Rugby & Northampton AC clinched victory in the Mens team race at the Silverstone 10k. As part of the East Midlands Grand Prix Series the two lap course round the motor racing circuit was delayed until September this year because of maintenance work, but R&N finished their first four runners in the top 5 for their sixth win of the series after being crowned champions back in July.
Dominic Jones, returning from injury, led home the club in second place with 32:13 and was just edged out by 3 seconds from winner Mike Aldridge of Wootton Road Runners with the 45 year old breaking the age group course record for his 9th overall victory in an EMGP race. William Gardner, who had won the previous three races in the series, finished in third spot on 32:34 and was followed by this year’s Corby winner Alistair McDonnell in 33:22 with Mark Hill eight seconds adrift in 5th position. R&N had four other athletes achieving a top 30 finish with Duncan Birtwistle in 9th place on 33:42, Daniel Mould ( 19th in 35:15 ), Chris Lamb ( 22nd in 35:32 ) and Pete Currington ( 27th in 36:04 ).
The Veteran Men were also the Series champions but had to settle for 5th position at Silverstone behind winners Kettering Town Harriers. Jonathan Taylor finished 51st overall and 6th in his M40 category with 37:49 and the quartet was completed by Scott Fisher ( M40 19th ) in 40:24, Matthew Tilt ( M45 23rd ) in 42:51 and John Saw ( M40 46th ) in 43:56. Veterans Simon Elliott (44:03) and Chris Corbin ( 46:25 ) also backed up the team.
R&N had two U20 athletes taking part with Adam Bebbington recording 40:40 to finish 6th in his age group and in the Ladies event Lucy Van Uem clinched 5th in her category with 51:34. Celebrating her 70th Birthday Valerie Cross recorded 70 minutes and 42 seconds to claim second spot in her new age group.
