Karl Hodgson and Steve Willetts travelled to Chicago for the marathon. Karl was aiming for a time of 2.50 whilst Steve was on a more long term goal of running 1000miles this year, at least a mile every day in aid of Everton in the Community. On the day, Karl was hit with stomach cramps which ruined his sub 3 plans but finished in 3.18. Steve ran a fantastic PB of 3.35.21, a 20 minute improvement.
In the Yorkshire Marathon Alice Lily had a great run, tackling the course in aid of Alzheimer Society in a great time of 4.18.34.
Lisa Bolton continued her return from injury with the Penrith Rotary 10k. She was the only Red Rose Runner there but enjoyed the undulating scenic course finishing 10th female in a time of 50.34.
On Saturday, John Naylor and Gary Corcoran took on the 6 hour challenge in Chorley. Both men performed brilliantly. In spite of sore muscles and joints they both ran approximately 36 miles in the allotted time.
The largest turnout of Red Rose Runners was the Vernon’s 4 mile held on Sunday afternoon in excellent conditions. Joel Bladon was the sole junior in the fun run finishing in 10.30. 65 RR, out of 159 entrants, swelled the ranks for the excellent race. Success came from Simon Croft finishing 3rd in 22.17, Ciarron Roddy was 5th in 22.58 and Dan Hughes 7th in 23.07. For the women’s team, Janine Needham ran a strong race to finish in 2nd place in 26.54 with Carla Davies close behind to be third in 27.24. Jill Jefferson was our third finisher taking the F55 prize in 29.09. Prizes also went to Ken Addison V60 in 24.41, Ray Taylor V65 in 27.58. Paula Plowman finished first F50 in 31.19 and Louise Mckenna was first F35 in the same time. Carol Douglass finished in an impressive 32.08 to be first F70 with Joan Gouldthorpe taking the F65 prize in 32.47. George Fletcher ran 35.16 to be first V70 and Evelyn Elkington ran 43.04 as the only female 80 year old with Bernard Elkington acting as tail runner bringing every one home safely in 59.17. Many more great times were posted and the full results can be found on ukroadraces.info facebook page.
In the local parkrun events Finty Royle flew round the Cuerden Valley course in a PB of 20.58. Other PB’s were achieved by Steve Poxon 22.44, Peter Withnell 24.23, Nicola Hughes 26.15 and Louise Withnell 32.29. At Prston Stephen Walker ran 26.35 and Shane Collins 27.21. Red Rose visited other events including, Gina Biggs at Harrogate, Kate and Andy Clipston at Poole, Dave Hooton at Aberystwyth, David Dyson at Keswick, Phil Davidson and Vicky Gore at Watergrove and David Anson at Haigh Woodland.