LSARRC News 19th January 2015

Inskip Half Marathon on Sunday morning was the main attraction this weekend.  This has now become a very popular local event under the excellent organisation by Race Director Alan Taylor.   At 10:30 am, the field assembled in sub-zero, misty conditions but once the race was under way, the sun soon came out.  Despite a few still-slippery patches, and a little bit of sleety rain later on, the flat and fast course made for an enjoyable run. And despite the cold, quite a few supporters were out along the course offering some very welcome encouragement.

Lytham St Annes was well represented on the male side with 7 runners taking part.  After some excellent running, Joe Greenwood was first home for LSARRC in 1:18:34 in 13th place and an excellent PB.  Simon Denye followed in 1:22:04 and 21st place. Tom Howarth  was 32nd in 1:24:30 whilst Neil Tate finished just behind with a massive PB of over 5 minutes to finish in 33rd place in a time of 1:24:41, excellent preparation for his build up to his first London Marathon in April.  Peter Cruse was 57th in 1:27:31 and Mark Willett was 93rd in a very respectable 133:50. Ian Tate was 193rd in 1:47:52.  A goody bag containing a medal, a much needed woolly hat and huge bar of chocolate was duly collected – before a hasty retreat was made to the marquee, where a delicious, complimentary hot pot (with red cabbage) was on offer for all participants.

Mark Willett was also out in action on Saturday morning at the Preston Parkrun.  He recorded a PB for the 5k course in 20:19 finishing in 13th place.

Seven of the club’s junior athletes represented their schools last week in the first round of the prestigious English Schools Cross Country championships. The races were hosted by Rossall School who utilised their extensive grounds well to provide some challenging courses and with a blustery wind blowing off the sea, runners were certainly tested to the full. In the year seven’s race Hollie Winstanley’s hard work on training nights was rewarded with a first place in the girls race and there were also great runs from Rosie Taylor and Isla Gordon in the same race. In the year seven boys race James Nicholas, who is more accustomed to sprint events, produced a great performance to finish in the top ten. Ella Moulding and Chloe Norman both competed in the junior girls race and Ella continued her winning ways with a comfortable victory with Chloe also having a fine run to finish 6th. Ross Hart ran in the Inter Boys race and did his school proud with a fine run. Most of the Lytham Athletes qualified to represent Fylde and Wyre next month in the next round of the competition at Blackburn’s Witton Park.  

And finally...

Happy Birthday to Dawn Bloor