A large number of runners took part in the second of Witham Running Club's 5K Summer Series races.

There were seven debutants and six personal bests (PBs), on an evening that had heavy cloud cover and a strong headwind.

Men's captain Alan Pilgrim led by example, coming home in a time of 18 minutes 24 seconds.

The race for second place changed hands several times in the final 2K, with an in-form Alex Stuckey recording an impressive 18m 55s, the first PB of the evening.

Two seconds then separated the next three finishers, with Stuart Mills just pipping Ian McLaughlin (both 19m 15s) and Trevor Johnson (19m 16s).

Mat Pearsons ran well and his finish time of 20m 07s was an improvement of more than a minute on the first race.

Dave Smith's excellent 20m 13s will see him pencilled in for the V50 Ekiden Relay Team.

Twelve-year-old Harry Groves stalked Dave Jobling in the first half of the race and then finished like a train, crossing the line in 20m 44s, just ten seconds in front of ladies captain Brigid Wallen.

Jobling's race preparation of a 1K swim in the morning and a cycle to the start of the race worked wonders as he recorded 21m 01s for 5K, his best time over this distance for two years.

Pete Gold and Paul Hedger crossed the line in 21m 05s and could not be separated.

Liz Stuckey can be well pleased with her 21m 39s, just ahead of Tony Wallen's 21m 43s.

New member Jonny Kempster knocked 90 seconds from his PB clocking 22m 03s and has the potential to go faster.

In his first race of the year, John Kerr returned on the scene with 22m 52s followed by young Matthew Faires (22m 54s).

Shelley Wray finished in 23m 04s just ahead of 5K debutante Julie Boyden (23m 16s), while Wendy Martin continues to put her injury behind her and finished in 23m 55s.

Another new Witham runner Scott Laws can be pleased with 24m 01s. Debs Lewis (24m 11s) just pipped Darren Smith (24m 13s), who was a minute clear of Dave Payne (25m 13s) and Stewart Waller (25m 27s).

James Chester recorded a great time of 19m 22s.

Witham RC ladies captain Wallen was in action again at the Race for Life at Southend.

A field of more than 1,000 ladies took part in the fund-raising event and Wallen enjoyed a fast course to finish in second place with a time of 20m 20s.

At the Horndon on the Hill 10K, Laws' finish time of 53m 41s was a two-minute improvement on his Bluewater 10K time last month.

To keep up to date with what's happening at Witham Running Club visit www.withamrc.org.uk