It’s Going To The Wire!

Ellesmere Port Running Club’s quest to stay in the premier division of the men’s Border League continued on Sunday 26th March. The fourth race in a series of six was hosted by Wallasey Running Club and EPRC’s men produced their best display this season with some superb performances.

On a predominately flat, 4.4 mile course along the promenade from Seacombe Ferry, Steve Crowe produced the clubs highest ever individual finish in a Border League race finishing in 2nd position in 23.52 only 20 seconds behind the overall winner, Clive West of Buckley Runners.  Clive, who leads the men’s individual standings, will now be looking over his shoulder as Steve will be pushing him hard in the final two races of the series.

Making a sensational comeback for EPRC was Ian Cooper.  Ian, who’s suffered with injury problems for the last 6 months made a point, storming into 2nd place for the club in 25:19 and 13th position overall.  Hopefully he’ll remain injury free for the summer and battle back to challenge EPRC’s number one runner Steve Crowe.

3rd man home for the club was Denis Duret in 25:31 and 16th place. In less than a weeks time Denis will be chasing a sub 03:00 hour marathon in Paris and looks in the kind of form to break that barrier for the first time.

Simon Jeffs produced his highest ever finish in a Border League race, 26th overall, and 4th placed for the club, running well to complete the course in 26:12.

Brian Griffiths was EPRC’s 5th man home in 29:09 and 82nd overall position.

After running from Ellesmere Port to the race in Wallasey, Mike Burns finished in  6th in a time of 29:35 and 87th place overall.  All those extra miles will stand him in good stead for his London Marathon attempt in four weeks

7th EPRC runner was Danny Legg.  Running bravely with an on going calf strain Danny managed to finish in 30:11 for 93rd position. Hopefully, this injury won’t effect the last few weeks of London Marathon preparation.

Next and now officially crowned EPRC’s comeback king was Chris Marshall. After stunning runs in last years Llandudno 10 mile race and the Hale 5 mile, Chris was hit with injury but has now put that all firmly with a solid 100th position in a time of 30:26.

Still on the comeback trail and 9th place for EPRC was Dave Nalder. 107th overall with a time of 31:05.

The all important 10th position and points counter was EPRC’s racing machine John Jennings. John finished in 115th position overall in 32:02.

Final EPRC runner home was Les Fleetwood completing the course in 33:04 and 127th position.

Not to be upstaged by the men’s superb performances where EPRC’s ladies. Winning the race for the ladies was Marilyn Kitching of Tattenhall runners in a superb 27:11 and 39th position overall.

1st lady home for EPRC was the much improved Alison Hughes, posting 30:38, 8th lady and 102nd position overall. An in form Alison will be hoping for a big PB in this week’s Chester Spring 5 mile race.

Alison McDonald also took the hard travel option like Mike Burns and ran to the race but still ran strongly to finish 2nd for the club with a solid 33:40, 19th lady and 135th overall.

3rd lady home for the club was the little seen Amanda Penfold. Amanda came home in 37:17 and 172nd overall. Hopefully this will signal a lot more borders league action for Amanda.

Final lady home for the club was Tracey Ellis in 44:04 for 190th position, with this positive performance we hope this isn’t the last we see of Tracy for the club.

Overall, the men’s team remain in 5th place, 103 points ahead of relegation placed Wirral AC. With only two races to go, it’s going to be tough for EPRC, however after this Sunday’s display Wirral will have to put out their best team in the final two races to challenge EPRC’s for the safety of 5th place.

The ladies team cemented their place at the top of the Division 2 table and with just two races left look all set for promotion.