3k & 5k Track Time Trial : 27th September 2022

29th September 2022

Track TT

Race report by Dave Parton

Kingsway Park Track played host to Rochdale Harriers 3k & 5k Track Time Trial on Tuesday
27th September with record numbers on a fantastic night under the floodlights.

The event, organised by RHAC coach Jeff McCarthy, is split into three sections – 3k, Sub-20 minute 5k and 20 minute + 5k, with precision timing mats and clocks supplied by the What’sMyTime team and plenty of spectators on hand to cheer the athletes on, not even a mandatory Rochdale rain shower could dampen the enthusiasm of club runners and those just chasing a new PB.

Three junior runners were first on the track to test themselves over the 3000m distance and all three performed superbly in a closely run race. Joseph Lupton clocked 15:21, George Ross 15:23 with Isaac Lupton stopping the stopwatch at 15:30.

Next up was the Sub-20 minute 5k where 20 runners lined up. As the race developed, small
groups emerged, each working together against their individual clock. First over the finish line was Lewis Hinchliffe with a time of 16:59, just pipping Rochdale’s own Christopher Merchant who clocked 17:00, followed by Preswich AC representative Daniel Chapman who registered 17:17.

The 20 minute + 5k group shortly followed with a brilliant 30 competitors. Royton Road Runners’ Adam Stirling was first to stop the clock with 20:49, Sean Lindsay of Todmorden Harriers followed in 20:49 with Ryan Taylor third over the line in 21:33.

The event was a superb success with PBs galore for many who were racing over the distance on a track for the first time. Thank you to all the runners, Jeff for organising a seamless event and the What’sMyTime team for the quick and simple results on the night!

The event will feature three times in 2023 so please keep an eye out on all club communications for further updates.