Despite freezing conditions that turned the water stations into something more akin to slush puppy rehydration posts, the women's course record fell at Nice Work's fully subscribed Southend Rudolph Run 10K on Sunday morning.

It was the 11th of December and the 11th Southend Rudolph Run 10K to be held from Ness Road on the Esplanade at Southend-on-Sea. The 442 finishers who braved the conditions – a dozen more than last year – were all home within 1:27:30 and the majority of competitors embraced the festive spirit by donning an impressive variety of fancy dress outfits.

The top seven bettered six-minute-miling, including the new female course record holder Katy Woodward (W40 Ware Joggers, 29:47) who was an excellent seventh overall. The previous women's best was set by Laura Thomas (Ipswich Jaffa, 30:23) in 2015. 

The women's rostrum was completed by W35 Rachel Riggs (Leigh-on-Sea Striders, 34:01) and Annabel Matthews-Smith (Southend AC, 34:11).

There was a popular local victory as Shane Boxall (Southend AC, 26:16) led M40 Vincent Riviere (Ware Joggers, 27:33) and Stephen Kirsh (Southend AC, 28:19) across the finish line. Gus Withers' course record (Leigh-on-Sea Striders, 24:55) set in last year's race – as reported here by runABC South – remained intact.

Just under 80 athletes beat the 40-minute barrier on this PB-friendly course that starts with a loop around Gunners Park Nature Reserve, followed by a flat and fast, out and back stretch on Shoebury Common Beach Promenade. 

The race was supported by Action Medical Research and a donation was made in recognition of their valuable assistance in providing marshals. All finishers received a Christmas medal and a mince pie and the main race followed the Rudolph Scurry fun run for children.

Results are available via runABC South race listing here

Image courtesy Nice Work Southend Rudolph Run