Three Sisters 5k

A fantastic turn out of 31 A&T blue vests turned out for the 5th race of this years CLGP being the Three Sisters 5k hosted by Wigan Pheonix. The race is a new addition to the CLGP calendar and is a substitution for the old favourite at Haigh Hall. It was billed as flat and fast in the flyer in which some may argue with but A&T provided it with some outstanding performances. The course was mainly trails consisting of 2 laps around the lake followed by one big lap on the trails surrounding the carting circuit. Along the route there were some sharp turns to negotiate although the course was pretty dry. I could see some parts getting quite boggy if the weather prior to the race was less favourable.

There was a strong field of 175 runners who completed the race with Anthony Valentine of Bolton United Harriers taking the spoils with a time of 16.15. Alex Foster crossed the line first for A&T in 10th position with 17.34. Simon Ford was hot on his heels finishing 14th with 17.49. Mark Riches had another good race coming second V50 with his time of 18.13. Mike Reason had a stormer to get his PB and finish just ahead of Pete Chan with 18.31 and 18.34 respectively. Looks like the ironman training for Mike is paying dividends and it was good to see Pete racing in an A&T vest once again. Ian Newcombe, who is putting in consistently good performances, came next with 18.48. Ian finished just ahead of the tussle between Gary Stevens and Scott Christey with Gary getting the nod by 1 second with 18.52. Dale Kenyon had a cracking run and broke the 20 minute barrier with style attaining a PB with 19.40. Well done Dale! Dale finished just ahead of Robin Chan who also had a good race to post a time of 19.52. Terry Gardiner having a resurgance this year after an injury prone season last year finished with 20.26. Terry just managed to hold off Josie Maley who was our first lady home and 8th lady overall clocking 20.30. It was good to see Jason Owen back racing in an A&T vest and he finished with 20.56. Chris Scholes just managed to cross the line in front our second lady home Carole Baines. I believe both Chris and Carole both attained theirs PBs with 21.32 and 21.33 respectively. Well done to them! Steve Foster had a good race and finished just behind this tussle with 21.39. It was good see Andy Coates racing once again for A&T and he put in a good performance to clock 21.57. Garry Baines appears to be making good progress on his comeback to run in with 22.30. I hope the good progress continues for him. Suzanne Gregory had a strong finish to cross the line just behind Gary with 22.33. Ray Taylor on his first CLGP outing of this year put in a good run to finish with 22.36. The Baron, who blew a gasket around the 4k marker, managed to get across the line in 22.45. KellyAnne Towns had a good race and finished a few second later with 22.48 and a PB. Well done KellyAnne! Dave Crowe who wasn't feeling 100% but still had a decent run to clock 22.56. Michaela Shaw, Ian Bushrod and Kim ONeil finished seconds apart with 23.12, 23.13 and 23.15 respectively. Good running from Ian and Kim who I also believe attained their PBs so well done to them. Ian Hamilton had problems with his knee and finished with 23.38. Barry Allman finished with 24.19 and just managed to outrun Louise Dobson who had a good run to post her PB with 24.25. Well done Louise. Brenda Wane thought I was pulling her leg when I handed her the prize for the second FV50 and she finished with 26.02. And completing the A&T line up was Cath Hodgetts who has turned out to support the club in every CLGP race this season finished with 28.47. Also thanks for the support out on the course and Mark Lysycia for the photos

The 6th race in the CLGP calendar is to be hosted by Chorley Harriers with the Chorley 4.4 mile trail race on the evening of Wednesday 1st August. Hope to see you all there.

Full results http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2012/wigan2.htm
Race pics http://www.justloverunning.co.uk/gallery/2012threesisters/