Chorley runner Johnston on form in village race

3:00pm Monday 9th June 2008

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Chorley Harrier Keith Johnston showed good form to take seventh place in the second of the Chorley 4 series at Astley Village, in a time of 21.28 with fellow Harrier Dominic Raby not far behind for 12th spot in 21.54.

Many runners from the host club made significant improvements on their times from last month’s race.

Phil Iddon’s progress continued as he knocked 36 seconds off his previous run to take a personal best time of 24.00 for 38th place.

Pam Smith was over half a minute quicker and 14th lady in 27.38, as was blind runner Mike Ogle who was delighted with his finishing time of 28.04 under the guidance of Ian Crabtree.

Alison Fowler made the biggest impression to make up a whole four minutes over the course with a fine effort in 32.31. Vet50 Roger Johnson also shaved off 15 seconds when home in 33.09. Matthew McDonald led home the junior Harriers and was third overall in the category in 29.11.

John McDonald took the 1st Vet65 prize in 32.51. Other results from the club were Stephen O’Connor 25.06, Nicola Raby 27.07, Tom Booth 29.35, James Shuttleworth 29.41, Nikki Rushton 30.07, Julie Lundigran 31.36, Shelley Parkinson 32.07 and Bernadette Carter 40.07.

At the 4.5mile Paddy’s Pole Fell Race in Bowland with 1100ft of ascent, Dominic Raby took sixth place just inside the 33 minute mark with John Sutton in close contention for 8th in 33.18. Paul Jackson had a fine run to get the better of experienced fellsman Malc Christie on the final descent.

Natasha Fellowes led a trio of Chorley ladies from Anna Crabtree and Jenny Wyles.

Also on the fells, seven Harriers travelled to Horton-in-Ribblesdale for the Pen y Ghent race which featured 1650ft of climbing over a near six mile course in very hot conditions. Paul Jackson clocked 60.28 for 70th place from Gary Platt in 62.25. Nicola Raby was first lady from the club in 68.54 from Janet Chaplin, with Marie Dewhurst home in 76.25. Vet60 Jan Atkins recorded 78.17 with Libby Bright home in 83.29.