Sat 17 February 2018 17 Preston Harriers made the short trip onto the Bowland Fells for the annual Bleasdale Circle Fell Race. This short 5-mile race with 1280 feet of ascent was particularly heavy going this year after all the recent rain, although well worth the effort, just for the soup and cake provided after the race by host club Bowland Fell Runners.
First Harrier home in 6th place was Oliver Heaton (41:04), who is now regularly in the top 10 in local fell races. He was followed in 16th place by Tony Livesey (43:36) and Jon Green (44:13) in 20th. Dave Parkington (44:36) was next in 22nd place to take the 2nd MV50 prize, and Andrew Harrison (28th, 46:29). More over 50s followed with John Rainford (33rd, 47:14), John Griffiths (45th, 49:31), Steve Bamber (46th, 49:38), Roger Taylor (51st, 50:41) and Alan Martin (74th, 53:14).
A close battle with the ladies saw Lindsey Berends (79th, 54:50) finish 2 seconds ahead of newcomer Rachel Crowe (80th, 54:52). They were followed home by Mick McLoughlin (93rd, 59:06), Pete Carter (97th, 1:00:11), Jim Doherty (99th, 1:00:23), Vicki Sherrington (107th, 1:04:52) and Robyn Anderson (109th, 1:05:53).
Despite the heavy conditions Sharon Taylor (Helm Hill Runners) finished 13th in 43:02 to break the ladies course record by 12 seconds. First home was Steven Snape (Blackburn H.) in 37:15.