Club Records and Personal Bests Smashed At Village Bakery Half Marathon
Ten runners made the trip to Wrexham on Sunday 17th February to take part in the Village Bakery half marathon. This super fast race has traditionaly been a fertile hunting ground for club members in search of those elusive targets. With almost perfect weather conditions club members were not disappointed, with a total of 2 new club records, 3 personal bests breaking the 10mph barrier and 7 season bests. With such a haul its hard to pick one runner, however the plaudits on this day belong to Denis Duret not only did he smash his personal best by over two and a half minute completing the course in 77:16, he also in the process broke the vet 40 record by almost 2 minutes. After today’s performance Denis can look forward to Paris marathon in 7 weeks time safe in the knowledge that he is in the shape of his life.
Paul Robinson also broke his own vet 45 record by almost 2minutes with a time of 81:07. Smashing his personal best and unlucky to miss out on the prises finishing 4th senior male was Simon Jeffs. who took almost 3 minuets of his PB with a time of 76:20, the move up in distance is certainly paying dividends, this is the first time Simon has sub 6min/mile (10mph) a half and with more half’s planned in the near future, I suspect this PB will not last for long. Completing the PB haul was Stephen Laker, finishing first for the club in 13th place overall, with a time of 76:10. Next home and continuing his current excellent form was Dave Nalder in a time of 86:19, closely pursued by Matt Whitfield (87:09). Next up and running through the pain barrier was Brian Griffiths who even with recent injury problems managed a very impressive 92:08. Just missing out on personal bests was John Hawker (95:45) and Nigel Crierie (107:26). Completing the line up was Chris Bennion with a time of 111:40.
Wirral Ac runner Xavier Desse won the race with a time of 72:42. Julia Myatt from Newcastle-Under-Lyme AC won the women’s race with a time of 79:47. Ellesmere Port RC men's team finished second in the team event just behind Wrexham Athletic Club.
