First Race of the Run The Moors Series

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Saturday 14th March saw the beginning of the 2026 Run the Moors GP. This season-long series is once again doubling as the club fell championships and was well attended as a result. Ten Horwich runners assembled in Hayfield, Peak District, for the Chicken Run. The race is so named due to a shorter route being available for those who choose to “chicken out,” but none of the hardy Harriers could be compared to poultry, with all completing the full 8.6-mile (1480ft) route. Standout performances included Julian Goudge (9th overall, 1st MV50, 01:04:00) and Sandra Kelly (1st FV50, 01:21:14).

A strong turnout at the Chicken Run fell race in the Peak District. Courtesy of Kevin Newall

There was strong representation from the Horwich juniors at the English Schools’ Athletic Association Cross Country Championship at Sefton Park, Liverpool, as four Harriers took part in the Junior Girls’ race. Amelie Wormald led the charge, placing 29th (11:33) as a year 8 student competing in a field of mostly year 9 girls. Kitty Crossland was 248th (12:49), Ava Winstanley 292nd (13:03), and Winnie Lancaster 320th (13:14). All four did immense credit to the club on the national stage.

The following day saw another large turnout in red and black for the second of the Central Lancs GP races, the Trotters 5-mile Trail Race. James Kevan led the way with a strong 2nd place (29:32), improving on his 6th at the Lostock 6 three weeks prior. Marcus Taylor was 10th overall and 1st MV50 in 33:29. Adam MacDonald doubled up after the Chicken Run the previous day and was rewarded with 3rd MV40 (34:54). Richard O’Reilly was a close 2nd (36:33) in the race for 1st MV55, narrowly beating teammate Nick Kelly (36:37), who was also running his second race in as many days. Tony Hesketh was 2nd MV75, clocking 53:56.

At the final Sale Indoor Open, three athletes made their debuts in the red and black vests. U20 Amelia Jones ran 43.65 in the 300m, while Millie Reid ran 44.78 and Sarah Lawman 46.32. Isobel Reid was in action in the 600m, clocking 1:45.94. Meanwhile, speedster Alistair Shorrock sprinted to 7.04 in the U20 60m. Coach Trevor Williams reported that everyone ran well as they look toward the outdoor season. On the roads, Tom McKee saw off a recent illness to post a new PB of 01:18:45 at the Liverpool Half Marathon, while Philip Johnson was 15th MV40 in 01:22:51.

In the parkrun results, 10 Harriers were at Haigh Woodland to mark Chris Charnley’s 300th parkrun. He celebrated with a top 10 result on the muddy off-loop. Jason (24:46) and Janet (31:08) Middleton visited the picturesque Fountains Abbey, continuing their parkrun tourism. Finally, Rob Jackson continued his comeback at Stretford with a sharp 19:28.