Dodd races to new PB in Telford Christmas 10k

On a quiet weekend locally for racing, EPRC’s Mark Dodd and Steve Laker took the opportunity to travel to Shropshire to compete in the Telford Christmas 10k. In another fantastic display of controlled running Mark Dodd gave himself an early Christmas bonus by clocking a new personal best time of 36m12s. Unfortunately, Steve Laker had to pull out of the race at around the halfway point due to a suspected hamstring injury. Steve will be hoping that his powers of recovery are akin to those of Superman as he, Simon Jeffs and Mark Dodd plan to work up a New Year’s Eve thirst by competing in the Ribble Valley 10k on 31.12.06.

It must now only be a matter of when not if, Simon, Mark, and Steve break the elusive 36-minute barrier and enters the upper echelons of distance running. Their chance may well come before the year is out. Watch this space.

The club’s annual Christmas Handicap takes place at Vauxhall’s on 31.12.06 with an 11am start. Everyone is encouraged to attend as Danny promises to ensure that the handicapping this year produces a real blanket finish. Before then several runners including Mike Burns, Alison Macdonald, and one of the pre-race favourites, Steve Crowe, have the opportunity to hone their race speed in the annual Chester Round the Walls race on Boxing Day. With the weather set to be frost-free the race should be able to use its preferred course taking in the city walls and a lap of the racecourse. Santa Suits will hopefully be out in force.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.