A&T x-country – Blackpool 16 January 2010

We had another excellent turnout (18 runners) for the first x-country race of 2010

The overnight rain had washed away all the snow but not before the organizers took the decision to amend both the ladies & men’s courses due to treacherous conditions underfoot (better safe than sorry) So it was 3 medium laps for the ladies & 1 small & 4 medium laps for the men with not a hill in sight!

Our 5 ladies arrived in plenty of time for once so there was plenty of time to chat (& warm-up!) Sue Hopkins just got the better of Brenda to finish first A&T lady; both running well. Carole Baines & Michelle Fairclough came in next with solid runs followed by Helen Minshull who was making her debut on the country after her fantastic run on Boxing Day on the fells

Next it was the turn of the men; first A&T finisher (as usual) was Simon with another impressive run. Peter Mulleady set off hard with me (Mark Riches) & Shaun Moran in pursuit. Shaun, who had a fantastic run, pulled away from me with just over a lap to go & was the first to catch Pete, I caught Pete with about 400m to go & set off after Shaun but he was too strong & beat me in by 3 seconds. Pete held on & was followed home by the 2 other Marks (Ruscoe & Lysycia) respectively, who both ran well. Terry Gardiner & John Lee had a great battle with Terry just edging it by 9 seconds but John is improving all the time. Terry Hughes, Steve Foster & Marcus Taylor, who was making his debut, had solid runs. Craig Bradbury & Dave Ruscoe completed the line-up.

After Saturday’s race the Ladies have moved to the top of Division 3; the men remain 3rd & have extended their lead at the top of the vets Division 3

Next race is at Hyndburn on Saturday 13th February 2010 & we need another good turnout – see you all there

Link to photo's