Newcomers and experienced runners alike waited on a wet Wednesday evening to start the first of the Breakers, a series of three events organised by Skegness & District RC. There are two x 10K races on the 29 May and the 24 July with an 8-mile race on the 26 June.

The race was held in Old Bolingbroke, home to a 13th century castle that was occupied by the Royalists during the First English Civil War but was captured by the forces of Oliver Cromwell in 1643.

There were no hostilities at the Bolingbroke Breaker 10K; instead, there was a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and a sense of all in it together as they faced a stern challenge. They gathered outside the Black Horse Inn for the race briefing before setting off at 7.15pm to the sound of applause from the volunteers. Waiting for them was a hilly course on roads in the picturesque Lincolnshire Wolds.

Mark Sands of host club Skegness & District RC was first home followed by Iain Bailey of Sleaford Striders then Paul Jackson of Skegness & District RC.

Natalie Burns of Lincoln Wellington AC was the first lady finisher: Paula Downing of Mablethorpe RC was second with Angela Thompson of Skegness & District RC in third place.

There were sweets or a chocolate bar for every finisher followed by a reviving drink in the Black Horse.

Image courtesy of Wayne Waite.