The Chester Motor Auctions - Chester Observer Half Marathon was blessed with a fine day for their event on Sunday.
Although the numbers for the half marathon were down on the expected total, numbers in the fun run were up on forecasted figures.
About 350 people ran in the half marathon with fun runners numbering around 400. Everyone felt the great atmosphere which surrounded the occasion with every finisher receiving a medal.
There were drink stations around the course and the only criticism was lack of volunteers, especially for the drink station on the finishing line.
As was expected winner of the half marathon was Helsby man Harry Clague who stormed home in 1 hour 06.29 minutes. Harry had recently won the Piccadilly Marathon and the Wirral Marathon.
Runners in the half marathon ranged in age from 17, the minimum age for competitors to over 60 years, comprising of members of athletic clubs and non-club runners. There were quite & few taking part from Wirral Athletic Club.
Second in the half marathon was Ian Corrin of South Liverpool Harriers who runs for England, finishing 2½ minutes behind the leader. The lady winner, Janet Littler of Helsby A.C. finished in 1.23.16, a worthy time on a hot day.
'There was a good quality field', said Mr. Jack Haslam one of the organisers. The second lady home was Pat Fenn (35) who was also the first lady veteran runner past the tape. Third was Marie Burke from Wirral.
The first veteran was David Jukes (40) from Nantwich and seventh overall, with a time of 1.14.23. The first 50 year old past the tape was John Wright, from Wallasey A.C. and the first over 60 years was Canadian Svenne Heitanan who was over here for the World Championships in Lytham, and had also travelled to Rome for the World Track & Field Championships. Svenne, from Vancouver, aged 65 years, came 94th overall.
Fun runners ranged from seven years old to adults, encompassing beginners and novices.
In the field were a couple of children from a Blacon Special School who made an 'excellent effort'. 'They were well supported and did finish. They were handily placed and received an ovation,' said Mr. Ralph Weedon, assistant organiser.
The winner, who entered on the day was Stan Ogden, in 20 minutes 20 seconds, who finished the race, took the trophy, and dashed off to catch a plane!
With him went the first lady home, a Ms. C. Kissack, who had also entered on the day!
Second in the fun run was C. Bolton in 22.10 minutes and third Carl Dodd, in 22.24 minutes - all good times.
Results
1. H. Clague, St. Helens, 1.06.29
2. I. Corrin, S. Liverpool, 1.08.59
3. J. Hartley, Clayton, 1.10.55
4. A. Jessop, St. Helens, 1.12.02
5. A. Boughey, Wallasey, 1.13.45
21. J. Wright, V50, Wallasey 1.19.07
22. B. Woolford, V45, 1.19.25
52. J. Kirby, V40, Wallasey, 1.24.09
56. D. Walton, Wallasey, 1.24.55
Fun Run Results
1. S. Ogden, 20.20
2. C. Bolton, 22.10
3. C. Dodd, Deeside, 22.24
4. L. Werner, L, 22.31
5. I. R. Griffiths, 22.39
6. No Name, 22.46
7. J. A. Downey, Wallasey, 22.58
Ends
Source - Chester Observer - Friday, 12/07/1985
Ref 1818