Chorley Harriers runners made a start to June as hot as weather in the Haigh Hall 4 mile series. Tom Belcher continued to show great promise and was not only the first Harrier home but also took the Junior Mens gold. He was followed by Martin Quinn and Paul Jackson before Steve Thomas and Graham Schofield also got amongst the prizes with 1st and 2nd place in the Mens V55 category. Blind runner Michael Ogle was led round by club mate Ian Crabtree and won the Mens V60 medal.
Four runners made the trip up the Lake District Fells once again, this time for the Ennerdale Race which covers an epic 23 miles and involves 7500ft of climbing. This years race was a counter in the English Fell Racing Championships and Mark Elllithorn put in a great performance to finish in 75th spot against some of the countries top mountain men. Gary Platt seems determined not to let his London Marathon fitness not go to waste and was next to finish. Jackie Redmayne then followed shortly before Paul Jackson completed the running.
Closer to home Dawn Atkins ran the final race of the Chernobyl 5k Series in Walton-le-Dale. Dawn was the first of two Harriers and was delighted to grab the ladies 1st prize for the series overall. Dave Hargreaves also enjoyed the local shorter run.
Mark Ellithorn’s efforts in the Lakes did little to stop him excelling once more, this time on the roads in the Burnley Boys Club 10k. The Vet 45 took 4th place overall and 1st place in his category. Jackie Redmayne also running the race decided Ellithorn shouldn’t be the only to claim honours and performed well to take 1st Ladies Vet 40.
On the same evening a trio of runners took part in the Horwich Jubilee 5 mile race. Tom Belcher put in another outstanding run to take 16th place overall, covering the course in 31.27. Dawn Atkins then followed in 33.35 ahead of Graham Schofield in 36.53.
Local runner and British Fell running Champion once again won the Two Lads Fell Race on Winter Hill, with brother Danny in 2nd well clear of the chasing pack. Martin Quinn was first home for the Harriers and was pleased with his top 30 finish. Nicola Raby wasn’t far behind and was 3rd lady overall.
Dawn Atkins won another 1st prize, this time at the Great Hill Fell Race in Brinscall. Martin Quinn was in action again at the same race and finished ahead of club mate Daryl Peter.
The month was brought to a close with Daryl Peter again running at the Astley Park 5k and managed to take 1st place again in the ladies Vet 50 category. Phil Iddon was also in action and was over the moon to take 3rd place overall. Several junior runners also ran the 1 mile Park race. Michael McKay just managed to get the better of Dylan Grindley before Anna Hopkin and Leah Nelson-Verrechia crossed the line. Ashley Rogers and Charlie Vickers then crossed the line together leading a continuous stream of the black and white vests of Alex Latham, Fionnuala Hart, Jack Wilson, Lorgan Hart, Katie Hebblethwaite, Meghan Anderson and Jon Linford.
By Dan Edwards