Newcomer David Green made a spectacular debut in the first race of this season’s Kettering Town Harriers 5K handicap series when he broke the course record.
The former Bristol & West AC athlete, now living in Rothwell, completed the loop around the Leisure Village in 16:28, shaving 3 seconds off Jonny Goringe’s previous mark, set in 2009.
This only brought him home in 8th place, though, as there was a spate of personal bests. KTH members benefitted from the cool, still conditions and recent hard training, none more so than the first two finishers, Sean Gallagher and Amanda Marlow, who both knocked over a minute off their previous bests.
Adam Sonn, competing for the first time, finished an excellent third, whilst Ian Walford, near the front of the handicap, held on well to come home fourth.
The second fastest time was recorded by Phil West, whose 17:38 was also a personal best. Kemal Mehmet was third quickest in 19:01 and Roz Giles was fastest woman with a time of 22:06, also a PB.
The second race in the series is scheduled for 23rd March.