Donna Cartwright, Radcliffe AC Chairperson, had the following to say after Friday’s celebration of this year’s members’ accomplishments: “What a fantastic success our presentation evening and Christmas party was. I was delighted to see more than 80 members come together to celebrate our achievements across trail, road, fell, and cross country over the past twelve months. I couldn’t be prouder of the dedication and spirit shown by everyone in the club. As well as our bespoke committee, voted awards, we also presented the award voted for by our members for a truly inspirational member.

We were also pleased to hand out certificates to each of our ‘Runner of the Month’ winners, chosen every month by our members for being inspiring, motivational, and for reflecting the true ethos of our club. We presented small gifts to our wonderful volunteers, our run leaders, coaches, race reporter, and our amazing committee, whose hard work, dedication and support help our club continue to thrive. It is an absolute privilege to be chairperson of such a wonderful club!”

 

The winners were as follows:

Trail & Road Championship: Male SEN Khama Bhanda, M45 Steve Fawcett, M50 Mark Garner, M55 Mark Williams, M60 Mike Kontowtt, M65 Steve Hamer, FSEN Charlotte Holden, F35 Lucie Tighe, F45 Donna Cartwright, F50 Kath Biddle, F55 Paula Abernethy, F60 Tracy Wroe, F65 Sheila Jones

 

Fell Championship: M35 Neil Greenhalgh, M45 Ian Swan, M50 Mark Garner, M65 Stephen Crowe, F35 Lucie Tighe, F45 Donna Cartwright, F50 Karen Doherty

 

Cross Country Championship: Male SEN Andrew O’Donnell, M50 Mark Garner, M65 Stephen Crowe, F35 Lucie Tighe, F45 Lisa Riley, F50 Karen Doherty, F65 Elaine Bailey

 

Individual awards: Most Improved: Laura Aiken & John Szubert, Exceptional achievement in competition: Kath Biddle and Steve Fawcett, Most races completed in the Grand Prix:  Mark Garner and Lucie Tighe, Members’ Contribution Award: Lucie Tighe, Runners’ Runner Award: Laura Aiken, Best Newcomer Award: Jack Connor, Spirit of RAC Award: Ethan Malone, Most Consistent Runner Award: Elaine Bailey, President’s Shield: Caroline Malone.

 

After picking up an impressive number of awards the previous night, Mark Garner hit Moors the Merrier on Saturday, a challenging 21 mile fell race with Santa hats obligatory, with a time of 4:44:47.

 

Never one to miss a good mud slog, Karen Doherty made it out to the Greater Manchester Cross Country Championships in Leigh despite the previous night’s festivities, finishing the 7km course in 38:32.

 

Daniel Hunt was over at the Longridge Xmas Pudding 7 miler on Sunday, speeding to the finish line (and the pudding waiting for all racers!) in 58:55.61.

 

Andrew O’Donnell also ran the Stockport 10 (mile), an undulating course with with two challenging climbs, which he completed in 1:12:16.

 

Many Senior and Junior club members also donned a range of Christmas themed costumes to take part in the Sunnywood Burrs Community Run in aid of Bury Hospice, including Laura Aiken and friend Rachel Bailey - definitely the highlight in a wacky two person festive lama suit!

 

 

 

Radcliffe AC’s lightning fast Khama Banda was out at Battersea Park 5k on Saturday, making it look easy as he finished the course in an incredible of 17:39.

Chemane Thomas headed all the way to New York this week, packing her running shoes and hitting the Brooklyn Bridge parkrun, which she finished first in her age category VW40-44 in 24:42.

Another of the club’s speediest runners, Jack Porter, was over in Italy for the Synlab Lake Como Half Marathon on Sunday. He raced round the route along the lake, setting off from Como city centre and finishing at the unique finish line in front of Villa Olmo in 1:26:21.

On the same day, junior Indie was the first girl and the fourth overall in the RunThrough Heaton Park Junior Race, rocketing round the 1.2km course in only 5:28!

Stephen Crowe, who frequently gives his time as a volunteer across many events, was the tail runner for the half marathon distance at Heaton, which he completed in 3:05:28.

Laura Tracey ran the Tatton Yule Yomp 10k, enjoying the atmosphere on this festive trail race, which she finished in 1:18:46.

Members were also up to their eyeballs in mud at the final fixture of the Red Rose Cross Country League in Marl Pits, Rossendale.

For the juniors, results were U11 (1.99KM) B Seth (10:01), Benjamin (TBC)  G Skyler (15:17), Isla (15:23) and Alexandra (19:10). U13 G (2.5k) Lexi (13:55). U15 B(4km) Oliver (26:55).

For the ladies 5km, results were Lucie Tighe (32:34), Karen Doherty (35:34), Laura Aiken (42:03) and Elaine Bailey (45:55)

For the men’s 7.8km, results were Andrew O’Donnell (52:40), Rob Hall (53:45), Mark Garner (57:17), Dominic Parry (1:01:29) and Paul Stevens (1:02:45).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kath Biddle’s latest adventure took place on Saturday, trying out the inaugural Loggerheads Half Marathon. This trail route covered three 7km loops with varied gradient and terrain in Loggerheads Country Park, North Wales. Kath was not only the first in her age category (FV50) but also third female overall, finishing in 2:32:46.

 

Amanda Callan hit the Leeds Abbey Dash 10k on Sunday, bagging a PB in an incredible time of 46:38. This flat out and back course took place in Leeds city centre, starting and finishing on Wellington Street.

 

Although a quiet week of racing as the festive period began, many members hit various parkruns. Alexandra, Moss Side - Mark Garner (20:36), Adrian Ashburn (23:26), Dominic Parry (21:14) and Sara Parry (37:22). Bolton – Kathryn Davies (32:24), Mark Williams (35:42) and Tracy Wroe (55:50). Cardiff – Helen Kay (32:17). Heaton - Mark Taylor (23:32), Sheila Jones (24:08), Lucie Tighe (25:36) and Sheila McNulty (36:56). South Manchester – Khama Banda (18:02), Pendle – John Szubert (28:18), Wetherby – Bev Quinton (42:32), Nostell – Elaine Bailey (38:31), Peel – Rob Lister (24:30), Clarence – Laura Aiken (29:22), Karen Doherty (30:30) and Stephen Crowe (32:11).

Well done also to speedy juniors Seth and Freddie on their 5k PBs at Burrs Community Run this week!