Welsh sunshine brings out best in EPRC Runners

Yet again the sun shone on the righteous throng of Gold vested EPRC runners who turned out for the Village Bakery Half Marathon in Wrexham on Sunday 18.2.07, with all runners performing to an exceptionally high standard. There must have been something in the air, other than the sweetish malty aroma drifting over the gently undulating course from the nearby Kellogg’s factory, which proved inspirational to all runners from the club as not one crossed the finish line in anything but an excellent time.

Although the official results are unavailable at the time of going to press, the timekeepers will without doubt confirm that at least 5 runners clocked Personal Best’s. First home for the club, continuing his recent rich vein of form and justifying his decision to target this race, was Steve Crowe who finished in 1hr12m for 3rd place overall. Another amongst the prizes was distance and big race debutant, Mark Edwards, who secured 2nd placed U20 male with a very promising time of 1hr27m. There is much more to come from this talented youngster. The first 9 miles of the race saw Steve Laker and Matt Whitfield engaged in a real dogfight for the following week’s bragging rights. However, once Steve donned his MP3 headphones and started to move in time to Abba’s Greatest Hits there was no stopping him, as he powered away from Matt to cross the line in a new PB of 1hr21m. Undeterred by Steve’s burst of pace Matt dug in to set his own PB of 1hr 23m. Matt promises that next time he too will run to the sound of music and be simply ‘Sailing’ along in his leopard skin tracksters asking fellow runners ‘Do ya think I’m sexy?’

Not too far behind Matt was strong finishing Mike Burns in 1hr25m, shortly followed by 3 runners all showing a welcome return to form and fitness, with Danny Legg, Brian Griffiths and Dave Nalder all crossing the line in 1hr 29m. John Jennings, 1hr35m, gritted his teeth and girded his loins to keep ahead of fast finishing Alison Macdonald, 1hr36m, who in turn was able to hold off Alan Durston, 1hr37m. Alan was delighted to net his best half time of the last few years. Getting closer with each race to that group of the club’s runners who are just ahead of her was Madelaine Bird who again raked up a sensational time, and surely a new PB, of 1hr42m. Nigel Crieri continued to impress finishing not too far behind Madelaine, in a time to be confirmed but which may also be a PB. Mark Dodd unfortunately had to drop out after just over 4 miles. A good pre-race breakfast next time will no doubt see Mark back to form and getting to the end of the race.

Please note that membership subscriptions for 2007 are now due

Nigel Crieri	Madelaine Bird	Alan Durston
Alison Macdonald	John Jennings	Dave Nalder
Brian Griffiths	Danny Legg	Mike Burns

Top 3 runners for the club

Steve Crowe

Steve Laker

Matt Whitfield