Lee Gratton continued his winning streak at the Staffs Knot 5, adding this midweek race to his growing tally. The Rugeley Runners man and HPR coached athlete led from the outset on an undulating, multi-terrain course in Cannock Chase, Staffordshire.

Race 11 in the NSRRA series, the Staffs Knot 5 was held on Wednesday evening (20 July) in cooler conditions that were a welcome relief after the extreme heat the previous day. 

It was a well organised event from Stafford Harriers, held in memory of long time member Michael Jones who sadly passed away this year. Runners paid their respects with a round of applause in recognition of his contribution to the sport before the start of the main race.

The evening began with a 2 Mile Fun Run at 6.30pm. This was followed by the 5 Miler where Lee Gratton waited with 200 others, ready for the off at 7.15pm. He raced away from the start and looked calm and in control throughout before crossing the line in 25:28 – breaking his own course record of 26:02 set in 2021. 

Gratton finished over a minute and a half ahead of City of Stoke AC’s Ross Connor who was second in 27:05. Carl Moulton of Boalloy RC was close behind, finishing third in 27:11. 

Lucy Matthews of City of Stoke AC was the women’s winner in 31:35. Her teammate Kelly Butler (the winner in 2019 and 2021) was second in 31:47 and Sophia Harrison of Swansea Harriers third in 31:59.  

The winning men’s and women’s team were from City of Stoke AC.

All the results from the Staffs Knot 5 and Fun Run are available via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page.   

There were prizes for beating the course records along with the top three men and women, teams and age groups: trophies for U19 male and U19 female winners.   

Hot drink, hot sandwich and a goody bag for every finisher in the 5 mile race.

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale (Race Photos).