Running over in the 25th anniversary 5k race were Denis Duret and Ian Cooper. Running a great race from the start, Ian managed to place 3rd just behind his son in 17:14 for 1st V45. Just missing the “podium” finish was Denis Duret in 4th position with his second fastest 5k of the year in 17:38 for 1st V40. In this kind of form, the Cheshire relays in September look more and more like it could be Ellesmere Ports year. However Denis has plans for an Autumn assault on the 17 minute barrier and Ellesmere Ports own 5k just might be the place to do it.
Manchester Sale Sizzler 5k
Running his first 5k in over a year and marking his comeback from a post Edinburgh Marathon injury was Ellesmere Ports Mark Dodd in the first of four Manchester Sale Sizzler 5k’s.
In a wind and rain laden Thursday night with a partly off road section, the course consists of two laps of Wythenshawe Park. Mark stormed through the first mile in 5:25 and tagged onto two Sale Harrier runners who he hoped from previous times, would be around the 17 minute mark.
Going through two mile in a disappointing 11:11 with a 2nd mile of only 5:45 and realising now that the 17 minute barrier wasn’t going to be broken on this occasion, Mark pushed on strongly for home doing the last mile in 5:34 posting a finishing position of 22nd out of 400 runners in 17:19.
He will now be eyeing the Penny Lane 10k on the 8th July and the next Sale Sizzler 5k on the 12th July as possible PB potential races with 35 minutes and 17 minutes the target barriers.
Warrington 10k
On the same night as the Sale Sizzler 5k, Chris Marshall and Jon Hawker decided they fancied their chances at the flat and fast Warrington 10k. Once again in blowy conditions the twisty course could cost a few seconds but that didn’t stop the EPRC Runners from making themselves the toast of the town.
First home for the club was the ever improving Chris Marshall. Determined to race himself fit, Chris had set himself a target time of 38:10. Going through half way in 18:44, Chris was bang on target for something a bit special. Pushing hard and unlike previous outings in previous years, he paced himself to perfection coming home in 37:58 and is now within sight of his current PB of 37:21. With the Penny Lane 10k just a few days away will Chris finally break the 6 minute per mile barrier for 10k?
Close behind Chris was Jon Hawker. Jon’s who’s doggedly trying to zip under that 40 minutes barrier for 10k, is now seriously closing in. Coming home in 41:30 for a new personal best knocking over 20 seconds of his previous best, surely Jon is going to get this particular monkey off his back in the coming weeks?
Oswestry 10k
On Sunday, Alison Hughes travelled to Ellesmere near Oswestry for their popular 10k race. Running a superb race on what is a notoriously tough course, Alison proved she’s on the fast track back placing 2nd lady home in 43:40 and 32nd place overall. Taking over from Nicola Bird who’s currently sidelined as EPRC’s No.1 runner, Alison will now have the pressure of performing week in, week out at the highest level.
Original Ellesmere Port Capenhurst 5k 22nd August
For anyone wishing to partake in an ultra flat, friendly and welcoming 5k race whether it’s going to be your first race or you are a seasoned runner, Ellesmere Port Running Club will be hosting their 5th running of the “Original Capenhurst 5k” starting from the Urenco Electricity Sports & Social Club, Capenhurst Technology Park at 7pm Wednesday 22nd August. Anyone wishing to pre-enter can do so by downloading the entry form and forwarding to Dave Nalder, Race Secretary, Ellesmere Port Running Club, 4 Dolphin Crescent, Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH66 4SZ. There is however entry on the night for an additional £1.
Finally, anyone wishing to join the club whether beginner or competent runner, we meet at the Whitby Sports and Social Club on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6.45pm to commence running at 7pm and welcome all abilities in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Also, we are currently starting a beginner’s night on Wednesday nights starting at 7:00pm (meeting at 6:45). Anyone who’s never ran before, feels scared to join a club for fear of lack of ability or has simply never thought of the benefits of running, this is the class for you. Starting at the easiest level, EPRC coaches will be there for you to start you on your journey of jogging and fitness. For further information please don’t hesitate to contact webmaster@ellesmereportrunningclub.org.uk for further details.
