Three teams of runners from Beverley Athletic Club travelled to Birchwood in Warrington last Saturday to take part in the Start Fitness Northern Athletics Autumn Road Relays.
The event attracted a large number of athletes from all over the north of England and the competition was fierce.
The men’s race was a six stage relay with each athlete running a 6 km circuit on quiet roads on an industrial estate. Beverley Athletic Club fielded two teams.
The very strong A team finished in 54th place out of 95 teams and with an aggregate time of 2:07:18. Rob Snaith ran the first leg of the flat two-loop course finishing in a commendable 20:04. He was followed by Andy Johnson and then team captain Stuart Little. Steve Peacock took the fourth leg and unfortunately lost valuable time when he got lost after being sent along part of the ladies’ course. Matt Chadwick ran a strong fifth leg and then handed over to James Pearson who flew round the course to record the fastest individual time for the team (19:33).
The B team finished in 86th place with an aggregate time of 2:25:11. There were notable performances from Andy Tate, Neil Bant, Lucas Meagor and Steve Hadley.
The women’s event was a four stage relay with each athlete running 4.9k. Beverley ladies ran consistently with the time difference between the fastest and the slowest being only 47 seconds. Sam Allen ran the first leg. Competing in her first road relay, she had a brilliant run and recorded the fastest time for a Beverley lady, finishing in 21:02. Jayne Dale ran a solid second leg and then handed over to Francesca Giuntini who consolidated the team position. Team captain Kate Ladell ran an excellent final leg and Beverley ladies finished with a combined time of 1:26:21 and in 39th place out of 48 teams.
Morpeth Harriers & AC won the ladies’ event in 1:07:46. The men’s race was won by Leeds City AC in 1:48:39.
Beverley Athletic Club finishing times:
Men’s A Team 02:07:18
Rob Snaith 20:04; Andy Johnson 21:59; Stuart Little 21:46; Steve Peacock 22:21; Matt Chadwick 21:35; James Pearson 19:33.
Ladies 01:26:21
Sam Allen 21:02; Jayne Dale 21:49; Francesca Giuntini 21:45; Kate Ladell 21:45.
Reported by Kay Farrow | Photos by Beverley Athletic Club
