As the summer comes to an end, it also brings the end of the Inter Club and Inter Club Fell series. Red Rose was again successful on a club and individual level picking up a number of prizes. Member turnout was again excellent, with nearly 60 participants across all races, many of them taking part in all events. The season will also be remembered for the patriotic (short) shorts worn by a number of members during the races.
The club performed well in the road series, and achieved mid-table positions in some very competitive categories. John Shepherd was again the clubs top performer, finishing 10th overall and securing the Vet 45 title ahead of fellow club members Shane Cliffe and Steve Whitney, who were 2nd and 3rd Vet 45 respectively.
There was again competition between Joe Swarbrick and Ken Addison in the Vet 55 category, with Joe emerging victorious, finishing 14th overall and 2nd Vet 55.
For the ladies, Claire Bunce continued her impress year by winning the Preston race and finishing as second overall, and Paula Plowman was the first Vet 45.
On the fells, the ladies team picked up the team prize that had eluded them for the last couple of years. Strong performances from a team of Claire Bunce, Paula Plowman and Glenda Dobie took 1st place in 2 of the 4 races, and secured Paula her second individual prize of first female vet.
Unfortunately, the club failed to retain the overall and vets team prizes, finishing runners up in the overall and vet 50 categories, but there was more success individually. Shane Cliffe finished 4th overall, 2nd Vet 40, and Barry Wheeler fought of challenges from Ken Addison and Phil Butler to finish 6th overall, and 1st senior.
The club and runners now turn their attention to the winter cross country season, and will be rearing to go again next year.
Presentation of this seasons awards will take place next April at Blackpool Cricket Club, following the Blackpool Inter Club race.