Rob Gray Sets Half Marathon PB in Lincolnshire

Twelve Beverley AC members took part in the North Lincolnshire Half Marathon near Scunthorpe last Sunday. This year’s was the fourth time the race has been held on a fast, flat course interrupted only by motorway bridges.

The race has become a major event, with over fifteen hundred finishers this year. Although holding the potential for personal best times, this year runners faced very wet and cold conditions; the course was waterlogged in places and athletes had to choose whether to go through or around the many large, deep puddles. Nevertheless, the finish, which involves a lap of Scunthorpe United’s stadium, lifted runners’ spirits as they reached the end of their 13.1 miles.

First runner home for Beverley was Nicholas Riggs, who completed a strong run in 1:23:16, 39th overall and 4th in his V40 age group. Also having a good run was Rob Gray, who recorded a personal best half marathon time of 1:28, nearly three minutes faster than his previous record. Third man home for the club was Andy Tate, recording a creditable time of 1:42:34.

Diane Coleman was the first of Beverley’s women runners to finish. She crossed the line in 1:50:11. Rebecca Burge and Kate Mitchell finished a second apart, in 1:58:35 and 1:58:36 respectively.

The race winner was Matthew Nutt, running for Wimbledon Windmilers. He recorded 1:13:26. For the women, the fastest was Tori Green, of Ripon Runners, who finished in 1:23:14.

Beverley AC finishing times: Nicholas Riggs 1:23:16; Robert Gray 1:28:00; Andy Tate 1:42:34; Sandy Milson 1:45:17; Dianne Coleman 1:50:11; Paul Furness 1:47:28; Chris Elvidge 1:54:11; Rebecca Burge 1:58:35; Kate Mitchell 1:58:36; Gemma Steward 2:05:45; Stephen Ogden 2:00:40; Christine Whitehouse 2:15:27