Final Borders League Results & Presentation Night 4th May

In perfect weather conditions, Wrexham played host to the final race of this years Borders League Season with their accurately measured 4 miler. With places still to be decided the race was one of the most competitive to date. Finishing 3rd team in division 1 and their highest finish ever in the Borders, were Ellesmere Ports men’s team just behind second place team Wirral AC and this years winners, Buckley.

In the ladies division, EPRC couldn’t manage to stay in division one and have now been relegated. However, with an injury ravaged season by some of their top women, next seasons main target will be to bounce straight back into the top league. Also, the acquisition of some excellent prospects should ensure a superb Borders season next year.

EPRC won awards galore at the prize winning presentation. Overall winner in the Senior Men’s section was the simply superb Steven Crowe. Steve had already wrapped up the title by the previous race in Deeside, but has showed unbelievable consistency to perform to such a high level throughout the year. Hopefully with a summer of solid training, Steve will be unbeatable in the coming 12 months.

Finishing 4th V40 men was Denis Duret, once again showing a stunning return to form in recent months that will ensure an even higher place in next seasons Borders.

Also 4th in his V50 category was Mathew “Pasha” Whitfield. Enjoying in recent months fruit of his exceptional training with some superb racing, Pasha deserves all credit and can hopefully grasp 3rd or higher next year in the very competitive V50 section.

Continuing a fantastic streak of results was Madeline Bird. Madeline who’s been making stunning progress with her London Marathon training, walked away with the Ladies V50 title.

Nicky Bird, EPRC’s top female athlete followed her mum Madeline, and picked up the Senior Ladies trophy making this seasons Borders one of the most successful seasons ever for the club.

Ellesmere Oswestry 10 Mile Road Race 6th May

Travelling into sunny Shropshire Mark Dodd and Mathew Whitfield fancied their chances at the ever popular but unfortunately, last running of the Ellesmere Oswestry 10 Miler.

Producing his best display of running in what is a short running career, was Mark Dodd. In 4th place after the first mile, Mark worked his way upto the leader and was part of a two horse race from the 3 mile marker. Working hard on the undulating course, Mark was out sprinted in the final 100m for 2nd position. However he had the pleasure of his highest position ever and a new PB of 58:18, just 3 seconds behind winner, Ashley Grey of Shrewsbury.

Matt Whitfield still suffering slightly from his recent exertions in the London Marathon well a solid and controlled race for 4th V50 male in a time of 65:18. Hopefully once the soreness is out of his legs, Matt can look forward to some stunning summer times.

Waterloo 15k Road Race 7th May

Over in the Waterloo 15k race, Natasha Hadley was knocking over 20 minutes off her previous best at the distance for a superb 7th Lady V35. Going from strength to strength, Natasha now must have husband and fellow EPRC Jeff worried as the improvement in recent months is showing what determination and training can do. With the women’s team now showing no injury worries, it should make for some great upcoming races including the soon to be ran, Chester Half Marathon.