A TRIO of Stratford Athletic Club runners took part in the first race of the Centurion Grand Prix Series at Kingshurst, Solihull, on a damp and breezy morning.
The series comprises six races between November and April, each over a distance of five miles on a mostly flat, two-lap course.
First of the club’s trio to finish was Luke Watkins (39th, 35.27) who described it as “a great day”, beating his best time for this course by a considerable margin.
Watkins is looking forward to continuing his good form in the forthcoming cross-country season. He has already tested himself in a Gloucestershire League race to give him extra confidence ahead of the Birmingham & District League opener in Leamington on Saturday.
John Butler (115th, 47.59) has been performing really well of late and this race showed his confidence is sky-high.
Butler has competed in 17 Centurion races since the start of 2011 and, through a combination of hard work and sensible pacing, pleasingly was able to achieved his second best ever time.
Hot on his heels was Natasha Watkins (119th, 49.34) who was very pleased with her performance.
