Ingram's top class relay run

11:40pm Wednesday 1st October 2008

HORWICH Harrier Katie Ingram made up for what she described as a disappointing run at the World Running Mountain Championship in Switzerland with a fantastic run on the first leg of the Northern 4 Stage Road Relay, winning the leg in 12.26 with a clear margin of 15 seconds from Nicola Geddes of Scunthorpe.

This was also the second fastest time of the day, just six seconds behind Rebecca Robinson of Kendal An apprehensive but excited Caroline Scholes on the second leg ran exceptionally well, clocking 14.52 to bring Horwich in for a fine 7th place. Third leg runner Sarah Norgate has been away from racing for some time with an Achilles injury, but raced to a super time of 14.38, and 12th team place.

On the final leg Christine Boardman gave her all over the fast 4k course, clocking 16.12, and bringing the Horwich ladies in for 18th team overall, an excellent result with 42 teams running.

The Three Shires 25th year anniversary race nearly had to be cancelled because the persistent heavy rain made the usual parking fields unusable, but alternative parking was found and the race went ahead with a delayed start. Darran Kay was well placed in second until losing the route and finishing in 2:19:41 and 35th place.

Other Horwich runners were: 80th Brian Walton 2:31:10; 115th Albert Sunter 2:38:14; 165th Geraldine Walkington 2:48:26; 175th Peter Walkington 2:49:31; 255th Rachel Metcalfe 3:09:07; 272nd Susan Budgett 3:17.20; 311th Tony Varley 3:46:17.

Meanwhile, three Horwich members ventured to Dent to participate in Saturday's Whernside race. This popular fell face has returned to the calendar after a few years absence and saw 180 runners enjoy clear skies and sunshine. Horwich runners were 49th Doug Fleming 1:52; 92nd Suzanne Budgett 2:04; 116th Rachel Metcalfe 2:11.

The 30th Annual RMCH Swinton Half Marathon attracted 300 runners and Horwich’s Rob Jackson had a great run to finish in third place in his 22nd consecutive Swinton Half Marathon.

This record includes a win in the race 20 years ago and several runners-up places.

Next was Steve Nolan in 16th place. Mike Neary rolled back the years winning the over 55 category in 23rd place overall.

Carl Balshaw, in 60th place, completed the Horwich team that finished in fourth place.