Northern Athletics 10 Mile Championships Sunday 17th November

The flat, 2-lap course is ideal for fast times and the weather conditions today were certainly ideal, with just a bit of drizzle at times.

There were over 450 entries, many from surrounding Lancashire clubs. The course started adjacent to Hutton Grammar School and the runners were not seen again after the start until they appeared on the cycle path on the A59, close to the 5-mile point. The front 4 men had pulled away from the rest of the field, with Matthew Crehan and Andrew Davies already vying for the lead.

The next time the runners appeared, they were approaching the finish, with Andrew Davies having established a clear lead over Matthew Crehan. The next NA athlete to appear was Jonothan Kay, as he raced in to finish in sub 50 minutes.

Almost a minute later, came the first of the host club’s athletes, followed shortly after by 2 Salford Harriers athletes racing into the finish.

1st: Andrew Davies, Stockport Harriers in 49.10

2nd: Matthew Crehan, StHelens Sutton, in 49.32

3rd: Jonothan Kay, Bolton United Harriers, in 49.46

4th: Andrew Benson, Preston Harriers, in 50.57

 

1st: Preston Harriers

2nd: Wesham Road Runners

3rd: Lytham  St Annes Road Runners

In the women’s race, it was Blackpool’s popular athlete, Emily Japp, who was always in pole position for the NA title. She eventually won in a time of 56.45, much to the delight of her coach and outgoing NA President, Stan Taylor.

Some 5 minutes behind Emily, in a finishing time of 61.05, was Sale athlete Luisa Candioli, who was both surprised and delighted to be in the medals.

 

1st: Emily Japp, Blackpool Wyre & Fylde, in 56.45

2nd: Luisa Candioli, Sale Harriers, in 61.05

3rd: Finty Royle, Chorley Athletics & Tri Club, in 64.31

1st: Blackpool Wyre & Fylde

2nd: Preston Harriers

3rd: Wesham Road Runners