Joe Steward, fresh from from 16th place the World Uphill Mountain Running Championships in Thailand, was a convincing winner over this varied course of playing fields and woodland, held under pleasant autumnal conditions.
Steward was in an early lead group with Salford teammate, winner of match one Callum Rowlinson, plus Chorlton V40 Gavin Tomlinson on the first of the short laps.
By the start of the third long lap, the Salford Harrier used his hill running to pull clear of the chasing duo.
Sale’s Nigel Martin moved steadily through the field to finish second, in a sprint finish with Tomlinson, who was some 30m to the good from Rowlinson.
Salford took the team spoils, ahead of close rivals Sale.
Over 550 men completed the course as the league goes from strength to strength.
Sarah Dufour-Jackson made her intentions clear of the first short lap quickly gaining a 40m advantage from the chasing pack, from the field of almost 400.
The long -striding Vale Royal runner increased her lead to 12 seconds by the tape. Naomi Kingston of Altrincham closed quickly to finish second, around 80m ahead of Sale’s Beatrice Cordingley. Cordingley led Sale to another team win, continuing their impressive streak.
Beth Reid, of MMU was the first U20 home, with Charlie Roberts (St Helens) winning the award for the leading U20 male. First V40, in sixth was Laura Lombard of Salford Harriers.
Noa Vaughan of Eyri, was an emphatic U17 victor, coming home over 40 seconds to the good ahead of Benjamin Hall.
Freya Griffiths came home first by the proverbial country mile, with close to a minute’s advantage from Nia Griffiths.
Esme Heavey was able to enjoy a 200m winning margin from Emma Purdy in the U15 girls’ event. Jack Marwood of Warrington pulled 70m clear of Jay Hutchinson in the latter stages of The U15 race.
A large field in the U13 girls’ race saw Oonagh McManus of Sale gain a 30m gap over Maisie McGurk at the tape.
U13 boys’ Adrian White of Trafford and Jake Ireland of Macclesfield fought right to the line, with the Trafford man getting the decision.
Under 11 winners were Bobby McEvoy of Liverpool and Eve Beddow of Wirral.
The league would like to thank host club Chorlton Runners, all officials & marshals….and of course sponsors Run North West, Athlete Matters, Colgate Palmolive & City of Manchester Athletics for their continued support.
The next match takes place December 3rd at Heaton Park.
Report courtesy of Steve Green
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