Hasler the dazzler
Harrier Rob leads the locals’ charge in fine outing at wintry Alsager race
ATHLETICS SCOTT WILSON AND SIMON FRITH
ACOLD, windy sunny morning greeted runners at Alsager on Sunday morning but fortunately there was no snow in sight, apart from a few flurries of sleet before the race began.
As always, the Alsager 5 race saw a fantastic turnout, this time of 896 runners, of which 38 were Macclesfield Harriers.
The field was littered with talent, including Ieuan Thomas, who recently finished seventh in the Cardiff Marathon.
Rob Hasler put in a personal best performance to finish as the first male Harrier in 28min 39sec, followed by Scott Wilson (29:04) and Billy Hicks (30:24).
Louisa Whittingham was the first female Harrier and third Under-17 runner overall in a time of 32:57, followed by Daisy Pickles in 36:03.
Other locals’ results on the day were: Gary Willcock (31:20), James Perry (32:43), Neil Hey (33:50), Marc Bradford (34:15), Sean Connelly (34:15), Jonnie Plumb 34:25, Keith Mulholland (35:18), Tim Marsh (35:26), Mark Wheelton (36:42), Kate Ritchie (36:41), Nina Moss (37:01), Neil Gunn (36:52), Stewart Waudby (37:27), Dave Larkin (37:50), Bar- bara Murray (38:11), Matthew Wilson (38:19), Dave Hancock (41:10), Hazel Power (42:19), Alison Gunn (42:57), Melanie Power (43:19), Harry Newton (44:50), Julie Smith (44:32), Lindsey Russell (45:25), Dawn Devine (45:54), Carol Upton (47:24), Linda Wakefield (48:32), John Howie (48:56), Carole Ferguson (49:26), Lindsey Evans (50:57), Kate Fenton (50:57), and Nicky Tasker (51:45).
The following week a good number of Macclesfield Harriers turned out on a crisp Saturday morning to participate in various Parkruns around the country.
With a number of events cancelled due to snow and ice, the few that went ahead had record-breaking numbers.
A total of 403 runners turned up for the Bramhall Parkun that included five Harriers, who were led home by Louisa Whittingham in a time of 19:57, a Parkrun personal best for her.
At Congleton, a dozen Macc Harriers were in the field of 225 runners taking part. The first Harrier home in a time of 20:18 was Ray O’Keefe.
One of Macclesfield’s junior runners, Lucas Parker, was flying the flag alone for the Harriers at Marple and clocked an impressive time of 19:57, making him the first junior to finish.
Neil Murphy was also a solo Harrier on Saturday, at Burnage. Neil clocked a time of 24:21 on his 130th Parkrun.
Looking a little further afield and Lachlan Murray was running in London in the Mile End Parkrun.
They saw 161 runners take place on the day in which Lachlan completed the course in a time of 20:28.
To get involved in free Parkrun events, many of which are local, visit www.macclesfield-harriers.co.uk