Green Drive Five 2013 Press report for Gazette

Competitors in the fifteenth running of the Green Drive Five, Lytham St Annes RRC’s popular five miler, raced under unpredictable skies and most did not escape a sprinkling from the scattered showers. A sunny early start to the day looked promising, but heavy clouds set in later in the morning and the rain came down shortly into the race. Fortunately temperatures were mild, and winds were low. The race was pleasingly well attended with 323 finishers in total, up on last year’s numbers and a promising sign that the race remains a popular Fylde event. A popular addition to this year’s race activities was the junior one mile race which added a family flavour to the event.

Sean Connelly leading the pack at the start of the GD5 2013,
a lead which he retained to win the race. 

The race was won by Sean Connelly of Stockport Harriers in 25.12, followed a few seconds behind by Alasdair Russell of Kendal AAC in 25.23. Robert Affleck running for Preston Harriers came in third, 1^st MV40, over a minute later in 26.36; this placing secured him the gold medal in the Lancashire Championships. The silver medal was won by Ben Everson of Trafford AC, who finished in 26.49. The fastest women in the race were Diane McVey of Wilmslow RC (also 1^st FV35) finishing in 29.20, second lady was Louise Blizzard of Belgrave Harriers with a 30.12 finish and third was Caroline Betmead of Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde AC with a 31.10 finish. Betmead’s performance also earned her the Lancashire Championships gold medal.  Helen Leigh of Blackburn Harriers was silver medallist with her 31.48 finish.

In the Team race Lancaster University competed well to obtain the winning position for the men, and for the ladies Wilmslow RC winning this title. Lytham ladies did exceptionally well to achieve second position in the ladies team race, with runs from Joanna Goorney, Melanie Koth and Felicity Woolohan all contributing to this placing. Lytham excelled in the junior race with Ross Hart and Ella Moulding winning their respective races. In the boys race, Zane Seddon (unattached) took second place and Louis Eunson of Lytham finished third. For the girls, Hannah Cookson of Blackburn took second place, and Chloe Norman of Lytham claimed third position.

Notable local performances came from Liam Crane of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre AC who achieved 11^th position, finishing in 28.27. Barry Norman was first male finisher for Wesham completing the race in 29.12, 15^th place. Lytham St Anne’s Joe Greenwood was in close pursuit, finishing in 16^th place in 29.17 and first man home for the hosting Club.