Mark's Column - 03/05/09

Wrexham 10 Mile Road Race 25th April

Saturday morning, and Wrexham Industrial Estate was the venue for the annual 10 mile road race incorporating the North Wales 10 Mile Championships. In slightly breezy but warm conditions, a huge turn out meant for a very competitive race. Only two Ellesmere Port runners ventured to the race as others were already down London ready for their marathon exploits the next day.

Nicola Bird was first Ellesmere Port runner and first lady home in 1:02:37 (6:16 m/m) in 13th position overall, closely followed by Graham Earlham returning nicely to form in 1:03:21 (6:20 m/m) and 16th position (2nd V50 male).

Winning the race was Eyri Runner Rob Samuel who seems to be dominating local North Wales running at the moment winning the race in 53:31 (5:21 m/m).

London Marathon 26th April

2:59:31	3:34:02	3:37:09	3:39:26	3:42:02
3:59:24	4:11:33	4:15:19	4:18:14

Once again, in perfect running conditions, Ellesmre Ports finest marathon runners ventured south for the capitals running of arguably the worlds greatest marathon, The Flora London marathon.  With a world class field, EPRC's contingent were vying for bragging rights and PB's.

Once again showing what a quality athlete he is, Paul Robertson once again broke 3 hours, posting 2:59:31 and coming home in 113th in his V45 age group, which in London, is exceptional running. Next home for the club was Alison MacDonald in 3:34:02, with Danny Legg who hasn't had the best build up to the race posting a very competent 3:37:09. Closing on Danny with every stride was Mike Burn coming home in 3:39:26. Dave Roberts was next to arrive down the Mall in 3:59:14 breaking his 4 hour target. Next Home was John Cole having a disappointing run for what he was expecting finishing in 4:11:33 just in front of his bride to be, Alison Hughes in 4:15:19. Last but not least was a very relieved Chris Bennion in 4:18:14.

The winner of the men's race was Sammy Wanjru from Kenya in 2:05:10 with the ladies winner Irina Mikitenko from Germany in 2:22:11.