Dawn Robinson claimed victory in the women’s race at the Wymondham 20 on Sunday, producing a strong performance as she builds towards next month’s London Marathon.
The Ryston Runners athlete crossed the line in 2:16:01, holding off a close challenge in a tightly contested race.
A performance built on experience
Set on a scenic, undulating two-lap route through Wymondham and the surrounding villages, the race is known for testing pacing and endurance – particularly with the climb late in the race.
It was a challenge Robinson knew well.
“It actually went better than I hoped for,” she told Sportlink TV. “But yeah, it went really well.
“Last year, it didn’t go well. The hill got me at the end, so this time it was really good. I’m really happy with it.”
A close battle at the front
The women’s race was one of the most competitive of the day, with the top three separated by less than a minute.
Robinson admitted she was fully committed to the effort in the closing stages as Amy Southam (Ryston Runners) took second in 2:16:27 ahead of Olivia Stock in third in 2:16:51.
“It was really close,” added Robinson. “I didn’t dare look behind me because I didn’t have anything else to give.”
Building towards London – and unfinished business
Like many runners in the field, Robinson used the Wymondham 20 as a key part of her marathon preparation.
With the London Marathon just five weeks away, the performance offers a timely boost – but also marks another step towards a bigger goal.
“I think so, hopefully it goes as well as today did,” she said.
This will be her third time taking on London – a race that has not always gone to plan.
“London’s a bit my nemesis, really. It’s always gone a bit poorly, either the weather or illness.
“So I’m just hoping – good training block, good Wymondham 20… and then hopefully a good marathon.”
A key race in the series
As Race 3 in the Sportlink Grand Prix Series, the Wymondham 20 once again showcased the strength of the Norfolk running community.
The GP Series now heads into a busy spell next month starting with race one in the Great Yarmouth Promenade 5M Series before four races in May – the Breckland 10K, Aylsham 10K, Fighter 5K and the Holt 10K, which you can buy your place for here.
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Sportlink support
Sportlink is a Norwich-based running store run by runners for runners, offering expert gait analysis and supporting the Norfolk running community through the Sportlink Grand Prix Series.
Article provided by Mark Armstrong Media.