The Snowdonia Marathon is as tough as it sounds but we have runners who finish it and can’t wait to do it all again. Phil Marsden had a brilliant run with a time of 3.01.41 finishing in 18th place and 2nd V45. Next came Gary Corcoran, 3.40.00, who was a few minutes ahead of John Naylor who finished in 3.48.26. Marathon Man, Ben Smithers clocked 4.33.48, Richard Hally 4.43.13 and Samantha Edwards 4.43.24, with three cartwheels on the finish line, Wayne Hope 6.06.26 and Faisal Ali 6.18.32.
Race to the Summit Fell race on Saturday was a great race with a lovely route and so well supported by the marshals and photographers. Many thanks to Captain Lynn for the support and cake afterwards and to the Red Rose clan for waiting in the freezing cold to cheer every last Red Rose runner in. A special mention to Finty Royle, who, after running hard to come 2nd lady and 1st Junior Runner, then ran back to run her dad in and then ran much further back to run in with Sue Austin and Jenny Fairclough. A grand day out all round. Further bonuses were Sue Tonge, 1st V60 and Red Rose ladies won the team prize…Nicola Hughes, Paula Plowman & Sue Tonge. Well done everyone.
The Serpent 6 mile race starts and finishes in the car park of the Wilton Arms, Belmont Road, Bolton. It is a hilly, muddy and challenging snake shape trail race fully marked around the Smithill’s Estate. Janine Needham won the women’s race in an excellent time of 43.37 with Pauline Moorcroft 2nd F55 in 50.26. Zoe Cain 56.20 and Katy Cleece 57.58 completed the winning women’s team. Other Red Rose were present at this challenging event, David hindle 53.02, Zoe Cain 56.20, Louise Withnell 58.10, Wendy Rogerson 61.36, Nicola Paterson 61.36 and Lesley Renshaw 67.48.
The long established Accrington 10K took place over the long drawn out hills in the early part of the race and a slight sweetener of a downhill finish. Over 500 took part in bright conditions with Blackburn Road Runners dominating the finishing places. Lee Quibell ran well chasing 40 minutes but the course is not PB friendly and he finished in 40.54. Joe Swarbrick finished in 41.27 to take the V60 prize, Emily Atkinson broke the hour barrier with 59.47 and Joydip Majumder completed the team in 65.26.
The Fairclough 5 mile race saw 5 Red Rose running. Andrew Christie finished in 31.43, John Wiseman 38.58, Alison Mercer 44.16, Sandra Rolston 50.42 and Arthur Green 62.22.
Steve Bullows continued his epic task with his latest race, the Beachy Head Marathon. He has said it was his toughest with a total elevation of 3400 ft. It’s a stunning and beautiful route. His week will continue with the Hallowe’en Half and the Tatton Park Half on Sunday.
Lisa Baron travelled to the Porth Eirias10k as the only Red Roser. She covered the course in 59.27, beating the hour for the second time.
As with all Petzl night runner races, fancy dress is actively encouraged and the theme for Delamere was "Spooky Halloween". Delamere is a great trail running venue and the course was well marked with reflective signs. We had two runners in the 10k event, Iain Mitchell 57.28 and Lorna Taylor 61.27.
The Jail Break 10km in Lancaster, is a pretty fast round but this race has a tough 1/4mile finish up to the Castle. Ann Cleave won the F55 age category in 48.59. Ben Smithers 50.41 and Samantha Edwards 52.38 after their Snowdon Marathon and Penrhyn parkrun yesterday! Helen Greenhalgh ran 59.06 and Gina Biggs finished in 79.16.
Wow… what a week!