Nicky Runs to Victory at Hoylake 10K.

Sunday saw the 11th annual Hoylake Costal 10K race take place and with it a good turn out of Ellesmere Port runners and another winning performance from Nicky Bird.

Nicky, who was running her first 10 kilometre race of the year started the run someway behind Wirral AC’s Caroline Mcilroy but as the race developed Nicky caught up to her rival at 4 kilometres then powered away for a comfortable victory in a time of 37.49 clocking yet another win this year. Alison Macdonald who completed the race in 44 minutes supported Nicky on the ladies team.

In the men’s race Ian Cooper found himself in contention for victory as a leading group of 5 runners broke away early in the race and stayed together until the final kilometre when an exciting finish saw West Cheshire and Ellesmere Port 2nd Claim runner Gary Withers win the race with Ian only a few seconds of the pace finishing 4th in an excellent 34.57.

Tony Hyland was the next runner home for EPRC finishing the race in a pleasing time of 37.37. Tony was followed home a few minutes later by Matt Whitfield finishing in a time of 39.30 and finally Les Fleetwood who crossed the line in 42.48.

The Swinton Half Marathon was also run on Sunday and John Jennings made an appearance as he prepares to tackle the Berlin Marathon in a few weeks. John completed the 13.11 miles in 1 hour 30 minutes and 20 seconds to finish in 69th position.

Last Tuesday night saw the start of the Summer Multi Terrain series that is held each Tuesday throughout September at four venues across the Wirral. The first race had eight of our runners making the trip to Royden Park, Thurstaston.

With the traditional honour of first runner back for the club being up for grabs Danny Legg and Matt Whitfield did battle for this prestige title playing cat and mouse with each other before Danny managed to open up a gap and take the honour finishing in 30.26 for 20th position with Matt following a few seconds later in 30.38 (23rd).

Steve Blaylock had a terrific race to finish third back for the club piping Tony Mann of Penny Lane Strides on the line to finish in 32.38 (51st). Steve was followed in by Gary Richards who crossed the line in 33.10 (59th). Les Fleetwood showed his usual determination to finish 72nd in 34.11 followed by Roy Traynor in 34.33 (78th) and Paul Welsh 34.37 for 79th position.

Finally on the ladies side Alison Macdonald was the only female runner for EPRC on the night and Alison finished the race 10th lady overall and 3rd in the under 40’s category.