Red Rose travelled to Kendal for the third Mid Lancs cross country event of the season. Conditions were favourable despite the recent wet weather. The four lap course proved testing as the race progressed. Joe Swarbrick took an early lead over his club mates but was overhauled by John Shepherd at the start of the 3rd lap. A gap of 13 seconds separated them at the line with Shepherd running 39.39. Ken Addison had to settle for third club place and 11th V50, with a time of 40.47. Phil Butler (42.43), the improving Phil Darwen (43.30) and Stu Cann (44.10) completed the men’s ‘A’ team. Paul Woan completed the race. Fred Lynch helped the V50 team take third place with a time of 45.23 with Phil Dean next, in 47.24. Gavin Beetham gained more experience with a determined run finishing in 59.09.
An under strength ladies’ team performed well with Ann Wallworth finishing in 30.50, Sally Cape and Karen Clark maintained a good pace, finishing in 34.35 and 37.48.
The Longridge 7 took its traditional place in the lead up to Christmas with 15 Red Rose runners tackling the numerous hills and descents which regularly attract a field of over 200. Doug Bryden led the club’s runners home in a very respectable time of 51.38 with Jill Jefferson maintaining her season’s form to take the first F50 place in a time of 54.13. Stuart Cann and John Wiseman finished the race together in 57.50. Paula Plowman ducked under the hour in a time of 59.56 with Andy Binstead and Tony Smith only seconds behind in 60 minutes flat. Carol Douglass took 1st V65 in an excellent time of 61.09. Andrew Baxendale, running this race for the first time, ran an encouraging 62.15. Karen Clark clocked 69.16 along with Roger Johnson. Adela Nuttall continues to enter the local races and finished in 70.31 with James Robinson finishing in 70.31 in front of Chris Clark (71.41).
In the final race of the Fell Championship, David Tolson was the clubs only competitor completing the 7 mile course in 80.57.