LSARRC Press Report 5th June 2012

Bradley Robertson

The second meet of the mid-Lancs track and field season was held at Witton Park, Blackburn on Saturday. The outstanding performance for Lytham St Annes Road Runner came from the club’s only junior competing on the day, Bradley Robertson.

Since joining the club Bradley has improved immensely and Saturday was his first ever race on the track. He ran a superb race to finish sixth in the U15 Boys 800m with a time of 2:23:30.

Also at the event were Mark Willett, Graham Webster and Tom Howarth competing in a variety of races. All three took part in the 1500 metres with Tom coming out on top in twelfth. Mark was a place behind with Graham a couple of seconds behind him.

Mark Willett & Graham Webster

Tom Howarth

Lytham seniors results from Blackburn: 400m heat 1; Mark Willett 5th 1:62.3. 800m: Tom Howarth 11th 2:27.7, Graham 14th 2:33:20. 1500m: Tom 05:05.5, 12th, Graham 5:12.6 15th, Mark 13th, 5:10.9. 3000m: Tom 9th, 10:46.7, Graham 10th, 11:06.1.

The following day Graham Webster was back on the track at the Northern Veterans Track and Field Championships. Graham was joined by Colin Laidlaw and Terry Hellings for a successful trip to Leigh Sports Village. The three athletes competed in eight events to win eight medals.

In the 1500 metres Graham came 4th overall and 2nd in the M60 category for a silver medal with a time of 5:19.2. Terry was just one place behind but still earning the M55 silver. Terry dashed straight from that finish to the long jump pit where he jumped 3.28m for the M55 gold.

Just 20 minutes later Graham and Terry were joined by Colin for the 3000m. Graham was again first back for Lytham in 11:10 for 8th place and the M60 gold. Next was Terry in 12:0.8 for the M55 silver. Not far behind was Colin to take the M55 bronze.

A few minutes later Graham was at it again, this time in the 800m. Understandably tired by this time Graham still managed to finish 9th overall to earn the M60 silver. Colin also competed in the shot putt with a best throw of 6.24m for the M55 silver.

On Sunday heavy rain, stormy winds and hail deterred many from entering the Longridge Lions 7 on Sunday but not a group of ladies from Lytham. Running her second race in two days Mel Koth took the FV35 prize and was the second lady, completing the seven miles in 50:16.

Also in the prizes was Laura Ashworth who was the second FV35 and 31st overall in 55:39. Both ladies achieved personal bests. Completing the trio was 56th placed Linda Baxter in 64:46.

The previous day Mel had took part in the Parkrun at Avenham Park, Preston. This is a free race and welcomes runners of all abilities. On an accurately measured and scenic 5k Mel was the first lady and set a new
women’s course record with 21:11. Also running was Rob Goodall, finishing 45th in 26:41 to set a new pb.
Also on Saturday Mark Willett proved that he isn’t just a distance runner by finishing twelfth in the Catforth 5k in 19:02. Also competing were Dawn Bloor, 36th; Julia Rolfe, 38th; and Karen Lanigan, 44th.

Bettering his position if not his time Mark ran the same distance again on Monday in the Diamond Jubilee 5k. Mark was seventh in 19:19. V50 Pam Hardman and FV65 Dawn Lock both earned jubilee mugs by winning their respective age categories.

The final Thursday of the month is club handicap night. Fine running conditions led to many excellent performances with eight of the 25 competitors earning personal bests. First back on the 4.35 mile summer course was last year's runner-up Rob Goodall, finishing comfortably ahead of Steve Quarmby with Linda Baxter the first lady in third place. The fastest time of the night was yet another pb by rapidly improving Joe Greenwood in 24.48. There was a welcome return to the handicap after three year's absence by the club's outstanding vet 65 Elspeth McPherson whose sub-eight minute mile time of 34.16 is quite exceptional for her category.