SHE'S done it!The training may have been hard and the challenge at times daunting but Mercury/Pilch sponsored novice runner Jane Jiggens completed the Wymondham New Year's Day 10k race in a time of one hour and 15 minutes.

SHE'S done it!

The training may have been hard and the challenge at times daunting but Mercury/Pilch sponsored novice runner Jane Jiggens completed the Wymondham New Year's Day 10k race in a time of one hour and 15 minutes.

Jane, from Long Stratton, won the chance to tackle the six-mile challenge in a Mercury competition. She was kitted out with running gear by Norwich sports shop Pilch and offered top class help and advice from experts from organisers Wymondham Athletic Club before joining more than 400 runners in the January 1 event.

'I was pleased to finish, although I was disappointed that I could not run it all,' she said. 'For the last couple of weeks it has been difficult to train what with working and Christmas and the weather.

'But I will be keeping up the running and my challenge is to run it completely next year.'

Although she had a few walking spells, she had enjoyed the event and the help and support she had received had been a great help.

Wymondham AC chairman Karl Chapman was full of praise for Jane who built up her training quickly to complete her challenge. 'It is always difficult to get everything right for race day and come out on top. Jane has had the added pressure of being a mini- celebrity for eight weeks as well as the pressure of finishing in the spotlight as the PILCH sponsored runner. I saw Jane with about 1km to go and she was still smiling and determined to finish. Jane is a great example of what can be achieved through running and I know she has made new friends at the club and I am sure she has learned a lot about her character and physical and mental resolve in the process. Well done Jane!'

Conditons - cold but still - were just about ideal for the Pilch-sponsored race which attracted a record entry - 20pc up on last year.

Although the course had some tough climbs in parts, it turned out to be a fairly quick race with many runners getting under 38 minutes although many more were quite happy to run round and burn off any festive excesses.

Craig Hopkins, in Norfolk for the festive period and now running for Swansea AC, took control of the race early on and kept a trio of ex-team mates from CONAC at bay with a superb performance finishing in a time of 32.28min.

Ten seconds behind Craig was Luke Allen who battled hard to beat Adam Lewis to the line in a fast finish, followed by Andrew Bunn of Norwich Road Runners taking the first senior prize and James O'Neill making the top five and securing the team trophy for CONAC.

First lady home was Phillipa Taylor from Stamford Striders in a time of 38.20min who had a clear margin over Louise Peters (39.04min) who travelled from Luton representing Stopsley Striders. Dena Parfitt (NNBR) made up the top three places with a solid performance to start her racing year. The ladies team prize was secured by athletes Rachael Leathwood, Elise Manly and Rachael Fiddy from Norwich Road Runners.

First Wymondham AC runner home was Richard White in 37.42min, finishing in the top 20 of the field.

Mr Chapman thanked all runners for supporting the race and also thanked all Wymondham AC club members for helping to marshal and organise the event.

The next WAC race is the Hethel 20 on March 8 and is a great race for those wanting to test their legs in preparation for the London Marathon in April. Entry is available online via www.wymondhamac.org or www.runnerworld.co.uk

If you feel inspired and want to join Wymondham AC for a run you can go along to Wymondham rugby club on Tuttles Lane on Mondays at 6.30pm. All abilities are welcome and the club has a friendly group for beginners to the sport.