Red Rose Runners took part in the re arranged Winter Warmer at Witton Park, Blackburn. With 27 runners the distinctive red vests were a great sight for the new and established club members. Excellent times were posted by many club members on a course which is never easy and rarely produces PB’s. The ladies team prize was won by Claire Bunce, Debbie Kirkman, Paula Plowman and Nikki Roberts. Ken Addison continued his excellent start to the year with a great time of 39.45 to take the Vet 55 prize. Debbie Kirkman took the Vet 40 prize with a great run of 47.18, after a week of injury, with Paula Plowman and Joe Swarbrick second in their age groups.
Stuart Roberts made a welcome appearance and showed his strength on this demanding hilly course, always within sight of Ken Addison with a time of 40.14.Shane Cliffe had another strong run as he puts the extra miles in, finishing in 41.41. Jose Pinon Shaw reached the tape two seconds ahead of Phil Butler in a time of 42.20. Ben Donoghue enjoyed the race with an encouraging performance of 43.10 ahead of a great run from Claire Bunce in 43.34.
Stuart Cann had a brilliant run taking nearly four minutes off last years time with a time of 44.05 ahead of Richard Ward in 44.20. Another close battle developed between Simon Houghton and Barry Wheeler with Simon finishing just six seconds ahead in 45.33. Julie Thorley proved she has recovered from injury with a time of 52.16, two minutes faster than her previous attempt at the race.
Keith Burrows came in next in 52.43 ahead of Yvonne and Roger Johnson. Yvonne finished second V50 in 53.41 with Roger finishing in 55.34 in M55 category.
New members who chose to do this race will rarely have to work harder and they can look forward to their times improving as they enter more races. Well done to Gavin Beetham and David Wilkinson who recorded times of 56.23 and 58.13. Sally Cape fought hard to get under the hour finishing in 59.37 as did Vet 75 Bernard Elkington being the only one in this category to attempt the race with a 59.54. John Plowman chose this difficult race to cut his teeth on, finishing in 61.11 whilst Evelyn again showed that age is no barrier to her, being the only V75 lady to compete and finishing in 62.28. Newcomer, Colin Manning showed he has the enthusiasm to make rapid improvements by taking on this race, running 68.24 and ever present Allan Howard ran whilst not well in 73.00.
In the Central Lancs 5K in Bolton Christina Wright was our sole runner finishing in 23.40.