ATHLETICS: Sleaford Striders take on Wipeout and Notfast 10k

The first was a social event involving mud, obstacles and water in Nottingham, and then 22 of them took part in the Notfast 10km race as part of the Specsavers-sponsored race series in Newark.

The Water Wipeout event at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham was a 5km course designed for stamina rather than speed. Competitors climbed over walls, slid down into water, crawled under cargo nets and leapt into the rapids to be taken downstream.

The choice was to go once round or twice and complete 10km.

Being the competitors that they, the Striders took on the 10km as a team and they developed wonderful teamwork as they manoeuvred the obstacles. At the end of the event, smiles were to be seen all round though it was hard to recognise some under layers of mud.

The next day saw many of the Wipeout team take on the Notfast 10km, starting at Newark Rugby Club before taking on a challenging and, in places, hilly race. It was part of the Sleaford Specsavers-sponsored race series and was certainly taken seriously by those in contention for prizes.

Sleaford Striders were proud that they had four runners in the first six back to the rugby club – Iain Bailey 34min 27sec, Alan Oliver 35.55, Chris North 37.04 and John Siddens 37.09 – a fantastic achievement. The first lady Strider was Hannah North in 52.30.

Other Sleaford Striders taking part were Ben Lilley 44.07, Rob Caven 45.02, Andy Preston 49.36, Alan Buckberry 50.09, Mark Sharpe 51.35, Dave Burton 52.26, Andy Dickinson 52.59, Anna Thompson 53.42, Sharon Bradwell 53.46, Gemma Dodsworth 54.58, Dawn Bailey 55, Graham Riddell 55.27, Tracey Dickinson 1.00.42, Ann Riddell 1.01.34, Sam Tate 1.02.17, Sally Hollick 1.04.04 and Paul Saunders 1.05.12.

Sleaford Striders adults meet at the Sleaford Town Football Club every Thursday evening at 7pm and new members are always welcome, whatever their ability.