Mark's Column - 08/06/09

Tunnel 10k 31st May

Whilst the rest of the UK was sitting and relaxing in this years hottest weather, eight Ellesmere Port Runners were running through a tunnel in Liverpool, in the Tunnel 10k event organised by Run Liverpool.

First home for the club on a notoriously tough course was Mike Burns in 40:13 (6:28 m/m) for a well deserved 54th position overall showing a superb return to form. Next was the returning to form Jon Hawker running his best 10k time since the start of the year in 43:18 (6:58 m/m) and 145th place. Close behind Jon was the vastly improving Mark Fiddler. A week after running against Haile Gebrselassie in the Manchester 10k, Mark proved his worth once again posting 43:26 (6:59) and 159th place.

Slowly coming back to form was Brian Griffiths, a veteran of this race on numerous occasions. Posting 44:46 (7:12 m/m), Brian is now hoping to get down to challenging for the holly grail of club running, sub 40 minutes.

Alison MacDonald was next home in 45:39 (7:20 m/m) and 253rd position, Julia Fidler coming home in 52:02 (8:22 m/m) and 690th place and Debbie Hawker running her close posting 52:34 (8:27 m/m).

The winner was Liverpool Running Club's Paul Sankey in 33:50 (5:26 m/m) with the ladies race being won by Kirsty Longley from Liverpool Pembroke in 37:50 (6:05 m/m).

Edinburgh Marathon 31st May

Up in Scotland is slightly cooler, yet still too warm for marathon running, Dave Nalder who's been showing exceptional running of late was competing and hoping to break 3:20 in the Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon. However, on a warm day like last Sunday, this wasn't going to happen. Setting off at a good solid pace, Dave went through 10k in 46:43, perfect pacing. He hit the half way point in 1:42:37 and was looking good to grab a 3:25 marathon, however it all started to fall apart. Feeling the effects of not only the heat, but a tough undulating course from 10 to 16 mile Dave slipped in the 2nd half of the race posting a 2nd half marathon split of 2:15 for an overall marathon finish time of 3:57:18 (9:03 m/m) and 1220th position.

Winning the race in a course record was Martin Williams in 2:18:24 (5:16 m/m) which is borderline international quality running with the ladies race being won by in a scintillating time of 2:41:38 (6:09 m/m) certainly smashing the ladies course record as well.

Birkenhead Park 5 Mile 3rd June

Two Ellesmere Port Runners made the short journey to Birkenhead for the annual running of their popular tough 3 lap race of the park. On a very undulating course which incorporates running around bollards and measuring slightly longer than the advertised race both Mark Dodd and Alison Hughes ran supremely well holding their own in both categories.

Mark who didn't expect much in the way of times due to an important race the following day in Bowdon Park, surprised himself immensely with his quickest race in 18 months. Posting an official time of 28:18 (5:39 m/m) for 10th position Mark actually went through the 5 mile mark at 28:02.

Alison Hughes who's enjoying superb form as a tri athlete of late showed the speed still hasn't deserted her posting 34:32 (6:54 m/m) for 76th place in her first 5 mile race in over a year. Hopefully, with the added benefits of cycling and swimming Alison will now remain injury free, only running 4 days per week however should be able to still reach her best for the autumn season.

Bowden Park 5k 4th June

24 hours after racing Birkenhead 5 Miler, Mark Dodd joined Ian Cooper who's enjoying a stunning return to top form and went head to head in the very fast and popular Bowden Park 5k over in Altrincham. In beautiful and slightly cooler conditions to recent days, both were in high hopes of fast times and neither disappointed. With a huge field as usual, and the course taking in 2 laps of Bowdon Park the gun went with both Ian and Mark going out hard and fast. Mark went through the 1 mile marker first in 5:16 with Ian on his shoulder. Slowly Ian dropped a few metres behind and so it remained until the end of the race.

First home for the club in a massive new 5k PB was Mark Dodd in 16:49 (5:24 m/m) knocking 26 seconds off his previous best set last month at Christleton. Close behind Mark was Ian in 16:57 (5:27 m/m).

The overall winner was Steve Vernon from Stockport in 14:52 (4:47 m/m) and the ladies event won by Jenny Knass from Stockport in 17:35 (5: 39 m/m).

Deeside Off-Road Race Series 1/4 4th June

Three Ellesmere Port Runners made the short trip over the Deeside for the first race in the series of approximately 4.5 mile off road races. Running in perfect conditions, there was a nice turnout so plenty of competition was to be had with over 80 runners.

First home for the club was Denis Duret who's now got his sights set firmly on being in the clubs top 3 runners.  Running a superbly strong race, Denis came in 8th position in a time of 29:03. Next home was Graham Earlham enjoying some quick off road running in 17th and 30:20. The final Ellesmere Port racer home was Jon Cole in 26th and 32:20.

The race was won by Deeside's very own Lee Jones in 27:03 with the ladies podium position being filled by Emma Parry in 32:56 and 28th position, returning in her first race of the season after giving birth to her second child at Christmas. 

Capenhurst 10k 7th June

Over in the small village of Capenhurst, Simon Jeffs, Mark Dodd, Madeline Bird and Nigel Crierie were gearing up for a battle over the Capenhurst 10k. With higher quality racers at the business end than previous year and a good atmosphere the gun went off sending around 80 runners on the three lap race around Capenhursts lanes. With the rain holding off, but the wind playing a significant part, times were inconsequential.

Finishing first for the club and 6th overall was Mark Dodd now running his 6th race in 13 days. Running hard, but going out too quickly Mark ran strongly trying to stay with the leading group only to lose them from 6k onwards. However, his time of 35:47 (5:46 m/m) pleased him as he crossed the line. Next up was Simon Jeffs who was hoping to stay on Mark's coat tails. However, suffering from a bug, Simon dropped off after 1 mile and settled down for a competent run of 38:47 ( 6:14 m/m).

Working hard, and making a comeback to the racing scene was the ever youthful Madeline Bird. Showing that her daughter Nicky isn't the only quality runner in the family, Madeline showed a sprightly turn of speed coming home in 50:24 followed by her partner in crime, Nigel Crierie in 53:00.

As official results aren't up yet, the winner of the men's and ladies race isn't known but will be reported next week.

Running At Ellesmere Port Running Club

Finally, anyone wishing to join the club whether beginner or competent runner, we meet at the Whitby Sports and Social Club on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6.45pm to commence running at 7pm and welcome all abilities in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Also, as of Wednesday 3rd June, there will be a complete beginners 12 week course running every Wednesday evening from 7pm. Gary Richards with help from other club members will be taking the courses, and are targeted at absolute beginners. So whether you can run 10 metres or not even manage 1 metre, come down and start your fitness campaign to get that body for the summer beaches. Everybody is welcome.