George back from injury to top list

ALL READY FOR THE OFF . . . Royton Road Runners line up before the start in Lancaster

ROYTON Road Runners were out in force in a 10-mile race in the historic city of Lancaster.

The forecast rain thankfully held off for the duration of the race, although it made itself known later in the day.

After leaving the start on Lancaster Quay, the route wound itself around the picturesque Lune Estuary footpath. A road section in the middle, including two hills and fast downhill, led the runners back to the footpath and a flat run in for the finish line back at the quay.

Royton honours for the day went to George Meynell (one hour, 27 minutes, two seconds), who claimed first place in the male veterans 70 plus category.

Meynell is one of the original Royton members and has accumulated more than 80 races for the club.

His victory was made even more remarkable because he had recently returned from an 11-month injury lay-off.

Asked about his win, Meynell said he "loved it".

Further laurels went once again, after a recent blip in the previous race, to the Royton women, who claimed the team prize. The winning trio were Jen Bloor (third female overall, 1:07:49), Sophie Wood (fourth female overall, 1:09:07) and Val Kilburn (second FV45, 1:17:42).

PRIZES

Two other prizes were claimed by the women. Rochelle Evans was third FV40 in 1:18:35 and Bernadette Ball was third FV60 after crossing the line in 1:42:57.

In the men's section, Chris Lowe (1:00:13) raced home first among the Royton team and was third in the V45 category.

Shane Reading (1:00:44) was runner-up in the V40 section (1:00:44), Ronnie Quinn (1:18:30) was second in the V60 race, with Robert Nixon (1:21:02) closely behind in third.

Other Royton finishes were ­-

Nefa Nessa (2:00:45), Tracey Hall (1:48:06), Stephen Jones (1:38:47), Martin Jones (1:38:07), Martina Naismith (1:35:30), Jillian Heywood (1:34:38), Chris Nicholson (1:34:05), Selina McLean (1:32:45), Susan Heaney (1:30:08), Gail Shaw (1:29:32), Jill Hickson (1:26:26), Lee Higginbottom (1:25:55), Tony Kane (1:23:38), Garry Bower (1:23:29), Gary Smith (1:23:00), Mark Rigby (1:22:02), Adam Stirling (1:21:39), Paul Cooke (1:20:42), Howard Dracup (1:17:30), Mark Heaney (1:17:28), Ian Dale (1:15:43), David Crewe (1:15:35), Stewart Jones (1:15:14), Rob Marsden (1:12:59), Rob Kellett (1:12:43), Matthew Kilburn (1:12:41), Paul Anderson (1:12:32), Neil Brock (1:12:22), Paul Wolstenhulme (1:11:03), Elliot Stone (1:10:35), Carl O'Callaghan (1:08:47), Bernie Goodwin (1:08:30), Michael Wildbore (1:06:36) & Paul Bannister (1:00:25).