West Norfolk athletes take on various disciplines

West Norfolk Athletic Clubs distance athletes had another successful weekend with a good mix of disciplines from coastal paths to the London streets.Ben Foxwell took to the capital and finished a respectful 1447th (44.33) out of the 15,000 runners at the Vitality 10,000m, a prestigious event with elite athletes competing too and he ended up running shoulders with women’s winner Eilish McColgan.With the highest tides of the year and much of the course underwater, a trio took on the Positive Steps Coastal marathon with Jen Isaac taking the second lady spot in an astonishing 3.53.Craig Roberts had been battling injury niggles leading up to the race and completed in 5.14. Gavin Lane opting for the half instead, gained second in the age group and a 2.01 clocking.They all finished a bit more damper than they started.Joint Ryston and West Norfolk AC comrades travelled to the Chariots of Fire Relay, Cambridge and took on 270 teams to raise funds for the local air ambulance charity.With both clubs making their first appearance at the race they finished a brilliant fourth overall (mixed team). The team comprised of Charlie and Digby Frammingham, Adam Matthews, Danny Smith, Lewis English and Alex Gallagher. A couple of honourable mentions this week too- firstly to our endurance legend Ben Collison.Having written the RNR summary last week himself his name was omitted – but Collison formed an integral part of the crew on the day providing a multitude of roles including timekeeper and having zero sleep until the race finished.He is a member of the team the club wouldn’t be without. Secondly, the newest member Malou Lewis joined the club earlier this year and bravely made her debut at the EAL final in Bury.Malou has been training hard for the high jump and was keen to make her debut – with it being the final the start height was beyond her personal best but it didn’t stop her giving it her all.She didn’t quite make it over the bar which meant her omission from the results but it takes courage to go up against the area’s best and come in at a height you’ve not cleared – well done Malou and plenty more to come.