Grunty-Fen half Marathon. Picture Steve Williams

A RECORD breaking number of entries enjoyed the glorious sunshine on Sunday as, at precisely 10.30am, the signal was given to begin the Ely Standard 22nd Grunty Fen half marathon.

Grunty-Fen half Marathon. Picture Steve Williams

Reference to the timing is noteworthy mainly because of the superb organisational focus of Ely Runners who have both inspired and efficiently coerced so many to take part in this annual race.

This year entries hit the 800 maximum mark but race officials made it look spectacularly easy as they marshalled runners to a narrow lane near Witchford College for the race to begin.

As Ely Runners official Steve Howard did the all important countdown, Ely Standard Editor John Elworthy was ready to signal the start of the race with a blast on a foghorn – simulated through a £5.99 canister available at all good stores1

Not all made the finish line in the heat of a warm, at times bordering on hot, September morning but for those that they the prestigious Grunty Fen commemorative medal awaited all who crossed the line.

Grunty-Fen half Marathon. Picture Steve Williams

Big cash prizes, too, were on offer for winning men and women, and incentives too were provided for category winners-such as veterans- and for those who had entered as a team

The packed field did superbly to post some excellent times in the searing heat, which nudged at 30 degrees, though a superb volunteering effort from the host club Ely Runners and the organising committee ensured there was plenty of water on hand.

There was also a record-breaking number of entrants for the fun run, testament perhaps to the Inspire a Generation ethos of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with 100 youngsters lining up to take part.

FULL RESULTS IN THIS WEEK’S ELY STANDARD, OUT THURSDAY