Crowe begins to fly- borders league

On Sunday 18th November, the second round of the borders league took place in Birkenhead Park.  The four-lap course approximately 5.5miles in length saw Ellesmere ports number one runner Steve Crowe start to show the type of form that won him last years title.  Steve moved from fourth in round one, to second with a time of 29:29 in the overall race, just behind new young talent Ricky Challinor from Deeside AC who completed the course in 29:17.  The winning gap was slashed from 27sec to 12sec compared to the previous race and with five more to go, there is everything to play for.  Steve performance has also moved him into number 1 position in the senior male age group.

This race also saw the welcome return to the racing scene of Paul Robertson, who is well on the road to recovery after his recent knee surgery.  Paul completed the course in 35:44, which with his talent and continued recuperation will soon be considerably lowered.  Ian Cooper also continued his good form to finish second in the v45 category with a time of 30:52.  Completing the team was Simon Jeffs, 31:00, Denis Duret, 31:40, Keith Jones, 33:47, Michael Burns, 34:48, Dave Nalder, 35:12, Matthew Whitfield, 35:41, Dave Roberts, 38:23, Alison Hughes, 39:55, John Cole, 41:37, Madeline Bird, 43:07, Nigel Crierie, 45:45.  The winner of the women’s race was Emma Parry from Wrexham AC, in a time of 32:55.

Leeds Abbey Dash 10K

On Sunday 25th, Steve Crowe made the trip to Leeds to take part in fast and very competitive race.  With good weather conditions and a field of nearly 5000, this race was more about times than positions.  Steve began very strongly and to his surprise was with the leaders through the first quarter, however by half way they had managed to pull away and focused switched to the job in hand.  With almost even splits for the second half of the race, Steve completed the race in a time of 33:17, just short of a personal and club record.  With this sort of form, it will not belong before he goes sub 33.  The winner was Ian Boneham with a time of 29:30, Aly Dixon from Chester-le-Street running club won the women’s race in a time of 33:41.