Thursday 3rd July was the second race in the Dee striders “0ff Road Grand Prix”, this race series always attracts a keen following amongst Ellesmere Port runners. After only a few months of training, Nicola Bird has returned to her winning ways, securing 1st place in the FU35 age group and second lady overall with a very impressive time of 33:06. Also in podium positions were Graham Earlam (29:54) & Alison Hughes (35:33) both finishing 3rd in their respective age groups. These runners are hitting excellent form at just at the right time and with both planning to Race the Train in a few weeks time, it could be very interesting race this year.
First home for the club and continuing his current run of great form was Denis Duret in a very impressive 6th place with a time of 28:28. Just behind was a battle between three club members’ who all finished seconds apart, on this occasion David Nalder was victorious with a time of 32:25, hotly perused by Jason Bennett 32:28, Danny Legg 32:31. Completing the line up was Madeleine Bird with a time of 39:55.
Winning the race was Wirral runner Xavier Desse with a time of 26:51, Helen Davies from Wrexham AC won the ladies race with a time of 32:20.
The Reebok Manchester 5k Sizzlers
Thursday 10th July saw Denis Duret Continuing his focus on the shorter distances by taking part in the second of the Reebok Manchester 5k Sizzlers. This course is not known for its fast times and matters were not helped by the wet conditions and hamstring problems towards the end of the race. However, Denis still managed to finish in an impressive time of 17:06.
Jack Martin from Sunlight Runners was first past the line with a time of 14:55, Gemma Murphy took full advantage of home territory, winning the ladies event with a time of 17:28.
Nicky Clinches Top Placing