On the 25th September, the annual three Run Preston events attracted a number of Preston Harriers, all hoping to do well on home turf, despite the (at times) tough and muddy course.
First it was the 5K race, and the first three men back were all Harriers. Gary Pennington took the winning title in 16.41. There was a great battle to the finish line by Peter Cowling (19.20) and Dougie Potter (19.22). Dougie also bravely completed the 10k later in the morning! The first lady back was the formidable Jenny Parker who took her 20.04 win in her stride! Jenny was followed in by the ever improving Vladimir Wiggins (22.51), Katie Mathison (26.22), Catherine Fletcher (30.52), Kirsty Williams (31.03), Emily Wiggins (33.24) and Clare Forrest (34.42) completed the Harriers team.
Eleven Harriers in total took part in the 10k race, which was won outright by Wesham’s Rob Danson. The first Harrier back was Andrew Harrison in 38.02, followed by Dougie Potter (43.07). The ladies were led home by Victoria Duckett in 45.51, 10th lady overall, but was disappointed not to get a sub 45 time. Pete Lovick also crossed the line in 45.51, followed by John Russell (50.42), Gary Daley (51.15), Susan Ashcroft (53.17), Jessica Collinson (55.58), Olga Wiggins (1.05.04), Helen Boyer (1.08.13) and Susan Minten (1.09.43).
Helping to hand out the medals for both the 5k and the 10k races, was under 11 Preston Harrier, Isabelle Duckett. She later competed herself in the 2k race in Avenham Park, and was rewarded with the 2nd junior girl position, knocking more than a minute off her previous 2K time. The junior girl title itself was won by Preston Harrier under 11, Anna Thompson. Great potential from the two under 11 girls, who will be old enough to compete in the Run Preston 5K race themselves next year!