With running conditions forcing Parkruns to be cancelled this weekend there were a few anxious moments for the races scheduled for Sunday. The traditional Longridge 7 mile, experienced horizontal hail along its testing hilly course with no view even from the top of Jeffrey Hill. First home for Red Rose was Vet 55 Ken Addison in a time of 47.37 to take a top 20 finishing position. Dave Brunton ran the demanding course in 51.13 with Richard Maughan not far behind in 51.38. Several other runners beat the hour. John Wiseman ran 55.29, Peter O’Grady 57.06 and Anthony Murphy 58.39. A close race ensued between Rob Mather( 59.30) and David Dyson (59.42). Damien Russell crossed the line in 62.19.
The first lady home for the club was the rapidly improving Joanne Malcolmson finishing in 63.21 followed by Dave Wallworth making a welcome appearance with a time of 64.02. Carl Robinson wasn’t far behind in 64.34. Mike Jeffryes ran 65.17 with Karen Clark hard on his heels in 65.19.
The club’s other results include Michael Hogarth 68.09, Sally Cape 73.00,Chris Clark 74.29, Lydia Plackett 89.00, Gina Biggs 98.38.
The Turkey Trot provided a mix of trail, road and fell. Runners met mud and even thigh deep icy water. Fantastic Christmas costumes enhanced the brilliant atmosphere with times becoming unimportant and completion of the course the only success criteria. Steve Gore finished in 41.23 eventually getting the better of Phil Davidson 42.59. Phil’s success came with 3rd place for his gingerbread man costume. John Hyde finished in 47.09 with Richard Lodge not far behind in 50.45. Vicky Gore and Angela Brooks battled the course together to finish in 62.48 with Nina Colquhoun (71.36) and Janet Saynor (72.27) completing a great team turnout on a very demanding course.