Bowdon 5k - by Paul Basnett

On Thursday evening 7 A&T members competed in the Bowdon 5k which is the 3rd race in a series of 5 of the North Cheshire Grand Prix. The course was billed as a fast in some quarters and was essentially 2 loops through the streets of Bowdon with a small section in the trails of a park. The start was on the road about 1/2 mile from race HQ, the Stamford Arms pub, which made the start slightly uphill. At the pub you turned left and on to a flat area of the course and then a drop downhill before turning for the slight incline into the park. The park trails were undulating with a bias to the upside. I believe last years course was short and small dog leg was added in this area, which slowed your momentum a little. I should have taken Barry's advice and made sure I found out where the finish was, as this one sneaked up on me. The bushes parted and there was the finish. I'd left a bit in the tank thinking the finish was nearer the pub so used this to out kick the guy in front of me. My cool down consisted of a jog back to the pub for a pint of guinness.

The race was run by 222 competitors of which the winner, Dave Norman of Altrincham & District AC, won the race in 15.59. Even though he was disappointed with his performance first back for A&T was Paul Mannion finishing 13th in a time of 16.51. Next 2 home were Scott Christey and Alan Hilton in a photo finish with Scott just getting the nod,  finishing 36th and 37th with times of 18.04 and 18.05 respectively. Colin Kay was next home dipping just under 19 minutes with 18.59 and 66th place. Winner of the V60 category but alas no prize for some reason was Arnold Melling with a time of 19.31 and 78th position. Next came myself with a time of 22.22 and 140th position. And again our only female competitor Bev Tickle ran in an improved time of 27.08 to finish inside the top 200. Barry Allman A&T 2nd claim and running for his first claim club Spectrum Striders ran in a time of 25.10 and 180th position.

The 4th race in the 5k series is Friday 17th June at Dunham Massey.