Anthony Gerundini led the race for the first half a mile, but this was just for a laugh, and was soon swamped and battling to keep pace with Simon Covell. Simon was hoping for around 2h08mins, in his build up to the Stratford Marathon. Anthony had actually rested to overcome recent shin splints, but had done no long distance running for 7 weeks. First 10k was despatched in a respectable 41.00 minutes, too quick really.

Nearer the front of the field, Simon pulled away from Anthony around half distance, but was in turn soon unable to keep up with the female runner that he was also chasing. Anthony remained reasonably confident as he usually finishes strongly. He did not feel as though he was struggling going up the hills, and put in equal effort (not pace) yet was always losing places to other runners, although making them back on the downhill sections. The next 10k took 42m15s, and the half marathon point was passed just after 1h30m. Simon continued to extend his lead gradually and did not fade, finishing 44th (just in the top 10%) in a very respectable 2h04m25s. Well done - but he was suffering at the finish though! Anthony completed the last 10k in 43m10s, and did finish the last 3km with a bit of a flourish, but was just unable to catch regular rival Grantham runners Arthur Short and Tony Johnson. However, a PB was achieved even if by only 2 seconds to make it all worthwhile, in 57th place.

Barry Carey and Jim Edwards were closely matched throughout the race, and eventually finished in 111th and 113th places, with 2h14m10s and 2h14m37s respectively. Brian Fox, by his own admission, was just 'bimbling along' until he was overtaken by an old lady who was aspiring to finish within his expected time. He then pulled his finger out a bit and did beat her to finish 193rd in 2h25m37s, which was near to what he was expecting. Jim Diamond was, as ever, paced and assisted by his son Richard. He was very pleased with to finish in 309th position with a time of 2h41m43s, a PB by around 5 minutes. Not far behind was another Vet 55 Robert Parker with 2h43m17secs 322nd place.