Emily Ruane broke the course record at the Reedham Ten on Sunday as the 2024 Sportlink Grand Prix Series got underway. 

Ruane mastered the windy conditions in the latter stages of the event, organised by Great Yarmouth & District AC, to cruise to victory in 59:12 whilst Wymondham AC’s Kyle Brooks won the men’s race in a time of 55:40. 

“It was a bit windy but it’s a nice course and there were lots of people to run with,” said Ruane, who was followed home by Eleanor Grubb (CoNAC) in 1:01:01 and Alicia Lacey (Norwich Road Runners) in 1:03:20. “I enjoyed it and it felt good. We're at the start of the season and I’m moving up my distances. I used to do mainly 5Ks but I’m going to give a half marathon a go so I thought I’d get a 10-miler in to see where I’m at.” 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Emily Ruane broke the course record at the Reedham Ten

Brooks was locked in a three-way tussle for much of the race before gradually pulling away from John Hudson (Norwich Road Runners) and Martyn Bath (CoNAC), who finished in 56:08 and 56:29 respectively. 

Brooks admitted he was surprised to be at the front come the end. 

“I wasn’t expecting that,” he told Sportlink TV. “I know that Michael Eccles isn’t here, apparently, he has got an injury and Alan Darby has moved away from the area. 

“It was still a really good quality field and I thought John Hudson would take it in fairness. There was him, me and Martyn (Bath) for the first seven-and-a-half miles. We ran really well together – I was more interested in time than position for most of the way, but I just had a really good finish. I was really pleased with that.” 

You can see the full results on the Total Race Timing website.

The Grand Prix Series continues in a few weeks time at the Valentine’s 10K on Sunday, February 11.