Sunday September 30th.
In Wilmslow it seemed a pleasant day for running, but, 15 minutes away, Macclesfield Leisure Centre was cold and blustery. I was only aware of the wind again on the main-road stretch and, once we got going, the temperature seemed close to ideal and the forecast rain held off.
For reasons I didn't quite understand we all were asked, before the start, to walk a lap of the track.
Nick led a minute's silence to commemorate Ray Eagle, an exceptional runner and man.
Whereas Wilmslow is a fast Half, Macc is challenging and in my view one of the best races in the calendar. Anything but a PB course, yet Elspeth, for one, got one. If you did please use the 'comment' facility at the bottom and share your glory.
Damian was back for his first race of the Series and finished 3rd. His return could have been critical to the outcome of the title but as Peter Speake (8th.) also finished ahead of Rob Downs (10th.), Rob would not, anyway, have closed-in on Malcolm. Rob was 2nd. M45. Trevor was 15th. and took the M50 prize. Jim was 17th., and 2nd. M40 and Andrew 14th.
Sharon Johnstone was 2nd. lady overall and 1st. F35. Diane, 3rd. F35, was second Wilmslow lady, just
3 second ahead of Nicky and 8 seconds ahead of Janine. Nicky was 2nd. F50 and Janine 3rd. F40. Kate was 3rd.F50.
Jeremy had a superb run, taking the division 2 60-points and getting ahead of Tom Peers who was 42nd. and Barry who was 48th. Sharon was second in division 2 followed by Craig, Paul Garnett, Andy and Ian. Rob Gilbert and Paul Norris were given the same time then came Geoff, Gavin and Richard.
Gareth's charge up divsion 3 came to a halt, he was supporting along with Roy, Gail, Jon, Bill, Mike, Stephen, Tony, Martin and judging from the decibel level quite a few others – we all appreciated it.
The girls dominated divsion3; Diane's win will put pressure on Louisa, she was followed by Nicky, Janine and Kate then came Matt, Patrick and Rachel ahead of Alan, John, Clare, and James. Angela caught Simon in a run that should restore her confidence, whilst Chris lagged and Ian was off the pace.
Sharon Jones, now mixing it with division 3, edged out John Porteus by two second and, already champion, took another division 4 60-points. Simon beat Julie for second with Carolyn not far behind. Then came Nina, Catriona, Elspeth, Peter, 2nd.M70, and Trevor.
Even with Tony going for a shorter race next week, I don't think it gives me time to get back for Owen's wedding. Grateful if someone can initiate website comments on the Gin Pit 5.
Ian
Massive well done to Elspeth who PB by a whopping 3 mins and 4 secs!! Also fab and congrats to Carolyn too who I believe PB and managed too finally get her half marathon time under the 1:50 which is well and truly deserved! Well done everyone who ran 🙂
Lagged ! lagged !! I’ll have you know it was only the second time I have finished a half Marathon in under 1:50:00 . Many thanks to Simon , Julie and PB Carolyn for dragging me along .