Bent And Bongs 10k

On Sunday A&T held their inaugural event of the Bent and Bongs 10k. The weather was glorious with sunshine and dry running conditions. Some 21 A&T athletes turned out to compete in the race. Tony Battersby of Leigh Harriers won the race with a time of 34.20. First back for A&T with an excellent run and taking second place was Colin Rigby with 35.25. Steve Coleman, not so used to these sprints, came next with 38.58. Alan Hilton managed to hold off Ian Newcombe and Gary Stevens who all finished with 39.12, 39.17 and 39.29 respectively. Mike Reason cut into his ironman training to run the race in 41.03 and then promptly ran home. Fresh, most likely aching, from his run out in Coniston the day before was Derek Coop just dipping under 45 minutes with 44.57. Ian "Bacon Mon" Hamilton also had a good race with 45.49 after his recent exploits at parkrun. It was good to see our first lady Susan Fletcher hot on his heels who ran an excellent 45.51 after her recent comeback. Anthony Hart finished with 46.20 ahead of an improving Steve Eldridge who ran 46.35. KellyAnne Towns had a very good race to finish with 47.09. Kim O'Neil (50.06) also had a good race and managed to out run an improving Ian Bushrod who finished with 50.07. Barry Allman seems to making a bit of a resurgance of late finishing with 50.58. Louise Hampton chased Barry in and finished with a time of 51.02. Anne Garvey appears to be enjoying her running with a permeanant smile on her face finished with 53.29. Ron Hill questioned where the downhill finish was when he passed us, having made the gradual climb from the two loops to head home. Ron had all that to come and finished with 54.02. Michelle Garvey ran in next with a good 54.36. Helen also had a good race and ran her PB with 55.12. Bev Tickle finished next with 58.07. Clare Unsworth looked behind her whilst questioning whether she was last when she passed us. No Clare you're not last and she finished with 65.24. A big thanks and well done to Gary Stevens for putting the huge effort into the organisation behind the event and all the A&T volunteers that helped make the day. Hopefully it will become ever more successful for many years to come and I for one hope I can race it next year.