Four villages festival of wind and running

Race report: Essar Four Villages Half Marathon - Sunday January 22, 2012. Steve Riley reports:

Some tough running conditions saw a Tipton Harriers 1-2 in the Helsby Four Villages Half Marathon this weekend. Martin Williams lead home the field in 1:08:32, with 89 seconds in hand over team mate Ben Gamble, who improved on two 4ths and two 3rds in consecutive previous years (albeit in a slower time, giving some idea of the conditions). Christian Prior, City of Chester Triathlon, completing the podium and first from a local club, a further 28 seconds behind.

Photo © Mick Hall - www.mickhall-photos.com

This was the 31st edition of a highly regarded opener to many people’s season. The first race was established as an answer to the first London Marathon. Both events draw an incredibly loyal and friendly crowd, with the Four Villages ever popular with north west club runners as well as attracting high quality club entrants from further afield, together with a healthy cohort of civilians.

In the women’s race local Gemma Connolly was first home in 1:21:05, improving on last year’s 4th, followed by Belgrave’s Louise Blizzard just 4 places behind and first F35, getting closer to a PB time set 8 years ago. Completing the trio another travelling runner, this time from the East Midlands, Nicki Nealin of Huncote Harriers (another strong F40).

The strong and blustery winds and an exposed course, meant that the course record was never under threat. Nevertheless further down the field were numerous PBs — including Adair Broughton first from host club Helsby RC in 24th with 1:17:49 — on what’s never an easy course. The steady climbing from mile 7 to 10 normally finds out any weakness in legs nearing their limit.

Photos, l-r: Third placed Christian Prior, second placed Ben Gamble and 2012 winner Martin Williams © Mick Hall - www.mickhall-photos.com

Despite the unpredictable wind, the weather gave us a good temperatures for running and a massive improvement on some forecasts. A personal highlight was seeing clubmate Dave Feakes get a pretty respectable PB on his 50th birthday. A great race, that always gets good feedback. Here’s to the next one!

Thanks to sponsors Essar, ASICS and Running Bear and our numerous supporters and volunteers that make it happen.

For further information check out www.helsbyrunningclub.org.uk

Photos, l-r: Third placed Nicki Nealin, second placed Louise Blizzard and 2012 winner Gemma Connolly © Mick Hall - www.mickhall-photos.com

Men's results

Women's results

Click here for full results