Over the Moon

RUNNING: Local athletes proud of their 10K heroics

THIRTY-EIGHT members of Royton Road Runners took part in the Moonraker 10K, the latest race in the club championship series, organised by near neighbours Middleton Harriers.

Despite the absence of several runners due to holidays or injury, the Royton-based club provided 22 per cent of all finishers in a race in which the morning heat and a strong headwind made for challenging conditions.

Once again there were prizes galore for Royton with Stuart Carroll taking pride of place – a new 10K personal best of 35mins 49secs giving him seventh place overall and the first V40 prize.

Debbie Fiddling (44:09, also a personal best and more than two minutes faster than last year) was the third female and first FV45, finishing just ahead of club colleague Debbie Shaw (44:30) who was second FV45.

Dave Phillips bagged first V65 in 45:59 and other age-related prizes went to Dave McBride and Russell Ingham (second and third, V35 respectively), Bernie Cassidy (second, V50), Dave Hall (third, V50), Barry Greaves (second, V55), John Higgins (third, V55), Kirsty White (second, FV35), Anne Jones (third, FV50), Teresa Hollins (third, FV55) and June Allingan (first FV60).

Royton also claimed the runners-up spot in both team races.

Carroll, Chris Lowe (38:17) and Bill Balmer (38:22) in the men's race, and Fiddling, Shaw and White (46:59) in the women’s event were both pipped by strong teams from Wilmslow.

Royton Road Runners is a friendly local club, welcoming runners of all standards aged 18 and over, from first timers through to serious competitors.

For further details visit the website, www.roytonroadrunners.co.uk.