Hosted by Lancashire Constabulary Athletics Section
Having had several days of torrential rain right up to midnight on Tuesday I wasn't too optimistic on the weather front despite everything else being in place for the 2004 event.
When I opened my curtains on campus at 7am on Wednesday morning I was greeted with clear blue skies. They remained for the rest of the day and - Phew, what a scorcher it was going to be!!
And so it was, 2 pm came and the sun still shone blessed with a very light cooling breeze that was much welcomed by the 200 plus starters that represented 30 UK police forces. Lancashire Constabulary Northern Divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Wendy Walker started the race.
The course comprised a short uphill start before tuning onto the University campus perimeter road. A gradual, half mile uphill gradient met the runners at mile 3 before plateauing by Blea Tarn Reservoir. Fabulous panoramic views of Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland Fells were to be seen before the runners descended Hala Hill and Bentham Road. The course then negotiated a number of short cycleways around Bailrigg before entering the perimeter road for the second lap.
The race got off to a fast start with former champion Steve Cairns (Lothian & Borders) having taken up the gauntlet and was already forcing the pace closely followed by new support staff member Dave Mitchinson (Hertfordshire). Mitchinson who narrowly missed out on an Olympic spot after finishing 4th Briton in the London Marathon was soon to show his class and shortly after the six miles point he pushed ahead and was never headed to finish a convincing winner in 53 mins 33 secs with Steve finishing in runners up position in 55,01, Ian Weatherall from Cheshire running into bronze medal position in 56.54.
There was real determination in the Veterans race with, Malcolm Fowler (Cheshire) a former individual winner in 57,01 finishing an excellent 4th place overall, just ahead of Billy Gilroy (Northumbria) (5th in 57,39) and Metropolitan officer Ian Campbell (6th in 58,15). This reflecting yet again the very high standard from the Over 40’s.
Metropolitan Police secured the team awards with 6th, 7th., 18th and 19th placings giving them a team total of 50 points ahead of Cheshire (55 pts), and Essex (98pts). Further veterans’ titles went to Mick Bond, Essex (O.45's 12th place, 59,54) and John McInnes, Strathclyde (O.50's 54th place, 68,01). Dave Oldham, West Yorkshire (O.55’s 110th place, 75,57). Metropolitan took the Veterans team awards whilst Hertfordshire took the Minor Forces (under 2000 establishment) award.
The ladies race was retained by Lisa Knights from Derbyshire, with a winning time of 65 mins 41 secs from Metropolitan officer Sarah Simmonds, (67,24) and Louise Cooper (Thames Valley) (67,56) taking third place. Veterans awards went to Met’s Sarah Williams (Over 35), Hertfordshire’s Veronica Singleton (Over 40’s) and West Yorkshire’s Heather Mitchell. (Over 50’s). Metropolitan Police took the ladies team trophies from Thames Valley and Leicestershire.
The day was rounded off with dinner in the Great Hall followed by over an hours light entertainment from Warrington comedian, Charlie Hale then disco dancing past midnight.
May I take this opportunity to formally thank my committee members, team of helpers and marshals for their hard work and support in making this event a tremendous success.
Special thanks to Lancaster University for allowing us to host our event on and around campus and for facilitating the accommodation and meals.
Thanks also to our sponsors SIS - Science in Sport - for supplying their welcomed energy food and drink. MacCaws of Nelson for providing soft drinks and Sweatshop of Chorley for providing race numbers.
I hope all competitors enjoyed the race and their stay in Lancashire.
