Sunday 6th October heralded another Standalone 10k. This is an extremely popular local race with around 1300 running on the day, reflecting its reputation for superb organisation and PB potential course. The route starts and finishes at Standalone Farm, and has some rather nice downhills...but with a downhill, must come an uphill! The last incline around 8k mark is a tad punishing, but the descent from then on all the way to line makes for a great, fast finish. Overall, the undulation really works in the runners' favour.
Following on from the Doug Anderson 5k in July and the Leighton 10 miler the previous weekend, Standalone 10k was the next Club Championship race for Biggleswade AC athletes. Over 30 of the Club's members turned out - for some it was familiar ground having run the 10k numerous times before and for others their first time. Everyone ran extremely well with many coming away with PBs, plus several potential new Club records and a race prize to boot. Some of those achieving PBs included members Ricky Byrne, Paula Faller, Roxann Holder, Amy Robinson and Nick Sinclair.
In terms of the Club Championship, congratulations go to Rob Morgan and Emily Varley who claimed the 10k Club trophies with their age graded performances of 78.6% and 79.8%, respectively. Emily also bagged the Standalone's 3rd overall female prize. In addition, both Rob and Emily ran their way to race PBs, with Rob bettering his from three years ago (also achieved at Standalone) by just under a minute with a time of 37:33. Whilst Emily crossed the line in 37:58, 2 1/2 mins quicker than her time at Standalone last year and around 30 seconds off her previous PB. Emily's time also provisionally sets a new Senior Women 10k Club record.
Whilst other Club records are expected for Ian Grimwood (Men 70 category), Nicholas Battarbee (Men U20 category) and George Hardy (Men U17 category) too. All will be verified by the Club and officially logged shortly. It really was a good day at the office for Biggleswade AC! The next, and final, BAC Championship race in 2024 calendar is the St Neots Half Marathon on 17 November.
For full race results Standalone 10k
(Photo credits: Lynn Hill and Jennie Day)
