West Norfolk athletes deliver in freezing conditions

This weekend saw West Norfolk Athletic Club members battle sub-zero temperatures in a host of different races, most notably, the latest race date in the Shouldham xc grand prix hosted by Ryston Runners AC.Shouldham Warren was draped in frost and ice, combining with the already wonderful scenery to make a winter wonderland for juniors and seniors alike to enjoy some off-road running.In the Under-9 races (800m) William Ward claimed second place running an impressive 3:05.Jacob Green also finished in the top ten (10th), running 3:33.In the girls’ race, WNAC made it a one-two with Jessica Watts coming home first with a time of 3:23 with Lauren Lawrence not far behind in second, running 3:24.In the boy’s under-11 race (2k), James Watts continued his hot streak with another first-place finish, running a time of 7:57.In the girls’ race, Dana Bishop was placed seventh, running 10:33 for the 2k route. In the under-15 girls’ race (3k), WNAC enjoyed another great turnout with Jessica Lawrence placing first with a time of 13:00, closely followed by Olivia Ord who finished a mere second behind in second with a time of 13:01. In the under-17/senior’s race (5k)Henry Gosnell was placed fourth in the U17 men and 22nd overall with a time of 20:02Benjamin Collison was the first senior athlete over the line for the club, running a time of 19:03 for 16th overall and fifth in the men’s 40-45 category. Newly re-elected club chairman Mark Garrett ran a time of 21:18 for 38th overall, Ben Foxwell enjoyed another outing running cross country, running a time of 21:53 and Julie Ward ran a time of 23:36 to claim second place in the women’s 45-49 category.Also, on Sunday two West Norfolk members took on another off-road event – the third annual Runners-next-the-sea race took place in Holkham. A five-mile race which takes place completely on Norfolk’s Holkham beach.Bitterly cold temperatures mixed with wet terrain and sand made for a gruelling event. Robert Gosnell was placed 47th overall, running a time of 42:59 while Neil Gayton ran 47:39 for the five miles and was placed 83rd overall.On Saturday, a WNAC member broke a significant milestone at King’s Lynn parkrun.Ryan Oakes not only dipped up 17 minutes but smashed his previous PB with a time of 16:38.