Sat 6 April, Barley Preston had a strong contingent of runners competing for the club, in a classic race that saw them climb up to virtually the top of Pendle, before being sent back down to the foot of the fell and ascend up its steep side to the trig point. First home for Preston was the ever impressive Oliver Heaton, who continues his fine run of form finishing 6th in 34:11min and just missing out on a medal position in his age category. A close battle between Andrew Harrison and John Griffiths saw Andrew edge the finish by 6 seconds, to come home 51st in 40:28min and John 52nd in 40:34min, the first Harrier Vet 50 over the line. Impressive runs by Joseph Sharples 41:38min (66th), Tony Livesey 41:50min (70th) and Roger Taylor 43:10min (83rd) were followed by fell stalwarts Roy Parkinson 47:58min (132nd) and Jim Doherty 50:31min (159th).
Next up were the women, with excellent runs from Robyn Anderson, who was first lady Harrier home in 51:03min (162nd), Vicki Sherrington 55:22min (187nd) and Olga Wiggins 57:30min (198th). Ben Higginson was the first Harrier Vet 60 to complete the course in a solid 1:00:29, closely followed by Jenny McDonald in a respectable 1:00:51. However, the performance of the day went to Pete McDermott who ran home in 1:04:35 to finish in 2nd place in the Vet 70 category and earn himself a Lancashire A.A Silver medal. Well done to all who ran and made the event so special. The next Preston Harriers Championship race is Coniston on the 4th May.