The first Gin Pit Trail Marathon was won by Allister Goulding from Leigh Harriers who went sub 3 hours to set a personal PB of 2 hours 59 minutes and 22 seconds. Second home was Glyn Kay from Horwich RMI in 3 hours 1 minute and 32 seconds. Third home and first lady was Caroline Hemming from Spectrum Striders in 3 hours 31 minutes and 49 seconds. Yours truly came in fourth. The other Astley and Tyldesley finishers were Barry Allman in 4 hours 36 minutes and 6 seconds, a surprising effort considering he only decided to run half an hour before the start and Marjorie Leigh finishing in 4 hours 41 minutes and 34 seconds a great performance for her first marathon for some years.
Gin Pit Trail Marathon Winner – Allister Goulding
The A&T internal club half marathon saw Colin Rigby trot round in 1 hour 22 minutes 46 seconds to win the race followed by Alan Hilton with a PB of 1 hour 27 minutes and 22 seconds. The next men home in order of appearance were Mark Lysycia, Derek Coop & finally Steve Coleman who was out of sorts recovering from a chest infection.
For the ladies first home was Suzanne Gregory in 1 hour 50 minutes and 51 seconds, followed by Amanda Ogden, Cath Hodgetts, Emma Higgins & Clare Unsworth. I know for some it was a first time at the distance so a fantastic effort from them all.
Now for a big “THANK YOU” to the helpers, in particularly the following:-
John Bradley for keeping me company & helping me for 2 hours to set up the course on Sunday.
Time keepers and lap counters, Sandra Wade, Dave Crowe and my Dad.
Brenda on the water station.
John Lee for engraving the medals.
Han May for helping in the Kitchen.
Phil & Terry for the photos.
Jackie for getting 175 bottles of water.
Everyone who turned up on purpose or by accident but cheered the runners on. It was great to see so many A&T members both being interested and taking part in the event.
Barry for running, tidying up & keeping me company while I waited for the last runners to finish.
Lastly and most importantly Yuk-Lam, for letting me have the time to arrange the event, making posters, ordering the pasties, buying the refreshments, helping in the kitchen and at the water station. Oh & looking after the kids!
