Sandbach Striders

It has been yet another varied week of races for the members of Sandbach Striders running club. 
Sandbach Striders at Congleton parkrun

Twelve members ran the free weekly Congleton parkrun at Astbury Mere, joining three other members who helped out as volunteers. Rachel Green and Rachel Collett both earned themselves new personal best times. The full results were as follows:

19:29 Tony Taylor
20:23 Andy Thomas
20:41 Nick Hogan
22:58 Michael Escolme
22:58 Terry Coppenhall
23:17 Andrew Gibson
24:22 Rachel Green
24:44 Jason Bulley
25:47 Denis Culloty
30:01 Darren Varley
30:55 Tracey Hale
33:30 Rachel Collett

Francis Gilchrist ran the Vale of Clywd Half-marathon, a race made siginifcantly more difficult by heavy winds and hailstones. Francis finished in a respectable 1:43:30.

The Oulton Park 10k is orgainised to raise funds for St Luke’s Hopsice. Three Striders participated including new Strider Katie Payne. Katie crossed the line in 58:48, whilst Elaine finished in 58:49 a new PB, shaving 42 seconds off her previous.  Matt finished in 51.30 a new PB and 3:48 minutes faster than his previous 10k best.
Matt, Katie and Elaine at the Oulton Park 10k
Two other 10k events took place at the weekend. Firstly, the Newcastle Dales Dash which is an annual multi-terrain race across the reclaimed coal mining landscape west of Newcastle-under-Lyme. The route of the race takes in most of Apedale, now a Community Country Park with woodlands, meadows and pools. 
Tony at the Newcastle Dales Dash
The race then takes a turn around Lymedale, once site of the famous Brymbo pit but now a solar panelled business park with wetlands and fishing ponds incorporated. Tony Taylor and Heather Carter ran the event finishing in 26th and 29th place overall in times of 44:52 and 45:25 respectively. Heather also finished as 3rd lady overall.


Heather 3rd lady at the Newcastle Dales Dash
In Crewe, Steve Farnell donned his Christmas outfit and ran the Queen's park 4.5k fun run, capping off a very successful running season in which he has earned a personal best time at every major distance.
Steve accompanied by his two daughters at the Queen's Park fun run
At Tatton Park it was the Yuletide Yomp 10k a popular event which raises funds for the David Lewis Centre, Cheshire East Crossroads and East Cheshire Hospice. Despite a very muddy course and a smattering of Christmas fancy dress each of the Striders recorded an impressive time.
Isobel, Cheryl, Christiane and Perry at the Yuletide Yomp
The full results were:

48;19 Mat Simister
48:27 Alan Wilcox
50:50 Jan Peake
55:07 Cheryl Hutchins
55:55 Christiane Bunte
56:11 Lucy Darling
57:18 Jo Smith
01:01:42 Perry Wyatt
01:04:20 Isobel Bennett

Don't forget the Mulled Wine run on Wednesday night for all members. Details are on Facebook and have been sent out via the club email.