Despite having prior knowledge of what to expect on this mountainous course, 33 hardy A&T members (and a couple of 2nd claimers also) turned up to compete in the Haigh Hall 4 mile race on Wednesday evening.
In a star-studded field, a new course record of 19:55 was set by a young man from Stafford, named Matt Clowes. He was accompanied to the race by UK Fells Coach, Bashir Hussain.
First A&T finisher, showing no signs of weariness from his recent marathon, was Pete Chan in a time of 23:17, taking the V45 prize in the process. Not for the first time this season, Simon Ford and Shaun Moran were involved in a close tussle. Simon came out on top on this occasion, just pipping Shaun by 2 seconds in a time of 23:25. Shaun had the consolation of 2nd in the V50 category.
These first three finishers also took 2nd place in the team event.
Gary Atherton continues to make great progress and followed as 4th A&T runner in 23:47, and gained the upper hand over Mark Riches for the first time, who clocked 24:09.
Gary Stevens, Alan Hilton, Steve Coleman and Terry Gardiner all came home in 25-something, followed by Greg Ruscoe, fast catching up with old brother Mark, and Craig Bradbury who looks to be returning to true fitness.
Marcus Taylor put one over on his mate Mark Lysycia, and in close pursuit were Steve Foster, Derek Coop and Craig Little, back on the racing circuit again.
Matt Crompton, still suffering from the effects of the London Marathon, crossed the line in 28:08, with Barry Allman making his 1st CLGP appearance for A&T in 28:25. Dave Crowe had a great race, overcoming challenges from Ray Taylor, Glyn Thomson, Ian Hamilton and Garry Baines, still struggling for former fitness levels.
Alan Webb made a welcome return to the club and crossed in 29:41. Having paid his subs to the Jacket Man, he was somehow persuaded to part with a further £26.50 for said A&T branded jacket.
Paul Basnett, getting more serious by the day about his running, strolled home in 31:22.
For the ladies, Josie Maley continues to exude confidence, finishing 2nd overall, 4 seconds behind the winner in a time of 25:24. Brenda Wane finished as 2nd A&T lady in 29:08 and was placed 2nd in the L45 category. Suzanne Gregory was in the prize money too as 2nd L35 finisher in 30:19, another great effort. These 3 ladies also took 2nd place in the team event.
Michelle Fuller continues to see the benefit of hard training and was pleased with her time of 31:22, whilst Vanessa Thomson clocked 33:11 after a strong effort at Blackpool at the weekend.
It was great to see the members cheering all our lady runners home and Sarah Sadler, Emma Carter and Clare Unsworth certainly appreciated the support, judging by the smiles on their faces.
There were a couple of impressive runs from our 2nd claim members, Andy Neary with 23:11 and Sean McMyler with 23:23, both finishing in the top 20.
It’s not too long off the next CLGP and Club race at Smithills on Sunday 30th May, as we all endeavour to tackle the tricky terrain of the 5 mile Serpent.
Results Link - http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2010/wigan1.htm
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