Royton’s Ron Hill success

AN IMPRESSIVE 43 Royton Road Runners, 23-per-cent of the field, raced in the annual Ron Hill Birthday 5K around Littleborough.

The race, in honour of one of Britain’s greatest long-distance runners who this year is celebrating his 73rd birthday, was all about Royton’s star performers returning from injury.

Ian McBride, who finished a fantastic 48th in the Great North Run days earlier, was second to Ian Grime (Newham & Essex Beagles) in 16 minutes 19 seconds.

Carole Madden showed no ill-effects following her broken shoulder as she was the first FV50 and sixth woman to finish overall in 20:08.

McBride and Madden are back in the running for the Club Championship trophies, although the former is scheduled to run in the Chester Marathon on October 9, the same day as the club’s next championship race at Congleton.

The standard of Royton performances continues to improve, with 16 members breaking the 20-minute barrier and an incredible 36 crossing the line inside 25 minutes.

Chris Lowe displayed more progress, coming home 14th overall and third V40 in exactly 18 minutes.

Russell Ingham demonstrated the benefits of recent track sessions with an excellent time of 19:05, new member Tony McAndrew ran an impressive 19:19, while Bruce Whittam (19:22) pipped fellow V45 competitor Des Thorpe (19:23) for the first time this season.

Other times —

Kirsty White 1st FV35 (21:48), Lou Gilchrist 1st FV75 (27:46), Alan Bodell 2nd V45 (18:40), Bernie Cassidy 2nd V50 (19:07), Debbie Fiddling 2nd FV45 (21:24), Val Kilburn 2nd FV40 (22:08), June Allingan 2nd FV65 (29:08), Barry Greaves 3rd V55 (19:39), Debbie Shaw 3rd FV45 (21:37).

In the race for end-of-season trophies, Shane Reading (21:19) and Val Kilburn hold unassailable positions in Groups Two & Three respectively, while Bill Balmer's performance (18th overall in 18:19) ensures he cannot be caught in the V40 battle.