RAC members celebrate their achievements18 December 2023 (by D.Cartwright) |
Radcliffe Athletic Club members celebrated their achievements at their annual presentation evening and Christmas party.
More than 50 people attended Saturday’s event at Radcliffe Masonic Hall, a highlight in the club’s calendar.
Ian Swan received a standing ovation when he was presented with the Members’ Contribution Award. His dedication to the RAC saw him step in at the last minute to take on the enormous task of organising the marshalling for the recent half marathon hosted by the club, while he has also taken on the role of head of senior section.
Club chairwoman Donna Cartwright said: “Ian’s normal role is club secretary, but he has gone way beyond that over the last month or so. He is a huge support to me and gives an incredible amount of time and thought to the club.
“He cares about all our members and gets to know them. He welcomes new members and phones members to check in with them if they are injured.”
Club stalwart Merv Maneely received the award for Outstanding Volunteer Contribution. He has run the club’s twice-weekly strength and conditioning sessions for many years and Donna said: “This is something that our club is very lucky to have.
“Merv just quietly gets on with it and has dedicated a tremendous number of hours to the club.”
Welfare officer Louise Shield, who also helps to coach the juniors and organises the club’s first aid, received the President’s Shield for her outstanding contribution to the club.
Donna described how Louise constantly goes “above and beyond”, adding: “She has time for everyone and is one of the most motivational, positive and helpful people you could wish to meet. Nothing is too much trouble for her, and the club is exceptionally lucky to have her.”
Karen Doherty, who writes the club’s weekly race reports, won the inaugural Runner’s Runner Award, which was voted for by members.
The Joan West Award for the most improved female, named after the late club stalwart, was won by Charlotte Holden while Ethan Malone received the Jim Rhodes Award for the most improved male, named after the former club member who was passionate about supporting his fellow runners.
Mia Derbyshire, who has notched up an incredible 50 races this year – including several marathons - lifted the Nellie Halstead Award. Named after the former Radcliffe Olympian, it honours the woman who has shown exceptional achievement in competition.
The men’s Terry Nortley Award for exceptional achievement in competition, named after RAC’s former president, was presented to Mark Garner for his consistency across the season on road, trail, fell and cross country.
Mark and Karen Doherty also tied for the Eileen Royle Award, which honours RAC’s former head coach, for the most club championship races completed.
The age group winners in the club’s Road and Trail Championship were: male senior Ethan Malone, M40 Craig Norman, M45 Ian Swan, M50 Mark Garner, M55 Mark Williams, M60 Stephen Crowe, M65 Mike Scott, female senior Mia Derbyshire, F35 Chemane Golding, F40 Charlene Leyden, F45 Karen Doherty, F50 Alison Howarth, F55 Paula Abernethy, F60 Kath Davies, F65 Sheila Jones and F75 Sheila McNulty.
The fell championship age group winners were: M45 Ian Swan, M50 Mark Garner, F50 Karen Doherty and F60 Kath Davies.
Certificates were also presented to members who had completed the requisite number of championship races.
Earlier in the day, Karen Doherty took part in the Greater Manchester Cross Country Championships in Wythenshawe Park, completing the senior women’s 7k race in 41:02.
Other members were at the popular Saturday morning 5k parkruns with Rob Shiels clocking (20:24) at Heaton Park followed by Donna Cartwright (21:35), junior Robbie Parkinson (22:35), Mark Taylor (22:40), Katherine Biddle (25:55), junior Skyler Parry (28:07), dad Dominic Parry (28:10), Alison Howarth (28:43) and Sara Parry (39:23).
Times from other parkruns: Clarence – Helen Kay (36:36) and Bev Quinton (47:20); Peel – junior Oliver Swan (32:12) and dad Ian (32:13); Pennington Flash – Stephen Crowe (31:04); Wythenshawe – Elaine Bailey (29:52).
Share this: