Torrential rain, thunder and lightning had threatened to sabotage the 3k and 5k races overseen by Becca Brown on her debut as Race Director.

But after a short delay, both races survived and the 250 runners were cheered on by a host of spectators and marshals who braved the elements.

The challenging conditions (including a newly laid road surface) did not deter the competitors who put on fine performances in both races.

John Pike of Newham and Essex Beagles led the 5k race from the start to finish in a lightning 16:11.

While Stamford Strider Simon Fell’s thunderous sprint finish saw him clinch second place in a field of 198 runners, one second ahead of Nene Valley Harrier Nick Grimer.

Second home for Striders was Jim Morris (1st VM45) in 17:34 followed by Mark Popple in 17:47, Keith Read (19:49) and Chris Lockett (21:13).

First lady hailed in was Rachel Stone of Peterborough AC in 18:23 followed by NVH pair Cat Foley in 18:55 and Ruth Jones in 19:22.

Nene Valley Harriers’ youngsters dominated the 3k with Alex Hampson running a storming 9:51 to win the boys’ race and clubmate Eipsna Reid triumphing for the girls in 11:52.

Fellow Harrier Michael Cawood was second home for the boys in 10:45 with Kettering’s Ethan Mehmet finishing third of a field of 52 in 10:53. Polly Smith of Hunts AC and Emma Gibbs of NVH were second and third girls in 12:02 and 12:29 respectively.

Best of luck to all runners at the last meet on August 1 at Werrington.