Dear All,

This a bit of a bumper of an update with lots going on. Yesterday nearly 50 members ran in the Hereward Relay from Peterborough to Ely, they were supported by countless volunteers to ensure everyone was in the right place, at the right time, with the right number on! Thank you to all those who supported, including Dawn and Karl who were amazing to help deliver runners about.

Everything went to plan and we had some amazing runs including:

– Overall stage 2 win for Lara Franklin in the ladies division.
– Stage 2 ladies veteran prize for Stacey Mockford.
– Overall stage 3 runner-up on his senior relay debut for Alfie Jeffery in a fabulous time of 69 minutes for 11.5 miles.
– Overall stage 3 runner-up in the ladies division by just one second and a veteran category win for Cath Jeffery with an amazing run!
– Ben Schofield completed his longest ever run on stage 4 which was full of mud and head wind.
– Mixed Team runner-up prize.
– Ladies Teams were third and fourth.

Well done to everyone who ran, including those who stepped up late in the day to ensure we had competitive teams.

It was busy in East Anglia on Sunday with both the Hadleigh 5 and 10 mile races, as well as the Junior race as part of our Junior Grand Prix, and the Norwich Half Marathon. The official results for these races are not yet out but I didid spot a few highlights via Strava:

– Stephen Mead had a fantastic run at Norwich to finish in 1.40.02 and a win in the v70 division. Amazing run Stephen well done.
– Mark Davies recorded a fine 1.43 also at Norwich, which looks like his third fastest half marathon of all time!
– Natalie Hay tackled the wet and hilly 10 miles of Hadleigh in a time of 1.23 – great run Natalie.

Junior Grand Prix standings will be updated and shared once the results are out at Hadleigh.

Thank you to Chris Mower for helping me out with a mini race review from last weekend.

We had two members make their debut as a Pacer last Sunday.

David Sandison – joined Pacers in the summer and has been training with the aim of a sub 42min 10k which I must admit I thought was ambitious! He proved me wrong with a 41.46, but as with all us runners was never satisfied being disappointed not to make the England age category qualification time of 41.30. He will be using Saturday morning yellow group runs as part of his plans to hit a new target for the Cambridge half in the Spring.

Final Details – Suffolk Cross Country League – Woodbridge

Date: Sunday 30th November 2025
Venue: Rock Barracks, Sutton Heath, IP12 3LU
Races: Junior Race (Age 11-16) Single lap, Approx 3500m, 1040 Start
Senior Race (Age 17+) Single lap, Approx 8000m, 1100 Start
There is NO Under 11 Fun Run
On entry to the barracks, you will be directed to the parking areas
Runners aged 17 on or before 26 th Oct 2025 may take part in the senior race
The junior race is for 11–16-year-olds. Age 11 or over on 26 th Oct 2025.
NO “Guests” are allowed to run in the event and all competitors must be fully paid-up members of SWL Clubs.
Both Races start opposite the barracks on Sutton Heath.
PLEASE TAKE CARE CROSSING THE ROAD, this will be heavily marshalled.
Marshals or signs will point runners in the right direction. There will be plenty of
marshals with VHF radios around the course and the First Aid Team have an all-
terrain vehicle capable of reaching all parts of the course.
ALL RUNNERS ARE ASKED TO BE KIND, COURTEOUS AND MINDFUL OF
OTHER RUNNERS AT THE UNAVOIDABLE CHOKE POINTS. Please be aware that Sutton Heath is an area of Natural Beauty and there may be dog walkers on the course so please be mindful.
Facilities: The Race HQ will be open for refreshments. This is CARD only. We will not be able to accept cash.
Portable Toilets and a 6-person urinal will be available by the club gazebos and an “Accessible” toilet will be available on request.

Please register at the Pacers tent, entry fee is covered by the club and you must wear a club vest to take part. See you Sunday!

Pacers Discounts
With Christmas looming you might want to take advantage of some of the discounts given to members.

In addition, Todd has kindly given Pacers a special discount on his Christmas Cakes and mixes ahead of the festive season. Todd’s cakes are always very well received at race’s charity cake sales throughout the year and praise for his Christmas Cakes is also universal! For 20% off and free postage, quote PACERS20 at the checkout on his website.

Kevin Sinfield 7 in 7 comes to Bury
Next Monday this challenge will start in Bury St Edmunds, heading to Ipswich. We are planning to have a Pacers crew to support Kevin close to his first checkpoint in Rougham, which he is predicted to get to at around 9.12am. I will share on whatsapp further details of where we are meeting/parking etc but hoping a few of us can meet to cheer him on.

Lara