Madeleine’s hot on the right trail - 31st Sandstone Trail Race

Sunday 7th October, saw seven-club members go-off road for the running of the Sandstone Trail Race.  This picturesque race or more accurately races, as in reality there are two, race A (17.1 miles) which starts in  Duckington and race B (10.6miles) which starts at Beeston Castle.  Both of these then follow the challenging route of the sandstone trail, before reaching their conclusion in Delamere Forest.

With little rain in the preceding days and a beautiful autumn day made for some excellent running times.  Honors, for the club belong to Madeleine Bird & Alison Macdonald, both of whom finished in podium positions within their respective categories.  Madeleine, who has only recently made a return from injury, secured 2nd place in the B race on her debut in this event, in the Lady 50-60 category, with a time of 1:43:58.  While Alison secured 3rd in the A race in the 40-50 category, with a time of 2:33:27.  I am sure next year both will be aiming to finish one or two places higher to claim that converted first place.

First home in the A race for the club in 12th place, was Stephen Laker in a time of 2:06:39, closely followed by Chris Marshall (2:09:09) & Michael Burns (2:15:36).      
Matthew Whitfield was sadly forced to retire with a Knee injury.  The winner of the A race was Glen Groves from Liverpool Harriers & AC, in a new course record time of 1:55:19. 

In the B race, Nigel Crierie was first home for the club, in the time of 1:41:00.  The winner of the B race was Ian Magill from Liverpool Running Club, with a time of 1:08:45, which is also a new course record time.   

Training sessions

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.  For further information, please do not hesitate to contact webmaster@ellesmereportrunningclub.org.uk