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ELLESMERE PORT RUNNING CLUB |
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Mark's Column - 11/04/10
Chester Spring 5 Mile Road Race 7th AprilEllesmere Ports finest were out in force for the first true springtime road race of the year, the Chester Spring 5. The course runs from Hoole, through back lanes with a quick first 1.5 mile, then a slower climb/undulating course until 4 mile, with a flat and fast final mile. Conditions were not far from perfect apart from a breeze on the 2nd mile, but the sun was out and spirits were high for the 366 runners for the start of the race. Winning the race was James Mills fro Wrexham AC in 25:20 (5:04 m/m), with 2nd place going to Andrew Davies of Maldwyn Harriers in 25:31 (5:06 m/m) and 3rd place Alan Woods of Wirral AC in 25:35 (5:07 m/m). The ladies race was just as close, however victory was Karrie Hawitt of Warrington in 29:30 (5:54 m/m), 2nd place Catherine Draper of Liverpool Harriers in 29:36 (5:55 m/m) and 3rd spot going to Jenny Knass of Stockport Harriers in 29:45 (5:57 m/m). Ellesmere Port had a fine squad with their best runner, Steve Crowe running only his 2nd race of the year. However, Steve is selective and knows his form, proving what a quality athlete he is with 7th place overall in 26:41 (5:20 m/m). Next back for the club was the returning to form, Mark Dodd. Mark had battled once again with his arch nemesis Simon Jeffs, picking him off in the final mile to come home in 33rd position over and 29:17 (5:51 m/m) with Simon in 42nd position in 29:43 (5:56 m/m). Both runners are in current training for spring marathons. Close behind these two was Graham Ealham who is now running fast over the short distances to his satisfaction. Graham managed 3rd V50 and 47th place overall in 29:48 (5:57 m/m). Next home and 5th female was Nicky Bird in 82nd place overall in 31:30 (6:18 m/m). Closing in on Nicky was Jon Cole in 87th position and 32:06 (6:25 m/m), Roy Traynor in 124th place with 33:33 (6:30 m/m), Alison Hughes in 128th and 22:36 (6:31 m/m), Dave Roberts in 176th and 35:12 (7:02 m/m), John Jennings in 219th and 37:35 (7:31 m/m), Madeline Bird in 264th and 40:04 (8:01 m/m) and Nigel Crierie in 318th and 43:49 (8:46 m/m). Blackpool Marathon 11th AprilMark Dodd made is marathon comeback and his 4th race in 9 days, with his first marathon in over 18 months travelling the short journey to Blackpool for their well organised and increasingly popular race. In perfect condition, with a gentle breeze, Mark produced one of the best runs of his career knocking an unexpected 50 seconds off his previous best. With an early start to proceedings at 9am, 662 full marathoners and 1001 runners in the half marathon took off in the hope of some fast times. Winning the half marathon in 1:11:54 (5:29 m/m) was David Lockett from Salford Harriers, 2nd was Paul Muller from Horwich in 1:14:55 (5:42 m/m) with 3rd place going to Daniel Rothwell who was unattached in 1:16:14 (5:49 m/m). The ladies race was won by Emma Jones from Belle Vue Runners in 1:28:51 (6:46 m/m), 2nd place going to Anna Reddy in 1:30:26 (5:54 m/m) and 3rd was Jane Bryant from Iilky Harriers in 1:31:19 (6:58 m/m). In the full marathon, things were tight at the top. After leading the race for 25 mile, the eventual 2nd place man, Charlie Pearson 2:40:03(6:06 m/m) was picked off in the last mile losing the race to winner Mike Flatley in 2:39:44 (6:05 m/m) and 3rd place going to Andy May in 2:40:18. Mark Dodd after placing 9th at the half way mark, pushed his way through the pack eventually finishing in 5th place overall (3rd Senior Male) in a new PB of 2:51:02 (6:32 m/m). The ladies marathon was won by Susan Svoba of Abbey Runners in 2:55:55 (6:42 m/m), 2nd place going to Salt Adela of Trentham RC in 2:57:01 (6:45 m/m) and 3rd was Janet Sharkey in 3:07:27 (7:09 m/m). Click For Video Footage Below
8 Mile Standard Definition Penultimate Borders Race Prestatyn 11th AprilIn a weakened squad, EPRC still proved they have depth showing great spirit in the 5 mile Prestatyn borders race, leaving just one race to go to decide the fate of the many clubs who take part, either relegation or promotion. Winning the overall race was Rob Samuel from Eyri in 26:28 with the ladies race being won by Marilyn Kitching in 30:28. However in order of finishing EPRC runners were as follows: 43rd Graham Earlham (31:36), 54th Paul Robertson (31:53), 68th Nicky Bird (32:50), 70th Dave Nalder (32:53), 75th Jon Cole (33:18), 91st Mike Burns (34:36), 95th Alison Hughes (34:47), 97th Matt Whitfield (34:49), 98th Mark Barrington (34:50), 114th Brian Griffiths (35:36), 127th Dave Roberts (36:12), 178th Alison MacDonald (39:24), 191st Amanda McGonigle (40:38) and 224th Camel Barnet (50:17). The mens squad are currently lying in 2nd place in division two (with two teams to qualify for promotion) with one race left in Wrexham on the 28th April with West Cheshire close behind. Looks like it'll come down to the last race of the season and a show down. The ladies squad is currently struggling somewhat in 6th position (relegation spot) and is 93 points adrift of the safety of 5th place. A last ditch effort will be needed to avoid the drop into the 2nd division. Running At Ellesmere Port Running ClubFinally, 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
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