Finty on her way to victory.
“Royle Approval” this weekend as Finty Royle completed her debut season in fine style. Originally aiming for a top 5 finish, Finty made excellent progress from the start, taking a fast racing line, following the good advice from Red Rose Cross Country Captain and Coach Pita Oates. Just less than a 3rd of the way round the one lap, 2.4 km course, Finty began to pass the four remaining competitors in front of her and forged her way through as race leader! With time for a thumbs up and an uncontainable smile as she ran past her dad, Finty was able to make a further 10 second lead over the remaining distance. Finty was greeted at the finish by huge cheers and an air of celebration from the full contingent of Red Rose Road Runners and supporters, including younger sister Daisy Royle, who also competed herself earlier, and Mum and Dad. After the race Finty said, “Half way through the race I realised I really could do this!” Finty, is a pupil at St Michael’s High School, Chorley, and has been a member of Red Rose Road Runners since September 2014
Our two loyal Under 11’s competed yet again showing great promise. Alice Lodge ran the 2k course in 8.36 and Daisy Royle finished in 9.19.
Congratulation to everybody that has taken part in this season’s cross country, with a special mention to the Vet 55 ladies and the Vet 50 men who both won their divisions.
Yet another excellent club outing.
Cross country results P.Plowman 27.05, S.Maltby 27,55, M.Lupton 28.25, D.Porter 28.57,V.Gore 30.11, K.Clark 31.42, J.Fairclough 32.24, C.Shaw 32.58, H.Orson 33.22, W.Ward 33.48, D.Hill 34.12,L.Hyde 34.30, N.Richardson 35.00 L.Walsh 35.03, R.Mulligan 39.26, N.Colquhoun 39.28, S.Heatley 40.14.
D.Hughes 33.30, S.Woodruff, 34.04, S.Cann 35.02, P.Butler 37.31, C.Brown 38.00, P.Davidson 38.24, M.McCrae 39.40, B.Wheeler 41.58, I.Wharton 42.00, F.Nightingale 42.45, A.Murphy 42.52, J.Royle 43.58, A.Speer 44.56
The Wrexham Marathon run for the first time, with a field of 190 runners saw Michael Pate produce a PB of 3.28.57 in 56th place. Shane Cliffe paced his efforts well to pass team mate John Naylor at 24 miles finishing in 3.55.37 with Naylor over the line in 3.58.51. Gina Biggs continued her marathon challenges completing another event in 6.59.57. A half marathon was also on offer with nearly 500 runners. Polly Bibby was the lone Red Rose representative with a very good time of 2.03.51.
Oulton Park was the venue for an unusual 6 lap course over the half marathon distance. Mary Conway was delighted to be the F55 winner in preparation for the even bigger challenge of the Greater Manchester Marathon.
Alan Jolly took on the Trollers Trot, a self navigating 25 mile route through stunning Yorkshire scenery. This massive effort was rewarded with an improved time of 1.5 hours on his previous best. Next event, the Oldham Ultra 40.