The British Athletics Cross Challenge at Sefton Park was the destination for the latest Red Rose event. 54 club members made the trip, knowing conditions would be anything but comfortable. As ever, they made the day one to remember. In such a high quality field few of our runners would be high in the results but that made little difference to the achievements and enjoyment of the day.
Janine Needham was the star performer for the ladies gaining 134th place in 37.30 over a distance of 8.1K Ruth Travis performed well for a time of 41.41 with Debbie Porter third showing her strength in tough conditions in 42.44. Joan Gouldthorpe continued to defy the years being our fourth finisher in 44.44. Sue Tonge (45.34) put in good performance with Emily England finishing 10 minutes faster than last year in 45.40. Pita Oates improved by 2 minutes as a further indication of her recent improved times. Sophie Hill was the youngest member of the Red Rose team and competed in the Junior race. Ladies’ results: Ginny Richens 45.47, Alison Mercer 45.47,Joanne Halpin 46.53,Linn Melvin 46.59,Vicky Gore 47.10, Karen Clark 47.47, Lorraine Houghton 47.55, Judi Ingham 47.56, Lindsay Davies 48.07, Aimee Grime 48.55, Cathy Karn 49.07, Jenny Fairclough 49.39, Lisa Hyde 51.15, Sue Austin 51.15, Louise Walsh 53.28, Helen Greenhalgh 53.56, Helen Orsen 54.48, Wendy McNair 55.01, Sarah Haslam 57.24, Ann Donoghue 59.28, Susan Heatley 59.28, Nina Colquhoun 62.11.
In the mens’ race, nothing could separate Karl Hodgson and Dan Hughes as they posted the same time of 39.25 for the 9.8K distance. Ben Donoghue ran an excellent 41.03 with a great run from Andy Christie next in 41.39. Men’s results. Sam Harrison 42.16, Phil Butler42.50, John Naylor 43.27, Barry Wheeler 44.03, David Raynor 45.31, Chris Brown 45.58, Frank Nightingale 46.58, John Royle 46.58, Pete Battersby 48.09, Ian Wharton 48.46, Stuart McNair 48.48, Ray Taylor 48.54, Martin Simpson 49.08, Phil Dean 49.51, Richard Field 50.20, Jon Wright 51.28, Steve Taylor 52.46, Michael Hogarth 56.13, Andy Speer 56.18, Gareth Bell 65.05.
At the Wesham 10k the windy conditions experienced all over the North West were felt throughout the race and the 397 runners were treated to a surprise water feature at one mile which hindered attempts at fast times as they continued with cold wet feet! First home for Red Rose was Ken Addison in 39.49 to take second V60. Eight seconds behind, Joe Swarbrick just scraped a sub 40 to be third V55. Simon Houghton ran a very respectable 45.31 with Jill Jefferson. a rare second F55, in 45.37. Andrew Stell ran a steady pace for a time of 46.12. Carol Douglass was our one prize winner taking her F65 in 52.30. William Nelson completed the Red Rose team with 54.38.
The Beginners’ group organised by Peter O’Grady, completed their 10 weeks of training to successfully complete the Preston Parkrun in difficult conditions but in high spirits. Yet again, Red Rose members turned out to accompany the group on their first 5k run.
At the Best 5k on Sunday, 14 of the 96 runners were from our club. Carla Davies was the first female finisher in 21.59.Brent Whybro was our next finisher in 25.31 with Sophie Hill hot on his heels in 25.41. Other finishers. Michael Coupland 25.48, Jim McLean 26.44, Emily Ingham 28.49, Davina Bowling 29.49,Nicola Bentley 33.08, Nina Colquhoun 34.06,Evelyn Elkington 36.53, Bernard Elkington 36.53, Zak Whittaker 37.12, Amy Whittaker 37.12, Gina Biggs 37.58.