Hollingworth Lake 5K and Golden Mile Fun Run

Hollingworth Lake 5K men's race
Billy McCartney (3rd), Ian McBride (1st) and Mike Flatley (2nd)

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Hollingworth Lake attracted 180 runners from all over the north west as it played host to a 5K road race and a one mile fun run this morning (Monday 21 April).

Winners of the men's and women's 5K were Ian McBride and Bev Simmons. Winner of the Golden Mile fun run was Eddie Martin. Daniel Bramhall was the first of the wheelchair racers to the finish line.

The 5K race started at Hollingworth Lake Visitor Centre in the bottom car park, then up the car park and right onto the road passing the Wine Press (the old Fishermans Pub). Once the runners reached the entrance of The Beach car park they did a small loop up and around Milnrow Road, cutting back down Milbury Drive before running on the track around the back of the Lake round to Rakewood Road and then the long run back to the Visitor Centre to finish.

The fun run also started at Hollingworth Lake Visitor Centre then up the car park and right onto the road passing the Wine Press (the old Fishermans Pub), around to The Beach and then looping back to come back to the Visitor Centre to finish.

Race organiser, John Lloyd of Cannonball Events said: "This is the first year we have hosted a race at Hollingworth Lake and we chose to do so because it is very scenic, fairly flat and safe and so ideal for road racing. We want to try and get as many people involved in running as we can."

Along with the able-bodied runners, there was also a disabled race with entrants sporting racing wheelchairs costing upwards of £4,000. One disabled competitor, Daniel Bramhall had travelled from Cheshire to take part. Daniel said: "It may seem a long way to come for a 5K race but I really enjoy doing road races."

Well known local runner, Andy Sullivan MBE, from Rochdale Harriers, was on hand with his loud hailer to encourage the runners and welcome them at the finish line. Talking as the fun runners crossed the line, Andy said: "It is great to see so many youngsters taking part, amongst them are the stars of the future."

Andy Sullivan

Winner of the men's 5K race was Ian McBride of Salford Harriers in 15 minutes 51 seconds; second was Mike Flatley of Middleton Harriers in 17 minutes seven seconds and third Billy McCartney of Salford Harriers in 17 minutes 12 seconds.

Winner of the women's 5K race was Bev Simmons of Salford Harriers in 19 minutes 12 seconds; second was Donna Cartwright of Bury AC in 20 minutes 22 seconds and third was Laura Hesketh of Blackburn Harriers in 20 minutes 27 seconds.

Of the wheelchair 5K racers, Daniel Bramall finished in 26 minutes 50 seconds; Catherine Stott in 27 minutes six seconds; Lottie Wilcox 30 minutes 19 seconds and Helen Gilham in 32 minutes 47 seconds.

Winner of the Golden Mile fun run was Eddie Martin of Halifax Harriers in six minutes 20 seconds. In second was Nathan Fryer of Salford Mets in seven minutes and third Isaac Wilkinson in seven minutes 16 seconds.

Proving that age is no barrier to keeping fit and running, there were 14 runners over the age of 60 and four of those were over 70: Marion Wilkinson finishing in 27 minutes 37 seconds; Keith Robson in 27 minutes 59 seconds; Rochdale Harriers veteran Brenda Robinson in 28 minutes 48 seconds and Ian Stansfield in 34 minutes 52 seconds.

In the men's team results, Salford Harriers took first place, second was Stainland Lions, third went to Todmorden Harriers, fourth was Rochdale Harriers and fifth Trawden AC.

The women's team results, Clayton-le-Moors took first place with Saddleworth Runners in second.

John Lloyd presented the awards and thanked the runners, the marshals, Hollingworth Lake Visitor Centre, The Wine Press (Race HQ) and Sue Milne of Rochdale Borough Council for their help in enabling him to stage the races.

Early morning mist hangs over the distant hills as the sun starts to burn through at Hollingworth Lake before the start of the 5K race and Golden Mile Fun Run