Rolling Stones! Five go ultra on marathon journey

A GROUP of Royton Road Runners, described as a ‘team of ladies of a certain age,’ stepped out to complete their first ultra-event.

The Race to the Stones runners

Taking part in the Race to the Stones event from the Chilterns to the North Wessex Downs and covering more than 100 kilometres in two days were: Diane Allingan, Charlotte Chadwick, Fay Royle, Natalie Yates-Bolton and 75-year-old president June Allinghan.

Club runners compete in the Run the Moors fell racing series and several competed at Ingleborough with Rob James finishing fourth and Barry Greaves winning his age category (1st MV60).

Simon Howard completed a very tough ultra – the Lakeland 50 on July 28.

Following the club’s hosted Royton Trail, the Road Runners’ next championship race was the Riverside 10 organised by the Lancaster Runners Club.

James was again in great form taking first place with Jarrod Gritt coming fifth. 

With a fine run from Shane Reading, RRR claimed the men’s team prize while Janet Jobey, Vikki Smith and Helen Radcliffe won the women’s team event.

Rob James at the Riverside 10

The RRR Cup is the annual knock-out competition when club runners are drawn against each other and arrange to run head-to-head at Oldham’s parkrun. 

A handicap is given to each runner just before the heat takes place, ensuring races often have close finishes. 

The eight quarter finalists this year are: Owen Flage v Alex Critcher; Andy Chadwick v Phil Austin; Jason Keast v Helen Radcliffe and Elliot Stone v Tony Kane.

DAVID Carroll was the top placed Oldham and Royton Harrier at the annual Saddleworth 6.2 miles road race in Greenfield.

Seventh placed Carroll and team mate, Michael Mannings, both received the same time of 35 minutes 49 seconds. 

Martin Thompson finished 21st for Royton Road Runners in 39 minutes 48 seconds.

The race was won by Sale Harrier, Gavin Hill, in 33 mins 37 seconds while Kate Knox of Salford Harriers was first lady finisher in 40 mins 42 secs.

The Riverside 10k

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