportlink Grand Prix Series, organised by Norfolk Gazelles - equaling last year’s course record set by City of Norwich AC (CoNAC) club mate Reuben Andrews. Luke Alden (CoNAC) took second place in 31:54 with James Senior, who coaches the CoNAC elite squad, third in 32:41. 

European Indoor medallist Holly Archer was the hot favourite in the women’s race, and she didn’t disappoint, taking victory in 34:14 – a new course record. Emily Ruane, who won the Reedham Ten last month, was second in 34:55 with Mabel Beckett (CoNAC) third in 35:18. 

Archer, who won a silver medal in the European Indoor Athletics Championships in 2021 in the 1500m, told Sportlink TV: “I usually do a long run locally and I’m in a training block where this just felt like it fit perfectly. It’s always hard to run a fast 10K in February in the UK and it was a little windy and quite flooded, but I was really pleased with how it went.” 

Eastern Daily Press: Holly Archer powers down the home straight to take the win

Heavy overnight rain had left some sections of the course under water, but Smith was pleased with his performance, just two months after running 2:19 at the Valencia Marathon. 

“You never know what the course is going to be like after the rain we had,” he said. “There was a lot of standing water but given the conditions I’m really happy with that.  

Eastern Daily Press: Logan Smith was out on his own at the front of the Valentine's 10K

“It’s my first race back since the marathon two months ago and I’ve been building quite solidly. I had a little taper off this week to help the legs feel fresh and see what’s there.” 

The Sportlink Grand Prix Series enjoys a little break now with the next race the Trowse 10K on Sunday, April 7.