Red Rose Runners supported the 30th Longridge 7 Mile Christmas Pudding race taking in a hilly course up to Jeffrey Hill. Ken Addison and Joe Swarbrick vied for superiority over the first part of the race before Addison opened up a small lead at the highest point of the course. His consistent pace ensured that he stayed ahead coming in 17 seconds ahead in 46.54 to take first V55 position. Swarbrick took 2nd place in the same category with Fred Lynch completing a neat set taking third in 48.11. Richard Oakley had another impressive run, finishing in 49.00 to take first V60 almost a minute ahead of his nearest rival.
Kevin Reed made a brisk start to the race and worked hard to maintain his pace over the energy sapping course finishing in 49.07. Stuart Cann and Mark Billington slugged it out over the whole race to cross the line together in 49.47. Richard Maughan had little club company as he faced the windy conditions on the downhill stretch between 5 and 6 miles finishing in 51.29.
Jill Jefferson showed her tenacity with a great run in a time of 53.35 to be first F55 in front of Janine Needham who took the F35 prize in a time of 54.04, finishing the race with Tony Thorley one second behind.
More duals ensured no one could let up until the line was crossed. Claire Smith finished well in 55.10 followed by John Wiseman in 57.04. Andy Binstead and Nigel Pickles battled it out with Andy being victorious finishing in 57.43 only four seconds in front. Anne Wallworth must have known she had company from her club mates finishing in 60.15 with Paula Plowman (60.30) and Julie Thorley (60.53) putting in excellent performances. The great turnout from Red Rose of 24 runners in a field of 287 continued with John Plowman in 62.44, George Fletcher (V65) in 63.46, Andrew Baxendale 66.22, Jim Robinson 67.03, Percy Mayo (71.45) and Adela Nuttall (74.01).
Ethan Hodgkinson ran a personal ran a PB at Preston Parkrun 5k in 22.06. At the Cuerden Valley event Philip Davidson ran a PB in 22.19 to be second runner home whilst Paula Plowman improved her time to 25.39 and John Plowman also ran a course PB of 26.32.
Yet again Shane Cliffe was out at weekend with his marathon by doing the Broadmeadow back to back down in Stratford in Avon which was a marathon Saturday and Marathon on Sunday. Saturdays marathon he managed to win 3rd Male place then on Sunday he finished 7th place giving him a well earned 2nd overall.