Worthington 5

A night for the Ladies
Over a course that has arguably the most challenging start and the best finish on the local road racing circuit, the Worthington 5; it was a night when the Club’s women took centre stage.
Louise Insley, making an all too rare appearance in Club colours, led the way with a stunning 2^nd place finish in the women’s race in a time of 30.55. As equally impressive was the performance of Christina Cooper, who continued her season long improvement, with a hard run 4^th place in 36.13. Carolyn Ife and the irrepressible Kath Johnson completed the women’s team finishers with solid performances of 46.55 & 55.45 respectively.
In the men’s race Andy Hawtin again led the way home with an 11^th place finish in the impressive time of 30.00. From a team perspective there was then excellent packing from the next 4 finishers with Andy Orme (32.33), Shane Chapman (32.54), Paul Chapman (33.52) & Jack Leafe (33.57) all finishing in the top 40 in the men’s race. Not that far behind was Rob Lower, Steve Leafe and Gavin Horton who were separated by only 5 positions in times of 35.14, 35.21 & 35.30 respectively. For Gavin it was something of a bittersweet night.  After thinking he’d made a breakthrough in his last race he was disappointed with his performance on this occasion. A disappointment made worse when he had to seek post race treatment on an injury that hampered him during the race. Another making a very welcome first appearance since the cross country season, Adrian Middleton, was next across the finishing line in 37.39 followed by the ever improving Steve Fowler in 38.24 and Tony Phillips in 40.03. Club Chairman, Dave York, sporting an excellent sun tan, was next to finish in 42.48 edging out Tim Argent, who on this occasion, got much the better of his mentor Roger Barraclough, as finishing times of 43.21 & 58.33 confirm.
Great to see so many runners turn out for a Championship race and just as importantly recording excellent times in the process.  Don’t forget we are still only halfway through this year’s Championship so you still have time to complete the requisite 7 qualifying races (current standings will be updated after the Gate Gallop).  For those going to the Gate Gallop on Sunday suggest we meet on the GBLC car park at 9.30.