Perfect ‘10’ for Royton

THE annual Derwentwater 10-mile road race in the Lake District is always a wonderful way to end the Royton Road Runners road race season, and this year was no exception.

Keswick was at its spectacular best, with bright sunshine and a clear blue sky.

These were ideal conditions for running, an opportunity not missed by 39 of Royton's finest in a field of just under 400 —enough to warrant an e-mail from the race director thanking the club for its support.

Stuart Carroll defied recent injury problems to once again break 60 minutes on a tough circuit, his excellent time of 59:32 giving him ninth place overall and the 3rd V40 prize behind race winner Yared Hagos of Wallsend Harriers.

Martin Schofield was next home for Royton in 61:51, timing his charge perfectly to clinch third place in the Royton Road Runners Premiership.

It is appropriate that the final top three of Ian McBride, Stuart and Martin are the top-ranked runners in the club, according to club statistician Brian Moore's ranking system.

Stuart was one of only two Royton runners to pick up an age-category prize, with June Allingan earning a well-deserved third FV65 place (1:47:39).

This hopefully softened the blow for June as she moved from first to third in the club's V60 rankings, with Dave Phillips (1:30:49) and George Meynell (85:14) overtaking her in this last race.

The biggest winner on the day was probably Dave Hall, continuing his fine late-season form to finish in 66:40 and snatch second place in the V50 table (behind Bernie Cassidy) and third place in the Championship Group.