Runners turn out for Port’s annual race. Last Wednesday night 106 runners from across the region headed to town as Ellesmere Port Running Club presented the Capenhurst 5K road race. The course starts on Capenhurst Lane approximately 100 metres before the Church and then heads out onto Rectory Lane before turning into Chapel Lane and through Ledsham Village then onto the Chester High Road before heading back up Capenhurst Lane to the finish that is situated on the side road that leads to BNFL

The race was won by Deeside AAC runner Steven Henshaw who set a new course record finishing in a time of 15.34. Steven was followed in by Liverpool Harrier Jonny Mellor 15.45 and Alan Woods 15.59 of Wirral AC who took third place.

In the Ladies race Vale Royal’s Olivia Renshaw was victorious as she finished the race in a time of 17.30. Second place went to Wrexham’s Helen Davies 18.45 and Helen Whitby of Vale Royal took third spot in 19.14.

First Ellesmere Port runner home was Denis Duret who just fell short of breaking the 17 minute barrier by finishing 13th in a time of 17.07. Last months EPRC Runner of the Month Tony Hyland was next home for the club finishing in 17.42 to take 20th position overall. Next home for the club was Simon Jeffs who set a PB of 18.01 (25th) but would surly have dipped under 18 minutes if he had not started the race at the very back after missing the start. Danny Legg was next runner home for EPort running close to his PB in a time of 18.14 (27th).

Club coach Tony Smith was next runner home in a time of 19.04 (41st) giving him third position in the Over 50 category. Tony was followed by John Jennings who completed the course in 19.35 (48th). Ian Robinson was next home after shaving five seconds of his PB to finish in 19.42 (50th). Men’s captain Matt Whitfield who pulled his Calf during the race still managed to complete the course and was next home in 20.42 (63rd), Matt was being quickly pursued by Alan Durston who had a good outing to finish in 20.45 for 65th position. Kevin Curtis was the final Men’s runner home for the club in a personal best time of 21.29 (71st).

On the ladies side, Alison Macdonald was showing signs of a return to form by finishing the race in a good time of 20.10 for 10th position and finally Tracey Ellis whose only recently put her trainers on again finished the race in 26.04 for 19th place.

Many thanks to all the volunteers and club helpers who turned up on the night and helped make the race a success.