Stockport’s 10k proves a big hit
PERFECTLYTIMED with a break in the ubiquitous September rain, the roads of Stockport were packed with runners of all abilities for the sixth annual Life Leisure Stockport 10km and Family Fun Run.
Right from the start in St Peter’s Square, where masseurs were on hand for pre/post-run treatments, past the historic market hall to Vernon Park and up ‘the hill’ (this year split between Vernon Park and New Zealand Road) before heading into the town centre, passing bemused Sunday shoppers going about their business, out and back along the Mersey for the final kilometres before finishing back at St Peter’s Square this run had a wonderful welcoming atmosphere throughout.
Well in excess of 700 people took part in the 10 kilometre event including over thirty Stockport Harriers, many of whom were able to celebrate sought after personal best times.
The first Harrier back was Steven Crook in 36:48 in fourth place followed by George Cooke in fifth only four seconds behind. Mention must also be made of Lesley Sinclair (V50, 44:48) and Helen Todd (V60, 48:57) who won their respective age categories, Lesley for the second and Helen for the third year running.
There was also a huge contingent of Vegan Runners present from all over the country, who impressed both by their sheer numbers and quality of running, winning both the male and female senior races.
Celebrations came all round for Harriers’ top coaches this week with coaching co-ordinator Joe Frost coming away with the ‘Coach of the Year’ award at the prestigious England Athletics NW Regional Awards in Wigan which he attended with some of his athletes and he now progresses to the National Awards at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry next month.
“Thanks to everyone who nominated me and to England Athletics for the recognition at tonight’s North West Awards,” he said. “I am proud to be part of the event and to hear the inspiring stories from all the other Award Winners.”
Meanwhile, New Balance sponsored international athlete Jonny Mellor recorded a brilliant run to place 10th overall in the 44th BMW Berlin Marathon in a time of 2:12:57.
Locally coached by Stockport Harrier Steve Vernon, Liverpool Harrier Mellor was the first Briton home and now has a qualifying time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold coast, Australia to his name.
At the Macclesfield Half Marathon a contingent of eight Stockport Harriers were led home by previous winner James ScottBuccleuth who finished the hilly 13.1 mile race in third place overall (1:17:12) on this challenging course that includes two long steep climbs and is rarely flat beyond the track start and finish.
Malcolm Johnson emerged victorious in the M40 category (5th overall) in the ‘Bogfest Trot’ - a short Category ‘A’ fell race run for charity during the ‘Moors of the Future’ conference in Edale.
Being a top category event, it was certainly more challenging than the name would suggest, having to include at least 50 metres of climb per kilometre and taking place as it did over steep, rugged upland terrain.
Malcolm was closely followed by fellow Harrier David Hulley in seventh and local runner Jennifer Hulley was also well up the field.
There’s a busy time to look forward to with the second of the three Greater Manchester Sportshall League Matches taking place at SportCity on Saturday and the local Harriers will also be out in force on Sunday at the MBNA Chester Marathon with a large group taking part including England selected veterans comprising of Jenny Knass and Lesley Sinclair for the ladies along with Paul Brooks and Dave Chadderton who goes in the over 70s category in the male event.