On a good day, Windy Hill Fell Race consists of fast trails, runnable fells and one all-mighty climb. Beginning at Littleborough RUFC, the course immediately opens up into a fast paced, undulating run before the climb, which shares its namesake with the race, Windy Hill. Once the runners reach the top, a steady fast paced 4-5 mile downhill on a rollercoaster trail leads back to the finish. On a cold February afternoon this is a very tough challenge with 1281feet of ascent over 9 miles. The performance of the day was Nicola Hughes1.32.18, Lynn Melvin 1.44.47 and Paula Plowman 1.48.05 combining to win the Ladies team prize.
Frank Nightingale had a great run in 1.19.47 to be placed 3rd out of 22 in the V50 race. Next was John Barker in 1.23.06 and Gary Corcoran in 1.25.24.Dan Hughes ran with Nicola Hughes and matched her time and John Hyde gained 3rd V60 in 1.39.48.
Lynn Melvin took 4th place in the F55 race and Paula Plowman was 4th F50. Ben Donoghue supported Paula with a time of 1.48.05. Chris Charnley finished in 1.58.39, Alison Mercer 2.01.57, Glynis Leo 2.02.38, James Robinson 2nd V70, 2.06.11, Sarah Haslam 2.12.08.
The Lancaster Valentine 10k was billed as a fast, romantic course. Jose Pinon Shaw found it to his liking with a great time of 38.20 for 13th place and first V50. John Naylor ran 40.42 followed by Ben Smithers 48.34 and Ramona Mulligan 86.14.
Alison Parkinson and Catherine Karn represented Red Rose at the Stockport Trail Half Marathon with Alison home in 2.01.37 and Catherine finishing in 2.15.46.
The Muddy Shoes event always lives up to its name.40 runners took part in the 11 mile course with Pauline Moorcroft finishing in 2.21.23 followed by Gareth Fairey in 3.02.55 and Katy Cleece in 3.03,00. The 5 mile event saw Ted Dempsey with a time of 1.07.04,Sandra Rolston 1.18.42 and Arthur Green1.18.43.
At Preston Parkrun PB’s were achieved by Gina Chelton 25.37, Emily Atkinson 27.46, Kelly Day 29.30. At Southport Simon Robinson was first runner home in 17.59 and David Wilkinson ran 27.22. At Cuerden Valley, Jonathan Finch ran 21.21 and Jo Worswick finished in 31.19.