BECKY Harrison was a popular winner of the Cheadle 5 road race on Sunday.
The Cheadle Running Club member came home in 30 minutes and 52 seconds, improving on last year’s time by 43 seconds, when she finished runner-up.
Trentham’s Debbie Thomas came second in 30.56, with unattached runner Carol Higgs, from Wetley Rocks, third in 33.07.
Boalloy’s Carl Moulton won the men’s race in a time of 27.17, just two seconds ahead of Cory Parker, of Burton AC, who made him battle all the way.
Local runner Luke Boulton took third place in 27.34, followed by City of Stoke runners Callum Dillon (27.41) and Carl Platt (28.21), fourth and fifth respectively, and Macclesfield Harriers Chris Bentley sixth.
There was success for Cheadle runners Dave Allen and Carl Astley in the veteran age categories, the former winning the 45 veterans in a time of 29.31, and the latter finishing second in the 40 veterans in 30.57.
Paul Stoddard just missed out on a prize in the 45 veterans by taking fourth place.
Elsewhere in the veteran categories, Cheadle competitor Alan Lewis, who represents Trentham Running Club, was the winner of the 70-plus veterans category for the third successive year.
Race director Mick Beardmore said he was really pleased with the entry of runners,which has only been bettered on three occasions in the history of the race.
He also expressed his thanks to the race sponsors, Stoddards Coaches, and Derek Fower Transport, who have supported the race since its inception in 1990.
Rob Stubbs, of New Life Trees and Landscapes, and John Heath & Sons also sponsored this year’s race, Cheadle Fair Trade Group supported both the fun run and the main race.
Mick Beardmore added: “I would also like to thank the many people who again helped to marshal the event, as well as St. John Ambulance and RAYNET who helped out around the course, and not forgetting all of the helpers in the start/finish area.”
The next race to be staged by Cheadle Running Club will be the Cheadle 42 on July 14.
Cheadle Running Club times: 9 Dave Allen 29.31, 17 Rebecca Harrison 30.52, 19 Carl Astley 30.57, 23 Paul Stoddard 31.30, 50 Mark Stoddard 34.15, 56 Russell Williams 34.56. A full set of results is available at www.cheadlerunningclub.com.
