FLOODING forced the Hereward Relay to be postponed in November - but nothing could stop Fenland’s runners from conquering the 38.4-mile slog on Sunday.

The re-arranged March Athletic Club event saw 79 teams take to the four-stage course, which starts in Peterborough and takes runners over Fenland bridleways, bridges and fields before finishing in Ely.

Fenland Running Club’s ladies provided one of the finest performances of the day to claim the prize for the first ladies team home.

Ann Trett, Becky Cousins, Maire Irlam and Lucy Chessor cruised to victory, with Trett finishing second in the opening stage and Cousins winning the second stage.

Irlam was the first lady vet-45 in stage three, while Chessor took the stage four honours as the first lady and first lady vet-35 home.

Six other FRC teams competed, with the “Fenland Fleet of Foot” quartet of Matt Pyatt, Sean Connolly, Tim Chapman and Shane Draper, first home in seventh position overall.

The club’s second ladies team finished an impressive third out of the seven ladies sides to brave the course.

Hosts March AC had their own highlights to shout about, as the “March Hares” team led the club home to finish in 17th place overall.

Among their leading performers were Simon Oldfield, who finished 13th in the second stage, and Jason Perring, who finished 21st in the fourth stage.

Thorney Running Club were also celebrating as they recorded their best set of results in the Hereward Relay since its formation.

The club’s eight teams finished in fine style, with Thorney Fast Boys claiming 10th place overall. Thorney Stalwarts secured 19th position, closely followed by Thorney-Whittlesey Boys in 22nd.