New structure sessions pay off for Harriers
THE FIRST RACE in the Rochdale Harriers’ road race championship 2017 took place in Partington last weekend.
This was the first real test of whether the structured speedwork and track sessions attended by over 20 members each week would result in improved race results.
As it happened, at least ten personal best times were recorded despite heavy rain on the day and an escaped pony joining runners along the route.
First home for Rochdale was the club’s current Road Race champion Richard Stirzaker, posting a personal best time of 35 min 22 sec. Danny Bennet who has recently been finishing ahead of Richard in cross country was next home in 36 min 18 sec.
The youngest athlete taking part in the race was Oliver Bentley whose 16th birthday was on race day. In his first 10K race he clocked an impressive 38 min 44 sec, beating his father David by 59 seconds.
Rochdale’s first lady home was Kay Welsby. Her personal best time of 40 min 08 sec was very pleasing even though she had hoped to break the 40 minutes on the day. Emma Gumbley (PB, 44:40) and Anna Blomfield (2nd female veteran 55, 45:47) were next over the line for Rochdale.
On the same day Michelle Bernhagen ran in the Accrington 10K and was delighted to record a personal best time of 56:16.
The full Trafford 10K results for Rochdale Harriers were as follows: Richard Stirzaker (PB) 35:22; Daniel Bennett 36:18; Oliver Bentley (1st 10K) 38:44; David Bentley 39:43; Nick Barton 39:53; Kay Welsby (PB) 40:08; Alex Frost 41:16; Gareth Hunt (PB) 42:15; Brian Moore 42:31; John Mayall 43:02; Emma Gumbley (PB) 44:40; Kristian Robinson 45:27; Anna Blomfield (2nd F55) 45:47; Matt Jones (PB) 45:44; Jill Butterworth (PB) 46:18; Stephanie Harrison (PB) 46:42; Karen Conduit (PB) 56:16; Richard Mason 56:48; Laura Fitton (PB) 58:36; Nicola Smith 59:14; Jackie Mason 01:11. Accrington 10K: Bernhagen (PB) 56:16.