Rochdale Harriers dominate in local 10k race

The Rochdale 10K

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The Rochdale 10K was a resounding success this year, attracting a large number of entrants from over 30 running clubs. The local race, which is sponsored by JD Sports, was based in Springfield Park and took place on an uncomfortably hot and humid evening.

The race was won with over a minute to spare by Rochdale’s Matt Proctor. Matt completed the undulating course in 31 min 23 sec. This means that he has won all four of the main local races in 2011.

Matt’s brother David held back a little for other coming events, but still finished second in 32 min 32 sec. Dr Ian Grime of Newham and Essex Beagles, winner for the previous three years, was pushed back to third and clocked 32:36.

The ladies race was won convincingly by Rochdale’s Carly Needham in 36 min 11 sec. Next was Helen Fines of Vegan Runners (37:53) and one of Salford’s top female marathon runners, Hayley Kuyter, was third (37:59).

John Mayall from the Harriers commented: “Matt and Carly’s performances tonight were amongst the best we have seen on this course. They have been bettered only once this century, back in 2003 for the Men (Tomas Abyu, 31:00) and in 2000 for the ladies (Anne Buckley, 35:52)”.

The fastest juniors were in-form 15-year-old Jack Walsh (36:49) and 16-year-old Jaclyn Davison (45:25), both of Rochdale Harriers.

Over to the team events, and again Rochdale dominated. From the forty men’s teams taking part, Rochdale finished first. The counters were Matt Proctor (1st), David Proctor (2nd) and newcomer Chris Merchant who had an amazing race to take 8th position (35:53).

Of the 15 ladies teams, Rochdale were first again. The counters were Carly Needham (1st), Danielle Beard (8th) and Anna Blomfield (11th). The Rochdale’s ladies ‘B’ Team took third position with youngster Jaclyn Davison (13th), Hazel Carruthers (17th) and veteran Diane Winterburn (24th ) counting.

Anna Blomfield, Ian Aitchison and Kath Allison all won their veteran categories of 50, 55 and 60 respectively.

Derek Crewe, Ian R. Jackson and Sean Cordell took home the male veteran’s team prize for Salford Harriers.

John Mayall summed it up “The strength and depth of Rochdale’s athletic talent tonight was awesome. We dominated across the age and gender categories. It gave our athletes a real buzz to do so well on home turf”.

Results for members of Rochdale Harriers & A.C. were as follows:

1 Matt Proctor, 31:23; 2 David Proctor, 32:32; 8 Chris Merchant, 35:53; 10 Carly Needham (1st lady) 36:11; 11 Ian Roberts 36:19; 15 Jack Walsh (1st JM) 36:49; 17 Derek Simpson, 37:19; 52 Bernie Miller, 40:09; 57 Jon Lane, 40:16; 60 Ian Aitchison (1st MV55) 40:36; 65 Phillip Bennett, 41:04; 69 Nick Barton, 41:09; 71 Paul McGlynn, 41:15; 78 Ben Johnson, 41:49; 89 Kevin Fox, 42:33; 96 Danielle Beard, 43:06; 101 Norman Eames, 43:22; 104 Mark Catherall, 43:40; 111 Wesley Young, 44:02; 119 Anna Blomfield (1st FV50) 44:30; 123 Steve Leak, 44:59; 132 Jaclyn Davison (1st FJ) 45:25; 149 Hazel Carruthers, 46:48; 184 Diane Winterburn, 49:46; 187 Stephen Wild, 50:17; 228 Sarah Lewington, 54:48; 230 Lorraine Leary, 54:50; 249 Jill Nagle, 59:28; 262 Kath Allison (1st FV60), 64:54; 275 Catherine Unwin, 71:19.