Great East Run - 2010 Race Report
IPSWICH football legend George Burley was among hundreds of runners who braved cold temperatures, sleet and snow showers to take part in Sunday's Great East Run in Bungay. More than 550 athletes took part in the 11th staging of the event, hosted by Bungay Black Dog Running Club. The 20k race has proved popular over the years because of its scenic route through picturesque villages known as “The Saints”.
The sleet gave way to a brief dry spell before turning into snow as the runners battled through the Waveney countryside. Course director Roland Shaw said: “It has been very wet and cold - not ideal conditions but credit to the runners for turning up. We had an excellent turnout.” He added: “There was a little bit of ice in a couple of places but we marked it with signs and gritted it.”
The main race saw Neil Davison of City of Norwich AC retain his title in 1.10:56, a few seconds short of his time last year. He was followed by Carl Prewer of Lowestoft Road Runners in 1.11:33 and Andrew Jones of City of Norwich AC in 1.12:46.
In the women's race Kate Beach (unattached) won in 1.29:26, followed by Karen Archbold from Lowestoft Road Runners in 1.30:00 and Mary Narey of Stowmarket Striders in 1.30:51.
In the supporting 10k event, Steven Robinson from Bedford & County AC won in 33:55, with Marion McCall from Thetford AC taking top spot in the women's race in 42:32.
Last year's event saw the club try out a new electronic timing system for the first time, using chips tied to the shoelaces of runners. Mr Shaw said: “It has proved very good again. It enables us to marshal runners through and get the times out more quickly. It's our second year using it and we will continue to use it.”
Former Ipswich Town player and manager George Burley ran in the 20k race as a warm up for the London Marathon in April with his wife Jill, finishing in 2.01:24.
Finishers were treated to free hot soup at Bungay Sports Centre, where the race started and finished, and given goody bags including a bottle of beer each from new race sponsor Adnams.
The race organisers, Bungay Black Dog Running Club, had 8 runners taking part in the 20k and Six in the 10k.
The first Black Dog home in the 20k was Joseph Hornsey in 1:31:32 (87th) followed by Jon Wiles in 1:32:46 (97th) and Tom Pullinger in 1:34:01 (109th). Other runners from the host club to finish were Helen Hornsey 1:45:01 (205th), Gillian Petts-Hannant 2:07:35 (374th), Robin Farrar 2:12:35 (386th), Paul Seary 2:18:16 (399th), Rob Donovan 2:26:16 (409th).
In the 10k Bobbie Sauerzapf stormed home in 50:38 (53rd) to take the FV 45 prize. Bruce Rayner was next in 58:37 (100th) with Stephanie White and Louise Jordan coming in together at 1:00:56 (113th & 114th). Natalie White finished in 1:04:46 (127th) and Katy James winner of the FV55 prize in 1:07:32 (138th)
Archive Reports - GER 2009
