North Norfolk Beach Runners’ Grace Buchanan delivered a breakthrough performance on Sunday morning, claiming her first senior win in the 2025 Aylsham 10K with a time of 36:45.
“It was so much fun, I felt really good. I’ve been progressing really well over the last couple of years,” she said.
“Everyone was really laughing because I first did this race a couple of years ago. I did it when I was 17 or 18 and I thought, as long as I can beat 18-year-old me, then we’re all good.
“I managed to do that and I got a minute PB today! Training has been going really well and I’m really excited for Wroxham (5K) and all the races to come.
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“I think I’ve put my name on the map again and hopefully some quick times to come.”
Buchanan finished ahead of Esme Jonas of City of Norwich AC, who took second place in 36:45, and Becky Hills, who came through for third in 40:45.
Club support and long-term coaching
Buchanan was full of praise for her training environment and coach.
“I train with Neil [Adams] every week with the Beach Runners and they’re such an amazing group. They really drag me along and we have so much fun.”
A seasoned athlete despite her age, Buchanan has built a strong foundation through years of track work and club competition.
“I’ve done a lot of track work in the past – I’ve been a junior runner since I was 13 so I was a North Norfolk Harrier and then I progressed through to Beach Runners and I’ve been loving it.
“I work with Tony Witmond, who is my coach and he is so good – credit to him for keeping me going all the way through.”
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