Seventeen Fenland Running Club competitors made the short trip to Little Downham to take part in the popular Ely Runners New Year’s Eve 10km race.

Cambs Times: Fenland Running Club competitors took part in the Ely Runners New Year’s 10km race.Fenland Running Club competitors took part in the Ely Runners New Year’s 10km race. (Image: Archant)

A capacity field of 590 runners braved icy conditions on a day of triumph for FRC runner Ian Milburn, who finished first in the vet-70 category.

Tim Chapman, Clive Harrod and Mel Murdoch also picked up third places in the vet-50, vet-55 and vet-35 categories respectively.

Sarah Rippon rounded off her year’s improvement with a personal best of 1.01.31.

Results: Tim Chapman 51st 40.39; Richard Hammond 69th 41.54; Paul Griffin 81st 42.32; Clive Harrod 84th 42.41; Mel Murdoch 94th 43.10; Adam Chown 147th 45.49; Ian Milburn 158th 46.17; Alan Bird 174th 46.50; Ellen Drew 192nd 47.40; Ann Trett 206th 48.13; Ramune Raicheliene 320th 52.09; Adam Oakes 364th 51.14; Neil Bailey 371st 54.31; Maire Irlam 493rd 59.52; sarah Rippon 516th 1.01.31; Sharon Bird 531st 1.02.43; Stephen Brunton 563rd 1.06.58.

Photo: Team before race and Ian Milburn on his way to 1st MV70

Yesterday, a small FRC team competed in the Cambridgeshire Amateur Athletics Cross Country Championships at Priory Park in St Neots.

Around a foggy and muddy 10km course with sub-zero temperatures, the teams put in strong performances against the best on the county.

First home for Fenland was Tim Chapman in 47.16 (93rd), closely followed by Stuart Follen in 48.12 (100th).

Racing together were Clive Harrod in 50.13 (113th) and on his heels was Colin Simpson in 50.14 (114th).

Completing the men’s team was Roger Williams in a steady 1.01.12.

The women’s team was led home by Sue George, while Tracy Farr was close behind.