Mark's Column - 23/02/09

Village Bakery Half Marathon Race

In an exciting last 3 mile in the men's race, four Ellesmere Port Runners headed to Wales for the annual Wrexham Half Marathon, this year once again hosting the North Wales Champs.

First home for the club and making a very welcome return due to injuries over the last 6 months was Paul Ashley. Running hard, Paul obliterated his previous PB coming home 83rd in a time of 85:15 and is certainly in the shape to bring that time closer to 80 minutes in the coming months.

Next home was Brian Griffiths, running a solid race and one of his faster halfs of recent times in 1h 34m for 171st position.

Continuing the good team performance was Mark Fidler running a superb 98:11 for 216th place.

Bringing up the rear was Chris Bennion in 2hr 1m 53s, who's currently in the middle of his London Marathon preparation running for a charity very close to his heart. Chris recently lost his daughter Debra and is running for the charity "mind". If anyone would like to know more or sponsor Chris, his family would be most appreciative. The following link can be used to sponsor him directly

The race was won by Ben Fish from Blackburn Harriers, who after being sent the wrong way at 11 mile, lost over 2 minutes, yet, finished 8 seconds ahead of close rival Rob Samuel in 68:36 with Rob just behind in 68:44. First lady back was Gemma Unsworth from Blackpool in 80:32.

5th Borders Race Ellesmere Port 22nd February

Ellesmere Port put out one of there stronger fields in the 5th local borders league held at Capenhurst on Sunday morning. 5.4 miles of flat road, however windy conditions made the going tougher than expected. Struggling, with only 3 races to save themselves from relegation they needed a strong turn out of all levels, and on that note, they were successful.

First home for the club was Ian Cooper, now taking the clubs top runner from the currently struggling with injury, Steve Crowe. Ian was 24th in 31:07. Seconds home was Steve Crowe risking further injury, but putting one in for the team in 26th position (31:30) holding off Mark Dodd 3rd in 31:51.

Then the deluge of runners; Denis Duret 50th (32:51), Simon Jeffs 57th (33:08), Graham Earlam 61st (33:18), Jason Bennett 70th (33:38), Paul Robertson 72nd (33:41), Mike Burns 95th (35:05), Chris Marshall 98th (35:12), John Cole 105th (35:25), Danny Legg 110th (35:36), Matt Whitfield 128th (36:53), Jon Hawker 134th (37:16), Alison Hughes 161st (38:26), Alison MacDonald 165th 38:40, Chris Bennion 214th (43:02), Debbie Hawker 223rd (44:39), Nigel Crierie 235th (46:35).

These results mean that Ellesmere Port men's team remain 2nd from bottom with two to go down. It's going to take all their runners to be at their peak for the remaining two races to save them.