Soon after the lighter nights start, the anticipation mounts from all the local competing clubs to engage in friendly, and competitive, rivalry in the road interclub series.
The first race in the 2016 competition was hosted by Blackpool Wyre & Fylde AC and the tradition is that each club hosts a post-race buffet for the hungry hordes of runners. Also traditional, is that after the first event of the new season, the prize giving for the previous year’s series takes place. The overall competition has seven races and runs from April to September.
For the first time, race numbers were used, with each club registering runners in advance (and on the night.) The previous system consisted of each finisher completing a slip handed out at the finish with the results compiler having to link that with the timed positions. It`s now simpler and easier to collate the results in a database spreadsheet.
The Blackpool race is over 4 miles through Stanley Park and has two loops. There were frequent rain and hail showers leading up to the start but it stayed dry, although there was a strong wind.

For Harriers, Rob Affleck led the team home, finishing 2nd in 21.04 and Richard Smith was 5th in 22.18. Jon Green was 14th in 23.11 and he was followed home by 17th Steve Hallas (23.21), 18th Kevin Hunt (23.22) and 19th Simon Collins (23.26) – the remaining open team counters for first on the night were Nichola Jackson, David Watson, Chris Wales and Lee Foley. Both Preston, and Red Rose, who were 2nd, closed in very well.
The ladies were 5th, perhaps disappointingly so, but several were missing and the vets team overall placed first on the night. The next race is hosted by Preston Harriers and is on Wed 11th May.