Red Rose Road Runners travelled in great numbers to the final Mid Lancs Cross Country event in the hope of securing well earned team placings on the day and for the season. Alice Lodge (10.15) and Elisabeth Hyde (14.29) joined the U11 race setting a fine example of grit and determination for the rest of the Red Rose team.
In the U17 Boys race Jordan Donoghue showed consistent pace to finish in 20.12 followed by Ethan Hodgkinson who finished strongly in 22.40.
The Red Rose ladies were lead home by Anne Wallworth with a great run to be 2nd F55 in a time of 25.42. Only 10 seconds behind came Margaret Lupton in 25.52 with Paula Plowman completing the A team in 26.05, to finish 3rd F45 team on the day. Debbie Porter ran a strong solo run in 27.26 followed by a real team effort of six Rosers crossing the line within 90 seconds. Helen Orsen ran 31.29 just ahead of a determined trio of Pita Oates 32.12, Wendy Ward 32.21 and Sally Cape 32.24. The team effort was completed by Carole Williams 32.49 and Lisa Hyde 33.11.
The Men’s team were enthusiastically cheered on by the ‘Rosettes’ as they strived for their team’s season’s placings. Ben Donoghue excelled himself with his highest finishing position of the season in 33rd place in a time of 33.57. Ken Addison had another good run in the V55 group finishing 10th on the day and 7th for the season in a time of 36.33. Stuart Cann continued his fine form with his best race of the season finishing 36.56 followed by V55 runners Joe Swarbrick (37.19) and Fred Lynch (37.39). This impressive group of results ensured Red Rose V50 team took 2nd place in the race and pleasingly 2nd for the season. The strong team spirit saw excellent effort and performances all through the race with everyone pushing themselves to the best efforts. The ‘B’ team was lead by Phil Butler in 38.40 and Dave Maudsley in 39.29. Frank Nightingale sprinted for the line to gain an extra place to finish in 41.44 with Phil Dean (42.17) Andy Binstead (43.27) and John Wiseman (44.21) completing the line up. With great numbers out for this race we managed a ‘C’ team all producing significant performances. Rob Mather 46.58, John Plowman 47.08, Warren Hoyle 47.26, Richard Lodge 47.32, Andy Speer 49.25, Gavin Beetham 51.36 Martin Simpson 52.48. Celebrations for a great season’s effort were jealously watched by opposing clubs as the bubbly was popped and the cake fest went into overdrive. (Red Rose annual membership now available at £17.50. New members always welcome)
Cuerden Valley Parkrun (93 runners) and Preston Parkrun (176 runners) go from strength to strength with Red Rose PB’s posted at Cuerden by Jonathan Finch 21.55, Ian Wharton 25.12, Vicky Gore 30.40 Debbie Bevitt 34.18.