Waveney Valley Athletic Club’s final two fixtures in the Suffolk Winter Cross-country league, took place at Bungay and Bury St. Edmunds recently.
The three lap course at Bungay was very varied with the added obstacle of a section of deep water for the runner’s to contend with, and with cold weather conditions, it was extremely hard going.
Once again Carl Prewer put in a strong performance in finishing in fifth place overall to clinch first place in the V40+ category. Catherine Rickett who the day before put in long training run of over 18 miles in preparation for the Brighton Marathon, still managed to find the energy to clock 40:34 in 48th place overall and first in the senior ladies age group.
Other notable performances from Bungay: Bill Kingaby recorded his fourth victory in his age group 60+. Ann Millett once again dominated her age group V55.
Results from Bungay: 5th Carl Prewer (33:37). 48th Catherine Rickett (40:34). 64th Chris Pimlott (42:07). 70th Bill Kingaby (42:59). 76th Tim Earl (43:2). 81st Alan Fairs (43:56). 94th David Mower (45:25). 113th Ann Millett (47:26). 120th Tamsin Desborough (48:19).
122nd Tony Millett (48:25). 137th Sarah Bradley (49:50). 170th Michaela Gooch (57:17).

The conditions for the fixture at Bury St. Edmunds were in complete contrast to the previous race at Bungay. The flat parkland course at Nowton Park, plus the dry firm underfoot conditions was ideal for fast times over the 2 lap course of just over 5 ½ miles. Bill Kingaby obviously found the conditions to his liking; he ran a very good tactical race, working his way steadily up the field to convincingly win his age group 60+ in crossing the line in 67th position in the swift time of 41:00. Tim Earl recorded a very creditable time of 42:04 in 79th position; close on his heels was Alan Fairs who clocked 42:42 in 84th place. In the final league results, the men’s team finished in 8th place overall.
In the ladies section Ann Millett and Sarah Bradley recorded their highest placing over the five races in finishing in 103rd and 127th respectively. There were also good performances from the rest of the ladies team, Tamsin Desborough, Michaela Gooch and Angela Mower that secured the ladies team third place overall in the league.
As well as the usual senior and junior races, St. Edmund Pacers promoted a U.11’s fun run, which attracted a large field, which included one of Waveney’s young members, Hazel Fairs.