Many runners used the Chair’s Road Race as a warmup for the main event, the Palma Marathon. 24 Lostockers headed to Mallorca for some winter sun and some running. The main event was on Sunday with members taking part in the 10K, ½ Marathon and full marathon.
The race started in the shadow of the beautiful Mallorca Cathedral in the Parc de la Mar. The 10k race started at 8am, the 10K route snaked around the narrow streets of the city with surprises along the route including, drummers, dances and DJ’s.
The ½ marathon and full marathon started at 8:10 enabling the 10K runners to clear the route. The runners headed along the coast before completing a u-turn and travelling in the opposite direction, along the coast, through the marine and then turning into the city to complete the city 10K route. Marathon runners had to complete the route twice.
This was a challenging undulating course, made more difficult by the heat, with the 25° being very different to the weather we had been experiencing in Bolton.
Rachel Hancock was the first member to finish the 10k in an amazing 55:44. She was closely followed by Jay Smith who was completing his first race since recovering from broken, he finished in 58:31. Other 10K runners included: Rachel Stevens 1:00:21, Rachel Walker 1:06:39, Markus Stevens 1:09:12, Gill Baker 1:09:36, Jo Withers 1:10:26 and Ste Hancock 1:13:47.
After the 10K runners had finished, they ran to the finish to cheer in the ½ marathon runners. Sally McCoy was the first Lostocker to finish in an outstanding 1:57:33. She was followed by Brian Halton in 1:58:11, Hazel Hatfield 1:59:40, Andy Laycock 2:00:31, Janet Rhodes 2:01:24, Bev Atherton-McKenna 2:03:46, Tony Maxwell 2:03:54, Terri Aldred 2:06:02, Matt Withers 2:07:58, George Iveson 2:10:39, Heather Soden 2:12:13 and Lynda Hardman 2:40:46.
A special mention to the amazing Shelia Garewal who won her age category in 2:18:16.
There was time for a celebratory drink before heading to the finish line to cheer in the marathon runners. Gareth Pratt had an outstanding run, he crossed the finish line holding the Lostock AC flag above his head. He finished in a brilliant 4:05:05. Paul Lacy defeated the heat to finish is a incredible 4:30:17 and Chris Baker crushed it finishing in 4:41:46.
It was a fantastic weekend and we are planning the next Lostock AC holiday.
