Now that I have gathered all the signs back in from the course, tidied things away, collated all the results and sorted the money out, I can finally sit down to write my report about this event.
We had 28 runners run on the Saturday and 20 on the Sunday, 17 of which ran both days. This included 3 from A&T on the Saturday Steve Coleman, Barry Allman and myself. On the Sunday Steve & myself returned for second helpings. We also had other local runners including Colin Wood from Horwich, Duncan Worth from Salford Metropolitan AC and Paul Ruston from Radcliff AC. It was great to see local runners not only running a marathon but 2 in 2 days. We also attracted runners from as far afield as London and Edinburgh. These were a mix Iron Man competitors, 100 marathon club members and runners chasing the goal of 100 marathons.
The Men’s races were both won by Paul Allen from Devon. A clean sweep of the trophies for him, well done Paul! It was interesting to note that the results of the first four places were the same both days, Paul Allen, Steve Coleman, Glen Hatrick and myself. I would like to say a special well done to Steve Coleman for having the guts to enter both days when he hasn’t done anything quite like it before and to come second with such consistent times is utterly brilliant.
The Ladies race was much more interesting albeit with less entries. Day 1 was won comfortably by Angela Ladkin from Leicester in 3 hours 40 minutes and 16 seconds. Day 2 was won by Susan Buckley in 5 hour 11 minutes and 23 seconds but the overall winner for the 2 days was Carol Reed in 9 hours 57 minutes and 55 seconds.
Some A&T Runners ran half the course each day as part of their individual training. It was nice to have you guys and girls along the route for company. I hope you enjoyed meeting the marathon entrants.
Although neither of the following were entered and therefore don’t feature in the official results I would like to mention a couple of A&T runners that did exceptionally well during the event. They had both only planned to only do part of the course. On Saturday, during the run Alex Foster decided to continue on and completed the whole course. He was actually the quickest runner over the 2 days with an unofficial, time of 3 hour 26 minutes and 42 Seconds. This was his first ever marathon, congratulations Alex! On the Sunday Ruffus Bennett ended up doing something similar albeit he didn’t quite get the course right. He was well ahead of me during the race but strangely I finished before him. Ten minutes later he turned up at the finish coming in from the wrong direction. I’m not sure where he went for the last few miles but I am sure he did at least 26 miles and probably a bit further. I’m afraid I have no time for Ruffus’s run but I’m convinced he ran at least a marathon that day.
I would like to thank all the people that volunteered their help before the event and over the two days. Without your help the event wouldn’t have been the success it was. Thanks to Gary Baines & Gary Stevens for holding the fort each day, allowing me to run the event. All the marshals at the water stations, Craig Little, Dan Reason, Paul Collins, Neil Unsworth, Craig Bradbury, Steve Foster, Barry Allman, Simon Ford, Stuart Adamson, Spencer Harrison and especially Suzanne Gregory who did both days at the 22.4 mile point with Dave and their dog Bob. Pasties and drinks in the Kitchen by Yuk-Lam Collins, her sister Han May and Bev Tickle. Photos by Mark Lysycia, Andy Coates and Bill Collins. Special thanks to Clare Unsworth for arranging the Pasta Party at Ruffus’s restaurant. It was a lovely evening great food and company. Clare was also the official time keeper for both days, she stood outside for hours!! A wonderful job Clare, thanks. Thanks to everyone who turned up to support runners over the weekend!
I would also like to pass on thanks from the runners to all the volunteers. I spoke to most of them and all were very complimentary about the event as a whole and the friendliness of everyone.
The event raised £718.03 and my nominated charity is the Brathay Trust, who work with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people to help them improve their lives and find their full potential.
Many runners were saying “see you next year” or asking was the event being held again next year. Even some of Astley & Tyldesley members have shown an interest. I must admit I hadn’t given any thoughts to a next time but with all the enthusiasm and positive feedback the event has generated it is looking more than likely that I’ll be arranging it all over again in 2012.
Thanks Everyone!
Until next time?
Malc Collins
The picure to the left is of Me with Glen Hatrick at the finish after day 2. I notice my dad has snook onto the picture in background.
