An unprecedented (in the best possible way) number of Deestriders turned out for this 6 miler up the prom and back in horrific conditions including heavy rain and a vicious headwind on the way back. Who would have thought a year ago that the men, who last season usually struggled to get a team together, would now field enough for 2 teams and with the 7 scorers all coming in under 44 minutes, the guys are now second in the race for most improved team. Well done lads. And to the girls too- it was to everyone’s credit that despite the conditions, times weren’t far off what would normally be expected.
So here goes (apologies if I’ve missed anyone)- the club was led home by the speedy Steve Thomas in a courageous 35.33. Club chairman Fred Aird was next in with a decent 40.28, with Vince Edwards not far behind in a strong 40.49. Andrew Edwards and Nick Chadwick battled bravely for 42.15 and 42.16 respectively. Linda Martin was first for the club’s women with an excellent 43.22, with Mike O’Brien hot on her heels for a brilliant 43.26. Martin Witty, struggling with illness for the past couple of weeks, still did extremely well for 43.43. Then came Alan Jones in a quality 44.09. Ady Clarke, who likened the experience to running into a wall, is obviously good at running into walls as he managed a tremendous 45.02, with Peter Rooney just after him with a terrific 45.18. Phil Taylor, Lorna Royle and Sid Bailey all had a brilliant run, managing to break an 8 minute mile average for 47.05, 47.37 and 47.47 respectively. Mike Norris destroyed the 50 minute barrier with an excellent 49.11, and Emily Davies had a great run herself with 50.17. Ben Ratcliffe did very well in horrendous conditions for 51.49. Then came heroine of the day Leslie Ingram, who had been laid out with suspected food poisoning for days just before the race and was still not entirely conversant with food. Usually capable of a sub-50, her time of 53.07 was tremendous all things considered. The club were brought home and dry by Jason Dwan and Jane Evans with brilliant- if absolutely soaking- times of 55.56 and 56.18. Well done for sticking it for so long out there!