Milltown 7k is a testing challenge

Photo: Paul Sterritt

AND they're off . . . the start of the race.

RUNNERS from across the region met at Alexandra Park to complete an undulating 7km on Sunday - part of the popular Milltown to Moors series of races.

The testing route took runners along a short stretch of Alexandra Park before heading down Deanshut Clough on quiet lanes before passing through the historic industrial area of the Park Bridge heritage site in the Medlock Valley.

It then continued through the quieter, but hillier, lanes of Alt Hill, emerging on to Lees New Road under Hartshead Pike. The final hill of Abbeyhills Road took runners back to the park for a sprint finish to the Lion's Den along The Promenade.

Rob James, of Royton Runners, clinched first spot on 24.48 minutes, with Michael Mannings and John Lloyd claiming second and third shortly after.

Jen Bloor was the first woman across the line, with a time of 29.05, closely followed by Sophie Ward and Jessica Bull.

Deputy Mayor of Oldham, Shadab Qumer, who was ready to welcome the runners at the finish line, said: "It is a very good run. It is keeping everyone active. All credit to all of the participants. It is the taking part that counts.

"It is a very important run because it is bringing people together, bringing communities together."

Rob James said: "I didn't expect to come first. I was aiming to beat my time last year. It was a tough race and I was pushed every step of the way by Michael. He beat me last week."

Jen Bloor said: "It is a short but fast run. If you do a marathon you go at a steady pace, but with this you go hard right from the start. It rained a little bit part way through but I don't mind the rain because it cools you down."

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