Llandudno was the destination of Ellesmere Ports runners last weekend for the notoriously tough, Nick Beer 10k. The race starts on Llandudno promenade then climbs around the outside of the Great Orm. The first 5k of the course is 95% uphill, however, as you reach the summit, it's time to relax and coast down the other side at top speed.
Nicky Bird was first home for the club in superb 39:13 for the course winning the ladies race (overall 42nd place) and taking a nice cash prize home for her efforts. After last weeks 5 mile race at Alsager, and this superb 10k, she's looking at going into spring in fine form.
Next home for the club was the resurgent Dave Nalder, who's proving that, by remaining injury free he can race with the best in his age group. 41:01 gave Dave 78th position overall and grabbing the 3rd V55 place.
In 100th position, was Matt Whitfield. After a long lay off with an Achilles' injury, he's now starting to get some speed back into those legs posting a good time of 42:46.
Jon Hawker made his annual showing at this event coming 153rd in 44:53. Jon was a little disappointed at the end, but knows that with a little speed work, he'll have a crack at the illusive sub 40 minute for 10k.
Closing in on Jon, was John Jennings coming 198th overall in a splendid time of 46:37.
Running her first race in a while was Debbie Hawker. With a superb effort, she ran her socks off on the tough course for 55:49 and 427th place overall.
Overall, as a team, Ellesmere Port came 8th out of 19 complete teams.
The men's race was won in a scintillating 30:25 by Nick Swinburn, a seasoned cross country runner from Morpeth Running Club, which on a course as tough as this, is superb running.
Parbold Hill Race 14th February
Chris Marshall was EPRC's sole representative at this tough and hilly 6.75 mile course over fields, tracks and woodland. With a large field of 439 competitors, Chris managed a fantastic 42nd place in a time of 49:40. The men's winner was R. Burney of Liverpool Harriers in 40:50 with the ladies race being won by Horwich Harriers' L. Heyes in 49:48.
Radcliffe 12 Mile Trail Race 15th February
220 runners lined up to conquer the tough but nice Radcliffe 12 miler. Representing Ellesmere Port and coming home first for the club was Paul Robertson, apparently over his recent injury woes. Coming home in 19th position and a superb 1:23:48, Paul has to be happy with that result and bodes well for springtime.
Next home was Mike Burns who's now getting some speed into his legs. 1:31:10 gave him 45th position overall and once again, it's all looking good for the coming spring races. Alison, Mikes partner ran a blinder coming home 93rd in 1:40:07.
The winner was Damian Nicholls from Wilmslow RC in 1:13:59 with the ladies trophy going to Sarah May of Todmorden Harriers in 1:26:49.
Llandudno was the destination of Ellesmere Ports runners last weekend for the notoriously tough, Nick Beer 10k. The race starts on Llandudno promenade then climbs around the outside of the Great Orm. The first 5k of the course is 95% uphill, however, as you reach the summit, it's time to relax and coast down the other side at top speed.