Saturday afternoon 7 Lostockers competed in the historic Rivington Pike Fell Race, one of the oldest races in the country, first held in 1892. It is well supported and feels more like an event than a race with lots of spectators lining Lever Park Avenue, the lower steep slopes of the concrete road, the top of Georges Lane and the Pike.
The race starts on Lever Park Avenue and turns right at Rivington & Blackrod school climbing up the concrete road and through the fields to Georges Lane and finally the lung busting stomp up to the Pike itself. Runners must go round the Pike then back down to the finish the way they came to complete the 3.2 miles and 700 ft ascent race. It is a tough and relentless race with a steep and unforgiving ascent followed by a technical downhill before a fast finish.
Lostockers braved a biting wind but dry conditions. Bravely, Chris and Luke Baker had only decided to enter the race that day following Chris’ discussion with Rachel Stevens at Parkrun.
Robert Sharkey led the club home with an excellent run of 22:48, followed by Tommy Smith in 23:45. Mark Shuttleworth also had an amazing run finishing in 28:10.
Following her excellent performance at Parkrun in the morning, Sally McCoy had an amazing race finishing in 28:55. Building on his Parkrun PB, Chris Baker finished in 30:25 followed by Luke Baker in 32:24. Rachel Stevens finished in 33:35 enjoying the tarmac during the last mile of the race.
