COMMITTEE REPORTS

MEET THE COMMITTEE as Elected at the 2009 AGM

Dave Waywell Chairperson	Dave Young Vice Chairman	Brian Wilkinson Secretary			Peter Earnshaw Membership Secretary		Peter Cooke Treasurer
Lee Barlow Men's Captain	Kerry Eccles Ladies Captain	Alan Glasgow Men's X-Country Captain			Julie Cruse Ladies X-Country Captain		Karl Lee Track & Field Captain
John Whiteman Trips and Thursday Runs Organiser			Dave Waywell -    Race Coordinator			Alex Rowe - Press Secretary
Non-Committee Members
Brenda J Earnshaw Hon. Member and Website/Magazine Editor				Howard Henshaw       Hon. Auditor

contact numbers
NAME	POSITION HELD	TELEPHONE NUMBER	EMAIL ADDRESS
Dave Waywell	Chairperson	01253-357637	DaveWaywell@lancsfirerescue.org.uk
DAVE YOUNG	Vice Chairperson	01253-874287	david.young1947@btopenworld.com
Brian Wilkinson	Secretary	01253-872594	brian@brianwilkinson.orangehome.co.uk
Pete Cooke	Treasurer	07788-754483	petecooke21@aol.com
PETER EARNSHAW	Membership Secretary	01253-856911 or 07792-380039	peter.brendaj@btinternet.com
LEE BARLOW	Men’s Captain	07933 105157	tanyashworth@hotmail.com
KERRY ECCLES	Ladies Captain	01772 682466 07703 499952	kerry@eccles8.freeserve.co.uk
Alan Glasgow	Men’s Cross Country Captain	01253-760942	alan.glasgow@baesystems.com
Julie CRUSE	Ladies Cross Country Captain	01253-821091	juliecruse@fsmail.net
KARL LEE	Track & Field Captain	01253-788384 or 07983-621141	seasiders51@hotmail.com
John Whiteman	Trips and Thursday Runs Organiser	01253-860935 or   07988-797768	john.whiteman@hotmail.co.uk
Dave Waywell	Race Coordinator	01253-357637	DaveWaywell@lancsfirerescue.org.uk
Alex Rowe	Press Secretary	07811-550315	Alex.Rowe@v21mail.co.uk
Howard Henshaw	Hon. Auditor	01253-713204	handkhenshaw@btinternet.com
Brenda J Earnshaw	Website/Magazine Editor	01253-856911  or  07792-380039 or 07777 - 662191	brenda.earnshaw@btinternet.com   or brenda.earnshaw@talk21.com

THE VIEW THROUGH MY OLD EYES

Hello once again and can I take this opportunity to thank you all for allowing me to continue as your Chairman for another year. It is a privilege and I hope I do not let you down.

I suppose I must start with all the bad news concerning the location of our 10k at BNFL Springfields. For those of you who do not yet know, the clubhouse we have used for many years has now been closed down and the future of it ever re-opening is remote. This has already resulted in the demise of the ‘Kirkham 10K’ but thankfully we are very optimistic that the use of the car park is still OK and so we are going ahead with both our races from this venue.

Obviously it has meant some fairly drastic changes but thanks to John Whiteman and Nigel Shepherd we will be at the Lane Ends (Interclub) and the Hand and Dagger (10K) for the presentations and refreshments after the races. We are hopeful that the squash court’s toilets and changing facilities at BNFL will be available for both, however, additional toilets have been ordered for the 10K and Kerry Eccles managed to get them at a reduced rate for us. So everything is set up and we have managed to keep on the same courses for both races, albeit there is still the chance that we may have to think of alternatives if there are further developments involving the BNFL site planning, so it’s fingers crossed time.

While on this subject there is a large amount of equipment we need at both these races and what I need is a reasonably large trailer to transport the stuff from Blackpool to venue and back. This could be a trailer, (I have the tow bracket), or a large van with driver. So, if anyone can help, please contact me when possible.

Well, that’s the end of the Cross Country season and it is straight into the Interclub races with, of course, last year’s individual winners to collect their medals. So congratulations to Nigel Shepherd (V45), Alex Rowe and John Collier (V50), Alan Hudson (V55), Mike Walsh (V70+), Sarah Sherratt (V35), Michaela Dempsey (V40), and Julie Cruse (V45).

Whilst on the Interclub races, can I just ask that as many of you as possible run these races, because, whatever standard you are, the fact that you are there means that all the runners behind you are one more point off there own teams score. That is more important than winning, because the main thrust of all these races is team orientated, so that makes every single runner very much needed.

Another important point this year is, as I have mentioned above, our own Interclub race on July 20^th. We will need far more marshals and helpers than before due to the loss of the sites facilities. Car parking will have to be tightly controlled, tents are probably having to be erected, (dependant on weather), as well as course marshalling. So, when we ask for volunteers I hope you will be the first to put your hand up and not leave it to the usual few as they cannot do everything.

Let’s talk about the bread and butter stuff; you know - that what happens on a Monday night. There are the six Summer Handicaps, the first of which was on the 6^th April and guess what, that’s right, it rained! Well I did say ‘Summer’ so it wasn’t snow and of course, these continue through to September. They are held usually on the first Monday of the month, unless a bank holiday clashes. Also there’s the Predictor race, which this year is on the 29^th June and hopefully starting at about 19.15 hrs. John Whiteman was moaning last year that my courses were rubbish so guess what, that’s right, he’s sorting the course this year and, you guessed it, I will be left with the paperwork. I hope to excel with the prize table this year as it is our 25^th Anniversary as well as with the other big event, the Birthday Race which is on the 24^th August and this will, hopefully, be followed by a meal at the Garden Restaurant, after the race. You never know we may be able to afford a cake this year!!!

On 31^st July is another annual outing, the Friday night relay race around the De Vere Hotel, a distance for each runner of 2.8 miles approx. something everyone can cope with. The format is simple, each leg starts with a 1 or 2 minute gap, (depending on weather, car park closure), and so everyone is racing at the same time at some point, and, of course, nobody knows which team as won until the results appear. This year I have changed the team structure around a little bit, (a lot really), by having vet teams, (all 40 or over), composite teams, (mixed gender or above and below 40), junior teams, (all under 20), and, of course, there are senior teams, (all aged between 20 and 39 inc). Each team will consist of three runners. Prizes are numerous and, of course, there is hot food as well included in the ‘over the top’ price of £3.00pp or £9.00 a team. There is no individual prize table. Entries are on the night only at Blackpool Fire Station on Forest Gate. Each team is encouraged to have a funny/appropriate name and a small prize is given to the team, I think, has met the stated criteria, (the rudest is not always the winner but as been known to be on the odd occasion).

So what have I introduced that is new this year? This year, whilst attending the annual Interclub meeting, I am pleased to say all those present agreed to an Interclub Fell Race team and Individual Championship. It consists of three races chosen by the present clubs competing and trophies will go to the top team of three runners with the lowest points total over all three races. The male and female runner with the lowest points total from two of the three races. The idea was to encourage old and new members in each club to have a go at fell racing and this will be looked at, to see how successful, or not it has been when all races are completed. The three races chosen are Hutton Roof on 23^rd May, Tockholes on 4^th July and Blackshaw Head Fete on 5^th Sept. Information on these is available on the Wesham or the Fell Running Association (FRA) websites. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ring Lee Barlow or myself as we are only too ready to help you.

That just leaves the Granny’s Bay 10 miler which is open only to the older end of the club i.e. those aged 35 or over on the 16^th August. Some of you will know that it is the Veterans 10 race but with a new name and different time of the year. Wesham are the main organisers on behalf of the Northern Vets, whose championship is incorporated in it. I consider the prize table to be as good as you are going to get for the price you pay. Again I am looking for all the help I can get so when the request comes around perhaps you will put your hands up if you have an hour or two to spare, it will be very much appreciated. Wesham by the way, are rewarded monetarily, as well as being left with any spare prizes etc. which I use on the Rudolf race; but that’s another story!

So that is all the club itinerary dealt with and I do hope you find it useful, (that is if you read it), which if you don’t, then you won’t know that I think you are stupid, because, like most of this magazine, it is written in your best interests and it is what you pay your subs for. Those who do read it, well you’re now blessed with knowledge and are certainly not stupid.

Now I come to the sad part of this report and that is to tell you all I know about the poorly, the lame and the departed so lets start with that last one and ‘no’ you don’t need to go and buy a card of condolence just yet but sadly, and I mean that sincerely, our mate “Pieman” will, when you read this, have gone back to OZZY. For those of you who have had the misfortune to have been in his company this last six weeks, my sincere apologies for his appearance, but I do believe he was taken round Lidl and Aldi by the Wrinklys so he has at least got some decent clothes to wear when he gets home. On a more serious note I, for one, have loved having him back again as have many others, and we will all once again wish him ‘bon voyage’, until the next visit should it ever come. There is ironically another of our members emigrating to OZ shortly, and that is Les Cornwall, which is almost as sad as losing Alan, (or is it a bonus - only joking), but with Les there’s always the chance he will be late and miss his flight - nothing different there then!! Seriously again, Les is another member who will be greatly missed, as he has been with us since his early teens and is a very good athlete, as well as a nice bloke, as many will testify. So let’s move on to the lame, and sadly both Peter Earnshaw and Norman Bateman have had to retire from running due to the deterioration of joints. It was diagnosed in Peter’s case that if he carried on he would finish up in a wheelchair so he has joined the Wrinkly walkers. Norman has a foot problem which appears to be non responsive to treatment and he has decided for now to refrain, and is keeping Peter company on the bike as well as walking. So yes both are still active and hopefully staying an integral part of the club. So what about the poorly, perhaps injured is a better description? Well again as in my last report, I have to mention our oldest member Mike Walsh who has been suffering with a very painful injury in the back and legs for a few months now and the latest prognosis is that it could be Xmas before he can start running again. However he is, in his words, progressing slowly and he is always first on the list for marshalling and still appears at club nights so we can at least cheer him up now and again. Another one with one of those injuries that won’t go away is Sue Jones but Dave, her hubby, is standing in for her, at races she has pre-entered, until it came to the Caldervale 10, but after several people had advised him about it, I think he found something else to do that day, or perhaps it was ‘man flu’! Anyway I am sure we wish both Mike and Sue a good recovery and look forward to seeing them on the start line again soon. If there is anyone I have missed I do apologise and assure you that the members and myself do wish all of you a swift recovery.

My last thing is to tell you about this year’s Dinner Dance which is being held at Ribby Hall Holiday Park after the Wesham 10k. However there are penalty clauses if we do not get 75 people attending, which should be easily achieved. However, with the present financial climate, many of us will have to tighten our belts, so I am offering you the opportunity to pay for the ‘do’ on a weekly/monthly basis by running a Christmas type club over the next six months starting on 1^st May and concluding on 1^st November. All you do is give me some money when you see me and I will give you a receipt, and when you come to November 1^st you can have your cash, or it will be paid to Derek and you get your ticket, and any money over the cost of that ticket you have accumulated. The decision is yours of course but sometimes paying a little at a time makes it easier than a lump sum nearer the time.

Well that is it again for now and all I hope is that in the next magazine in September I can report that everything is tickety boo and all on schedule. So again watch this space.

Written by: Dave Waywell, Chairperson

Submitted: 13^th April 2009

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor

Secretary’s REPORT

• The dates for the 2009 Members meetings would be 27^th April, the 27th July, and the 19th October, with the AGM being on the 8^th February 2010.

Secretary’s Summary of the past Two

Committee Meetings

The March Committee Meeting

• The Organisation of the November Dinner Dance and Presentation Evening is in the capable hands of Derek G, and is progressing well.
• The fact that the Salwick Club is no longer operational has presented problems for our November 10K Race and when we host the Inter Club fixture. These problems are being addressed.
• The design and quality of the special T-shirt for the Club Race has now been finalised and will be ordered in the near future.

The April Committee Meeting

• The resignation of the permit Secretary of the Lancashire Athletic Association, prompted their secretary to contact all clubs seeking a volunteer replacement.
• The UKA’s “Run Britain” scheme could create problems for running clubs as they have created a “virtual” running club, to attract previously unattached runners to join.
• The Club has been invited to participate in the Central Lancashire Grand Prix series of races should it operate this year.

Brian Wilkinson, Secretary

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY’S REPORT

Currently we have 149 members of which 129 are full members/first claim. We also have 24 members who have not yet paid their subscriptions for 2009. The accompanying graph shows the number of members who paid in the first four months.

Written by: Peter Earnshaw

Submitted: 28^th April 2009

REPORT FROM THE OUTGOING CAPTAIN

As outgoing Captain, may I firstly wish Lee every success as he, once again, manfully takes up the reins? It was my privilege to be Wesham Captain and I mean that, not in a ‘Richard & Judy’ sort of way, but a ‘Hughie Green’ sort of way i.e. “most sincerely”. I had hoped to be a Captain for a second year but found I was unable to give the time and energy the Captaincy requires. As John Lennon once remarked: “Life is what happens whilst you are busy making plans.”

Perhaps what impressed itself upon me most of all was the well-being of our excellent club. I shan’t mention anyone for fear of missing someone out but we are all so grateful to those who give freely of their time and talent. Without doubt, Wesham is the envy of less happier clubs.

And what of all those pale blue vests, a race director’s delight that descend upon so many races? I was recently greeted in the Highlands of Scotland with the words: “You lot get everywhere!” Whether new to the sport or a seasoned campaigner, chasing times or content to ‘just get around’, I wish everyone the enjoyment the sport has brought me. Running is one of the purer ways we can express ourselves and define our lives.

Of course, for many it is about times and race performances and there were several highlights. The Vet.50 team became National Champions. George’s exceptional effort in the 2008 London Marathon and club stalwart, Trevor Rayner, finding the form of his life. The list goes on. If you are struggling to achieve a personal goal there is so much inspiration in the club. Likewise, if you are injured, Mick Edge is running again and running well. Keep the faith!

Please, however, permit me to share this thought, which is an observation and not a criticism. When I first joined Wesham in 1988 the pinnacle of athletic achievement lay in being selected for the various relay teams. This was at the back end of the running boom and our sport has changed so much since those heady days. I nonetheless believe it would be a splendid thing if just a small portion of our enthusiasm for all the varied events could, once again, find its way towards the relays. The children of that boom, the Vet.50 team, have shown us what can be achieved and, within the running fraternity, relay success is still the mark by which an athletic club is measured. They are also tremendous fun. When Lee beckons I would encourage you to answer his call.

What of me? I realised straight away that I wasn’t a ‘world-beater’ and consequently the good has always been the enemy of the best. Too much Whiteman and not enough Waywell. If I have failed, however, to reach my potential as an athlete, I have nonetheless received an excellent return on my investment. So many happy times and so many lasting friendships. So much of this has been played out against the back-drop that is Wesham Road Runners.

I would like once again to wish Lee every success as Mens’ Captain and wish you all many more happy times in the sport that has so enriched us all.

Yours in running.

Russell Mabbett

Submitted: 23^rd April 2009

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor

new MEN’S CAPTAIN’S REPORT

Captains Log - April 2009

Once bitten twice shy? No not I!

Following a successful Captaincy at Wesham last year, Russell Mabbett, due to pressures of work and other non-running commitments stepped down as our men’s team captain.

Before I bore you with my drink-fuelled ramblings, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Russell for the hard work and commitment to the club and on a personal level, the support and encouragement he provides to every runner and friend. It’s certainly going to be a tough act to follow.

At the AGM, a deadly silence descended across the room as Brian Wilkinson announced that a new Men’s Team Captain was required. No names came forward; you could hear a pin drop; eyes were looking to the floor at the risk of a glance in the wrong direction and bam, and you’re elected.

I made the fatal error and asked: “What would happen without a Captain?” “The post would remain vacant!” was the reply. I couldn’t let my beloved Wesham RR sail the running seas of 2009 without a Captain steering at the helm. I volunteered, and out of the raucous of sudden noise, I was quickly seconded by xxxxx

As I had previously held this position, the crowd heckled and a voice asked if I had been brought into the 21^st century; did I have a computer and a phone? I quickly and confidentially responded by saying that not only do I have a computer and a phone, but also a personal secretary, Tanya Ashworth. It was later reported that a huge sigh of relief could be heard for miles around.

Some things never change. In the previous two years when I was Captain I was unable to participate in the biggest Northern Relay of the year, the 12 stage event. This time would be no different as, unbeknown to me, when I was entering Paris marathon I had no idea when the 12 stages was going to be held or that I would be Captain.

Thankfully, Alex Rowe will organise the event on the day, after myself and Tanya assembled a hearty, worthy crew for this prestigious northern event. Thanks go to everyone who is able to take part in this year’s 12 stages and wish them the best of luck.

The blue vests of HMS Wesham have sailed far and wide, collecting the bounty throughout the northwest. We raided Keswick at the Buttermere 22, swelling the number of entrants by 15%. Once again Mr Littler won the event convincingly. He was supported by debutants Pete Waywell and Barlow skipping over the finish line in 7^th and 8^th, closely followed by Graham Cunliffe, Pete Cruse, Simon Eaton, Martin Bates, Graham Vickers and Michaela Dempsey.

At Coniston the men’s team prize had been won the previous four years by Wesham. This year would be no different. Wesham men regained the title for a fifth consecutive year. Thanks to Littler, Pass, Norman and Rowe, with a huge supporting cast adding their weight to the occasion.

In the road championship races so far, a fit and rejuvenated Barry Norman is laying the foundations for a challenge on Steve Littler’s title.

Looking to the future I will be helping to steer HMS Wesham in a Southerly direction, weekend 13/14^th June, taking on the sights and sounds of the Welsh Castles. Come on ma hearties, if you are interested in setting sail for Wales register interest and walk that gang plank with able boded Alex Rowe and Graham Vickers.

Written by: Captain Barlow II

Submitted: 1^st April 2009

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor

PS: Captain Jack, come join me as my Cabin Boy…?

new LADIES CAPTAIN’S REPORT

Wow! What can I say? I am touched that the members want me as Lady Captain when I have only been with the club since October 2006 after being coaxed by my Personnel Trainer at the gym to find a local running club. Or am I the only mug that would take it on?

Kath Hoyer initially mentioned it to me back at the Interclub at Chorley in the ladies toilets whilst getting changed, saying that, as I am so organised and attend the club every week, I would make a good captain. I shot her down in flames as I felt I was too new to the club but lately the pressure had been gathering momentum with several of the lady members saying the same thing. Then Big Boss Whiteman got on my case as well so, on my birthday, I finally conceded and here I am. So ‘Mum on tour’ as Dette called me at one of the Cross Countries will do the best she can and, with Tracy’s offer of help, to cover my many holidays in warmer climates or pressure of work I am sure we will cope. Thank you Tracy for the offer, it is appreciated and it was a factor in accepting the position.

When I came to Wesham Road Runners for a couple of trial sessions. I came with a guy I ran with from the gym who was a better runner than me and we ran with Fartooslow but, on that occasion, he was not Fartooslow, he was Fartoofast for me and was I glad when John Rudd appeared at the back and slowed the pace down. He was recovering from injury. After that I ran with the girls, namely Tracy. The members made me feel very welcome and persuaded me to do the Cross Country at Leyland the following Saturday but I would need a club vest. So, fool that I am, I borrowed a vest and ran my first Cross Country that was dry underfoot. Little did I realise what would follow it in the coming months; although it does not fit the image, I seem to have been running in the cold, wet, and mud. My family and work colleagues cannot believe that I actually do these events until they look on our website photo gallery where the proof is. I do love it - in a sad sort of a way.

Written by: Kerry Eccles, Ladies Captain

Submitted 5^th March 2009

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor

MENS CROSS COUNTRY CAPTAIN‘S REPORT

Here go's…..

1st November, National XC Relays at Mansfield, saw Wesham RR's XC Comrades rubbing shoulders with the countries elite athletes. The Club fielded senior ladies and three senior men's teams. Conditions were dry under spike so bore little resemblance to what was to come at the first Mid. Lancs of the 2008 / 2009 Season, Burnley. Burnley's Townley Park, flat and muddy - who preferred the old course? Me for one. Still at least the spikes had been christened and the season under way.

November 29th, saw the usual clash with the Wesham 10k which meant that only one ladies and one men's teams represented Wesham at Liverpool's Sefton Park where again, the countries elite had chance to rub shoulders with Wesham RR. How lucky were they?

On to possibly the worst, but most convenient, course on the calendar, Lawson's Playing Fields, Blackpool, This was a mixture of swamp, which includes the interior of the tent, and road. What does one wear for such mixed terrain? Just to add insult to injury the weather was wet, windy and cold.

The county championships gave Wesham's chosen few their first crack at Witton Park's infamous ‘saucer’ with great individual success for both the girl's and boys in the vet's categories. Well done all. It was just the spur we needed to take us into the 2009 half of the season. The venue for this was Worden Park, Leyland; a real mixed bag of a course - fast, muddy, technical and dry with a nasty little dig thrown in for good measure. Something for everybody.

Sherdley Park, St. Helens, hosted this years Northern's; a tough track with ankle deep mud in places. It tested all our comrades to the max but, needless to say, all who took on the ‘beast’ came through muddied but triumphant. Turning into the home straight now with only three more hurdles to jump with Hyndburn’s recently revised course once again proving testing under foot through the wooded section. For me, like Burnley, they should have left well alone.

Parliament Hill Fields hosted this years Nationals, with London providing a magnificent back drop and glorious weather. It made the long journey south all worth while for the six senior men who turned out for the cause. Despite the fabulous weather, the course lived up to its fearsome reputation - a true XC course, a true test for all.

Blackburn and its ‘saucer’, the finale to yet another XC season. Again another revised course, the saucer gained a ‘partner in crime’ in the form of a cunning diversion straight up a hill side immediately after coming off the short, flat, gravel track section. It proved a real lung buster especially on the 4th lap.

Thirty four deservedly hungry comrades attended the annual XC Presentation Night at the Garden Restaurant. Despite your ‘Dear Leader’s’ first night nerves the night went down well. Congratulations to all who picked up prizes, many, many thanks to all who turned out during the season, believe me, it is appreciated.

To finish, you cannot help but notice I have deliberately steered clear of mentioning individuals but there are a few persons that I feel deserve a special mention. In no particular order, 1^st Alex, who year in, year out, runs every event on the XC calendar. 2nd Julie C, who faithfully led the ladies by example, turning out despite working late weekend shifts. Finally Dave Young this years Mud, Sweat and Spikes award winner. His tireless efforts both this season, and in previous years as Captain, sets an example and benchmark for us all.

Many thanks once again.

Written by: Your Dear Leader, Alan 

Submitted: 7^th April 2009

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor

LADIES CROSS COUNTRY CAPTAIN’S REPORT

Sadly another Cross Country Season has come to and end and I would like to say a big “Thank You” to all the ladies who have turned out this season. We have had a good season with promotion to Division 1. Well done to everyone who made that happen.

I would also like to thank Dette and Kerry who sacrificed the Wesham 10k to turn out for the Liverpool fixtures. It was the first time we have had a ladies team there for a while. Well done to everyone who won trophies and a big “Thank You” to Alan for organising Presentation Night – you’re a star!

I will look forward to next season and will hopefully be more organised. This has been a bit of a ‘learning curve’ this season.

Written by: Julie Cruse, Ladies XC Captain

Submitted: 25^th March 2009

Edited by Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor.

REPORT FROM TRACK & FIELD CAPTAIN

Mid-Lancs Track & Field 2009

Blackpool, Saturday, 18^th April 2009

The first meeting of the season is always exciting, and what way to get it underway with glorious, warm weather for a change. Usually, especially at Stanley Park, it's high winds and rain so this meeting meant that good times were in prospect.

Wesham got a good squad out with Charlie Pass making his debut for the club and just like he does on the road, we never get let down.

First race of the afternoon was the 800m with Charlie and Alex Rowe taking it on. Both started steady for the first lap before beginning to make up some ground for the final lap.

There was 3 hours to wait until the 1500m so managed to watch some of the kids show what they are made of. The one that stood out for me was Molly Betmead of BWFAC who had a great race where she and another girl was streets ahead of the rest in the race and on the last 200m managed to pull away unbelievably well to win. She was the smallest person in the race.

About five minutes before the 1500m was to start Les Cornwall turned up, only planning on running in the 3000m; he managed to change in record time to take part in the race with Charlie, Alex and Karl Lee. What a team this is, four Wesham runners in a track race! It was a steady start for the first 1¾ laps and Les went away with Charlie to stick with the leaders. Karl slipped back a bit on the last two laps due to lack of speed and wasn't quite up to the pace at the moment but kept pushing to the finish. Alex managed to overtake Karl late on and stepped up a gear to finish in a decent time. Charlie got away from Les in the last lap to keep with the leading pack but they were just a little strong in the last straight. There was just the 3000m to go now which wasn't too long to wait; this time Karl decided to miss this one out which left three to run.

Still at 5:30pm the sun was beaming down and it was still quite warm. The race started and, like other races, Wesham started near the back for the first two laps. Charlie began to find the pace more ideal for him and picked up really well, closing each runner down. Les and Alex were together for most of it and they managed to work together and pick themselves up through the field. Les was really struggling after four or five laps but dug in to stay with team mate Alex for as long as possible. From lap four, Charlie was making up a lot of ground on the front Kendal runners who were at the front but they were beginning to find it tough going. He was a little behind 3^rd place but incredibly pulled him back and went into another gear for the last lap and a half, reeling in the top two as they were really tiring and, on the last lap, Charlie was leading the race. That woken up another who tried to stop him getting away but Charlie managed to steer away and win in the last 150m. Alex was 2^nd in for Wesham and, finishing just behind, was Les. They finished the race 5^th and 6^th respectively.

A great day was had by all for the first track meeting of the season. All where happy with their runs and with the top up of a sun tan!

Special thanks go out to Sue Jones and Johanna Radcliffe for turning up to help officiating. I also hope that the next meeting will be more popular with the Wesham runners.

Full Results:

800m: 5^th Charlie Pass 2:07.7 (PB) 8^th Alex Rowe 2:17.1	3000m: 1^st Charlie Pass 9:33.1 5^th Alex Rowe 9:56.0 6^th Les Cornwall 10:04.1
1500m: 4^th Charlie Pass 4:25.3 (PB) 5^th Les Cornwall 4:33.0 6^th Alex Rowe 4:39.6 7^th Karl Lee 4:46.9	Next Meeting: Hyndburn, Saturday 30 May, 13:00hrs

Thanks

Written by: Karl – Track & Field Captain

Submitted: 21^st April 2009

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor