Seventeen Ivanhoe Runners took part in the Stilton Seven, the latest round in the Leicestershire Road Race League and an Ivanhoe Runners grand prix event. The rave was held on a hilly two-lap course from Asfordby Hill near Melton Mowbray, and the conditions were near ideal being cold but bright.

As usual, club chairman Brian Stout led the team home in 16th place, with an impressive time of 40.59 which was a personal best over the unusual distance, while Andrew Hough was pleased with his run for 28th male, in 42.01. Alistair Chambers was over a minute behind in 44th place in 43.17, only just heading Chris Ramsell, who seems to be heading back to some of his old form as he continues his London marathon training, 49th male in 43.38. Martin Yeomans and Dave Morse continued their rivalry - rounding the final corner together Martin just edged home first to claim 48th place with Dave 49th - in times of 47.07 ad 47.08 respectively.

The final two team counters were David Allford and Allan Birch - David finishing 63rd (48.34) and Allan 68th (49.11) - good runs from them both. This brought the men's team home third in Division Two on the day, only just behind Beaumont Leys, and leaves them lying third after three races.

The men's line up continued with Ivan Arkinstall 68th (49.11) and Andrew Jeyes 76th (49.57).

The ladies were led home by joint captain Carolyn Osborne, having a very strong run for 36th place in 54.31. Behind her was a tussle between Amanda Bradbury and Teresa Talbott, Amanda finishing 47th with a time of 56.22, another personal best, and Teresa running really well for 49th place in 56.56.

Kevin Sanders struggled and finished in 218th in 58.12, just pulling away from Laura Graves on Asfordby Hill as Laura's 26 mile Belvoir Challenge last week told on the legs. Laura pushed on to finish 57th in 58.48, bringing the ladies team home in a fine second place in Division Two to continue their push for promotion. This consolidated the women's team position at second place in Division Two, well clear of Roadhoggs.

Trish McPherson was 59th in 59.17, and Heather Swann ran very well for 67th in 60.09.

In the veterans categories, both Ivanhoe teams lie in a creditable fifth place in Division One. All is set for the next race, the Markfield 10k next Sunday (14th March) where strong teams will be needed to maintain momentum.