WRC series: 21a – Congleton Half marathon 1st October 2023

I arrived at Congleton to be met by a small but perfectly formed group of WRC points tarts.

At the start I had a chat with Mark Kirby and Rob Jackson before taking up my place further back in the field of runners. I bumped into Amanda who was wearing an elegant red top, garnering plenty of style marks but sadly nul points for the WRC summer series. Soon we were off and after about half a mile Cat jogs by and says that she was worried about making the distance, A great time of one hour 56 minutes put paid to that notion.

 The route meanders out from the far side of Congleton, around Marton, Lower Withington and Swetenham. I would describe the course as undulating with enough hills to keep you interested. At one point we passed a very welcoming establishment called “The Old Pub”, which I have earmarked for a future visit. Good running conditions with a refreshing shower arriving at the nine-mile mark for me, which unfortunately became a deluge. (I think that Mark and Rob were having their lunch by then).

Overall, a good race, well marshalled, with a “free” technical T shirt thrown in, sponsored by Bargain Booze. No AC wins unfortunately but it was a very high-quality field.

Great times from Mark 1.20, Rob 1.23, Amanda 1.49, and Cat 1.56.

Points Tart Porteous

Results

Pos	Name	CatPos	Cat	Club	Chip
1	Samuel Crozier	1st	M Sen	Newcastle (Staffs) AC	01:14:16
9	Mark Kirkby	2nd	M40	WRC	01:20:38
17	Robert Jackson	6th	M Sen	WRC	01:23:41
26	Isabella Shaw	1st	F Sen	Trentham RC	01:26:44
162	Amanda Bradbury	3rd	F45	WRC	01:49:48
235	Catriona Marshal	48th	F45	WRC	01:56:03
305	John Porteus	3rd	M70	WRC	02:06:43
436	Runners