Visiting trio lead the way with Thetford Parkrun dominance

Competitors from as far away as Australia took part in last weekend’s Thetford Parkrun, with a total of 167 people taking part at Thetford Priory and water meadows.

Thetford Parkrun members taking part in the Spartan Sprint race at Milton Park in Cambridge. - Credit: Submitted

There were many visitors, with quite a few staying at Center Parcs, with 23 first-time participants and 28 personal bests recorded. The top three were all visiting athletes taking part in Thetford Parkrun for the first time, with Craig Horsburgh of Orion Harriers first home in 18.04 minutes.

Tony Hyde of Ilford AC was second in 18.38 and David Brock, also of Chingford-based Orion Harriers, was third in 19.29.

The first lady to finish, 23rd overall, was Sabine Schaefer in 22.54, followed by Thetford AC’s Tina Plumley in 23.44, 27th overall. Close behind in third was Heidi Teixeira, in 29th, in 23.55

Thetford Parkrun race director Melanie Floyd is now over halfway through her challenge of 10 marathons in 10 days in the Great Barrow 10 in 10 challenge, which started last Thursday.

Thetford Parkrun members taking part in the Spartan Sprint race at Milton Park in Cambridge. - Credit: Submitted

Also joining her for a day or two in some cases are, Stewart Docherty (two days), Jim Mockford, Des Talbot (two days), Allan Talbot, Glynn Pearce, Kirsty Green, Steve Dickens, Hugh Worsnop, Martin Godfrey and Robert Waple. Tracey Foster also completed six miles of the route to complete her furthest distance to date.

This weekend saw three members of the Purple Army complete the Great North Run: Holly Roper, Adrian Basford and Andy Cooper.

While Lyn Studman and Stephanie Saunders competed in the Ipswich Muddy Obstacle Race For Life and Ian Odgers took part in Joust 24.