Last Wednesday night saw the premier race of the annual Welcome Tavern 5K series. Due to logistical issues the race venue was effectively switched to Vernon Carus Sports Club with a tweaked course, which received positive reviews. Preston Harriers’ dominance was evident over the opening stages of the race with Andrew Benson leading the rapid charge. As the leading pack ramped up their cadence the lead changed with Gary Pennington applying pressure throughout to attain 16.07 for a mighty 2nd place with Gethin Butler in close contention for 3rd in 16.17, ChrisTully 4th (16.24), Jason Parker 5th (16.33), and Andrew Benson 6th in 16.37. Richard Smith’s rich vein of strength continued with 17.37 and he was pushed all the way by Steve Hallas (17.44), Andrew Tranter (20.50), Russell Codd (20.56) and Michael Brown (22.34).

Preston Harriers’ ladies were also a presence to be acknowledged on the night with the mighty Suzanne McGarry storming the line in 21.06 for 1st lady, super vet Marian Hesketh 21.57 2nd lady 1st FV60 and an ever improving Victoria Duckett 22.10 3rd Lady 1st FV35. The ladies continued to stream through the line with Dorothy Parkes (25.08), Judith Deakin (28.45) 1st FV65, Angela Tranter (28.52), Sue Wickham (29.24) and Kari Edwards (32.22) to round off a fine team performance.