Clements breaks course record at Kesgrave parkrun

Runners tackling flat 5K course at the weekly Kesgrave parkrun, which held its 227th event on Saturday. Picture: KESGRAVE PARKRUN FACEBOOK PAGE (Image: Archant)

Kirean Clements broke his own course record and, in the process, clocked the fastest time for a parkrun over the weekend, thanks to his scorching effort at the 227th staging of the Kesgrave parkrun.

Suffolk athlete Clements, a member of Shaftsbury Barnet, flew around the fast, flat course in a very impressive 14mins 32secs, despite some mud underfoot.

This clipped two seconds off Clements’ own course record for the 5K Kesgrave challenge, posted in July, 2017. Clements is originally from Hadleigh.

James Reeder, of Bath Tri Club, was second in 16:36 as a total of 302 runners, joggers and walkers turned up to enjoy the last parkrun before Christmas, many of them in fancy-dress.

Runners going in both directions, as a field of 302 enjoyed the Kesgrave parkrun on Saturday morning. Picture: KESGRAVE PARKRUN FACEBOOK PAGE (Image: Archant)

Jim Last (Fram Flyers) was third in 17:10, followed by Ipswich Harriers’ Thomas Adams (17:33) and Tom Fairbrother (17:38). Jayne Chappells, of Kesgrave Kruisers, was the first female in 21:02. Emile Wix was second in 21:11.

Runners, young and old, negotiate the 180 degrees turn during the Kesgrave parkrun. Picture: KESGRAVE PARKRUN FACEBOOK PAGE (Image: Archant)

Some of the leading runners enjoying the bright weather but muddy conditions underfoot at Saturday's Kesgrave parkrun. Picture: KESGRAVE PARKRUN FACEBOOK PAGE (Image: Archant)