More glory for the glorious gold

EPRC runners again took to the roads on Sunday 4th March 2007 with groups tackling the Trafford 10k, Farndon 10k and the Haweswater Half Marathon. Far from ideal racing conditions did nothing to diminish the spirits or successes of the hardy bands of travellers, all of whose performances will have helped to enhance the club’s position as a dominant regional force.

Trafford 10k

In a phenomenally competitive race, with the first four finishers all dipping under the magical 30-minute barrier, the Trafford 10k played host to three hugely impressive performances from EPRC runners, Steve Crowe, Simon Jeffs and Mark Dodd. Difficult windy conditions, not favoured by this svelte trio, failed to prevent Steve, 33m19s (14th overall) and Simon, 35m39s (28th overall) from clocking Personal Bests. It is a mark of both runners’ attitude and ability that each rightly believes that he could go faster next time out, particularly if Simon can keep his eyes on the road. Although disappointed to finish outside his own PB time, Mark, 36m29s, (35th overall) was delighted to play his part in helping the team to achieve 3rd spot in the men’s team event.

Haweswater Half Marathon

Taking in the beauty of the North Lakes, and no doubt a few real ales aside a cosy fire lit hearth the night before, did not prevent long distance travellers and EPRC cultural ambassadors, Danny Legg, 1hr30m55s, Alan Durston, 1hr42m19s, and Chris Bennion, 1hr52m10s, from recording very respectable times on this tough undulating lakeside course. Although the scenery was of the breathtaking variety, and the conditions were typically blustery and wet, all three runners were able to muster sufficient puff, and no doubt a fair degree of huff,  to place in the top half of the field and thereby further enhance EPRC’s growing reputation on the northern race circuit.

Farndon 10k

Closer to home but no less impressive were the performances of Nicky Bird, 39m21s, 3rd lady, Matt Whitfield, 39m35s, 2nd male V50, Madelaine Bird, 48m25s, 1st lady V50, and Nigel Crieri, 50m43, in the Farndon 10k. Race conditions were not conducive to fast times, with the first 3 miles being run into a strong headwind, but it did give Nicky the chance to continue her steady recovery from injury, and Matt, Madelaine and Nigel the opportunity to mix a little speedwork into their gruelling marathon training schedules. Despite recently being reported in these pages, Matt’s much fabled leopard skin tracksters failed to make their scheduled appearance, much to the obvious disappointment of the higher than usual number of lady runners in the field. Never mind ladies, maybe next time.