As 2012 draws to a close and many enjoy a well earned rest, there has been no shortage of athletic activity from the Lytham runners who have been involved in a range of both Club and locally organised events.

The Ribble Valley 10k took place on the final Sunday of 2012, with 1078 runners finishing the scenic, undulating course in blustery and at times wet conditions. Northern Athletics again used this highly popular course to host their championship event. 14 Lytham runners were amongst the competitors, producing some notable performances which included Graham Webster claiming 2^nd V60 with his 39.44 time, and Sylvia Gittins winning the first female 60-64 in the race, finishing in 52.50. Peter Cruse was first home for the club in 38.08 and Mel Koth was first female finishing in 43.03. PB's were run in abundance, by Catherine French (also achieving her first bronze standard time) Andy Sneddon and Kev Ashworth. The spirited atmosphere of the race continued in the awards ceremony afterwards, where local Olympian Holly Bleasedale presented.

Who's who in the Fun Christmas Relay, fancy dress! L - R Steve Quarmby, Catherine French, Bec Willetts, Rob Goodall, Andy Sneddon, Roger McCandless, Debbie Cooper, Graham Young, Laura Ashworh, Terry Hellings, (bottom row) HAnnah McCandless, Pam Hardman, Dawn Lock, Bill Lock. 

                                                      

Last Sunday 14 members got festive proceedings off the starting blocks at the club Christmas Fun Relay. The 5k route took in a section of the promenade, starting and finishing at Lytham Windmill in what was a bright but very blustery Sunday morning. In addition to running their relay team leg, those involved sported a range of creative fancy dress outfits for a light-hearted competition, with Laura Ashworth getting the winning vote for best costume, dressed as a Christmas tree! Also on Sunday 180 runners took part in the Rudolph 5 mile trail race out near Heron’s Reach, Blackpool, including 5 Lytham members. A partly waterlogged course challenged competitors, but the race was run in good spirit with another cheery display of festive costumes.  First back for Lytham was Graham Webster in 17th place taking the first vet 60. In 24th place was Peter Cruse, 4th vet 50, in 34.14. Next for Lytham was Joe Shaw in 72nd place 40.41. In 106 and 107th place were Vicky Cummings and Fiona Geldard finishing in 44.27 and 44.41 respectively. Finishers enjoyed warming mince pies and drinks back at race HQ.

                       

                             Blackpool Rudolph 5, L-R Vicki Cummings, Graham Webster,Fiona Geldard, Joe Shaw.

21 club members ran the final Monthly Handicap of the year on Thursday, completing the 3.45m course on a mild evening. Congratulations go to Jeremy McCandless on winning and recording a PB on only his third run and to long-time regulars Tom Haworth and Steve Quarmby who also ran PB’s.  Debbie Cooper ran a much improved course finishing in 2nd place and Fiona Geldard, Kev Ashwoth and Graham Webster also had their best runs of the winter.  Alex Wiggins moves up to 1st on the overall table but there are others chasing hard, some of them with races in hand; a pre-cursor to an exciting finish in March 2013. The club welcomed two more members of the McCandless family, Hannah and Paula, to their first run of the Handicap. It’s always a pleasure to see new faces and it is hoped they will be back in the new year. A small but jovial post-race party at the Ship and Royal concluded the evening, which included a seasonal quiz and some impromptu carolling from the LSARRC choir!

Full Ribble Valley 10k Results. Women: Mel Koth, 391^st, 43.03, Laura Ashworth, 585^th, 47.12, Catherine French, 710^th, 49.09, Sylvia Gittins, 835^th, 52.50, Janice Cobley, 932^nd, 56.23, Pamela Binns, 1000^th, 59.54. Men: Peter Cruse, 181^st, 38.04, Thomas Haworth, 189^th, 38.16, Graham Webster, 244^th, 39.44, Kevin Ashworth, 341^st, 41.44, Steve Quarmby, 482^nd, 44.23, Roy Stevens, 667^th, 48.37, Brian Porter, 839^th, 53.05, Andy Sneddon, 973^rd, 58.14.