With a record field of over 500 runners contesting this years Stebbing 10 mile road race Ilford AC returned 2 first class performances from Malcolm Muir and Robin McNelis. Muir, the current champion, knew his previous years supremecy was always going to be tested by the challenge of  Woodford Green's Bertie Powell and Billericay's Crispian Bloomfield on an undulating course made even more difficult by very strong winds that affected some of the more open sections of the rural lanes surrounding this Essex village. On the first small loop Bloomfield had posted his intentions by establishing a 15 metre advantage on the Ilford man with Powell starting cautiously and tracking just behind the pair. Meanwhile McNelis began conservatively back in around 30th place but slowly working his way through the field.

 

By mile 7 the field  had sorted itself out with Powell, having posted 6th in a high-class field in the previous days metropolitan league, now finding his running legs to establish a commanding lead over Bloomfield. Muir was now suffering from the windy conditions and had been caught by training partner Paul Dobson of Springfield and Orion's youngster Jack Stroud,slipping to 5th. Powell eventually just missed out on the course record by a matter of seconds posting  52.30, a very fast time given the conditions and over 2 minutes ahead of Bloomfield 54.50 with Muir rallying well in the latter stages for 3rd place in 55.30. McNelis for his part was delighted to slip under the hour for the first time stopping the watch at 59.48 for an excellent 17th place PB. Keith Ennis had another strong run for Ilford finishing in 69.11 and making the top 100.

 

In the women's race Bree Nordin was Ilford's pick of the bunch finishing as 2nd FV45 of the day in 70.51, runner up to Benfleet's Julie Palmer. Second home for the club was Sally Gillam in 86.51 with newcomer Carol Muir in her first outing over the distance recording a promising 98.42.

The overall women's race was won by Stowmarkets Tracy Jordan in a good time of 61.43.