THE first-ever Little Bromley 10k event captured the imagination of the local athletics community, with 394 runners taking part in the main race.

The well-organised event was won by Scott Cousins, of Springfield Striders, in a very rapid 31 minutes 40 seconds.

Rob Reason was the first of the 41 Harwich Runners home, taking sixth place in a time of 34m 52s, with Graeme Knott just behind on his home turf in ninth in 35m 11s.

The first of many personal best times (PBs) was recorded by Mark Lloyd, whose time of 35m 59s placed him 12th overall and first in the MV45 category. Robin Brookes (37m 6s), Simon Day (37m 23s) and Richard Flutter (38m 38s) all completed the distance in vastly-improved PB times in excellent running conditions.

John Francis not only ran a PB of 39m 6s but also took first place in the MV50 group.

Katherine Pleace recorded a notable 13-minute PB in 69m 32s on the nice flat course.

Completing their first 10k race in Harwich colours were promising displays from Sebastian Keczmerski (40m 51), Hugo Jardim (44m 29s) and Neil Bridges (45m 17s).

There were 10k debuts for David Pleace (57m 14s), Clair Block (58m 6s), Jeremy Downs (59m 6s) and Christina Pretty (59m 57s) while Tracey George, Chris Drury and Jean Weir were also first-time runners at this distance.

Carrie Hook, who was also second in her age group (FV45), ran an excellent 47m 9s.

Claudine Tisbury (42m 52s) was victorious in the FV55 age category while Elspeth Knott (49m 48s) and Ann Piercy (50m 27s) were first and third respectively in the FV60 group.

Bill Haining (41m 59s) was another Harwich winner taking the MV60 category.

Other notable performances on the day included Andre Besant, Kate Hodgkiss and Cath Breckell.

Meanwhile, away from north Essex, Victoria McCrea recorded a PB at the Cheshire 10k, finishing well up in a huge field of over 1,100 runners in 52m 26s. Matt Doran travelled to Manchester to join over 9,000 competitors running the full marathon distance.

He completed the 26.2 miles in 3h 39m 41s.

On April 26, Harwich Runners are having a come-and-meet-us evening, from 7pm at Harwich Rugby Club.

All abilities and ages are welcome.

For more details, see www.facebook.com/events/1127434877287497/permalink/1141445642553087/