Radcliffe 5k is a huge success19 September 2022 (by D.Cartwright) |
The first race organised by Radcliffe Athletic Club since the start of the coronavirus pandemic was a resounding success.
A total of 134 runners took part in the multi-terrain 5k which started at Sedgley Park Rugby Club before heading over the motorway footbridge to the trails of Philips Park. It was the first time that the club had used the route for its 5k, and there was a tough climb back up to the motorway before finishing at the rugby club.
Bury AC's Ben Coop was first home, setting an inaugural course record of 17:03. He was well clear of Daniel Bird from Swinton Running Club who was second in 17:32, ten seconds ahead of third-placed Ben Tetler from Glossopdale Harriers.
Bolton United Harrier Heather Tomlinson was the first woman, clocking 20:15. There was a close battle for second and third, with Lucy Rawlinson crossing the line in 20:56 to pip Bury AC's Katie Geelan by just two seconds.
The first men's team was Bolton United Harriers while Burnden Road Runners took the women's honours.
With many Radcliffe members involved in organising the event and marshalling, the club had just two runners taking part. Karen Doherty ran 28:18 and Elaine Bailey was second FV60 in 29:36.
The event was the eighth fixture in the Central Lancashire Grand Prix, a series of ten races hosted and contested by local clubs.
A minute’s silence was held before the start to mark the death of Her Majesty the Queen. The race was then started by RAC member Alex Pullan, whose twin brother Matthew died a year ago of a brain tumour aged just 18.
A cake sale and tombola made £350 for Brain Tumour Research, to add to the money raised by members who ran the recent Great North Run in memory of their former club-mate.
Club chairwoman Donna Cartwright said: "It was tremendous to have so many runners back together again at our first race since Covid.
"It was a lovely day, and everybody had a great time, but more important than this was that we managed to raise so much money for Brain Tumour Research in memory of Matthew.
"Huge thanks go to all the club members who worked so hard to make the race such a success. I also want to thank all the local businesses who generously donated prizes."
Following the cancellation of Sunday's Bury 10k and 10-mile races, several RAC members took part in the weekly Burrs Community Run.
And with so many members at the club race, fewer people than usual took part in Saturday's 5k parkruns.
Two were at Fell Foot parkrun in the lake district: Steven Fawcett ran 26:19 and Debi Warrington was pleased with her time of 31:59 after two days of hard walking when she completed the Kentmere and Fairfield Horseshoes.
Rob Lister ran 27:51 at Peel while Chris Paxton and Peter Hunter clocked 21:32 and 24:12 respectively to come fourth and 11th at Watergrove
