Danny Hope Triumphs at Ian Hesketh Duathlon

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Rolling back the years after first competing 25 years ago was veteran Danny Hope, claiming victory in the Ian Hesketh Memorial Duathlon with a time of 1:18:45. Comprising a 5k run, 22km cycle, and another 5k run, the event takes place entirely within the Rivington area, showcasing the local reservoirs and Liverpool Castle along the scenic route.

Danny Hope on his way to victory at the Ian Hesketh Memorial Duathlon

Horwich Harriers hosted the third race of the popular and fruitful Central Lancs Grand Prix series with the annual Coronation Trail. This challenging out-and-back 6-mile race covers the lesser-known paths and tracks near the source and route of the River Yarrow. A strong set of results saw red vest and Irish international James Kevan taking a fine victory in 35:09. Also on the podium was Sam Fairhurst with a bronze medal time of 36:01. Whatever he is doing is yielding dividends, as Julian Goudge took 5th spot and 1st Vet55 in 36:25, ahead of 6th-placed Nick Leigh, who was 1st Vet45 in 38:17.

Rounding out a dominant claiming of top 10 finishes for the club were James Scott-Farrington (9th, 38:50) and Matt Fawthrop (10th, 38:50). They were followed by Marcus Taylor (23rd, 41:02), Joe Horrocks (26th, 41:46), Adam MacDonald (30th, 42:20), and Nick Kelly (35th, 43:22). Michelle Tunney was 1st lady and 1st FV45, placing 39th overall in 43:40. Also taking 1st in his age group was England international Gareth Webb, finishing 48th in 45:13. Other Harriers completing the course included Kevin Newall (50th, 45:40), Gary Porteous (55th, 46:38), Sandra Kelly, who was 1st FV55 in 76th (49:00), Jason Middleton (99th, 52:31), junior runner Tia Harris (100th, 52:35), Sophie Walton (114th, 54:48), Julia Preston (132nd, 57:57), Mary White, who took 1st FV75 in 136th (59:28), Steve Jackson, 1st Vet70 in 166th (65:31), and Gordon Stone (180th, 69:14).

In the weekly round-up of parkruns, the Red Vests seemed to have taken over at Worden with nine entrants, including a welcome return for injured pair Neil Wilkes and Geoff Leech. Taking the honours was Sam Fairhurst with a 5th place finish (18:10), followed by Ava Winstanley in 16th (20:33), Oliver Hughes in 32nd (22:28), Jeanette Lewis in 108th (27:11), Gordon Stone in 166th (29:33), Gail Maxfield in 172nd (29:54), Julie Williamson in 183rd (30:24), Neil Wilkes in 199th (31:10), and Geoff Leech in 257th (35:21). At Witton, Paul Murray finished 95th in 40:09.

The Jacksons were out at Peel, with Rob placing 18th in 18:51 and Steve finishing 387th in 29:49. At Haigh, Chris Charnley was 18th (21:57) and Paul Wilcockson was 39th (23:49). Andrew Crickmore took 12th at Clitheroe Castle in 22:52. At Bolton, Rob Seddon was 8th (21:21) with his father Mark finishing 81st in 27:13. Jason Middleton ran 25:00 for 107th place at Kingsway Park, with Janet Middleton finishing 323rd in 32:37. Elsewhere, Gillian Smith finished 404th at Rothwell in 51:33, Brendan Bolland was 138th at Tollcross in 27:43, and Isaac Parker secured 9th place at Milton in 19:45.