Moulton storms to fine victory in Meerbrook 15K

CARL Moulton produced a brilliant tactical performance to record a superb victory in the demanding Meerbrook 15k.

Good conditions greeted the runners for this popular race which is noted for the infamous climb up Gun Hill.

The quality of the field on this occasion was enhanced by the inclusion of an

Inter Area match between Staffordshire, North Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire.

Boalloy runner Moulton put down the gauntlet from the start as he swept into the lead only to be quickly joined by Jonathan Smith (Lymm Runners) and the pattern was set.

Smith was seen to be pushing the pace on the climbs and Moulton then taking control on the level and the descent. The leading duo now remained in a constant battle over the next 13k until Moulton made a decisive move on the final climb out of the valley aware that the last kilometre was downhill. From then on Moulton began to open a gap as he eventually powered his way to an impressive winning performance in 54 minutes 53 seconds. A tiring Smith managed to hold on for second place in 55.31 as the ever improving Ryan Nokes (City of Stoke AC) stormed through to finish third, nine seconds behind.

The women’s race saw Hannah Cowley (Helsby RC) dominating from start to finish as she cruised to a convincing victory in 60.05 to claim her first Meerbrook title. Behind Cowley a tight contest was taking place between Sara Willhoit (Shrewsbury AC), Anna Hollingworth (Stone Master Marathoners) Tracy Dean (Stoke) and Debbie Thomas (Trentham) all racing for second place until the final climb.

At this point Willhoit made a powerful move to take second place in 64.06 with Hollingworth finishing third in 64.31.

The Inter Area match saw Staffordshire come out winners in both the men’s and women’s competition. Results. Men: Staffordshire 15 points, Cheshire 32, North Wales 32.

Women: Staffordshire 12, Cheshire 17, North Wales 31.