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Lostock AC member Jo McManus took part in the CancerCare Christmas Cracker 10k in Lancaster and put in a fantastic effort.
The event encourages families to dress up in their best Christmas outfits and run a mile, 10k or half marathon – and raise money for a local cancer charity.
McManus opted for the 10 km which started on the banks of the Lune River, near the 3-1-5 health club. The race followed the riverside path, making it a flat and fast course, with leaders shooting away from the start. The race crossed the river before the runners turned around and returned to the river.
McManus had a fantastic run, finishing 21st in 47 minutes 17 seconds and being the sixth woman to cross the finish line.
Elsewhere, Mark Shuttleworth took part in the Moors the Merrier 21 Fell Race organized by CraggRunner.
The course is advertised as 21 miles long with 4,000 feet of elevation gain, starting at Hebden Bridge Golf Club and crossing the open Wadsworth moor, before going around Stoodley Pike and using various paths, trails and roads to go around in counterclockwise to finally return. return to the golf club.
In a biting wind the race started near the top of the hill and it was then a short single file climb before skirting the top of the moor and crossing cold, muddy bogs.
Shuttleworth struggled to get going and warm up until it descended to lower ground where there was also a welcome sight of caramels and water at checkpoint two.
Runners then made their way through fields and then paths to Walshaw Dean Lower Reservoir, before turning left and heading towards the secluded Pack Horse pub and checkpoint four with flapjack, biscuits, malt bread, juice and water.
The next section was fairly flat, then descended through woods and a steep concrete track to checkpoint six – a workshop converted into a banquet hall for the day.
Upon arrival, the riders were greeted by at least four festive elves. They were given cups of port and shots of whiskey, as well as food and cakes. From here the runners headed towards Stoodley Pike then down into Mythomlroyd, before looking up and seeing the golf club at the top of the hill facing them with a steep climb. Shuttleworth had a good run, finishing in 4:50:09.
Lostock AC has a busy year ahead and is currently planning the championship and races for 2025.
Lostock 6 will take place on February 23 and registrations are now open. The event is one of the UK’s oldest road races and always sees a fantastic number of riders taking part. Details of how to get involved can be found on the club’s website at Losstock-ac.co.uk.
For those who prefer the hills, the Leo Pollard Memorial Fell Race will take place on June 5. The race starts at Rivington Hall Barn and participants enjoy a 10km run around Rivington, including a climb up the Pike. Again, details can be found on the website.
Parkrun results: Bolton – Tony Maxwell 26:13 (second in age category), Sheila Garewal 30:40 (second in age category), Rachel Hancock 54:54; Haigh Woodland – Andy Laycock 23:35 (first in age group), Chris Baker 23:34, Brian Halton 24:48 (third in age group), Luke Baker 25:10 (third in age group ‘age), Greg Kilshaw 26:44, Ian Burns 29:12, Katie Edern; Pennington Flash – Mark Checkley 30:22.
