Sorry for the delayed report but I’ve been invading Poland all week.

17 A&T runners turned up at Guys Thatched Hamlet near Garstang for the final Road Championship Race of the season on Sunday.

After a delayed start and a heavy downpour, the race got underway in near perfect conditions with a flat fast 10 mile course ahead of the runners.

A new course record was set by Antony Ford of Sale Harriers who completed the run in an impressive 48:52. He was closely followed by Ben Fish of Blackburn.

First home for A&T was Simon Ford, finishing 15th overall and smashing his PB (yet again) to record 57:42. Simon has truly enjoyed a memorable last half to the season and will feature prominently in the 2010 races.

Paul Mannion was the 2nd A&T finisher in 1:04:15, having strolled round the course. Steve Coleman gave him a run for his money and crossed the line one second behind, marking the end of a fine season for him.

Rufus Bennett and Mary-Anne were neck and neck in the last half mile with Rufus just having the legs to score 1:04:54 against Mary-Anne’s 1:04:56 – both excellent efforts.

Mark Lysycia showed what a consistent runner and a valuable addition to the club he is with 1:09:42 and it was good to see John Foulds closing down on him with 1:10:16.

Terry Hughes and Steve Eldridge ran solid races, Steve helping Dan Reason to a PB and to the 1st Division Title. See you in the Championship next year Dan.

Wayne Babynec enjoyed a good run, but if you see the photo, was pursued by a lorry for part of the last mile – it wasn’t Denise driving was it?

Carole Baines completed a fantastic race, under the close supervision of Steve Foster, to cross the line in 1:17:49 – augurs well for a fast marathon time next year.

Ray Taylor was please with 1:19;16 so soon after his ½ marathon in Benidorm and Matt Crompton, in his first since March, got round comfortably.

Ian Hamilton struggled a little on the day but did enough to secure the runner-up spot in the 1st Division.

Finally Lorraine Broadhurst, a recent recruit from South Ribble Runners, stuck to the task well and was cheered on to several A&T members as she approached the line.

With the final race of the season now complete, I would like to pay homage to our members and thank them for the fantastic support they have afforded the championships during 2009.

Garry Baines