Matlock runners brave tough conditions to complete Spire Ultra ​​​​​​​

Matlock AC runners Christine Howard, Andy Hodkin, son Jake Hodkin and Dan Maskrey completed the Spire Ultra 34 miles in atrocious weather conditions on Saturday.
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It proved to be a gruelling baptism of fire for the three male runners who were making their debut over that distance.

Howard had a brilliant run to finish in 5 hours 49 minutes - a new Ladies’ course record, with the men crossing in just under 6 hours.

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Andy Hodkin said: “We set off in groups of six in horrible conditions, Christine was with us at that point, but we didn’t see her again after mile two.

"We went off track a couple of times, but in the main had no problems.

“The route was far more undulating than we anticipated and we soon realised it was better to walk up the hills bearing in mind the distance we had in front of us.

“The rain started to ease around mile 20 which made for a more pleasant end to the run."

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Howard then took part in the Ely 115 Squadron Duathlon, Cambridgeshire the next day.

Although a bit weary from racing Saturday she managed to finish fourth lady in 1 hour 38 mins 27 secs.

The Duathlon took place in Witchford, Ely, home of the Bomber 115 Squadron. A 5k run over the disused WWII airfield, a nice flat 25k bike route and back for another 5k run around the airfield.

Colin Davenport competd in the Tatton 10k at Tatton Park Cheshire over the weekend, with conditions once again very wett.

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Les Thurston completed the Kong Evening Mini Mountain Marathon on Saturday. The event had been constantly postponed due to Covid.

Thurston said: “It was my first real event for 14 months. The weather was abysman, the fields muddy and the lethally slippery limestone all added to the fun.”

He finished 54th out of 90 with 180 points.

Jennie Stevens and Alison Barrett, Steel City Striders were the 1st women home with 270 points and 1st overall was Keith Morgan, Ashbourne RC with 300 points

Midweek, rising fell running star, Max Wainwright made his way to Cumbria and had a great run at the Loughrigg Fell Race (6.4K/330m) on Weds evening starting at Rothay Park, Ambleside. He finished fourth in 27.42.