West Norfolk endurance athletes test themselves across the UK

West Norfolk Athletic Club members were out in force again this weekend, representing the club at a host of endurance events home and abroad.

Starting with the popular Thorney 10k in Cambridgeshire, this flat, local 10k is always a favourite with local runners even though the open winds of the fens often make running hard work.

Digby Frammingham was hoping for at least a third-place finish in the England Masters category to represent England masters in the Newcastle 10k this coming July.

Frammingham achieved this target by running an impressive 40:55 and placing third in the England master’s category.

Digby was paced by son Charlie, who finished with the same time for the 10k.

Frammingham is awaiting official confirmation from the appropriate bodies on his potential qualification to represent England Masters.

WNAC youngster Oliver Gayton achieved his sub-46-minute target, running 45:57 and claiming a new PB in the making.

For the WNAC members currently training for spring marathons, the Wymondham 20-miler arrived at the perfect time to practice marathon miles and get some much-needed raceday prep for the big day.

Ryan Oakes was first home for the club, storming home to finish with a time of 2:03:21 and earning himself a new PB for the distance.

Oliver Foxwell was next over the line for the club, running his first-ever 20-mile race in an impressive 2:14:59.

Darren Easter kept the PB train going by smashing his previous effort by seven minutes, running a time of 2:21:12.

Cassie Moden continued her marathon preparations by running a very solid 2:30:08 and was placed fifth in the senior female category. Moden broke another club record in the process.

Rob Gosnell, despite some initial injury worries, battled hard as ever to complete the 20 miles with a time of 2:52:32.

WNAC member Willaim Hayes was in warmer climates to take on the Malaga Half marathon. Hayes came away with an impressive time of 1:23:55.

Two of the club's juniors travelled to Kenilworth to take part in the National primary and Year 7 cross country finals.

Athletes can take part as individuals or be nominated by schools.

This race is on a national stage, which younger athletes don't usually access until the U13 age group, and therefore, larger crowds and more intense racing are part of the day.

Jess Watts entered the year three race, which took part over a 1400m course, and had a great run for 58th place in 7.24 - a performance to be proud of.

Older brother James suffered an awful start in the year 6 race, with the brutal start line meaning a push and a fall took him completely off his feet, and he had to come from last place to catch the field.

Despite this, James battled through the runners and made it back up to an impressive 43rd place over 2700m with a time of 9.33. This was a brilliant experience for them both.