The first key race of the cross country league season took place last weekend as athletes turned out in big numbers for the annual Ryston Runners Cross Country Grand Prix Series.

Thetford Athletics Club always turn out in large numbers and this weekend was no exception. There was an impressive third place finish Alfie Findlay in the Under 9s race with a time of 3:12. Thomas Norkett finished 11th in the same age group, running 3:32. Montey Findlay’s time of 3:55 saw him secure 21st position.

In the Under 11 boys category, Daniel Clouston finished in sixth place recording a time of 9:20. Ewan Peck was just eight seconds further back in eighth place whilst Ben Peck’s time of 10:10 was good enough for 18th position. Alicia-Mae Howard was the sole Thetford athlete in the U11 girls event, finishing in 11th place with a time of 9:58.

James Peck finished in sixth place in the U13 age group, completing the course in a time of 11:55 whilst Abigail Clouston finished third in the girls’ event with a time of 12:37.

Ben Garrod came seventh in the U15 age group, recording a time of 11:34. There was a second place finish for Harley Swan in 17:28 in the U17 category whilst Charlie Stone finished in fourth position with 19:09.

Senior runners were also in attendance with Lukasz Ryzinski finishing 15th in the Senior Men’s category with a time of 20:52 whilst Russell Slattery was 17th in 21:35.

Corinne West came fourth in the senior women’s event, completing the course in a time of 27:45 with Clare Slattery one place further back in 28:02. Wendy Howard finished eighth in the V40 category with a time of 28:01 whilst Tina Plumley finished in second position in the V45 race recording a time of 22:48. Steph Clouston was in fourth position in the same category logging a time of 24:02. Ann Kirton was in sixth place, crossing the line in 29:59.

Kevin Vaughan started the season in fine form with a victory in the V50 category with a time of 17:39. Cliff Bailey was second in the V55 event, running 19:59.