Grace Buchanan successfully defended her title at the Aylsham 10K as she claimed back-to-back victories in Race 6 of the Sportlink Grand Prix Series.
The North Norfolk Beach Runners athlete crossed the line in 37:26, holding off the challenge of Ava Mears, who finished second in 39:48, while Charli Smith was third in 41:03 at the Aylsham Road Runners event.
Having won the race in 2025, Buchanan admitted returning to defend her crown had been her main goal.
“I couldn’t believe it,” she told Sportlink TV after crossing the line.
“My main aim today was to come back and get the win, and there was a little bit of pressure with that.”
The windy conditions on the undulating course made things challenging throughout, but Buchanan felt increasingly confident as the race unfolded.
“It was quite a relief when I got to about 8K,” she said.
“You turn around and come back down the straight and I was like, ‘Okay, I can’t see second in my periphery, so I’ve got this.’”
Despite not matching last year’s time, Buchanan was pleased with the way she handled the race.
“It was windy, so the time wasn’t as quick as last year, but I didn’t think it would be.
“There were some good old headwinds, but I liked the challenge.”
Home support makes the difference
One of the standout moments of the morning for Buchanan was hearing support from familiar faces around the course.
The North Norfolk Beach Runners athlete works locally at Aylsham Sports Hub and said seeing clients and supporters cheering her on gave her a lift.
“I really like this race because I run around and can hear everyone,” she said.
“I could see all my gym clients shouting, ‘Go on Grace!’
“It’s a really nice atmosphere.”
She also credited her coach for helping her stay focused during the tougher sections of the race.
“My coach was on the hill shouting, ‘Keep running!’” she laughed.
“I was like, ‘Okay!’”
Eyes already on the hat-trick
With another Aylsham 10K title secured, Buchanan admitted she is already thinking ahead to next year.
“I’ve got to come back for the hat-trick now,” she said.
With more races in the Sportlink Grand Prix Series still to come this season, Buchanan will be hoping there are more strong performances ahead.
Watch the highlights
Highlights from the Aylsham 10K will soon be available on Sportlink TV.
The highlights package will also include the chance to win a pair of Brooks trainers – so make sure you subscribe to the channel and keep an eye on Sportlink’s socials for the video dropping soon.
Series rolls on
The Sportlink Grand Prix Series now continues with the sold out Fighter 5K (waiting list) next weekend before moving on to the Holt 10K later this month and then the Humpty Dumpty 10K on June 7.