The Nene Valley Harriers production line remains in good working order as two of its graduates – Lloyd Kempson and Grace Mullins – won the first race of the 2017 5k Grand Prix series at Ferry Meadows.
Kempson, who has recently switched allegiance to Cambridge and Coleridge AC but will continue to represent Nene Valley on the track, has made no secret of his desire to win the series this season.
He ran impressively, kicking in at the four kilometre mark and using his speed to stride to a comfortable victory.
The 24-year-old spent a year in Australia, returning last winter, and took his running up a level while training with some of the country’s finest athletes.
Pleased with his days work, Kempson said: “It’s great to be back on the road scene in Cambridgeshire after some time away.
“I’m in the best shape of my life so I’m confident of taking this series and aim to post some fast times in doing so.
“I sat in until 4km then ran a 2.54min last km, and was really pleased with my finishing speed.”
John Pike, of Peterborough AC led the rest of the lead group home in a time of 16.18mins, with a further member of the Nene Valley production line – Olly Bowling – a second further back in third.
Nene Valley’s Michael Channing and Phil Martin, now of Peterborough AC, completed the top five.
Meanwhile, the talented Mullins had not raced for ten months due to injury problems.
She was delighted to easily win her first race back with an impressive 18.30mins clocking.
She said: “It’s been so frustrating. I was just happy to be back racing, but winning has taken my happiness over the edge.”
Ruth Jones, also of Nene Valley, finished second in 19.19mins with Yaxley’s Emily Hawker third 20 seconds behind Jones.
Bethan Everson, representing Fenland AC, finished fourth just ahead of Nene Valley youngster Josie Fortune.
The Junior 3k race was won by Orrell James of BRJ, with Nene Valley’s Matthew Church second.
Bourne Town Harrier Molly Peel was the first girl to finish, just ahead of Nene Valley’s Flo Brill.
