No age barrier for runners

Date published: 03 October 2011

Radcliffe AC showed age was no barrier when runners took to the trails this weekend.

Seven members took part in the Gin Pit 5 Mile Trail Race at Tyldesley on Sunday including vet-70 Jim Rhodes, one of four 70 year olds in the field. There were also two competitors from other clubs who were aged 75.

But it was Mark Williams (V45) who led home the Radcliffe club in a great time of 32mins 12secs, coming a fine 41st out of 180 runners.

Don Whiley, also in the same age group, clocked 35mins 09secs and leading home the club's women Sheila Jones was second vet 55 and ran 40mins 48secs. Kath Davies (V45) clocked 41mins 24secs: Eileen Sharman (V55) 41mins 56secs. Vet-60 John Kirkham, one of seven in his age group in the race, clocked 44mins 56 secs and Rhodes ran 53 mins 30secs, back to racing after a series of injuries.

The event was the last in the Central Lancs Grand Prix in which several local clubs take part.

In hot conditions the day before vet-50 George Critchley was the only club member to take on the Rivington Trail Half Marathon and was pleased with his time of 1hr 57mins 34secs. He finished well up in a large field which covereds hills, forest tracks and stunning trails around Rivington Pike.

Critchley commented: "It was the most ridiculously warm October weather I can remember. It was tough but very dry under foot."