Friday evening saw the annual running of the ever popular and very fast Christleton 5k near Chester. 218 people braved the very windy conditions, however, luckily the rain was kept at bay. Ellesmere Ports finest runners were out in force with six athletes making their presence felt.
Leading the pack, was Steve Crowe obviously benefiting from some serious recent track training. Storming home in a years best of 15:53 (5:07 m/m), Steve grabbed 13th position and was only 14 seconds off his PB and own club record.
Having their usual battle as they both return to top form, Mark Dodd and Simon Jeffs stood toe to toe for most of the race with Mark just having the edge to keep Simon at bay. Finishing 45th in a new PB of 17:15 (5:33 m/m) was Mark, with Simon closing him down with every stride taking 46th in 17:21 (5:35 m/m).
Next to arrive home was Denis Duret who's slowly coming back to form. Posting 17:31 (5:38 m/m), Denis must be very happy with his progress now. Following Denis was Jason Bennett who was tired after a few weeks of 100 mile plus, storming home for 72nd place in 18:44 (6:01 m/m). A minute and a half later, saw John Jennings in a rare recent outing, running strongly for 137th position in 21:16 (6:50 m/m).
Winning the race Liverpool Harriers Jonny Mellor in an absolutely outstanding time of 14:07 (4:32 m/m). The ladies race was won by Heather Timmins from Warrington AC in 17:28 (5:37 m/m).
Muller Market Drayton 10k 10th May
The ever increasingly popular Muller 10k was ran in muggy but still conditions with the field now at bursting point at 1248 entries.
First home for the club was Mark Dodd, 36 hours after posting a 5k PB, Mark was greedy for more, however died in the 2nd half of the race to post 35:51 (5:46 m/m) and 25th position. Next home and posting a superb result and his fastest 10k for over 2 years was Dave Nalder. Dave ran exceptionally well and was made up with 79th place in 39:37 (6:23 m/m). Third home for the club was the London marathon weary John Cole. Still posting an excellent time, despite tired legs, John claimed 106th position in 40:57 (6:35 m/m).
The winner of the men's race was Chris Davies, posting for him an mediocre time of 32:14 (5:11 m/m) with the ladies race being won by Alison Lavender in 37:43 (6:04 m/m).
