Gilmore wins ladies' race at Mad Dash event

ELEVEN Stratford AC members took on the gruelling Mad Dash event in bitterly cold and wet conditions at Moreton Morrell on Saturday.

In the 10k race, a seven Stratford runners lined up at the start. First to finish for the club and first overall lady to finish, was Seanin Gilmore in 11th place with a time of 41.27.

Next to finish was Lynne Hinson (36th, 46.34). Hinson was also second in her age category.

This race is the first of the club’s Grand Prix races of the year and Hinson is the current holder of the ladies’ trophy, so her defence of this trophy has got off to a flying start.

First male to finish for the club was James Purdy (47th, 48.05) followed by club stalwart Dave Maundrell (75th, 53.56).

Bev Bridgen, winner of the 2016 ladies Grand Prix trophy, earned valuable points in this year’s competition by coming 85th in a time of 56.33.

Daniel and Lisa Whittington, 87th - 56.38 and 111th - 59.36 respectively, rounded off an excellent day for all of the club’s competitors.

The race was won by Sam Lloyd-Perks in a time of 34.19.

In the 20k race, the club were represented by four members. First home, in a superb sixth place and a time of 1.24.44 was Andy Cox. Cox was also second in his age category.

Next to finish and someone who will also have been chasing valuable Grand Prix points, was Jan McLure (47th, 1.50.29).

McLure was followed by Kate Sergent (54th, 2.01.19). Sergent was first lady to finish in her age category, indeed she was first to finish in her age category, male or female. She was followed by husband Martyn (65th, 2.14.03).