On Sunday 6th was the Paris marathon, the first of the ‘Big 10 World Marathons’ of 2008. Representing Ellesmere Port Running Club was Denis Duret. Fortunately, the wintry weather engulfing Britain did not reach as far as France and in almost perfect marathon conditions, the scene was set for good times on this fast flat course. Denis set himself the formidable target of producing a sub 2hr 50min time. Not only did he manage to beat this but came within 50sec of a sub 2hr 45min, finishing in 272nd place (28,844 participants), completing the course in 2:45:50. Smashing his own personal best and the vet 40 club record by over 12 minutes and within a 3min of the senior male record.
In the men’s race, young, talented Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede only just missed out on the event record as he triumphantly crossed the finish line in a time of 2:06:40. In the women’s event, Kenya’s Martha Komu managed a fantastic sprint finish on her way to victory in a time of 2:25:33.
Chester Spring 5
A large contingent of runners represented the club on Wednesday 2 April to take part in Chester spring 5-mile race. The best performance of the day belongs to Madeleine Bird who won the ladies Vet 50 race, with a time of 39:44. Also sharing in the spoils was Alison Macdonald who finished second in Vet 40 age group completing the course in 34:52. First, home for the club and continuing to return to form at a rapid pace was Steven Crowe who finished in 7th place with a time of 27:06.
Next home and just short of the 30min mark was Chris Marshall (30:16), closely followed and showing no ill effects from recent surgery was Michael Burns (33:45), Jonathan Cole (34:23), Nigel Crierie (42:12). Completing the line and making very impressive debut was Julie Pearce (47:18) & Ann Ball (50:14).
Liverpool Harriers runner Adam Peers won the race in 25:20, with Sara Atkinson from Tattenhall Runner Club winning the ladies race in 32:05.
Oldham Mayor's Half Marathon
On Sunday 6th, John Hawker continued his quest to complete a half marathon every month in 2008. Oldham was the setting for this month’s race, and with hail and snow, adding to what is a very difficult hilly course, fast times were always going to be illusive to come by. John finished the course in a very impressive 17th in the competitive M40 age group with a time of 1:42:22. Chester will be his next race in the twelve in twelve challenge.
Rob Ashworth from Southport Waterloo Running Club won the race in 1:19:48, Robert town Road Running Club member Melanie Woodhouse won the ladies race with a time of 1:29:30.
