A handful of local athletes travelled to Norfolk to compete and the effort proved worthwhile for Stowmarket Striders' Roger Aldis (writes JULIA JEPSON).

He produced a fine run to win the 10- mile event in a time of 58.31 mins, 11 seconds ahead of the second-placed runner, Carl Prewer from Lowestoft.

James Heath (SEP) ran a strong race to finish 10th overall in 62.51 mins and team-mate Michael Nelhams was placed 25th with a time of 68.14.

Which a much larger contingent of runners from the host county, it was the Norfolk Gazelles who took both team prizes for the men.

In the ladies' race, Thetford AC's Sandra Bower maintained her good form to come second overall in a time of 70.04 mins while Stowmarket's Margery Brown won the V60 age group.

The 20 mile race produced a very close finish between the leading two ladies. Sudbury's Amanda Henry was narrowly beaten into second position, five seconds behind Norwich's Tracey Curl. The winner's time was 2.23.18 hrs.

Once again, Stowmarket Striders didn't come away empty-handed as the Veteran ladies' team won first prize.

Leading the trio home was Hayley Suttle in 2.42.40 hrs, with Sue Garrod next to cross the line in 2.54.32 and Tina Belsom completing the team – and just breaking the three-hour barrier by an all-important one second!

Running for the Pacers and surviving the course were the tough twosome of Karen Hatton and Eloise Carver. They recorded times of 3.06.27 and 3.18.02 respectively.

In the men's race, there was a well-deserved 11th place for the Pacers' Al McPherson, who was very pleased with his time of 2.16.35hrs – 14 seconds outside his personal best.

Just three places behind him came another Pacer, Ken Williamson, in 2.18.16 ahead of Darren Barwick in 21st spot in 2.20.31. Nick Huggins completed the club's competitors, finishing in a time of 3.19.49 hrs.


Haverhill's Tim Ellis and Monty Monterio not only completed Steve's 14- miler on Saturday morning, but then went on to run in the Cambridge Boundary marathon on the Sunday.

I imagine they slept very well that night.


On Sunday, there is the run/bike event at Rendlesham forest. Entries on the day are accepted. For further details, log on to www.runbikeevents.com

Next weekend, there is the last race in the Ryston Grand Prix series at Shouldham Warren.

There is also the touring relay which is run along the banks of the river between Ely and Cambridge.

If you fancy something a little bit longer, there is also the Broadland half-marathon, organised by Norwich road runners.


Looking much further ahead, Thurston's New Green Centre is organising a 10-kilometre run or, if you prefer, a 3.5k fun run.

It is in aid of raising funds to buy sports equipment for the village.

If you feel like a challenge or just want to help raise some money for a good cause.

Visit www.thurston-village.co.uk, email newgreencentre.thurston@virgin.net or telephone 01359 232439.
Alternatively, you can write to PO Box 496 Bury St Edmunds IP31 3WQ with a sae.

On the same day, there is the Great East Anglian 10k run based at King's Lynn. An around the town one-lap, fast course may be the ideal race to try and improve on your pb.
All your results and running news to jjulia10@googlemail.com