ECCA Saucony Cross Country Relays, Mansfield, Saturday 6th November 2021
The national cross country relays always attract the best runners from around the country, eager to test themselves on the fast course at Berry Hill Park in Mansfield. Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers were the 2021 winners in a time of 1:02:58 and the Preston Harriers team of Wes Wilkinson, Will Metcalf, Robert Worsey and Paul Jeffries all ran well against top class opposition to finish 95th out of 147 complete teams.
Through the Villages race, Sunday 7th November 2021
This popular race attracted a field of 275 finishers. The route covers a scenic and hilly route of 8.4 miles around the lanes of Wheelton, Brinscall, Abbey Village and Withnell. First Harrier to finish was Phil Marsden, who placed 16th in 54:21, and he was closely followed by David Parkinson, 20th in 54:45. Steve Mort was the 3rd Harrier to complete the race, and the 3 together won the Male Vets team prize. Emma Essex-Crosby was 3rd W40.
British Masters 5km road race, Barrowford, Sunday 7th November 2021
The British Masters 5km championship normally takes place as part of the Horwich Festival of Running in June, but after this was postponed twice due to the pandemic, a special race was organised at the Steven Burke Cycle Hub at Barrowford. The weather was cold and very windy, but this did not deter the athletes, who came from all corners of the UK to pit themselves against their age group peers. In the women’s race, Marian Hesketh was 3rd FV65 and in the race for men aged 65 and over, Kevin Hesketh was 6th MV65 in a time of 20:41. Alan Metcalf posted a time of 19:46 and David Watson ran 18:49.