Striders take on Hawkshead challenge
A team of St. Helens Striders athletes travelled north to the shores of Lake Windermere to take on the Hawkshead Lakeland Trail Challenge. And a challenge it truly was, with one notorious climb known as The Coffin Trail testing even the most hardened hill runners amongst them.
Kevin Cairns, in his last trail race until the next one , completed the tough 16km circuit in an impressive 1.34. Not far behind was the tireless Pete Medlicott, crossing the line in 1:42. Other hardy souls to conquer the course were devoted spouses Gerry and Andy Shaw; the dynamic duo of Claire Blennerhassett and Rebecca Mckenna; lovebirds Daniel Tetlow and Susan Kerfoot; as well as Paul Carr, Simon Poole and Gary Ward.
Paul Booth was also on his travels as he competed in the Colwyn Bay to Prestatyn Coastal Half Marathon. Despite battling illness, Booth finished in a highly respectable 1:50, securing a top 100 finish in the large field.
Top traveller of the weekend, however, was Ian Spencer. In sunny Mallorca, he completed the Puerto Pollensa 10k in an excellent 58:32.
Closer to home, the Tunnel 10k saw athletes race under the water from Liverpool City centre to New Brighton. First Strider home was the ever dependable Eric Ranson in a time of 41:03. Next came Danny Fegan with a strong finishing 43:14. First lady was Cherryl Orrick, who battled the windy conditions to finish in 50:14. Rachel Tickle was next, followed closely by Debs Hill.
For Sharon O’Connell, there was a trip to the iconic Olympic Park in London for the Chase the Sun 10k. Inspired by the heroics of 2012, she broke the club V45 record in a magnificent 47:07.
A duo of multi-skilled Striders displayed their swimming and cycling pedigree alongside their more established running talents at the Edge Hill Triathlon. The rapidly improving Elaine Porter completed the event in 1:32, with Mike Cox not far behind in 1:40.
More about St Helens Striders Running Club
The St Helens Striders Train on a Monday and Wednesday Evening from the Windlehurst Sports Club on Windleshaw Road. The warm up starts at 6:50pm and the prearranged training plans start from 7pm. All Abilities Welcome!
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