Sun 9 Dec 2018, Longridge
A sunny morning welcomed the runners for the long-established Longridge 7 Xmas Pudding Race. Running since the early 1980’s this race still attracts large fields. Rob Grantham (Pensby Runners) won in 41:10. Standards have dropped since the early years, with the 1986 race being won, on an unchanged course, 4 minutes faster and the first 17 runners finishing inside this time.
It was a nice change after the heavy downpours at the Mid Lancs Cross Country League race the day before. Most Preston Harriers having preferred the Saturday mud to the hills up Longridge Fell. Of the few Preston Harriers turning out first home was Dougie Potter (29th, 48:13) followed by Andy Acklam (54th, 51:40), Craig McDougall (65th, 53:01), Andy Lea (91st, 56:00) and Laura Conn (110th, 57:16).
Doing both races was Olga Wiggins (216th, 1:05:21) with Dean Kirby (226th, 1:05:47) not far behind. Ian Patterson (249th, 1:08:11) finished next with Julie Tyrer (289th, 1:10:41) the final Harrier home in a field of 411 runners.
