The final race in the Red Rose Grand Prix was the classic ‘Through the Villages’ race, celebrating its 35th anniversary. Starting in Wheelton and going through Brinscall, Abbey Village and back through Brinscall it is as tough as any road race in the North West. Measuring 8 miles 781 yards (!), if you not going uphill you are going downhill. Red Rose captured a selection of prizes. Simon Croft was 3rd home in a great time of 50.14, followed by Phil Marsden in 9th place taking the V45 prize in 52.00. Dan Hughes completed the winning Men’s team with 13th place in 53.39. Joe Martin came 25th in 56.06 and was followed in by Vet 50’s, Dave Parkinson 57.44 and Frank Nightingale 59.00 who completed the winning Male Vets team. Scott Jackson and Manolo Mendoza beat the hour with times of 59.06 and 59.42. Joe Swarbrick took second place, V60. Jill Jefferson won the F60 prize in a brilliant time of 61.14, two minutes faster than her previous attempt five years ago, Janine Needham took the F40 prize in 63.03 and along with Sam Edwards (66.21) won the Ladies Team prize. Other high positions were achieved by Ray Taylor 3rd V65 in 68.00, Laura Houghton 3rd Senior Female,68.22 and Anneke Crosby (70.40) 3rd F50. Full results on ukresults.net
Another challenging course awaited the runners at the Lancaster Half. Richard Maughan finished in 10th place in 1.26.32. David Raynor was our next runner in with a time of 1.46.07. Vicky Barwick managed a PB in spite of the tough finish with a time of 1.47.16. Sue Brookes beat two hours with a time of 1.58.37. Andy Verity clocked 2.15.52 along with Cat Holden, 2.15.56, and Kelly While 2.16.17.
Stuart Cann travelled to Nottingham for the multi lap, Let’s Go Round Again, a disco marathon consisting of 9 laps of 3 miles. He finished in 15th place with a time of 3.46.13.
The Derwentwater 10 mile is a fabulous, scenic and hilly route and was enjoyed by a travelling band of Red Rose runners. Ken Addison was our first finisher, also achieving second placed V60 in a time of 1.12.07. Richard Barnes ran 8 minute miles to finish in 1.19.58. John Wiseman finished in 1.25.21 followed by Kathryn Abbott in 1.31.12. The group also comprised of Brian Hanley 1.33.13, Amanda Berry 1.47.14, Davina Bowling 1.47.16 and Fiona Gutteridge 2.03.29.
Cuerden Valley parkrun was held on the existing course for the last time and will have a new, equally challenging course starting next week. Six Red Rosers celebrated the occasion with new PB’s. Nicola Hughes 22.59, Simon Worbey 25.54, Margaret Worbey 28.34, Katy Cleece 28.52, Louise Withnell 29.20 and Archie Finch (JM10) 30.02.
At Preston parkrun Susan Heatley achieved a new PB of 32.04 and Emma Louise Moon (JW10) finished in 33.38.
Jane Godsland entered the Odlo Coed y Brenin Trail Sprint Duathlon. This consisted of a 5k run taking 34 min 13 sec , 15k bike in 1 hour 2 min 56 sec, run 1.8k in 14.28 earning her 3rd place in the F40-49 category.
Steve Bullows’ week ended with the Tatton Park Half Marathon which he finished in 2.45.36.
On Saturday, Gina Biggs completed the 50k Ultra in Milton Keynes her 151st marathon distance. On Sunday she repeated the experience. Unbelievable!!