Congleton Half Marathon

Sunday October 6th.

A perfect day, sunny with a cooling breeze and a strong turn-out from Wilmslow, this being the final Cheshire Grand Prix race we boasted our quality runners  but also plenty of those who make-up the ballast, each with his or her own personal ambition at stake. The focus, however, was the Grand Prix, the ladies returning the shield from last year, still warm from the engraver's work. There was a lot of worrying about 13 miles after a summer diet of shorter races and concern, from the many who have joined the club since this race last made the Series, about the 'sting' in the Congleton 'tail' – I think, having run it, if you will allow me to mix my metaphors, you might agree that its bark is worse than its bite.

My understanding is that whilst our Ladies retained their Cheshire title, the men were narrowly pushed into second place.

Diane was our star, first lady and 14th. overall. Damian was our first runner home in fourth place, Rob was 5th. and 1st.M45, Andrew 15th, Graham 17th. and 1st. M50, Jim 21st., Tom 28th. and 1st. M55, Barry 30th and Mike 58th.

Sharon Johnstone was 1st.L40, Janine 2nd.L40, Katy 3rd.L40. Nicky was 1st.L55 in a new club record. Angela was 3rd.L50.

Diane took the Division 2 60-points, followed by Sharon, Allan, Paul Garnett, Paul Norris (3rd.M55), Ian Smallwood, Geoff (1st.M60), Matt, Richard and Katy.

Janine did her first sub-40 minute 10k last Sunday and her first sub-90 minute Half this Sunday to take the Division 3 60-points. Gavin, 2nd.M60, took 59 points followed by Nicky, Andy, Alan, Angela, Chris, James and Sharon Jones.

The highlight in my part of the race was the battle to be Division 4 2013 champion. Long-time leader, Carolyn, decided to sit this one out, Huma is back on top but the challenge is from 'born again' Gail. Although, technically, I'm in Division 3, this contest took place too far ahead of me to see any of it. Gail took 7 minutes off her PB but that was not sufficient to deprive Huma of the 60 points. I was with Simon at the start and passed Sue in the third mile but was otherwise bereft of companionship. There was an element of relief in this for, having finished, I turned to see Claire close behind. Then came Simon, Sue, Sarah, Cat, Belinda and Trevor.

Plenty of support;  Roy and Mike appearing and re-appearing around the course, plus Martin, Nina, Jav and Carolyn and Richard. Our thanks.

Ian