A formidable performance from Red Rose Road Runners at the Catforth 7 helped raise valuable funds in aid of Blackpool Wyre & Fylde Cerebral Palsy Association. Ever improving Claire Bunce ran an excellent race staying in contention with the lead lady runner until the final 400 metres where she found the speed to open up a decisive gap to record her first race victory in a time of 45.40 on a flat but blustery course. For the Red Rose men Stuart Roberts and Ken Addison fought a race long battle before Roberts opened up a gap to finish third in the race followed by Ken Addison in fourth and Joe Swarbrick in fifth.
The large contingent of Red Rose was further enhanced with good performances from Jose Pinon and Ben Donoghue in 45.25 and 45.29. Shane’s 47.11 was enough for a pre London outing and Barry Wheeler’s 47.36 was enough to edge a victory over club rival Stuart Cann. (48.42). Dave Hooton recorded 49.17 for 4th V55. Geoff Haworth made a rare appearance in a road race finishing in 49.42 and 2nd V50,whilst Richard Ward came close to breaking 50 minutes for this unusual distance.
Debbie Kirkman came through her final race before her debut London marathon in a time of 50.29 to take the ladies V40 prize. Cliff Utting completed the club’s strong performance in the V55 category in 52.04.Paula Plowman’s 55.17 brought her in ahead of Carol Douglass, who took a Vet 65 prize, and Julie Thorley who finished in 57.12. Lee Brown looked comfortable finishing in 58.13. Caroline Devaney came in next in 62.02 with new member David Wilkinson close behind in 64.08. V75 Bernard Elkington completed the race as the oldest runner on the day in 64.35. Sal Cape ran the race in some discomfort in 67.07 with Allan Howard closing in, finishing in 67.35.
Enthusiastic newcomer Colin Manning ran it in 70.27, needing to slow his pace in the final two miles. Karen and Chris Clark were joined by Wendy Ward on their final race before tackling the forthcoming London marathon.
At the mid week Chernobyl 5K Joe Swarbrick ran 18.38 and Ken Addison finished in 18.50 to take 11th and 12th place and first two V55. Shane Cliffe’s 19.14 gave him a well earned 18th place. New member Simon O’Leary had a great run for 23rd place in a time of 19.30. Phil Butler finished strongly in 20.04 with Phil Dean following, in 22.13. Sally Cape was the lone lady club member and finished in 31.33.
