Harrier’s hurry to win the Sotos

Preston Harrier Robert Affleck had to battle hard with Holmfirth’s David Turnbull before opening up a 13-season gap and winning in 33mins, 20secs.

Third and the first Fylde coast club runner was the ever-improving Robert Danson of Wesham Road Runners in 33.59.

Fourth and first veteran was Blackpool Wyre and Fylde’s Steve Waterhouse in 35.29.

The leading ladies ran together for two miles and then Joanna Goorney of Wesham made a decisive break.

She never looked like being caught, and although Red Rose runner Claire Bunce did close the gap slightly, Joanna’s tactics were spot on as she won by a ten-second margin in 39.52.

Caroline Betmead defied injury and showed gritty determination for third place, holding off a strong finish from Emma Lund of Wesham.

Bev Wright of Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde was first vet 50 and sixth overall.

The Burden Road Runners trio of Steve Nolan, Martyn Pollitt made up the winning men’s team, with Wesham’s Robert Danson, Alex Rowe and Lee Barlow a very close second.

Wesham Ladies upstaged the men by winning the team prize. Angela Colby, Emma Lund and Jonna Goorney were clear winners over Burden’s Kirsty Normanton, Isaline Kneale and Shirley Stavely.

Alex Rowe continues to dominate the V50 group, while Lytham Road Runners’ Graham Webster maintained his excellent form by winning in the V60 category in 39.22.

Leading V70 John Bradley, of BWF, still manages sub-45 times and training partner Mike Walsh, of Wesham, was first V80.

Winner Goorney watched her mother Hilary come home sixth V60 in the field of 262,

The race was preceded by a one-mile fun run won by fell runner James Lund, who managed to squeeze under six minutes. First girl for the third year running was Molly Betmead.