Scorching hot conditions couldn't stop Alicia Lacey breaking the female course record at the Harling 10K on Sunday.
The Norwich Road Runner smashed the previous record by over a minute recording an impressive time of 41:08 in the latest race in the 2018 Sportlink Grand Prix series. Jessica Behan, also of Norwich Road Runners was second in 42:10 whilst Lorena Laitisaite from Ryston Runners took the final spot on the podium in 42:48.
Michael Wegrzyn (unattached) successfully defended his title, crossing the line first in a fantastic winning time of 35:11, successfully fending off fierce competition to ensure his course record of 34:30 from 2016 remained intact. He was closely followed by Matt Pyatt of Dereham AC eight seconds later and Neil Adams from North Norfolk Beach Runners who secured third place in a time of 36:29.
Angus Clarke (Harling AC) recorded an impressive time of 37:44 in sixth position overall – an impressive feat given he was also the second youngest competitor, aged 16.
A strong field of runners set off with temperatures in the late 20s and climbing.
The course navigates from Harling Recreation Ground to nearby Bridgham where the field gained a brief bit of refreshment from some 'Hosepipe Heroes' who beat the potential ban with mists and showers from their outside taps.
A dramatic left turn before 5km takes the runners off-road through the picturesque Harling Woods where glistening sunlight sparkles amongst the forest canopy.
The runners re-joined the road with around 3km to go and, after a small final hill, they make their way back to the recreation ground for a well-deserved cool down.
The organisers would like to thank all the volunteers and marshals without whom the event could not take place as well as the sponsors and of course the runners who coped admirably with the Saharan-type conditions to complete the race with such enjoyment.
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