Blessed with still weather and perfect running conditions, 204 runners from across the north-west enjoyed the route along the River Lune cycle track as far as the aqueduct and back to the clubhouse at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre.  This is an almost traffic free route which runners appreciate taking in the Millennium Bridge, the Aqueduct and Skerton Bridge en route.

There were some fast times too with the top three having a good battle during the race.  Winner was Ross Campbell of Barrow & Furness Striders in 34 minutes and 14 seconds, and in 2nd place was Tom Morbey in 34:29 followed by Nicholas Peat of Helm Hill Harriers in 35:01 in 3rd.  

The top three women also had close battle at the finish with winner Karen Bridge, Vet 50, of Eden Runners in 43 minutes 27 seconds, followed by Club mate Nicola King, also V50, in 43:50 and Louise Cox, another V50, in 3rd in 45:02.

The Veteran Age Group winners were – Men – V40 – James McLeod (36:11); V45 Johnny Dodgin 38:36; V50 Gary Atkinson 39:48; V55 Paul Crabtree (Bingley Harriers) 38:25; V60 David Walker (Lancaster Runners) 39:33; V65 David Howard (Trawden AC) 43:48 and V70 Stephen Hill 1:11:40 and Women – V35 Elizabeth Lake (Lancaster & Morecambe AC) 46:09; V40 Che McGarvey-Gill (LMAC) 49:06; V45 Heather Travis (Glaxo Hoad Hill Harriers) 44:49; V50 Helen Simpson 50:08; V55  Sharon Dawson (Eden Runners) 57:26; V60 Ann Griffiths 49:59;  V65 Anne Carman (LMAC) 57:50; Mo O'Ryan (Trawden AC) 1:12:04 and V75 Carol Douglass (Red Rose Runners) 54:18.

There were a number of other Lancaster & Morecambe AC runners in the race with Matthew MCVey being home first in a very respectable 41:35 followed by Paul Gillon (V55) 42:28; Christian Remy (V40) 47:20; Katy Kelton (V35). 50:01; David Wilkinson (V60) 51:52; Nicola Barnes (V45) 57:50; Charlie Satterly (V55) 59:07 and Layla Westwell in 1:00:31.

LMAC Chairman and Race Director Angus Murray said:  

“ We were very pleased to be able to hold this popular race again and even though the Manchester Marathon took place on the same day, we still had a good number of entries.  There was the usual mix of experienced runners and those who were moving up to 10k from Parkruns and other 5k races and they all appreciated the good weather.   

Thank you to all the volunteers and helpers from the Club whose support is much appreciated by the organisers and the runners. Thanks also to our race sponsor, The Runner’s Centre in King Street, the local shop for runners in Lancaster.”

(photos 261 Running group top, Bentham Beagles and Charlie Satterly with Sarah Danielak finishing her 1st 10k)