Athletes brave winter chill to run off Christmas excess

A chilly start didn’t deter a bumper field of more than 220 entrants who entered the event to run off the excess Christmas pudding and turkey on Saturday, December 27.

The run started on the athletics track at Salt Ayre Sports Centre and made its way on the cycle track to Carlisle Bridge, before turning and returning back to the track where the runners were greeted with a Santa medal.

At the top end of the field, the run was won by Jason Parker of Preston Harriers in a rapid time of 12 minutes and 41 seconds.

Second place went to Nathan Townsend of Horwich RMI just behind in 12.46 with Alan Hume of Central Athletics Club finishing in 13.14.

In the ladies race, first home running for the host club was promising junior athlete Georgia Hannam in 15.12, closely followed by Amelia Beaman from Blackpool Wyre & Fylde AC in 15.22 with Wesham Road Runners Emma Pass taking third spot in 15.49.

Host club Lancaster and Morecambe had more than 50 enthusiastic junior and adult runners taking part in total.

First male home for the club was junior Shea Hannam in 14.59 in 19th position, followed by Kieron Blackburn in 26th in 15.17 and Graeme Brown in 38th in 16.42.

For the ladies, after Georgia took top spot next home for the club was young Erin Moffatt in 36th position in a time of 16.37 and Isabelle Woodman in 45th in 17.16.

The youngest competitor was three-year-old Kara Cornall who, with a little help from mum Marissa, finished inside the top 150.

The three oldest competitors, all over 75 years of age, were Bernard and Evelyn Elkington and Geo Smyth.