Run The Bridge 5- Sunday 23 March 2008- Race Report

With half the UK covered in snow, this corner of the North-West got off lightly as conditions were good on this flat, linear Easter Sunday race from Runcorn to Hale.  Great to see a wide variety of participants- the elite likes of Jenny Clague took part, whilst Batman and Captain America took time off from saving the world- even the valiant “Emu Lady” put in an appearance. 

The sudden, pre-9.30 gun came as a surprise to everyone, no-one more so than Fred Aird, who was nowhere near the start line at the time.  Fred, running for his first claim club Last Orders, had it all to do, but still managed 32.48 overall, no mean feat considering he had to get past several hundred competitors.  Jay Jennions, who collided with a bus stop during the warm up, must have had some sense knocked into her as she ran a very controlled race, holding onto fourth place despite competition from behind and coming in with a strong 32.11.  Nick Chadwick overcame injury worries to sprint for the finish in an excellent 34.31.  Phil Taylor almost didn’t do this race but it was just as well he did as he returned a brilliant 38.48, which should give him confidence going into the Wilmslow Half next weekend.  Mike Norris also had a tremendous run, posting 39.10. 

Having taken on superheroes and some of the best in the country, people then ran back to their cars at the start.  (Don’t let that put you off- there were buses, we’re just crazy).