Crowe flies to glory in Borders League Race 5

Another race and another victory for Ellesmere Port Running Club. Following on the heels of last week’s mens team victory at Trimpell, Steve Crowe powered his way to victory ion the round 5 of the Borders league held at Mold. Steve scored a magnificent first place in 26m43s, by putting himself at the head of the field from where he controlled the race from the start to impressive finish. Another excellent run saw Simon Jeffs sprint home in 28m43s, for his highest placed finish of the series to date, quickly followed by Denis Duret, 29m32s, who just managed to stay ahead of the fast finishing John Fiddler, 29m35s, who secured first vet 55. Keith Jones, 30m52s, took great pleasure in beating his rival and running partner, Paul Robertson 31m31s, with Nicky Bird, 31m8s (1st senior lady), being the rose between these two thorns. Although a little jaded from his exertions at the Rhayader 20 miler on the previous day, Matt Whitfield, 32m5s, was still too strong and quick for Danny Legg, 32m29s. Dave Nalder, 33m8s, is clearly benefiting from his personal trainers course and was able to put clear light between him and his nearest rivals John Hawker, 34m13s, and John Jennings, 34m27s. Running steady races as part of their continued build up to London were Alison Macdonald, 36m26s, Madelaine Bird, 38m49s, and Nigel Crieri, 43m1s, with Border’s League stalwart Les Jones battling against injury to record 40m48s.

The senior mens and veteran mens teams both remain in third place but unfortunately due to having only 3 scoring runners the ladies team slipped to bottom of the table and put themselves in pole position for relegation. However, provided we can muster a full complement of ladies for the final two races relegation is by no means a certainty.

Matt shines at finish of Rhayader 20 mile road race on Saturday 17 March 200

Matt Whitfield continued his hugely impressive recent form by storming home in a time of 2hr24m16s to finish 40th overall in a field of well over 400. Matt’s is reaping his just rewards following several months of sustained intensive training and barring injury is am must to dip to hit his target of dipping under 3 hours at London on 22 April 2007. Supporting Matt was Nicky Bird who also took the opportunity to compete in the supporting 5 mile event, (in a time to be confirmed), as warm up for the following days Borders League race. 

Mark takes on the elements at the Spen 20 mile road race on Sunday 18 March 2007

Mark Dodd travelled cross-country to Yorkshire to take part in the Spen 20 miler, in the hope of attaining the club 20 mile road race record currently held by Steve Crowe. Unfortunately, despite putting in an excellent battling performance, Mark’s hopes of going under 2 hours 6 minutes were dashed by the extreme weather conditions on race day. Undeterred by the on course cranial massage provided by wind driven hailstones the size of golf balls, Mark kept his composure to finish in a superb 2hr16m55s. Is it only a matter of time before Mark secures that so far elusive club record, or does Crowie have other ideas?