Stainland Lions athletes race to success in prestigious marathon events
Stainland Lions runners have been out and about round the country competing in a number of events in the past week.
Trish Hallowell had to contend with Scotland’s second hottest day of the year as she joined around 9,900 runners in the Edinburgh Marathon, tackling the route through Musselburgh, Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Port Seton before turning at Gosford Estate and heading back for the finish.
Despite the conditions, Trish dug deep to complete the marathon in 6:05:31.
In the Edinburgh Half Marathon, Allison Bamford was among a field of around 10,000 runners.
Starting at Potterrow, the course wound through Edinburgh before heading out towards Musselburgh and back with Allison completing the race in 2:44:28.
The second round of the Yorkshire Veterans Athletics Association Grand Prix took place in the stunning surroundings of Kirkstall Abbey, with a six-mile course featuring riverside paths, woodland trails and a few gentle climbs to keep everyone honest.
The Lions once again turned out in force – and came away with an impressive haul of age-category honours.
Chris Hall led the team home with a superb run, finishing ninth overall in 37:31 and claiming second in the MV40.
Not far behind, Margaret Beever continued her remarkable season, finishing as second female overall and first FV45 in 40:24.
More podium performances followed with Bill Johnson second MV60; Steve Hallam third MV65; Lorraine Naylor second FV55; and Helen Hudson third FV55.
Lions results: Chris Hall 37:31, Richard Hand 40:19, Margaret Beever 40:24, Damien Pearson 41:15, Bill Johnson 42:31, Andy Baird 42:38, Mark Pottinger 43:15, Jim Harris 44:20, Leon Severn 45:06, Steve Hallam 47:45, Lorraine Naylor 49:13, Helen Hudson 50:04, Ian Johnson 51:18, Helen Armitage 51:20, Simon Rawnsley 51:20, Martin O’Brien 52:02, Maria Harrow 52:14, Mark Preston 54:22, Yvonne Morton 55:00, Julie-Ann Scott 1:00:26, Paul Butterfield 1:02:49.
There were strong performances throughout the team, demonstrating the depth of talent across the Lions’ veteran ranks.
Three Lions crossed the border into Lancashire for the Dovestone Diamond, a scenic and undulating race offering a little bit of everything.
With all proceeds supporting Oldham Mountain Rescue, runners were not only taking on a challenging course but helping a worthy cause too.
Leading the Lion trio home was Andy Earnshaw in 49:31, followed by Jim Harris in 50:45 and Mark Wearmouth in 53:01.
Manchester was buzzing on Sunday as around 38,000 runners lined up for the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run Half Marathon, with four Lions joining the crowds.
Starting on Portland Street and finishing on Deansgate, the route takes in many of the city’s landmarks, including Old Trafford, Salford Quays and The Lowry. Add in live music, packed cheer zones and thousands of spectators and the atmosphere was every bit as memorable as the miles themselves.
Clayton Cutter led the Lions home in a strong 1:46:46, closely followed by Naomi Edwards, who crossed the line in 1:47:38. Also representing the club were Kate Wilson (2:13:49) and Christine Cliffe (2:48:22).
Closer to home, two Lions took on the Colne Valley 10k starting and finishing at Leymoor Cricket Club after a route that loops through Longwood and towards Outlane Golf Course.
Martin O’Brien continued his excellent run of age-category performances, finishing in 58:07 and claiming third MV65. Sue Cash also enjoyed a successful morning, finishing in 1:06:07 and securing second FV55.