LSARRC News 11th June 2013

121 entrants toed the starting line for the second in the series of the Astley Park Trail races organized by the newly-formed Chorley and Triathlon Club, an amalgamation of the former Chorley AC and Chorley Harriers. Dawn Lock was amongst the competitors, representing Lytham.  An interesting and picturesque course winds through this beautiful and well appointed park, its attractiveness improved by last year’s renovation. Starting at the most westerly end, the route climbs steeply almost immediately making for a challenging start from the off. Competitors face the same slope twice more before reaching the finish situated in front of the historic Jacobean Astley Hall.  Add perfect weather and, unsurprisingly, a good number were attracted. Leading in an impressive manner was frequent winner Anthony Valentine of Bolton United Harriers who powered home a minute ahead of second placed runner Gareth Booth of Horwich in 23:49.  The women were also led home by a quality contestant, the well-known Dionne Allen of Leigh Harriers who finished in 27:48. Dawn Lock completed the 4.4 miles in 51:00, second WV65. 

Dawn Lock representing Lytham at the Astley Park Trail Race

A collective of Lytham St Annes Road Runners raced in the Badger’s walk 10k trail race on Thursday evening. The race got underway on a very warm evening, and followed a pleasingly scenic route through Cuerden valley park. From the good selection of Lytham club members who turned out, some excellent performances were produced.  Jo Greenwood claimed 3^rd man to finish in 38.26, Tom Howarth was 19^th man in 42.51, Mel Koth was 3^rd lady to finish in 45.38, Colin Laidlaw was 63^rd finisher and 3^rd MV55 in 49.35, and Julia Rolfe finished 21^st lady, 4^th FV50 in 55.14.

LSARRC News 4th June 2013

The LSA Road Runners monthly handicap competition continues and Thursday saw the second of the summer series underway. A determined Oliver Hirsh is making his mark with successive wins and PBs, a feat unprecedented in the handicaps.  Inevitably these two wins give Oliver the overall lead on the points table but another fine run and PB by Joe Greenwood, following his second place last month, keeps him well in touch and only four points behind.  Others to be congratulated on their PBs are Greg Oulton, Alex Wiggins and Pam Binns while Bec Willetts ran a season’s best to finish third. Katharine Hoyland making her handicap debut had an excellent run and Paula McCandless did well to finish sixth on her first run on the summer course.  It was also pleasing to have Karen Lanigan running again after some months’ absence and to welcome back Ben Proctor. An ample chip supper and buffet awaited hungry competitors back at Club HQ.

Full Handicap Results: (Time taken to race 4.35m distance + points scored)

1^st Oliver Hirst, 27.59, 30 + 2 PB points, 2^nd Greg Oulton, 34.10, 29 + 2 PB, 3^rd Bec Wiletts, 35.00 28 + 2 PB, 4^th Joe Greenwood, 24.24, 27 + 2 PB, 5^th Mark Willett, 27.58, 26, 6^th Paula McCandless, 45.34, 25, 7^th Mark Selby, 30.53, 24, 8^th Tom Howarth, 27.19, 23, 9^th Alex Wiggins, 35.02 22 + 2 PB, 10^th Pam Binns, 42.13, 21 + 2 PB, 11^th Karen Lanegan, 42.49, 20, 12^th Dawn Lock, 55.47, 19, 13^th, Laura Ashworth, 40.10, 18, Ben Proctor (est) 30.16, Katharine Hoyland, 30.52. 

Lytham club members Peter Cruse and Steve Quarmby travelled to Cumbria for some mid-week racing at the Levens 10k on Wednesday. The road race whose course follows the Lyth Valley and goes through Brigsteer attracted a field of 76 runners. Cruse crossed the finish in 13^th position in a time of 40m 01s, Quarmby following in 35^th position, clocking 46m 45s.

Greg Oulton at the start line
of the 'Run the Lanes'
10 miler.

Lytham members were out competing at several events over the weekend. Julia Rolfe, Lytham’s singular representative in this race, ran the Catforth 5k race along with 67 other competitors last Saturday evening. Rolfe finished in exactly 25 minutes, 2^nd female V50, in 50^th place. The pleasant rural course followed traffic free lanes, with runners sighting the occasional scarecrow; Catforth has its own scarecrow display of superheroes!  76 competitors toed the line for the ‘Run the Lanes’ 10 miler, amongst them 3 Lytham runners. Peter Cruse, Trevor Willoughby and Greg Oulton raced, setting off from Lea town north of Preston. Cruse was home first for LSARRC, 2^nd M50 in 13^th place in 1.03.08. Willoughby was next to finish in 54^th position, in a time of 1.22.44 and Greg Oulton crossed the finish line clocking 1.33.06, 61^st finisher overall. Bec Willetts and Laura Ashworth took on the Longridge 7 road race, with Laura proudly scooping the 2^nd lady prize and taking £15 home with her.