LSARRC News 6th April 2022

Kate Price Edwards and Lewis McAfee at Manchester Marathon

From the streets of the North West to the banks of the Seine, April means one thing for Lytham St Annes Road Runners - it’s marathon time.

Gill Draper at Manchester Marathon

The 26.2 miles of Manchester and Paris were on the agenda for five of the club’s runners, and while London may have delayed the city marathon until the autumn, there were 13.1 miles on offer for the capital’s Landmarks Half.

In Manchester, Gill Draper racked up the first personal best of the day as she ran 3:14:22 to secure the club’s diamond standard and a Good For Age place at next year’s London Marathon.  Kate Price Edwards was next to finish, also securing herself a personal best and a shot at London 2023 with 3:43:18. And it was the same story for Clare Taylor, whose PB of 3:48:33 will also see on her on the streets of the capital next year. Lewis McAfee also ran well to finish under four hours, clocking 3:58:56.

Across the Channel in Paris, Kirsten Burnett took the green jersey international as she took on the city’s marathon, which takes runners past iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower.  Kirsten ran well to finish in 4:51:50.

Kirsten Burnett at Paris Marathon

In England’s capital city, Sue Hawitt and Michelle Sheridan lined up for the London Landmarks Half Marathon. Soaking up the atmosphere on crisp, clear day, both runners described the event as “fantastic”, with a well-supported route.  Sue finished in 1:56:57 while Michelle “jeffed” 30 secs running to 30 secs walking to finish in 2:55:54.

Closer to home there was more success over shorter distances.

Chris Cottam was the club’s sole representative in the Fleetwood 10km, coming away with a new PB of 42:50 over the distance.

On the fells, Leanne Nield took on a tough 4.5 mile race on Pendle Hill, finishing in 53:32.

And Ross McKelvie came out on top of a tactical 3000m on the track at the Blackpool Wyre and Fylde Athletic Club Winter Warmer, winning the race in 9mins 51secs.

Under 11 boys at the BW&F Winter Warmer

He was joined on the track by five of the club’s junior athletes, with Jack McNiven, Jacob Wilson and Reuben May all making their track debut in the under-11 boys 600m race.  All three made an excellent debut to track racing finishing first, second and fifth respectively in 1:55.8, 1:59.2 and 2:13.5.

And there was also a winning track debut for Georgina Andrews, who finished first in the under-11 girls 600m in 2:7.7.

Jessica McNiven ran a personal best of 15secs in the 100m for second place in her heat and 32.1 secs in the 200m for fifth place.