MORE than 400 runners jogged, trudged and sprinted their way through the Fens in treacherous conditions last week at the 13th annual Hereward Relay. A total of 115 teams made up of four runners battled through strong winds and heavy mud to complete the 38

MORE than 400 runners jogged, trudged and sprinted their way through the Fens in treacherous conditions last week at the 13th annual Hereward Relay.

A total of 115 teams made up of four runners battled through strong winds and heavy mud to complete the 38-mile, four-stage race from Peterborough Cathedral to Ely City Football Club.

Competitors came from across the region and St Edmunds Pacers A took the overall victory in an impressive 3:47:23.

Seven crack teams from the Ely Runners meanwhile, secured some impressive finishes with the Ely Cheetah's leading the club home in fifth place (4:02:22). Ely Tigers were seventh in 4:11:34, Ely Leopards were 11th in 4:24:53, Ely Panthers were 31st in 4:44:23, Ely Lions were 41st in 4:49:10, Ely Puma's were 78th in 5:22:55 and Ely Cougars were 87th in 5:31:12

Amoungst his duties, club coach Alan Rutterford, not only had to see off four stages of runners at various times of the morning, but he was also tasked with marking out the course from Little Downham to the finish at Ely City Football Club.

Club members Tony Hall, Natalie Etches, Stuart Baumber, Adrian Stokes and John Glover also helped to organise and run the event.