Osmotherly Phoenix 33 Mile Race 3rd July

Jon Hawker travelled to what can only be described as "hell" in the Osmotherly Phoenix 33 mile off road race. Osmotherly Phoenix is a race that spans either 16, 26 or 33 miles depending upon your choice. The 33 Miler has 4000 feet of climbing and covers fields, steep hills and follows in parts, the Cleveland Way.

Jon planned to enter the 33 Mile Ultra and that’s what he did. However, what he hadn’t planned on was the 26C of heat and a humidity of 50% plus. Needless to say and not unsurprisingly, Jon got sun stroke at 13 miles which caused him to be sick from that point on. Being a tough soul however, Jon thought "it's only another 20 miles" so he foolishly pushed on, not being able to eat or drink properly for the next 6 hours! However, by the time Jon finished he was in a bad state and luckily the Paramedics were waiting for him as they had been tipped off by other runners that passed him. However, all is well with Jon and he's fine with a few lessons learnt from the experience, especially regarding hydration.

Liz Tunna, EPRC's latest acquisition was going to do the 33 miler but got slightly lost so she did the 26 instead. Probably the best thing as she’s doing the Tanner 30 miler on the following day, 4th July.

Results are yet to be published, however, the website http://osmotherleyphoenix.wikidot.com will have all photos and results over the coming days.

Deeside Off Road Race 2 1st July

Ellesmere Port also took part in the monthly Deesiders off road race with over 70 people taking part in the evening race. At approximately 4 mile, there's a varied ability and all runners are welcome. Winning the race was West Cheshire David Alexander in 29:06, 2nd place going to Dean Longley of Prestatyn in 29:59 and 3rd was Andrew Norgrove of Wrexham AC in 30:09.

First EPRC member home was Denis Duret who's coming right back to his best ever form claiming 9th position in a time of 31:12. Right behind Denis was Graham Earlham who loves the off road challenge in 10th and 32:02. Next EPRC member was Alison Cole running a cracking race coming home in 20th position and 34:29.

Results are posted at http://www.deestridersrunningclub.net/results/offroad2010.aspx

Pennylane 10k 4th July - Awards & PB Galore For EPRC -

Over in Liverpool, half of Ellesmere Ports members decided to have a crack at the once super fast course of Pennylane 10k. However, after having problems getting permission with the old course, a new course that doesn't go on main roads has been mapped out, however this course is now anything but fast with some slower times posted even at the business end. In 25mph winds and 22C heat, it was never going to be quick, however, the course now has multiple 180 degree turns and even 1/2 mile off road/up steps into the park. However, one thing is for sure, it's still superbly organised by Pennylane Running Club.

With 314 runners taking park, it was a mad start with everyone going for the first 180 degree turn in the first 600m. First home for the club was Mark Dodd in 6th place overall and 3rd senior male in a time of 37:04 (5:58 m/m). Next home and also 1st Senior Lady (26th overall) was Nicky Bird in 40:21 (6:27 m/m) followed closely by Jason Bennett in 36th place in 40:49 (6:34 m/m). Next up and in 46 position overall however 3rd V55 male was Dave Nalder. Running well in the conditions he posted 41:30 (6:40 m/m). Brian Griffiths was not too far behind suffering in the wind, coming home in 85th place in 44:27 (7:09 m/m). Continuing his good form, Mark Fiddler ran strongly as well to place 108th in 45:47 (7:22 m/m). Following Mark was Catherine Evans who's now performing very well smashing her previous best to post a new PB in 141st place in 49:02 (7:53 m/m). Close behind was Debbie Hawker returning nicely to form in 168th and 3rd F45 runner. Posting just over 50 minutes with 50:59 (8:12 m/m) her new target will be to dip under 50 minutes once again. Julie Fiddler couldn't keep up with her husband but ran determinedly to place 197th in a time of 53:19 (8:34 m/m). Carmel Barnnett ran her socks off for 253rd position, but more importantly 2nd F50 in a superb time of 58:57 (9:29 m/m). Also running a superb race was Janet Agnew placing 280th just missing out on the 1 hour barrier in 1:02:47 (10:06 m/m).

The race was won by John McCole of Liverpool Harriers in 33:59 (5:28 m/m), 2nd place went to Alan Ashton also from Liverpool in 34:14 (5:30 m/m) and 3rd to Paul Sankey in 34:22 (5:31 m/m). The ladies event was won by Jenny Clague in 37:57 (6:06 m/m), our very own Nicky Bird in 2nd and Jay Jennions in 3rd in 40:40 (6:32 m/m).

Full results available at http://pennylanestridersrunningclub.co.uk

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. Please be aware that a beginners club every Wednesday night is also running until 29th September. If you can only run 200m or run a mile, feel free to join Gary Richards for the beginners sessions following his expert advice. All that is asked is, be at the Whitby Sports & Social Club for 6:40pm and a 6:45pm start. For more information, see

http://www.ellesmereportrunningclub.org.uk

News from 2007, 2006, 2005 & 2004