Do it again: Yes, but possibly do Lake Vyrnwy 13.1 instead next year, (it was full this year). Or rather I didn’t enter in time!

Scenery: 5 Great views of Salwick nuclear reactor

PB potential: Yes, but not today (to hot)

Atmosphere: Good - 8. I think Alan Glasgow and Trevor Rayner were at the Hand and Dagger shouting encouragement and Joanne Frodsham at the finish. All the marshals were also encouraging.

Organisation: 9 - Though bit of a panic at the end trying to find a first aider for a collapsed runner at the finish line.

Value: 10 - £6 pre entry/£8 on the day (includes £1 donation to Wesham Rehab) Good quality T-shirt to all finishers. Wished I’d pre – entered. Organiser Pat Wright lives round the corner.

Beginner Friendly: 9

Had a warm up down the canal – leaving my son, Levon teaching Elaine Bertenshaw how to play pool in the Salwick Club! Levon found a pound coin. It’s like finding a £20 pound note to an 8 year old!

It took me a mile to catch up Joanna Goorney and I don’t think I passed El Sweeno till about four and a half miles. It was only the heavy breathing of Lytham’s Emily Dennis that enabled me to maintain my impetus over the last 1.5 miles. I tried to catch young Simon Barker, (I worked in the Bank with his dad), but he was to fast for me; the consolation was beating Terry Webster of North Fylde, (sorry Terry), whilst trying to catch Simon. Had a drink and a natter at the finish. I felt I did enough to get under 40, but I’d done 40:31. Malc Eadie’s time was also a bit down. Brother Bill Eadie limped home with a sore calf and must be doubtful for next weeks Vets Relays at Newcastle. The Kirkham 10K seems slightly tougher to our 10k with one or two small hills. Steve Myerscough was well chuffed with his 35:58 and 2^nd Team prize (a P.B. if you discount The Beaverbrooks Fun Run).

Michaela (50:44) sprinted in with Derek Goodenough (50.47) and also did tonight’s Handicap in a respectable time. Everyone, (including myself of course), is pleased she’s back running and Michaela was touched by all the encouragement she received. (Thank you!)

Elaine was just about to “hand over” Levon , when Chris Whitlock followed Joanna Goorney into the finish funnel and then collapsed, not with exhaustion, but dehydration we thought. A magnificent Preston lady took charge, (Sarah Gohil), and Dave Waywell could see Chris was in good hands and told us not to crowd Chris. We then looked out for his partner, Lisa. Four ambulances arrived, (two from inside BNFL). They carried out tests on Chris and took him off to hospital for further checks. Lisa followed the ambulance in the paramedic car.

On the way home, Michaela, Levon and I went in the maize maze at Singleton.

1^st Male: Mike Whyatt (Garstang) 33.25

1^st Female: Sarah Jarvis (Ilkley) 38:42 (32^nd overall)

47 Wesham Runners – too many to list, (sorry)! See Results Section.

Footnote

Chris and Lisa were down tonight watching the Club Handicap. Chris has been told to take it easy for a while whilst he awaits further tests, but knowing Chris, I can see him running the Great North Run with Lisa!

Written by: Martin Bates

Submitted: 12^th September 2006

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor