The forecast was for prolonged and heavy rain, but very fortunately there was only a thirty minute spell of lighter rain at the Leigh Sports Centre for the fifth race of the Mid Lancs season. The courses were a mix of grass, trail, a small stretch of tarmac and some very muddy ground! In the senior ladies` race, Harriers placed the first four team counters in the top eight and therefore managed a team win over another strong Lancaster University outfit to take a one point lead in the Division One table with the final fixture at Burnley to follow on the 12th March. Over what was billed as a 6k course, Emma McColm led from the gun and won in 20.36. Carla Davies, feeling slightly under the weather but determined to run, was 2nd in 21.04. Chloe Lam-Moores finished in 7th place and Jamie Robinson was a good 8th. Kate Lakeland was 30th with Katie Johnstone (88th), Marian Hesketh (91st), Sue Wickham (107th) and Julie Tyrer (116th) all competing.
The senior men also had a team win, over an advertised 10k route, with Chris Livesey the highest placed finisher in 4th. Wes Wilkinson had a strong run for 12th spot, Chris Tully was a fine 15th, and Will Metcalf was 31st. Jack Smith in 42nd & Luke Suffolk in 29th completed the A team counters. James Douglas of Border Harriers won the race.
Alan Appleby in the vet 70 race, included within the senior women race had some stiff competition as the race had been included within a Northern Masters championship series and he finished in 4th place.
