Race Report: Striders do Congleton parkrun 07/09/2014

The powers-that-be at Congleton parkrun recently asked local running clubs to take over the volunteering roles at parkrun for a day. 

The Striders flag rising high above the mere.

Sandbach Striders were happy to support the fantastic job the Congleton team do week-in week-out in staging such a professional and enjoyable event.

Elaine chasing down her errant husband Matt

 So it was that the 187 runners who arrived at Congleton parkrun number 90 were greeted by the sight of the Sandbach Striders flag next to the parkrun flag both flapping gently in the early morning breeze. Nearby was also the Congleton Harriers flag to symbolise the meeting point of the junior Harriers training run.

I'm not sure what Andrew is sharing with Lou, but it's sure making her smile.

After a short pre-run briefing by run director Tony the runners assumed their positions on the starting line and were quickly off around the three lap course.

Clare and Catherine modelling the club hoodies

Less than 17 minutes later Big Stu Doyle from Vale Royal AC crossed the finish line to record his seventh victory in seven starts in an impressive time of 16:43. He was closely followed by Marc Hartley of Staffordshire Moorlands, himself a previous winner on three occasions in 16:58, narrowly pipping club mate debutante Gareth Briggs to the line.

Young Adam wanted to be a Strider so much he made his own club kit

The first female runner was Kelly Marchant also from Staffordshire Moorlands who recorded her second first place finishing in 19:23. She was closely followed by Cheadle RC runner Sharleen Hollinshead, herself a previous winner, who finished in 19:38. Nichola Hodson also making her debut at the mere was third in a time of 21:44.

Tracey celebrates another great parkrun

Special mention must also go to Barry Blyth of Macclesfield Harriers who recorded an excellent age grade of 82.07%

Run director Tony learns his lines for the pre-run briefing

Out of the 185 finishers 21 made their debut, these included visitors from as far afield as Royton Road Runners and Chigwell and Epping Forest Orienteering Club.

Isobel battling round the mere to another great parkrun time

The keen-eyed amongst you might have noticed that earlier I mentioned there were 187 runners arriving at the parkrun but there were only 185 finishers. This was a result of one runner suffering a nasty fall and having to be taken to receive medical assistance. 

Amy demonstrating just how happy marshalling a parkrun makes you feel

Fortunately the fantastic NHS staff at Leighton Hospital A&E worked their magic and the unfortunate runner was discharged shortly after, fit to run again another day. I have it on good authority that the injured runner and his wife hope to return to Congleton in the very near future to finish the course.

Sandbach Striders at Congleton parkrun

For more information visit Congleton parkrun website.

Mik