The 2013 Ribble Valley 10k was held in almost perfect racing conditions, and once again Liverpool’s Jonny Mellor 
produced the almost perfect race. Almost perfect because another 3 seconds faster and he would have beaten his own 2011 course record and received the associated prize that would have gone with a new course record.
Mellor was always up in the leading pack as they went through 2k in 6 minutes led by Salford’s Tom Cornthwaite. At 5k the blue and yellow vest of Leeds City’s Derek Hawkins was still there with Mellor, but the Liverpool Harrier had a 200 m lead by the 8k marker. He won in 29.12, some 45 seconds ahead of Stockport’s Sean Connolly with Andy Ward 3rd a further 5 seconds back.
The Northern Athletics Team medals went to Leeds City, Salford and Sale Harriers Manchester picking up silver and bronze, with host club Blackburn in 4th place.
Jonny Mellor Liverpool Harriers with Ron Hill
It was fitting that previous winner and course record holder Helen Clitheroe, was given race number 2 with Jonny Mellor having number 1. Helen set her course record of 32.20 which she set 8 years ago and this was not in danger today. A strong women’s field included a determined trio from the Wallsend club whose green vests were always promimient
as they had their eyes on the team award. Also in green but from Sale was Georgina Taylor Brown who won in a time of 33.39 with Rebecca Robinson, Kendal 2nd, 34.04 and Helen Clitheroe, Preston Harriers taking the bronze medal in 34.11.
The Northern Athletics team awards went to Wallsend 1st, Blackburn 2nd and Keighley and Craven 3rd
All the Northern Athletics medals were presented by Dr Ron Hill.
Once again Blackburn Harriers organisation was superb, despite the absence of George Davies a stawart of this event, with the race getting off to a smooth start.
Georgia Taylor Brown & Ron Hill
Report Ken Smith
