With three races down in the Sportlink Grand Prix Series, several women have emerged with standout performances — including three athletes who have started the season with a perfect 300-point score across different age categories.
Senior Women
Becky Hills leads the way with a commanding 278 points, having placed highly in all three events so far. She’s followed by Sarah Russell of Norwich Road Runners (235) and Lucy Callaby of Dereham Runners AC (220). Becky Willett and Eloise Peek round out the top five, both showing great consistency despite not having completed all three races.
Women 40–44
City of Norwich’s Eleanor Grubb has been in imperious form, winning her age category in all three races and amassing the maximum 300 points. She is one of three runners in the women’s field to have posted a perfect score so far. Louise Rowe (257) and Leanne Wadsworth (240) round out the top three with consistent podium finishes.
MORE: Need your gait analysed? Book in with Sportlink here and let us help you choose your next pair of trainers.
Women 45–49
Norwich Road Runners’ Kate Murrell is another of the perfect scorers, with three straight 100-point performances. Ness Dent sits in second on 275, and City of Norwich’s Cat Cummings is third on 198. Just behind her are Claire Stroud (196) and Caroline Youngman (192), making this one of the most competitive age groups.
Women 50–54
City of Norwich AC’s Tara Adams is nearly perfect with 297 points and three dominant races under her belt. Sarah Keen of North Norfolk Beach Runners follows with 233, while Joanne Cox (190), Alison Smith (188), and Penny Studley (182) complete the top five.
Women 55–59
Another perfect start here, this time for Norfolk Gazelles’ Louise Hurr, who has notched 100 points at all three events. Close behind is Sarah Hayward (295), and Melanie Widdows sits on 288. With Louise Gardiner (287) and Rachele Kelsall (271) also in the mix, this is shaping up to be a thrilling contest.
Women 60–64
It’s neck-and-neck at the top, with both Catherine Henery (City of Norwich AC) and Paula Carr (Great Yarmouth Road Runners) tied on 199 points. Hot on their heels is Anna Coulborn, also of Great Yarmouth, just two points back on 197 — setting up a tantalising battle for the top as the series progresses.
Women 65–69
Bobbie Sauerzapf of Bungay Black Dog RC is out front with 297 points, thanks to two wins and a second-place finish. Theresa Jones (194) and Amanda Gray (192) are next, level on points with Nicola Ginger, while Alison Stewart rounds out the top five with 100 points from a single race.
Women 70–74
Dereham’s Jacquie Wood leads the category on 292 points from three strong performances. Rosemary Jackson and Lynne Howlett are in hot pursuit with 200 and 197 points respectively. There’s still time for others, such as Linda Cusack and Elaine Hudson, to climb the leaderboard with more races completed.
Women 75+
Jane Ashby (Ryston Runners) has a clear lead on 200 points from two race wins. Naomi Stanford and Terry Marshall both have 100 and 99 points respectively — this will be one to watch if they return for more rounds.
Next up: the Aylsham 10K on Sunday, May 4. Another chance to bag points and shake up the standings! You can sign up here.