It is certainly getting a lot harder to win my own race these days.
It was another great run in the park with over 170 runners finishing 5k. Slightly warmer weather than of late and the promise of a bacon butty in the café produced a lively atmosphere and some great PBs.
With no less than 7 past winners lining up we were guaranteed an interesting race and they duly came through to take the top 8 places. First timer Luke Johnston got in amongst them to take 5th place and the JM14 record in a cracking 17:13.
In probably the most exciting finish that we’ve seen at Bramhall, the lead changed twice in the last 200m with Liam Thompson (Warrington AC) finally scraping back past Steve McLean (Stockport Harriers) on the line. Steve had burst through from third place having waited patiently over 2 laps and until the last second it looked like he’d timed his run perfectly – ah well next week. I was left to watch the action from 3rd place having quite fancied my chances at the last bridge (see photo). The first 24 runners were sub 20 minutes – quite an achievement on a difficult course.
Kate won the ladies race in her course best 21:19. Gareth continues to get faster every time.
1 Liam Thompson 16:39 (77.68%)
2 Steve McLean 16:39 (77.58%)
3 Rob Downs 16:43 (84.15%)
6 Stuart Parrott 17:13 (82.38%)
14 Neil McAleece 19:09 (68.84%)
20 Gareth Trimble 19:35 (67.74%)
40 Kate Sutton 21:19 (75.68%)
172 finished 5k
Results & photos at www.bramhall.parkrun.com