Striders’ RAF man flies to sensational PB at Cusworth

Alan Clark recorded a sensational personal and age-group best with a fine return to form at the Inter-Clean Cusworth 10k near Doncaster.
Alan ClarkAlan Clark
Alan Clark

The Gainsborough and Morton Striders RAF man took flight to post 37:45 on the challenging South Yorkshire course.

With a start and finish at Cusworth Hall, the roads on the route of the race are bound by farmers fields and woodlands, and with an undulating profile and some exposed areas achieving a personal best is no mean feat.

“Most people seemed to think it was tough, but it suited me to perfection,” Clark said after the race.

“The conditions were just about perfect, just a bit warm in the end.”

The race was a family affair as Clark was joined by his wife Joanne (51:35) and son Elliot (42:56) on the start-line.

Fellow members Dan Edwards (40:36) and Phil Marsland (42:53) also participated with some fine runs.

In Mablethorpe, seasoned Striders Jane Catley and Irish international Pascal Moran took on a significantly longer challenge in the form of the town’s annual marathon.

With a headwind between miles 15 to 20 on the exposed Lincolnshire coastline, the veterans showed great determination to finish in 4:09 and 3:57 respectively.

Still closer to home, Scunthorpe’s Parkrun, a free weekly 5k race in Central Park open to all, saw a number of Striders performing at or close to their personal best levels.

Couch to 5k graduates Claire Jarvis (28:45 PB) and Mark Scott (25:25) joined Claire Hardwick (27:06) and Craig Ward (27:07 pacing Hardwick) in recording times for the club.

Jo Findley and Emma Kelsey also ran following completion of the eight week C25k course.

This week also saw the club award its London Marathon 2014 places to Kev Housham, Chris Litherland and Matthew Lyner in a blind draw.

The lucky runners will join those who achieved Good For Age times or who won a place through the general ballot, next April.

For more information on the Gainsborough and Morton Striders, visit their website at http://www.gainsboroughrunningclub.co.uk/

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