The curtain came down on another Border League season with this fast, flat 4-miler in sunny conditions at the Wrexham Industrial Estate, and the club has much to celebrate. Thanks to the addition of several new talents and the improvement of long-term members (the new 7-man rule in Division 2 hasn’t hurt either), this season has seen the evolution of the men’s team from a struggling group rarely able to get a team together into a serious strike force who won the Improvers trophy and may even be chasing promotion next year. Several club members won individual awards and the race saw many terrific performances.
Steve Thomas was on top form, leading the men home with 22.33 and being awarded 6th V40 in a very competitive age group. Club mainstay Fred Aird also appears to be back near his best with 23.55. Nick Chadwick and Martin Witty were outstanding as they pushed each other for 25.26 and 25.29 respectively. Ady Clarke seems to just get better and better, as his 27.22 and 8th place in the overall handicap shows. The excellent Alan Jones has been held back by injury in recent times but did not disappoint with 27.41, and the ever-present Mike O’Brien gave another typically strong performance with 27.53. Fell runner Chris Jones made a welcome appearance with a quality 28.45, and Peter Rooney pushed Lorna Royle all the way with a very good 29.33. There was solid support from David Temple (30.16), Sid Bailey (31.07)- and congratulations to Sid for his 100th Border League race- and Kev Burns (33.22).
Jay Jennions has been able to continue running throughout her pregnancy and perhaps the most astonishing thing about her 28.47 was the level of relative comfort in which she did it, just seven weeks from due date. The ever-improving Lorna Royle blasted through the first mile in 7 minutes and destroyed the 30 minute barrier with 29.29. Having competed in all 7 races, Lorna placed a tremendous 4th LV35. Leslie Ingram did possibly her best 4 miles ever with an incredibly fast 30.48 and was rewarded with 4th place in the overall handicap for her improvements. And how many 60 year old women can run for over half an hour at sub-9 pace? Jane Evans can (35.27). Jane’s determined and courageous efforts for the club have seen her win 3rd LV55 this year. Unfortunately these outstanding performances were not enough to save the women from relegation, but they are definitely looking to return to the top flight next season.