On the hottest day of the year so far, Lostockers Rachel S and Janet headed to Lancashire to compete in the Freckleton 1/2 marathon.
The race boasts that it is the oldest 1/2 marathon in the UK and this event was extra special as it was the 50th anniversary of the ladies race.
The race started on Bush Lane Playing Fields and runners gathered at the start line with the sun beaming down. The pre-considered race strategies went out the window and the new plan was just to finish and avoid succumbing to the heat.
After a loop around the field, the race went out on to the streets of Freckleton village where all the locals were out to support the runners. The rote then travelled on Country Roads through the Lancashire countryside. Runners were rewarded with beautiful views but sadly little shade.
This was a very friendly race with regular, much needed water stations and cheerful volunteers. To the delight of runners, some residents were kindly soaking runners with water as they passed to help them cool down.
The weather could not hold back Janet who had an excellent run, finishing in 1:46:19 and winning her age category.
Rachel took a more steady approach, including stopping to help and give spare gels to a runner struggling in the heat, finishing in 2:28:32.
