LSARRC Press Report 11th September 2011

The Lytham Hall 4k, a new race last October, has now metamorphosised into the Lytham Hall Autumn 5k. The first race at the new distance around this grade one listed eighteenth century manor house took place on Sunday and Lytham St Annes Road Runners were heavily represented.


The high turn-out by the ladies was reflected in a good haul of prizes. First back for the club and second lady overall was GB international Sue Samme. Also winning prizes were Fiona Geldard in the vet 45, Pam Hardman in the vet 55 and Dawn Lock in the vet 60 categories.


This was the first time Fiona had won a prize so, naturally, she was highly delighted. Fiona is a graduate of the club’s beginners group, a section set up specifically to encourage people who would like to run but don’t feel ready for the full club. Also in the race from that group were Dawn Bloor, Jo Pearson and Caroline Hodgson, all of whom gave good accounts of themselves.


Graham Webster ensured that the men were not left out of the prizes by winning the vet 50 category. Out of the sixteen Lytham club entrants five won prizes.


Close to winning were 14 year-old Layla Foley, who was the second junior girl, and George Rowley who was the third junior and eleventh overall.


In Liverpool Joe Shaw took part in the first marathon to be hosted in the city for eighteen years. Despite this delay the event was well-organised and well-supported with many local people shouting encouragement. After Queensway Tunnel there was even a Balata Band, that is acoustic drummers to get the competitors going. Out of 2000 competitors Joe finished a very creditable 216th and 21st in the vet 45 category.


Marathons are not frequently held races but there were two in relatively close proximity on the same day. As well as Liverpool there was Chester. Starting a new route from the racecourse this race attracts a number of elite athletes. Seasoned marathon runner Roy Stevens, shortly to celebrate his sixtieth birthday, excelled by finished seventh in the MV55 category in 3:31:08. Mark Willett and Simon Denye were 190th and 514th overall respectively.


Not able to wait for the mid-Lancs cross country season to start club members Mel Koth and Colin Nelson guested at the first Red Rose cross country league meeting in Leigh on Saturday. In a good quality field and on a difficult 5k course Mel performed superbly to finish eighteenth from a field of nearly 100. She was also the second FV35. This augers well for the forthcoming mid-Lancs season in which the club will be entering teams. Colin also encountered strong competition on his 10k course but ran well to finish 155th from a much larger field.