Josh Holman made a winning return to racing as he took victory at the Dereham 10, the 12th and final race in this year’s Sportlink Grand Prix Series.
The City of Norwich AC runner won the 10-mile race in 52:04, ahead of Osman Adam of Ipswich Jaffa RC, who finished second in 53:06, and Martin Westley of Harlow Running & Tri, who completed the men’s podium in 53:47.
Organised by Dereham Runners, the race starts at Dereham Neatherd High School before heading out into the surrounding countryside along quiet roads, returning to the school for the finish.
The route is predominantly flat, with some gentle undulations, making it a popular late-summer test over 10 miles.
Last-minute decision pays off
For Holman, victory came after a late decision to enter the race.
“It was a little bit last minute,” he told Sportlink TV.
“It was sort of Friday night. I didn’t have any plans today, so I thought, why not make a session out of the race?”
Holman was quickly involved at the front as the early pace proved lively.
“It was a hot start,” he said.
“The pace went out pretty hot. A few of us went out pretty quickly, and I guess it got to about 3K and we were all in a bit of a group.
“I thought, let’s push on a little bit and see if we can break it up.”
Holman makes decisive move
That early move proved decisive as Holman opened a gap and then maintained his advantage for the rest of the race.
“I managed to keep a gap the whole way,” he said.
“I kept looking at a few corners and there was maybe 400 metres, so it kept me honest and kept me pushing all the way.
“But luckily, I managed to get the win.”
A winning return after becoming a father
The victory was particularly pleasing for Holman, who was racing for the first time since becoming a father.
Training and racing have naturally changed in recent weeks, with his new arrival also playing a part in race morning preparations.
“Little one had me up at 4am this morning,” he said.
“She’s just had her first set of vaccines, so she was up nice and early.
“So I got a warm-up in nice and early, which was good.”
Despite the early start, Holman said becoming a father has given him fresh motivation.
“It has given a new sense of purpose to training and competing,” he said.
“I’m just very thankful to be able to still come and do this.”
More Sportlink GP races next year?
Holman’s win came in the final race of the 2026 Sportlink Grand Prix Series, and he suggested runners may see more of him in the series next year.
“With the little one being born at the start of the summer, that kind of put me out of action racing,” he said.
“This is my first race back since she arrived.
“So definitely next year, we’ll be bringing her to some start lines and see if we can get more in the series.”
The Dereham 10 brought the curtain down on what has been a memorable 2026 Sportlink Grand Prix Series, with races across Norfolk showcasing clubs, volunteers, race organisers and runners from across the region.
The Sportlink Grand Prix Series is supported by Sportlink, a Norwich-based running store run by runners for runners, offering expert gait analysis, specialist running shoes and trusted advice for runners across Norfolk.
Article supplied by Sportlink and Mark Armstrong Media.