Red Rose Road Runners tackled the mud at Lancaster University in the latest Mid Lancs Cross Country league. Debbie Kirkman continued her good form with a time of 30.42 followed by a strong run from Anne Wallworth who took the first V55 place in 31.07. Paula Plowman was hot on Anne’s heels finishing in 31.13 to complete the ‘A’team. Joan Gouldthorpe ran 34.11 with determined runs from Sally Cape and Karen Clark in times of 36.02 and 38.36.
Ken Addison maintained his high standards to come home 7th V55 in 46.47 followed by an impressive run from Phil Butler in 47.03. Ben Donoghue used the race to build endurance for the road season finishing in 48.29. Dave Maudsley showed good form to finish as 2nd V45 in 48.36. Stuart Cann tackled the difficult conditions finishing in 50.56 followed by Fred Lynch in 51.35. Philip Davidson(54.04) managed to stay ahead of Phil Dean (54.10) Barry Wheeler’s 59.00 and Gavin Beetham’s 70.58 completed the team’s efforts over a tough course.
The annual ‘Winter Warmer’ at Blackburn presented it’s usual tough challenge over 10K. After leaving the flat track and path within the park the runners are tested on the long climb up Buncer Lane into Pleasington. The views are great if you have the energy to take your eyes off the tarmac in front. Steve Bladon showed good form with an excellent confidence boosting time of 42.24 with Doug Brydon continuing his good form with a time of 43.54. Simon Houghton’s time of 44.29 on this course was good performance. Debbie Kirkman followed her cross country performance with another good time of 47.38. Cliff Utting’s 48.32 was rewarded with 2nd V60 whilst Bernard and Evelyn Elkington overcame the course again as the best of the V75 categories in times of 64.49 and 66.25.
Shane Cliffe and Sally Cape made the trip to Liversedge to take part in the gruelling half marathon in spite of both racing the day before. Shane ran 1.35.18 with Sally finishing in a respectable 2.18.56.
Philip Kemp(20.37) and Colin Manning(29.32) both ran 5K PB’s at the Preston Parkrun.