An ideal morning for a run around the picturesque lanes of Bowgreave and Catterall to raise funds for Garstang Community Academy where the event is based. The race leaves the school heading down Garstang Road then turns left into Calder House Lane, another left down Dimples Lane and back onto Garstang Road. After going over the brow of the hill the runners had lots of support as they went past the school, this time continuing on towards Catterall following the circuit into Stubbins Lane. Just beyond the motorway bridge the runners turned into Smithy Lane; marshalling here was Steph Roe, one of the Harriers’ outstanding middle distance runners of a few years ago, helping out for her old Alma Mater. This is a good flat part of the course and a good steady pace can be maintained as the course turns towards Sandholme Mill. The undulations begin here and then at Ringing Hill another left into Ray Lane, up over the motorway, past the Kenlis Arms, up over the canal bridge and a respite before Brunna Hill on tired legs. About a quarter mile further is the turn for the finish up the hill into the school.
The first Club Road Championship race of 2017 saw fourteen Harriers taking part. They were led home by an in-form Rob Affleck who posted a good time for that course of 32.34, 15 seconds clear of the next runner. A fairly close run by two newish Harriers, Niall Higham (18th) in 38.02 followed by Oliver Heaton (23rd) in 38.22. The next pair having a close tussle were Dougie Potter (64th) in 41.09 with Andy Acklam (66th) in 41.26. Alan Appleby (134th) was next, chip timed at 45.14. Another pair followed; Vicki Sherrington (245th) was pleased with her time of 52.01 and Dorothy Parkes (248th) just missed catching her in the gallop to the finish in 52.11. Phil Lakeland (291st) running some of that Christmas spirit off posted 54.25 with another pair, Mel Howarth (312th) in 55.12 chased by Felicity Cross (316th) in 55.21. Olga Wiggins (382nd) had a good run in 59.51 followed by Nizam Ismail (398th) in 1.00.18 just missing that sub hour. He was followed by a gallant Kari Edwards (457th), finishing in 1.09.05. 480 runners finished the race.