This race started at a fast pace set by the leading runners. By the summit, Mark Howard had taken the lead, but was being closely chased by Matt Watson. These two were followed by Matthew Heppenstall and all three had opened up a large gap over the chasing pack. On another day, Matt Watson would probably have finished as the race winner, but he was up against a very quick runner who finished the race only just outside of the record. Mark Howard was only just 3 seconds from setting a new record.
In the ladies race, there was a tussle between Charlotte Jackson and April Thorpe, with Charlottt just leading at the summit, but April looked determined and confident and she managed to run out as race winner in what was a closely fought contest. Those two were way in front of the chasing pack, who were led home by Paula Cullen.
Of the Barlickers, they dominated this race with Matt Watson leading them home with five finishing in the top ten. In the ladies race, Paula Cullen led them home, finishing 3rd overall ahead of Jacqueline Collins. It was lovely to see Karen Lemon take third place on her return to competitive running in addition to getting a prize for first F40. Barlick won both the Men's and the Women's team prizes.
The Barlickers finished as follows:
Men's Race
2 Matt Watson 38:30 (1st M45)
4 Tom Corrigan 41:12 (1st M40)
5 David Mirfield 42:19 (2nd M40)
6 Sam Horrocks 43:46 (2nd MSen)
9 Carl Nevison 45:34 (2nd M55)
20 Andrew Smith 51:46 (2nd M60)
29 James Austin 54:45
34 David Cockell 57:52
37 Glenn Whittaker 58:10
Women's Race
3 Paula Cullen 53:07 (1st F45)
4 Jacqueline Collins 54:03 (2nd F45)
8 Karen Lemon 59:02 (1st F40)
10 Hannah Craig 1:01:53 (3rd FSen)
12 Lucy Brown 1:03:35 (2nd F40)
13 Lisa Gee 1:05:14 (3rd F40)
15 Nicola Muller 1:06:41 (1st F50)