Mark's Column - 05/04/10

Ashby 20 Mile Road Race 21st March

Mark Dodd and Simon Jeffs travelled 50 miles south to Derby for the Ashby 20 mile road race, Simon in preparation for his assault on London Marathon and Mark for training. On one of the tougher 20 milers consisting of two laps of hilly running. Breezy but sunny conditions hampered times, however Simon dug deep running superbly on his first ever 20 mile race coming home in a 42nd position and a time of 2:14:52. Mark dropped out at the 10 mile marker This puts Simon on for a sub 3 hour attempt at London on the 25th April, fingers crossed the weather permits his attempt.

Winning the race in 1:52:48 was Richard Kay from Nott AC and winning the women's race was Lou Collins from Formula One Circuit Crew in 2:08:07.

Wilmslow Half Marathon 28th March

In one of the better quality Wilmslow Half's of recent times, 23 men broke the 70 minute barrier. This with the general decline of long distance running in the country over the last 20 years is a shining example of what could be a resurgence of running quality. Winning the race was Andi Jones of Salford Harriers in 64:45, Gareth Raven in 2nd place in 65:37 with 3rd place going to Mathew Pearson in 65:47. The ladies race was won by Michelle Ross Cope in a stunning time of 72:02.
Ellesmere port was represented by Alison Cole who continued to impress and improve on her personal best. Alison ran a superb 1:30:31 knocking a minute off her previous PB, and once again shows that she's now taken the mantel of EPRC's premiere female athlete.

Llangyphal Loop 27th March

Jon Cole was EPRC's sole representative at this popular yet killer 4.75 mile race in Wales. The route goes up and around Moel Famau and as 1750ft of ascent. However, EPRC's resident mountain goat Jon felt no fear and pushed on to a great 52:57 placing him 48th out of 108 runners. Morgan Donnely from Borrowdale was the winner in a stunning 37:18 breaking the course record by over 1 minute.

Liverpool Half Marathon 28th March

Over in Liverpool, Roy Traynor had tied his laces and was ready for action in this popular run. Running strong and hitting some great form of recent times, Roy ran 1:35 coming home in 417th place. Winning the race was the ever present Paul Sankery of Liverpool Running Club in 1:13:25. Winning the ladies race was Julie Briscoe of Wakefield in 1:16:57.

Salford 10k  2nd April

Mark Dodd made the short journey to Salford for the Salford 10k. In breezy conditions, Mark ran a decent race on posting 39:21 for 130th position. Winning the race was Mark Buckingham in 29:59.

Air Products 10k 4th April

Mark Dodd once again decided to race twice in 2 days making the journey to a very windy Crewe for this revamped and increasingly popular 10k. Running strongly in the conditions, he managed 38:21 knocking over a minute off his previous outing at Salford.