Sun 23 June 2019, Liverpool The penultimate 10k race in Preston Harriers road race championship this year was the Penny Lane Striders 10k held on Sunday 23rd June at the Riversdale Police Club in Aigburth, Liverpool. The fast course goes along the River Mersey Promenade and through Otterspool Park and then back to the Police Club to finish. Eleven Harriers made the trip to this well organised event which had great support and encouragement from the marshals as competitors ran the course.
The conditions appeared good, warm with a breeze down the prom, however as the run got underway it became quite hot and humid with the sun out and the warm breeze behind. At the turn around point at 4k, the ‘breeze’ became a strong warm headwind and runners were eagerly taking on board drink at the waterstations. After 6k the runners turned off the prom and into the park where the shade from the trees was greatly appreciated. It was here that Andy and Charlotte, two ex Harriers, provided great encouragement to the flagging Harrier contingent. It was back down the prom after leaving the park for about half a mile before turning at the huge red bull and up an incline to the finish at the club pavilion.
With ‘chip’ timing all 437 runners got an accurate 10k time for their endeavours as well as a nice technical T-shirt. Darren Kinder was first Harrier home in 43.35; he was hoping for around 40 minutes after putting in some good strong training but the conditions thwarted that. Next was Ashraf Kazee having a good steady run in 46.42. He was followed by Alan Appleby in 48.48 with Ian Bebbington next in 49.57. First Harrier lady was Dorothy Parkes in 54.27 with husband Stephen not too far behind in 55.30. Susan Ashcroft was next with a solid performance in 56.24 and Shelley Audis-Riddell running 59.32. Maureen Kirkby followed in 1.02.20 being chased by Sue Wickham in 1.03.47 and Kari Edwards completed the posse in 1.12.52.
Winner of the race was Jon-Jo Doherty in 34.11 of St Helens Sutton AC, only six runners ran sub 36, a testament to the conditions.