Runners Brave The Cold in Southport

3 APR2010

The weather forecast threatened rain early afternoon but it was the wind chill that made its presence felt for the hundreds of runners pouring into Victoria Park in Southport for the annual 4 mile races and 3K fun run. Overall, numbers were down on last year, probably in part because of the weather forecast (and perhaps because winter training has been badly disrupted this year by weeks of snow and ice!) and the timing of the Liverpool Half last weekend and the Rivington Pike Race tomorrow. But it still meant nearly 400 runners ran the paths in and around the park.

The 3K Fun Run is always a mix of young runners, good club juniors and adults preferring the shorter distance. There are usually some in fancy dress and this year was no exception as our picture shows. It was good to see the girls entering into the spirit of a fun run! The winner was Under 15 James Grundy from Liverpool Pembroke & Sefton completing the course in 10:41. Southport Waterloo's Luke Tyson and Andrew Kershaw were 2nd and 3rd in 10:56 and 11:04. Under 13 Elizabeth Greenwood, Blackburn Harriers, was the first girl home in 11:07.

In the Women's 4 Mile Race, several times were up to a minute or more slower than last year. The leading group quickly moved ahead of the field and Kirsty Longley of Liverpool Pembroke & Sefton established a lead she was to hold to the end, crossing the line in 24:35. Joanne Taylor of Kendal was 2nd in 24:42 and Natalie Palin of Liverpool Running Club 3rd in 24:55

Times were slower again in the Senior Men's race which was won by Chris Busaileh of Herne Hill Harriers in 20:08. Richard Burney of Liverpool Harriers - last year's winner - was 2nd in 20:17 and Alan Woods from Wirral AC was 3rd in 20:24. Matthew Crehan of St Helens Sutton was 4th in 20:43 and took the Junior Man prize.

Race results can be seen on the Southport website.