Making the annual pilgrimage to Tattenhall for the Tough Team Challenge in teams of 3 were many of Ellesmere Ports finest and psychotic athletes. With nearly 1000ft of ascent on an extremely muddy and tough course covering just less than 9 miles, 7 EPRC runners decided to not join the pub crowds on a pleasant Friday evening and get down and dirty on the trails of the Tough Team Challenge instead.
The object of the race is purely team based as it’s the 3rd counter in each team that actually registers the overall time, so having 2 extremely fast people in your team makes no difference, placing the emphasise on team work. 45 teams were entered in one of the largest fields assembled for this particular race.
The winning team, called “Just Training” consisted of R.Edwards, V. Woerken both from sister running club West Cheshire AC and our very own Steve Crowe of EPRC putting over a minute between themselves and 2nd placed team “The Plastic Vets”.
Coming in 12th overall position were “The Crazy Porters” consisting of purely Ellesmere Port Runners; Steve Laker, Chris Marshall and John Jennings.
Closing in on the porters was the second team “Rocky” assembled from Ellesmere Port consisting of; Mathew Whitfield, Mike Burns and Alison MacDonald placing 16th overall.
Lymm 5k
Saturday played host to the 5th Cheshire Road Championship race of the season, the Lymm 5k. Run over an undulating course, Chris Marshall, Tommy Downey and Denis Duret were once again in fine form.
First home was Denis Duret desperately seeking a sub 17 minute performance. However, Denis had to settle for 18 minutes, but was still happy with his performance.
Second home for the club was the impressive Chris Marshall. Running his 2nd race in the space of 20 hours, Chris ran a cracking time of 19:01.
Finally Tommy Downy ran a personal best, however exact times have to be confirmed by official results this week.
City Of Manchester 10k
Over in Manchester on Sunday was Ellesmere Ports sole representative Keith Jones. In sparkling form recently, Keith was eager to see what he could do over a perfectly flat 10k and didn’t disappoint. Placing 31st out of over 1100 runners in an excellent time of 37:27 finishing 6th V40 overall is a remarkable run from which Keith will be building on during the summer months.
For anyone wishing to partake in an ultra flat, friendly and welcoming 5k race whether it’s going to be your first race or you are a seasoned runner, Ellesmere Port Running Club will be hosting their 5th running of the “Original Capenhurst 5k” starting from the Urenco Electricity Sports & Social Club, Capenhurst Technology Park at 7pm Wednesday 22nd August. Anyone wishing to pre-enter can do so by downloading the entry form and forwarding to Dave Nalder, Race Secretary, Ellesmere Port Running Club, 4 Dolphin Crescent, Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH66 4SZ. There is however entry on the night for an additional £1.
