Wed 2nd April 2025, Stanley Park, Blackpool
What a start! 2nd April saw the first race in the 2025 Inter Club series which is run over 7 events hosted by 7 local clubs – Preston Harriers, Blackpool Wyre and Fylde, Lytham St Anne’s, Thornton Clevelys, Wesham, Chorley and Red Rose.
This year’s first event was 4 miles and was held at Stanley Park, Blackpool on a bright sunny evening. With a total of 374 runners on the start line, 80 of these being from Preston Harriers the challenge was on for Preston Harriers to defend their titles in both the male and female team categories.
The race itself did not disappoint, in the men’s race 5 Harriers finished in the top 10. Rob Danson 1st (19:55), Joe Monk 2nd (20:12), George Rainford (U20) 5th (21:31) Luke Suffolk (U23) 6th (21:33) and Martin Phillips 8th (21:38). Making up the Mens team of 10 were Matthew Farrier 21st, Josh Parratt 24th, Russ Mullen (V35) 27th, Andy Cottam (V45) 28th and Chris McCarthy (V35) 32nd which was enough to take the Men’s team win closely followed by Wesham.
In the Ladies race, with 5 to count for the team, 5 finishers in the top 10 made for a convincing Preston Harriers Ladies team win. Katie Littlefair 2nd (25:13), Eilidh Brown 4th (25:32), Amelia Websdale 5th (25:41), Emma Watson 6th (F35) 26:04 and India Thomas (U23) 8th (26:30).
With an obvious sea of blue on the start line it was great to see such a large turnout reflecting the depth of the squad of athletes currently at the Harriers. Even those not in the scoring team doing their bit by retricting the points available to other teams.
The next event is scheduled for 8th May at Lytham.