Kevan wins the Chorley 10k
James Kevan took tops honours this weekend in the Chorley 10k with a winning time of 33.44. The council-sponsored event always attracts an enthusiastic large crowd and dons its customary sunny weather. An interesting two loop course that starts with a fast downhill road section before entering the park for some trail paths and a sharp energy (and will) sapping uphill which doesn’t have a Strava nickname but should, and then back onto the tarmac. The race is popular with the harriers and no less than seven red vests took part. Richard O’Reilly came in as 2nd Vet55 (62nd position in 41:52) followed by Kevan Newall 4th Vet50 (84th, 43:06), Michelle Tunney 1st L40 (119th, 44:14), Chris Charnley 6th Vet50 (126th, 44:20), Katherine Newall 1st L50 (388th, 50:28) and Steven Horrocks 21st M50 (391st, 51:05).
Horwich Park runners took part in no less than sixteen different venues. As a pre leg shaker O’Reilly ventured into the big smog and raced Manchester’s Alexandra Park finishing 3rd in age category with a time of 19:42. The indefatigable Tony Hesketh handed in his wrist band just outside a sub 30 in 30:06 at the undulating Preston course. At Knowsley Brendan Bollard was 76th in 31 dead, more locally Mark Seddon was 52nd (26:01) at Bolton. Oliver Hughes 29:17 (Burnley), Paul Kay 21:42 (Burgess), Glyn Kay 27.04 (Ormskirk), Dom McKenna 33:42 (Penrhyn), Gordon Stone 32:52 (Stamford) and Paul Murray 42:14(Witton Park). A trio of Leo Orrell (21:25), Gillian Smith (35:40) and Ed Swift (48:13) were at Haigh Hall. Isaac Parker 22:32(Story Fields), David Crawford 35:12 (Crewe). The Pinnell’s Lawrence (34:51) and Heather (34:52) ventured to Sutton Manor and the Jackson’s Rob (18:35 and customary 1st in age class) and Steve (32:52) at their preferred Peel Park. Gaining in popularity four harriers took on the new and improved Worden Park course; Jason Middleton (23:27), Linda Webb (26:07), Michael Salmon (26:08) and Janet Middleton (31:06).
From road, trails and park runs it is over to Accrington for some traditional fell running were four harriers produced outstanding results in the Great Hambleton Fell Race. Part of the Pendle and Burnley Gran Prix series it’s a challenging category BS race over a distance of 9.2km and an elevation gain of 338 metres. The course begins at the base of The Coppice, traversing a mix of tracks, fields, and open moorland. Runners encounter challenging terrain, including boggy sections and steep climbs, culminating at the Great Hambledon trig point. The descent follows a fast-paced return route, resulting in an exhilarating finish. Continuing his fine form Adrian Braham was 2nd Vet 60 (45:05), both a 1st and 2nd in the men’s Vet65 category for Graham Schofield (53:16) closely followed by Doug Fleming (53:20). Solo lady Alison Mort had her feet on the podium with a 2nd placing F45 (57:04).
Further north the Lakeland village of Coniston hosted their renowned annual fell race with this year being its 25th anniversary. This AM category race covers approximately 14kms and 1065m of elevation gain. The course itself is a challenging loop with runners required to navigate steep climbs, technical descents, and rugged ascents that take in Wetherlam, Swirl How and the famous Old Man of Coniston. On the plus side there’s a stunning panoramic backdrop view of the Lake District. First home was James Titmuss in 1:34:16 (55th) followed by club fell running captain Dan Gilbert 1:36:37 (61st), David Milliken 1:42:50 (75th) and Marcus Taylor 1:45:39 (94th).
Not to be outdone by their elders Horwich junior athletes had a fantastic day in the first YDL Lower competition in the sun at Carlisle. Despite a horrendous journey for the athletes due to major delays on the M6 which caused the competition to start 45 minutes late. This didn’t affect the 25 juniors who seemed determined to succeed in every event bringing them a massive 32 PB’s during the day. There were many 1st places with U13 Theo Bolton winning the 75 metre in 11.1 and U15’s Oscar Burke winning both the 100 and 200 metres and Jack Fletcher first in 80mHurdles, 300 metres and shot. The girls also performed well, Abi Ajet with 2 PB’s in shot and long jump and all 4 U13’s Holly and Annabel Burke, Olivia Lawman and Florence Simm all picking up PB’s. The team manager reported that everyone performed superbly and Horwich finished the day in 3rd place.