Dereham Runners AC put in a strong showing at the popular Grand East Anglia Run staged in King's Lynn on Sunday, with 18 red shirts among a total of 2,500 competitors.

The uncommonly flat 10k course took runners through Lynn town centre, along the River Ouse pathway and then back The Walks, passing a number of historic buildings including Red Mount and Greyfriars Tower. Perfect weather conditions resulted in several high placings for DRAC runners. Jake Stearman finished in 17th place overall, crossing the line in just 35:26, a new personal best over this distance for the promising young runner by more than two minutes.

Ed Turner, Todd Lake and Guzel Sari also put in impressive performances, finishing in 37:23, 38:24 and 39:15 respectively. Lake had run a fast London Marathon just a week earlier.

The large Dereham field was completed by Stuart Rose (42:12), Stephen Lee (42:41), Andy Rowles (44:25), Chris Hosier (44:43), Grace Bird (46:28), James Nice (46:33, pb), Matthew Freezer (47:38), Craig Rogers (47:39), Philip Websdale (49:17), Malcolm Fisher (49:30), Helen Harrison (55:24), Sally Lee (55:25), David Olley (56:49) and Paula Olley (57:04, pb).

Several DRAC members also travelled to Thetford for the Breckland 10k on Monday, which attracted a field of 280 mainly club runners. Elizabeth Daly was the third female finisher, crossing the finish line in just 41.43 (a pb), closely followed by Carol Devlin, whose 41.57 also earned her a medal for first female finisher in the 50-54 age category.

Also speeding through the pines and heathland were Andy Rowles (45.31), Emma Potter-Campbell (45.32), Neville Knights (47.05), James Nice (48.19), Matt Plunkett (49.15), Jan Totterdale (55.37) and Caroline Fletcher (56.46).

Twenty-six North Norfolk Beach Runners were among the finishers at Lynn.

First home among them was Lynton Battrick in 39.21 for eighth place in the 40-44 category and 58th overall.

Second Beach Runner was Phil Hurr in 39.45 to take first place in the 60-64s and 67th overall. Another prize winner was John Gay who took first place in the 55-59s and 87th overall in a time of 40.53, and yet another was Sam Weller, third in the 65-69s and 221st overall in 44.41.

First NNBR lady was Becky Garratt in 49.57 for 16th place in the 35-39s and 545th overall.