The mini marathon is normally ran with regions around the UK sending athletes to represent them against the London Boroughs, we have had numerous athletes represent the north at this event, it is ran over the final 3 miles of the marathon course and is hotly contested with many winners going on to represent GB, later in their careers.
We started our mini marathon at 9.45am, and the 3 miles course was a mixture of track and road and ran over 8 laps, due to number restrictions we were only able to have a small number of athletes alongside our marshalls and time keeper, so 19 endurance athletes lined up to compete for the titles of U13, U15 and U17 LMAC Mini Marathon champion.
Special mentions should go to Sophie Huxtable and Eva Hopkins Dow who were putting on their LMAC vests for the first time. The race was started with a bell, and Tobias Swarbrick led from the start, he ran an even paced race with Fabian Schiller chasing him down all the way, but Tobias ran strong and continued to increase his lead and went on to finish the course in 18.04 taking the U17B title, Fabian came in second in 18.45 taking the U15B title.
The Girls titles were just as hotly contested, Elizabeth Wareing was the first girl home in 20.18, taking the U15G title, Sophie Huxtable in her first race for LMAC finished in 21.08 to take the U17G title, with Anna Nicholson finishing in 21.46 to take the U13 girls title.
It was a great event with everyone enjoying being able to have a race in these difficult times, well done to everyone who competed, you were all amazing.
Results
U17M U17W
Gold - Tobias Swarbrick 18.04 Sophie Huxtable 21.08
Silver- Jack Collett 20.05 Kirsty Maher 21.15
Bronze- Alex Blessington 20.24
U15B U15G
Gold - Fabian Schiller 18.45 Elizabeth Wareing 20.18
Silver - James Brassington 20.50 Esther Ward 23.37
Bronze- Micha Walmsley 23.12 Mia Brayshaw 24.00
U13G
Gold - Anna Nicholson 21.46
Silver - Annie Dickinson 23.38
Bronze- Erin Gillan 24.01
The seniors ran 26.2 miles on cycle track
Graham
Great race today. We certainly were lucky with the weather. Thanks to everyone who helped. Louise just contacted me to say with her finishing certificate, she did it on her own nursing an ankle injury. So that is 5 out of 5 who finished, a really achievement, well done.
Now it’s time to recover, I feel the need for some suitable rehydration in a brown liquid
Dan Charnley
“This was my first marathon and feel that I’m really lucky to be able to run it in Lancaster. I began training for the Manchester Marathon early this year and was gutted when it was cancelled due to Covid19. When Graham mentioned that there was a chance to run one this year under race conditions, I jumped at the chance (even though it meant a condensed 5 week training plan!). Having my wife and two daughters (Nancy and Heidi) at the finish line was an extra bonus too, the whole experience was organised in a professional and personal way, thanks again to the club.
Of course I made the ‘rookie error’ of setting off too quickly (inexperience and nervous excitement!); but pleased to be able to make it on home turf!”.
Sarah Rogerson
Just wanted to say thanks again Graham for organising.
I was ever so grateful to be included. Still not sure what happened with my timings but I sent photos of all three times in and they have accepted my watch time of 2.56.05 so I’m good with that lol. Well done to everyone, I have enjoyed today so much. I always run alone, so today was really nice to be included, I was so grateful to run with a lovely group and not on my own in the hills. The course was lovely to run on, a real luxury for me used to off roading and hills, hills, hills. Dan your first marathon, outstanding, it can only go one way for you!! Graham I was honestly flabbergasted at your grit and spirit running such an incredible time with an injury. I hope you aren’t too sore now. And Sally, wow, brilliant run, got your age place like you wanted. I know you were worried but you need not have worried, you smashed it. Thank you to everyone who helped me with my water so I didn’t knock my table flying (I’m a bit clumsy) and to you all for the support, and words of encouragement, and timing, it really helped me and gave me a boost. Xxx
SALLY BRASSINGTON
After the original London Marathon in April was cancelled, then the revised date was changed to a virtual run, I was so pleased when I heard that there was going to be a Covid-secure, organised event at LMAC. 33(?) laps of the cycle track was never going to be easy but a beautiful sunny day helped, together with incredible support from my fellow marathon runners and the junior athletes who came to cheer us on after completing their 'mini-marathon'. The past six months have given us very little to smile or be enthusiastic about and has been an extremely lonely time. Running the course with the company and encouragement of other club members gave me a much needed focus and boost. Thank you LMAC!
STEVE PERRY AND LOUISE GODDARD
Both Steve and Louise decided to do there own marathon hitting the streets Steve completed it in 4hr 14 and Louise in 4hr 43. (while carrying an injury) Louise said of it " last minute decision and push from Robin Bush got me up and out. Been struggling with injury and to say this was an uncomfortable run is an understatement. Not like me to have to walk but wanted to save my ankle and stayed sensible. Running from Preston to Lancaster is now my new commute and will be a regular feature to get the miles in. Was great to see so many others out with their numbers on and plenty of beeps from passing cars for encouragement.