Stratford AC's Maisie-Joy Spriggs, 15, first female at Alcester 10k

MAISIE-Joy Spriggs was celebrating after finishing as first female at the Alcester 10k race on Sunday.

The 15-year-old Stratford AC runner came into the annual event with tired legs having competed in the National Road Relays in Sutton the day before.

Undeterred, Spriggs set out with the aim of a sub-40 time and being the first U18 to finish. She ran a controlled first half and was holding third place comfortably.

Then she showed her strength and stamina to pick up the pace to finish as first female in 39:05 , a 30s PB on her May race and 22 seconds clear of the second female.

“My legs hurt from the start but as soon as I got to the hill at 3.5 miles and past halfway I picked the pace up. In the final kilometre I could see the first lady about 70m ahead. My aim was to catch her. I passed her and much to my surprise I finished first overall lady which I’m very happy about.”

Spriggs was followed by John Peacock (44:17), John Bettles (46:49), Bryan Boyle (47:03), Albert Bettles (47:17), Suzi Graham (49:10), Dave Wolstencroft (54:57), Lisa Stevens (56:18) and Cara Reynolds (58:16).

There was also a special mention for 81-year-old Roger Wilson who ran his first road race in three years in 58:34.

The other Stratford runners were: Kate Sergent (1:04:30), Sue Mothershaw (1:05.57), Allan Coldicott (1:06:05), Jill Wilson (1:08:00), John Butler (1:14:31) and Rosie Slocombe in (1:21:19).