On a cold, wet and very windy Sunday morning over 250 runners lined up for the Accrington 10k road race. Started by the mayor of Accrington the runners were off at 10am, starting the fast initial 3 miles through Huncoat, over the M65 and down towards Altham before taking a left turn to head back into town.
Road Captain Tom Brewster took an early lead, striding out to lead the field down towards Altham followed closely by Nick Gaskell and Phil Hall. Many people had warned us of the fast start followed by the long arduous climb back into Accrington town but nothing really prepares you for the slog itself, especially as the heavens opened just as the leaders reached the climb and a headwind kicked up making the challenge twice as hard. Newcomer Nick Gaskell took up the battle with Tom on the climb, claiming 8th place with Tom just behind in 9th overall.
Excellent runs were had by Phil Hall (10th) and the two Passco boys, Leon outpacing dad Lee at the finish and just missing out on snatching 28th from racing regular Richard Briscoe.
Also in attendance for Team Clayton were Ryan Wilkinson and Adam Shaw showing improvement on their 10k times (coach Roche’s speed sessions paying off!!), Damien Fletcher, Stephen Biscomb, Stephen Greenwood, Alex Braysford, Gary Balmer, Colin Baxter, Brian Wildman, Martin and Kath Brady, Ron Chappell, and club legend Ron Hill. Also Worth a mention is Jo Motley who posted a superb personal best with Mick Hogan and Captain Dave Motley providing the much needed cheering section!
Overall an excellent showing by Clayton Harriers supporting this local race with the leading lads just missing out on the team prize to Blackburn AC and superb runs from all on a tough course in adverse weather conditions!!
Full results HERE
Photos from Steve Bateson HERE
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