2023 saw 95 athletes compete in at least one of the events which make up the Preston Road Race Club Championships - a big well done to all for their efforts.
The events this year comprised of:
1 x 5k – choice of Power of 5k, Lancaster; Morecambe 5k, Mid Cheshire 5k
1 x 10k – choice of New Longton 10k, Wilmslow 10k, Knutsford 10k
1 x 10 miler (excludes V60) – choice of Caldervale10 Mile, Blackpool Prom 10 Mile, Riverside 10 Miler
Plus 3 x Interclub races (excluding Preston)
In the men’s open category, first prize went once again to Sam Evans.
Sam wins the title for the second time and continues to go from strength to strength. This year Sam has achieved personal bests across 5k, 4m, 10k and half marathon: a fantastic season!
First runner up prize goes to young Luke Suffolk who replicates his achievement as runner up in 2022, also gaining personal bests along the way in the 5k, 4mile and 10k events. Luke has also won the Inter Club Junior title. As Luke is still an U20 athlete he has a very promising future in the sport and we look forward to seeing more from him over the next year.
Finally, in third place we have Chris Williams who - as a V35 - has had a solid
season and is keeping the youngsters on their toes.
In the women’s open category, Cathy Flitcroft retained the overall title with some great performances. Cathy has been an inspiration as female captain and we look forward to her motivating, friendly and supportive approach over the next year too as the women's squad goes from strength-to-strength. Cathy has also retained the female vet-50 title and she has also won as her individual age group title in this year Inter Club series. You go girl!
Following on, Julie Tyrer has taken a well-deserved second spot representing Preston at every opportunity. In addition Julie holds onto the female vet-40 title, for the fourth time,
which makes her the most successful female vet-40 in the competition’s history. Wow!
Our male vet-40 champion is Stuart Nixon who wins the men’s title for the first time after joining Preston in 2022 and achieving a year of personal bests. We are glad you found us, Stuart.
In the vet-50 category Steve Hallas has been crowned men’s champion for the first time of asking since turning 50, holding off the challenge from last year’s winner Dave Watson. Steve has also won as his individual age group title in this year Inter Club series.
Finally, Kevin Hesketh picked his races wisely and won his first ever men’s vet-60 title, previously winning the V50 title in 2009. This was another highly contested category with Kevin being challenged all the way by Alan Metcalf.
Fixtures for the 2024 will be published later this year and we hope to see many more endurance runners giving it a go over the next year.
Finally, feedback is really important to the club so if you have any ideas or input as to how Preston Harriers can improve these Championships or increase involvement please
drop an email to cathyflitcroft@sky.com or send a message via the website.