LSARRC News 17th June 2013

Lytham front runner Joe Greenwood at Avenham Park
Interclub Grand Prix. 

On Wednesday Preston Harriers hosted the 3^rd Summer Inter Club Grand Prix race, unveiling a new course which was entirely run within Aveham Park, omitting any road sections. 194 local competitors ran the interesting route in cool damp conditions. Preston Harriers swept to first in all categories but Lytham St. Annes RRC did well to hold on to their usually fourth position in several categories. The Club reached a best of third in the V60's, fourth in the Women's, Vet’s and Vet 50's and fifth in the Open. Lytham's front runner was Joe Greenwood in 16th place and 24:06 against a winning time by Preston's David Rigby of 21:09.  Peter Cruse, V50, finished second for Lytham in 24:42 and Andy Draper was third in 24:55.  Noticeably moving up was Oliver Hirsh, 26:57, who was sixth counter. Mel Koth led the Women home in  82nd and 11th woman and her 28:17 put her into 9th place in the Open team.    

A quartet of Lytham members  took part in the third round of the Mid Lancs. Track & Field League at Salt Ayer athletics stadium, Lancaster on Saturday. Seasoned competitors Terry Hellings and Graham Webster stuck to familiar track events while new-comers Jeremy McCandless and Greg Oulton braved throwing events, competing in the Shot Putt, Discus and Javelin for the first time since school days.  Showing something of their earlier aptitudes, McCandless scored 5 in the Javelin with 12m94 while Oulton took 3 points for 5m75 in the Shott Putt. McCandless gained the Club's highest points total of the day of 13.

Sunday heralded the 49^th staging of the Freckleton Half marathon, which boasts the title of the oldest UK half marathon. An impressive 17 Lytham members assembled with youthful zest at the start line, making up the total field of 635 finishing athletes. Lytham produced a crop of good results from the fast, flat course, with Andy Draper crossing the line first for the men in 19^th position in 1.22.08, and Joe Greenwood and Simon Denye battling it out for 2^nd and 3^rd Lytham finishers, in 1.22.44 and 1.22.45 respectively. Pam Hardman was first lady home, finishing in 2.00.43.

Andy Draper at Freckleton Half Marathon.

    
Club runners from around the Fylde will have the opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the St. Anne's Carnival 5K on Sunday 7th July now being staged for the seventh year.  The presence of the newly crowned Carnival Queen and her Retinue lends a unique feel to this race 
which also offers the flat, fast accurately measured course likely to result in good times for serious runners.