Manchester 10K, Half Marathon and Blackstone Edge Fell Race, 2024
30th May 2024
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ON THE EVENING OF WEDNESDAY 22nd May, 2024, it wasn’t so much the Blackstone Edge Fell Race as Clagstone Edge Fell race, when 78 runners, including our Harriers, went for a power shower (minus shampoo and soap), masquerading as a fell race. In what must be one of the worst weather conditions this race has been run in, the seven Harriers faced high winds and torrential rain, plus the fact that the clag (cloud) was down and so good navigational skills were required. It may be classed as a AS race (short, low amount of climb), being 5.6km (3.5 miles) with 366 metres of climb, but it’s tough, along with its infamous ‘bog of eternal stench’. The race was started by Kev Shand (who retired from organising it last year). It started from the Lydgate near Littleborough, taking in the Roman Road, the Aiggin Stone (Medieval Way Marker), before going to the trig point on Blackstone Edge, then headed down the moor over horrible tussocks to the infamous bog, before returning to a field at Lydgate.
John Bramwell (M50), was the first Harrier back, finishing in 15th position, in a time of 40m 4s, winning his vet category. Then big, big, congratulations to Kay Welsby, (F40), 19th, in 41m, 10s, being the ladies winner. Following Kay was Decland Harrison (M), 27th, in 43m, 37s. Then Jonny Lawlor (M), 38th, in 46m, 58s. Next and winning her age category was Emma Ball (F50), 40th, in 47m, 8s. After Emma came Mark Walker (M50), 48th, in 49m, 25s, Jennie Ransome (F60), 54th, in 51m, 27s, followed by Molly Howell (F), in 54m, 33s.
SATURDAY 25th MAY saw four of our Harriers running in the hilly Oldham Park Run. This is a counter in our 2024 Road Race Championships. Best placed was Danny Bennett (M55), 2nd, in 17m, 52s, despite carrying an injury. Then a near equally good placing was achieved by James Jordan (M40), 3rd, in 18m, 28s. In-form Michael Jackson (M40), came next in 16th place, in 22m, 29s. Finally, Ian Aitchison came in as 2nd male in the M65 category, in an awesome 23m, 33s. Over at the multi-terrain Worsley Parkrun, new member Andy Whitehouse finished 2nd in 18m, 44s, while new member Louise Mayall was delighted to achieve a course PB of 22m, 30s, making her 5th lady from 159 ladies.
ON SUNDAY 26th MAY it was another big Manchester race series: the A.J. Bell 10k and half marathon. Both races saw our Harriers competing in them. The 10k is billed as one of Europe’s biggest 10k’s, starting on Portland Street, heading down the A56 to (City fans close your eyes), Manchester United’s ground, before heading back to finish on Deansgate. Four Rochdale Harriers ran the 10k, best placed was Graeme Grindrod (303rd ), in 39m, 3s. Paul Garside was next home with a new PB for the distance, completing in a time of 40m, 52s. Paul was followed home by David Bentley, in 42m, 15s. Megan Hooson, then came in 3 mins faster than her last 10k with a time of 54m, 13s.
Three Harriers ran the half marathon and pride of place goes to Rochdale’s Julie Smith, who helped Mike Tyburski complete the half marathon. Mike’s story is an example to us all: Mike had major heart surgery on Oct 23rd last year and, with help and support from Julie, has gradually got back to fitness. Julie is one of life’s givers – a qualified Leader in Running Fitness, a qualified Sight Loss Guide Runner and a Leader for the Run Together, Radcliffe, social running group. Mike asked Julie if she would support him in the Great Manchester Half Marathon. Mike finished in a time of 2hrs, 20m, with Julie achieving a time of 2hrs, 31m, 7s.
First Rochdale Harrier to finish the half marathon was Gareth Bright with a PB of 1hr, 28m, 42s, then Bryony Sherry, describing her time of 2hrs, 11m as a personal worst (we all have those days Bryony, just chalk it up as a decent training run).
Next up is race number 5 out of 9 in the road Race Championships, the Cowm 5k on Tuesday 4 June in Whitworth. This race is now full and no transfers are possible,