Rufford 10km – it’s raining PBs! - By Garry Baines

In near perfect conditions, 37 A&T members competed in the fast and flat Rufford 10km today.
We were expecting strong competition from Horwich in the Men’s Section and whilst they did bring a few of their big guns, Manny and Channy generally sorted them out and with some outstanding performances from A&T further down the field, we will have made up some ground in the CLGP.
Paul Mannion was first back for the club in overall fourth position in a quick time of 34:49. Pete Chan followed closely in 6th position overall and his time of 35:06 was quick enough to see off the challenge of John Howarth from Leigh Harriers in 7th and take home the V45 category prize. Unfortunately Pete wasn’t quick enough to outpace the wasp which stung him on the hand after the race.
Third for the club was Simon Ford in an impressive time of 36:01 which, I believe, represents a big PB for him.
Next was Mark Riches, dipping under 38 minutes for the first time in quite a while with 37:49. Scott Christey, still bang on form, was close behind with 38:02.
These performances brought us 2nd prize in the Men’s team category.
Then followed some outstanding runs and PBs from a number of our improving athletes. Steve Coleman regained his form to record 38:58 but one second behind was a superb PB run from Rufus Bennett, who only started running 6 months ago. Perhaps we all should have a crafty fag Rufus!
Three seconds behind Rufus came Mark Ruscoe with 39:02 –another huge PB. Malc Collins came home in 39:35 with Gary Atherton breathing down his neck with 39:38, again a PB. Troy Topping, short of training, finished in 39:54.
All these runners are now guaranteed Premiership status for next season.
Paul Jackson clocked 40:08 and Pete Mulleady, still in the throes of marathon training finished in 41:04.
More PBs came in the form of Alan Hilton 41:22, Terry Gardiner 41:24 and yours truly surprised himself with 42:10.
Alan Webb, Craig Bradbury (carrying an injury) Mark Lysycia and Dan Reason finished in the top half of the field with ‘Bacon Mon’ Hamilton dragging himself round in 45:17. I reckon since we’ve started eating Ian’s bacon, all our times have improved –don’t know what’s in there!

The Ladies came up against tough opposition from Burnden Road Runners on the day, but Michaela Shaw, in her last race before the Fleetwood marathon next week, collected a PB in 45:56. Good luck for next week Michaela!
In his first race for the club Wayne Babynec crossed the line in 46:23 and similarly Marcus Taylor did well on his debut with 46:59.
Brenda Wane completed the race in 47:22 despite injury and Mark Crowley showed signs of a return to form with 47:38. There are rumours circulating that a marathon may be on the horizon for Mark in 2010.
Steve Foster cajoled Ray Taylor round in 48:18 with Jodie Wagstaffe not far behind in 48:58. Carole Baines was pleased with her time of 49:05 with Lyndsey Carter dipping under 50 minutes with 49:48.
Solid efforts followed from Dave Pritchard, Michelle Fairclough , coughing like a 40-a-dayer, Vanessa Thomson and Julie Jenkins. Denise Babynec ran strongly on her first start and it’s great to see another husband and wife team competing for the club.
Finally Jenny Taylor put in a fantastic effort in her first race and came home with the Junior Ladies prize.

A huge huge thanks to all our members for their continued support and for the first timers, I hope you enjoyed not only the race but also the camaraderie.