Katie Vargeson successfully defended her Fighter 5K title as she claimed victory in the women’s race at Great Massingham Airfield.
Vargeson crossed the line in 17:46 to win Race 7 of the Sportlink Grand Prix Series, retaining the title she won last year in testing conditions.
The Fighter 5K, hosted by West Norfolk AC, once again produced fast racing on its unique airfield course, despite runners having to battle strong winds.
Vargeson led home a competitive women’s field, with Beth Moden of the host club West Norfolk AC finishing second in 18:38, just ahead of Dawn Robinson of Ryston Runners, who was third in 18:40.
A tough but successful title defence
Speaking after the race, Vargeson admitted the wind had made it a challenging morning.
“It was OK,” she told Sportlink TV. “It was very windy, so it was tough.”
Having won the race last year, Vargeson returned to Great Massingham knowing what it would take to perform well over the fast but exposed 5K course.
She had planned to build into the race gradually, but admitted the pace was strong from the start.
“I did have a plan – but it didn’t got to plan!” she said.
“It was just to go at one pace and build into it, but I think I went a bit too fast going out – the usual sort of thing.
“I thought, well, I’ll hold on as much as I can.”
The challenge of racing 5K
The 5K distance is unforgiving, and Vargeson summed up the nature of the event perfectly.
“That is the nature of the 5K,” she said.
“It’s not my sort of race usually, but I gave it my best shot.”
Her approach paid off, as she held on to secure another Fighter 5K victory and continue her strong run of racing.
A busy racing block
The Fighter 5K formed part of a busy few weeks for Vargeson.
“I had a 5K three weeks ago, then I had a 10K race over in Dublin, and then this one today,” she said.
“I think I’ve got two weeks off now, a relay and then more 5Ks after that.”
Looking further ahead, she has ambitions to continue improving across a range of distances.
“Hopefully I can crack the 17:40 mark in the future and then perhaps a half marathon when I’d like to break 1:20 – something like that. We’ll see.”
A race with a welcoming atmosphere
Despite the conditions, Vargeson was full of praise for the Fighter 5K and the atmosphere created by the organisers, volunteers and runners.
“It was absolutely amazing,” she said. “Everyone’s friendly, it’s welcoming and I’d definitely recommend it.”
Watch the highlights
Highlights from the Fighter 5K will be available soon on Sportlink TV.
There will also be the chance to win a pair of 361° running shoes in the highlights video, so make sure you subscribe to the channel and keep an eye out for the film dropping later this week.
Sign up
There’s still time to sign up for race 8 in the Sportlink Grand Prix Series which takes place this weekend at the Holt 10K. Grab your place here.
Sportlink
The Sportlink Grand Prix Series is supported by Sportlink, a specialist running shop in Norwich run by runners for runners, offering expert gait analysis, specialist running shoes and advice for runners across Norfolk.
Article supplied by Sportlink and Mark Armstrong Media.