Dave Waywell even got the weather spot on at the Sweatshop 10 at Bispham. The cool sunny day with hardly a breeze made conditions almost perfect for running the two lap course, the only slight concern was in not getting caught by a hook as the fishermen were out in force as the tide came in.The race incorporated the Fire Service, Lancashire and Northern Masters Championships as well as the open race and with Dave’s generous prize list plenty of competitors would come away with something as was the case with the Harriers.

First home was James Kevan of Horwich RMI Harriers in a time of 53.04, while Preston Harriers duo Rob Affleck and Gethin Butler came in 7th and 8th with the same time of 57.25. Rob was 1st M40 and Gethin 1st M45 in the Lancs Championship and Gethin was 1st in the open race as well. Next Harrier was Chris Wales, 30th in the open, 1st M40 in the Fire Service. Chris narrowly held the first lady at bay in a sprint for the line coming home in 1.03.33. Dave Watson followed, coming back from injury, putting in a steady 1.04.47 for 48th open, 1st M45 in the Northern Masters. Billy Johnstone had a good steady run coming 58th in 1.08.34 giving Lee Spoor of Preston Tri a race to the finish and in 68th Alan Appleby came 1st M65 in the Lancashire and Northern Masters but not quite quick enough to come first in the open; his time was 1.10.03. The Harriers only lady was Sarah Wilson a relative newcomer to the Harriers Wednesday night ‘improvers’ session who had a great run finishing in 1.31.09. 237 people ran.