William Lunn-Pigula took victory at the Great Yarmouth Half Marathon after a dramatic late twist in the penultimate race of this year’s Sportlink Grand Prix Series.
The HUUB Performance Project athlete won the race, hosted by Great Yarmouth Road Runners, in 1:16:33, after Martyn Bath had looked set to take the win before being forced to slow with a foot problem at around 11 miles.
Lunn-Pigula took full advantage, but still had to work hard in the closing stages to hold off John Hudson of Norwich Road Runners, who finished second in 1:16:49 and claimed the Norfolk County Championship title.
Josh Smith of Waveney Valley AC completed the men’s podium, finishing third in 1:17:48.
Lunn-Pigula enjoys Great Yarmouth victory
Speaking to Sportlink TV after the race, Lunn-Pigula said he enjoyed the challenge of another warm summer race.
“I do love a summer race,” he said.
“Always fun, always hot. Time doesn’t matter, it’s just a nice day out.
“It’s always nice to win in front of my parents. My little boy is here, he’s two as well, and my wife.
“So it’s always nice to let him see you.”
Late twist opens the door
For much of the race, Bath appeared to be on course for victory.
But after he began to struggle with a foot issue at around 11 miles, Lunn-Pigula was able to close the gap and move into the lead.
“I could kind of see him slowing down a little bit,” Lunn-Pigula told Sportlink TV.
“I wasn’t sure whether or not I was going to get him. I could see he was within view the whole time.
“And then I could see him slow down. He looked like he just sort of pulled up quite quickly.”
Holding off Hudson
Even after moving into the lead, Lunn-Pigula was not able to relax, with Hudson still chasing hard behind him.
The Norwich Road Runners athlete finished just 16 seconds behind the winner and was rewarded with the Norfolk County Championship title.
“I looked behind me and I thought, ‘better pick it up, he’s going to catch me,’” said Lunn-Pigula.
“From about 13 miles, I just put on as much of a sprint as I can – which is not much.”
Sportlink TV highlights and 361° Lynx prize
The Sportlink TV highlights video from the Great Yarmouth Half Marathon will be published during the week.
The video will include action and atmosphere from the race, plus the chance to win a pair of 361° Lynx shoes.
Keep an eye on Sportlink TV for the full highlights package and competition details.
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.