Club News

Well done to Mo Manir-Jolley for coming first in the Brathay Winderemere Marathon and for setting a new men's course record (2:44:29). This is nicely complemented against the women's course record set by Lynne Manir-Jolley.

Yvonne Wyke should also be congratulated coming in a close second in the women's section and being the first ML40 finisher (3:19:32).

Other finishers for Wigan were Derek Henry (4:09:54), Simon Woods (4:44:51) and Keith Whittaker (5:11:52)

Sunday 18 May dawned clear and cool with bright sunshine – perfect conditions for running what is quickly becoming known as “The Beautiful Marathon”.

Against a backdrop of the Lakeland Fells on one side, and stunning views down Windermere on the other, 645 runners gathered on the lawn at Brathay Hall to be waved off by families and friends to the uplifting sound of Boomdang – our local youth drumming group. Stefan (Brathay’s gamekeeper) got the marathon started with a very loud bang courtesy of his shotgun. The runners, aged between 19 and 72, then began their journey around England’s largest lake on what is one of the most distinctive marathon courses in Europe.

A leading group quickly emerged including Adam Holland (finally finising in 4th position), last year’s winner Julian Mawson (finishing a very respectable 5th), and the eventual winner Mohammed Manir-Jolley. Excitement followed as Mohammed and the eventual third placed runner, Niku Millot, took a wrong turn and followed the lead car rather than running through the centre of Hawkshead. The chasing group took the opportunity to get ahead and Mohammed and Niku had to respond with all their reserves to get back to the front of the race.

position	pl.age	no.	name	age	club	time
117	15	748	» DARBYSHIRE, PHILLIP B (GBR)	M40	WIGAN PHOENIX	2:36:05
127	29	913	» WORTHINGTON, JOHN A (GBR)	M35	WIGAN PHOENIX	2:36:51
282	81	29345	» KAY, MATTHEW S (GBR)	M30	WIGAN PHOENIX	2:44:14
595	142	34998	» HOWARTH, RICHARD J (GBR)	M30	Wigan Phoenix	2:52:58
890	188	29903	» WADDINGTON, DAVID (GBR)	M40	WIGAN PHOENIX	2:58:00
2044	290	29905	» WAITE, HOWARD (GBR)	M45	WIGAN PHEONIX	3:12:11
2190	313	30804	» ABRAM, BARRY E (GBR)	M45	WIGAN PHOENIX	3:13:38
95	19	29250	» JONES, JACQUELINE (GBR)	W40	WIGAN PHOENIX	3:15:02
2517	380	26053	» COLLINS, DAVID (GBR)	M45	WIGAN PHOENIX	3:16:24
2678	559	26051	» HOLYOAK, STUART E (GBR)	M35	WIGAN PHOENIX	3:18:03
5242	1056	26052	» SEDDON, PAUL (GBR)	M35	WIGAN PHOENIX	3:37:14
6473	185	29649	» PALMER, KENNETH L (GBR)	M55	WIGAN PHOENIX	3:44:45
12174	887	5145	» HENRY, DEREK (GBR)	M50	WIGAN PHOENIX	4:13:37
15262	1127	2033	» WHITTAKER, KEITH (GBR)	M50	WIGAN PHEONIX	4:30:07

Saturday 15^th March saw the annual Haigh Hall Relays which was held around the grounds of Haigh Hall. Teams of four were required with men’s, women’s and mixed teams and there was also a vet’s teams. A testing, undulating, 3.75mile course tested every runner.

Wigan Phoenix had four completed teams in the competition with three men’s teams and this included a vet’s team. There was also a ladies team in the event. In total there were 44 completed team in which there were 29 men’s teams, 9 ladies team and 6 mixed teams.

For the men, the ‘A’ team finished 4^th overall and with an aggregate time of 1:25:25. Andy Ward started off on the first leg and he recorded a good fast time of 20:13 to start the team in 3^rd place. Andy’s leg was the 4^th fastest leg overall. On leg two was Matt Kay who produced a good time of 21:16 to put the ‘A’ team into 2^nd place. On the third leg John Worthington finished in a good time of 21:52, with the ‘A’ team now in 4^th place. Mo Manir-Jolley, on the final leg, finished with a good time of 22:04 to bring the team in 4^th place overall.

The men’s ‘B’ team finished 11^th and with an aggregate time of 1:31:03. The team was Chris Wilson, on the first leg, who recorded a time of 22:30 to start the team in 13^th place. Rod Hart on leg two finished with a time of 22:45 to put the team into 10^th place. Third leg was Andy Eccles who finished with a time of 23:15 the ‘B’ team was now in 11^th place. The final leg saw Steve Nicholls who finished with a time of 22:33 to bring the ‘B’ team in 11^th place.

The men’s ‘C’ team and also a vet’s team finished as 21^stplaced men’s team and 7^th vets team overall with an aggregate time of 1:41:15. On the first leg was Chris Nightingale who finished in a time of 25:58 to start the team in 25^th place. Second leg was Phil Derbyshire who pushed the team into 23^rd place and in a time of 24:36. Dave Collins finished with a time of 24:57 to put the team now in 22^nd place. Dave Wall on the final leg finished with a time of 25:44 to enable the team to finish in 21^st place.

In a team called ‘Slovakia’ two Wigan Phoenix runners ran for this team. Alex Turnbell finished with a time of 26:01 and Andrew Nightingale finished with a time of 25:32.

In the women’s event the ladies team were 5^th ladies team overall and with an aggregate time of 1:55:37. Starting off on the first leg was Vicky Bryant who finished 2^nd to record a good time of 25:29. Jayne Taylor, on the second leg, finished with a time of 26:28 the ladies team was in 3^rd place. The third leg saw Kath Charnock who finished with a time of 26:12 the team was still in third place. Jo Bishop, on the final leg, finished with a time of 37:28 with the team finishing in 5^th place.

The overall men win team was Lofus A.C in an aggregate time of 1:21:12 while second was Horwich R.M.I Harriers in 1:24:20 while third was Bolton in 1:24:25. Salford was the first lady team in 1:33:41 while Salford ‘B’ team was the first vet’s team in 1:25:44.

Sunday March 9^th saw the Stafford 20 mile road race and running the race was Wigan Phoenix’s Phil Darbyshire. Phil completed the course in an excellent time of 2:02:03 to finish in a race position of 6. Phil was also third veteran over 40 in the race.

The winner was Nathaniel Williams, North York Moors, in a time of 1:52:39 while second was Ollie Harradence, Royal Sutton, in 1:55:49 and third was Steve Marklew in 1:57:34 also from Royal Sutton. There were 335 finishers.

Sunday 9^th March saw the Trafford 10K at Partington, Nr Manchester. A fast flat course can produce some fast time and performances. The race is held twice a year.

Congratulations and well done to Yvonne Wyke for winning her age category. Yvonne completed the race in a time of 37:19 to be first lady over 40 and also 7^th lady in race, in which Yvonne finished in a race position of 71.

In total there were 374 finishers in race in which Neil Speaight, Belgrave Harriers, won the race in a time of 29:45. Second was Mark Miles, also from Belgrave and also in 29:45 while third was Lee Merrien, Guernsey A.C in a time of 29:57. Katarina Wootton, Bedford, was the first lady in the race and in a time of 33:38.

Sunday March 9^th saw the Roddlesworth Roller 10K race held at Abbey Village. In the race there were two runners from Wigan Phoenix. Tim Court finished in a race position of 41 and with a time of 39:21. David Wall finished with a time of 41:47 and 64^th overall.

There were 249 finishers in the race in which the winner was Tom Cornthwaite, Blackburn, in 30:51. Second was Paul Freary, Horwich in 32:36 and Darren Kay, Horwich was third in a time of 33:31. Jennifer Smith, Warrington, was first lady in 37:41.

Sunday March 9^th saw the Stanley Park 10K road race held at Blackpool. If there is a 10K race and it’s by the seaside you can be sure Wigan Phoenix’s Simon Wright will be there.

Simon finished 21^st overall to be second vet 50 in the race and Simon also finished in a time of 38:31.

There were 302 finishers in the race in which the winner was James Mullany, Blackpool, in a time of 33:26. Second was Tom Jenkins, South London, in 34:03 and third was Jon Green, Preston, in 34:58. Kath Upton, Liverpool, was first lady in the race with a time of 37:28.

Sunday March 2^nd saw the annual Liverpool Half Marathon. The race it’s self was mostly off road and around Sefton Park and the surrounding areas.

In the race it’s self there was race success for Wigan Phoenix’s Matthew Kay, Tracey Dutton and for Victoria Bryant. Matthew finished with an excellent time of 1:15:00, (Chip Time of 1:14:56), to finish fourth overall in the race. Tracey meanwhile was first lady over 35 and 10^th lady overall to finish in an overall time of 1:32:02 (1:31:56 Chip Time) and in 233 place. Vicky in a good time of 1:28:34, (1:28:26 C.T) finished as 5^th lady overall and in a race position of 141.

Other runner from Wigan Phoenix were David Collins and Paul Seddon, who both prepared for the London Marathon, by completing the race in an equal time of 1:28:13, (1:28:06 C.T) to finish in race positions of 129^th and 130^th respectively. Paul Ratcliffe in a time of 1:35:45 (1:34:49) finished 363 overall. Emma Webster completed the race in a time of 1:42:07, (1:40:32) to finished in 672^nd place and 48^th lady overall. Well done to Victoria Rigby in her debut run for half marathon and her debut run for the club. Victoria finished with a time of 1:56:44, (1:52:09 C.T), to finished in 1717^th place and 250^th lady overall. Joanne Bishop in a time of 2:15:41 (2:13:32 C.T) finished 2818^th overall and 307^th lady in the race to complete all the runners from Wigan Phoenix.

There were around 3341 finishers, in the race, in which the winner was Ben Fish, Blackburn, in a time of 1:08:01. Second was Edward Gumbley, Manx Harriers in 1:13:46 and Andrew Buttery, Rossendale, was third in 1:14:14. Jenny Blizzard, Rotherham, was first lady in a time of 1:15:52.

Sunday March 2^nd saw the annual Trimpell 20 mile trail race held around the outskirts of Morecambe. The race is regarded as ideal preparations for London and running the race was Wigan Phoenix’s Richard Howarth. Richard completed the course in an excellent time of 1:57:08 to finish in a race position of 5.

The winner was James Meldrum, Vegan Runners, in a time of 1:52:15 while second was Colin Poots, Liverpool, in 1:53:13 and third was Grithin Bulter, Preston, in 1:53:41. There were 281 finishers.

Saturday March 8^th saw the Dentdale 14.3 mile road race held around the North Yorks, Cumbria border. An undulating, picturesque and scenic two lap course with strong winds, hail, rain and a bit of sunshine tested the runners.

In total there were three brave soles from Wigan Phoenix that competed in the race. Dave Waddington finished the 14.3 miles race in 36^th place and with a good time of 1:36:29. Kevin Edwards finished with a time of 1:39:08 to complete the course in 46^th place. Jacqui Jones finished 6^th lady overall and with a good time of 1:45:02 to finish in 92^nd place.

The winner was Steve Littler, Wesham, in a time of 1:18:15 while second was Lee Dunn, Manchester, in 1:22:11 and third was Paul Muller, Horwich, in 1:23:48. The first lady was Fiona Shenton, Elvet Striders in a time of 1:38:38. There were 467 finishers.

Saturday March 1^st saw the last race in this season’s Mid Lancs Cross Country League which was held at Witton Park, Blackburn. Wigan Phoenix had several runners in the race braving the cold windy conditions and also a testing undulating, muddy course.

In the senior ladies event, which was around 5 Km in distance and this being two laps of the circuit, Wigan Phoenix senior ladies finished in 6^th place with 66 points. The winning team being Blackpool Wrye & Flyde with 23 points.

There were three senior ladies from Wigan Phoenix that ran the cross country. Deborah Wright, (Culshaw), ran a brilliant time of 23:52 to finish in an excellent position of 7^th to also be the first Wigan Phoenix lady home in the race. Jacqui Jones also continues her enjoyment for cross country, in her debut season, by running an excellent time of 25:22 to finish in 22^nd place. Kathryn Culshaw finished in 38^th place and in a good time of 27:08 to complete all the senior lady runners. There were 71 finishers in the ladies race with Pauline Powell from Blackburn winning the ladies race in 20:48.

In the senior men’s race which was four laps of the course and around 10.5 Km, Wigan Phoenix men’s team finished 4^th with 235 points. The vets over 40’s team finished in 5^th place with 89 points. Clayton Le Moors won the senior team with 142 points and they also won the vets 40 with 29 points.

Wigan Phoenix had a strong team of 12 men running the cross country in which Andy Ward finished in a high position of 12th and with a good time of 39:07. Andy being the first Wigan Phoenix runner home in the race. Phil Darbyshire in a time of 39:45 finished in 20^th place, Mo Manir-Jolley completed the course in a time of 42:06 to finish in 42^nd place. John Worthington recorded a time of 43:31 to finish in 51^st place while Andy Eccles finished in 56^th place and in a time of 44:00. David Waddington recorded a time of 44:48 to complete the course in 71^st place, while closely followed by was Kevin Edwards who finished in 74^th place and with a time of 45:12. Vincent Robinson finished with a time of 48:15 to complete the course in 103^rd place, Chris Nightingale in 109^th place finished with a time of 48:56. Dave Wall finished in 110^th place and with a time of 49:05 and Andrew Nightingale in 111^th place finished with a time of 49:25. Dave Culshaw in 56:18 and in 152^nd place completed all the runners from Wigan Phoenix. In total there were 176 finishers in the men’s race in which Ricky Lightfoot, Ellenborough, won the race in 36:37.

Congratulations and well done to the senior women for getting promoted to Div 1 by finishing runners-up and also to the men’s vet’s 40 team for winning their division and getting promoted to Div 2.

Sunday February 24^th the Great North Western Half Marathon was held at Blackpool and in total there were six Wigan Phoenix runners in the event.

The main highlight was for Wigan Phoenix’s Jean Mann who won her age category for the race. Jean was first lady over 45 and 6^th lady overall with a good time of 1:27:27 to finish in a race position of 103 to be also the first Wigan Phoenix runner home in the race.

Other runner’s from Wigan Phoenix were Graham Johnston who completed the course in a time of 1:28:40 to finish in 120^th place. Howard Waite finished in 144^th place and in a time of 1:30:36. Stuart Holyoak finished the course in a time of 1:34:29 and in a race position of 238. Emma Webster recorded a good time of 1:40:36 to finish as 48^th lady overall, in the race, and a race position of 373. Angela Wilson finished with a good time of 1:48:58 to be 93^rd lady overall and also in a race place of 606.

The winner was Garry Dixon, Barrow in 1:11:52 while second was Neil Douglas, Ballymena Runners, in 1:12:51 and third was Stuart Robinson, Blackpool, in 1:13:13. Shona McIntosh, Glasgow, was first lady in a time of 1:19:04 and there were 1187 finishers.

Sunday February 24 saw the Robert Moffat Memorial, High Legh 10K, race in Cheshire. A mixer of road and trial paths tested the runners.

There was race success for Wigan Phoenix’s Jayne Taylor. Jayne was the first lady in the race, and she also finished 12^th overall to record a good time of 43:00. Well done and congratulations, Jayne, on a good performance.

In total 127 finished the race with Michael Harrington winning the race in 36:32 while second was Marcus Crompton 38:56 and third was James Hinde in 39:33.

Sunday February 24^th saw the first race in this season’s Central Lancs Grand Prix which was the annual Lostock 6 mile road race. An undulating course with a slight climb at the railway station tested the runners.

In total there were four representatives from Wigan Phoenix in the race. Yvonne Wyke was first lady over 40, in the race, and also four lady overall with a time of 36:41 to finish in 32^nd place. Yvonne was also the first Wigan Phoenix runner home in the race. Simon Wright finished 54^th overall and in a time of 38:35, Chris Nightingale completed the race with a time of 40:05 and in 74^th place. Andrew Nightingale finished in 93^rd place and in a time of 41:31 to complete all the runners from Wigan.

There were 325 finishers in the race in which the winner was Paul Freary, Belgrave, in a time of 31:45 while second was James Kevan, Horwich, in 31:59 and third was Tony Battersby, Astley, in 32:32.

Saturday 23^rd February at Alton Tower in Staffordshire was the venue of the National Cross Country Championship race. A tough undulating course with plenty of mud greeted the runners.

In total there were four runners representing Wigan Phoenix. The first runner home was Andy Ward. Andy completed the course in a time of 38:08 to finish in a race position of 230. Andy Eccles finished with a time of 42:18 to complete the course in 525^th place. Stephen Nicholls recorded a time of 42:54 to finish in a race place of 567. Vincent Robinson finished in a race position of 811 to complete the race in a time of 46:20.

There were 1244 finishers in the cross country race in which the winner was T.Humphries, Cannock & Staffs AC, in 32:03 while second was P.Wicks, Belgrave Harriers, in 32:16 while third was S.Vernon, Stockport, in 32:32.

Saturday 23^rd February saw the winter race of the Standish Hall 10K Trail Race. The running conditions were ideal both under-foot and weather wise. Despite a slightly longer first lap than usual, most of the runners didn’t mind the extra distance.

In total there were three runners from Wigan Phoenix. Once again in races Andrew Nightingale beat his brother Chris. Andrew finished in a time of 50:58 to finish in a race position of 42. Chris Nightingale, despite falling over a tree root on the first lap, finished with a time of 51:29 to complete the course in 46^th place. Charlotte Finch finished as fourth lady overall and in a race position of 51 to complete the race in a time of 51:48.

There were 188 finishers in the race in which the winner Damian Nicholls, Wilmslow, in 41:25 while second was David Lockett, Salford in 42:25 while third was Keith Johnston, Chorley, in 43:06. The ladies winner was Sarah Ridehaulgh, Accrington Road Runners in 47:58.

A big thanks to all the Marshall’s on the course, the time keepers and other helpers for the race.

Sunday 17^th February six Wigan Phoenix runners decided to take part in the annual Beacon Bash. The Beacon Bash is around 21 miles in distance and this takes in both running/walking skills as well as map navigation reading skills, a kind of orienteering but at a much leisurely pace.

Conditions were ideal, cold and sunny and also ideal, in most parts, for running. The course itself, and for those familiar, took in parts of the Parbold Hill, Harrock Hill and Ashurst Beacon races as well as running around Appley Bridge and Newburgh. There was very little running on roads involved as most of the running was off road with the root consisting of trail paths and fields. In total there were five check points along the root with some check points doubling up as water and feeding stations which went down well with Chris and me.

There were two groups for the event with walkers and runners. The walkers started off at 8.00pm while the runners started off at 9.00pm. Dave Collins, Paul Seddon, Jayne Taylor, Tracey Dutton, Chris and Andrew Nightingale as well as Sally (Jayne sister) all started off. While most of the runners started off promptly at 9.00pm one of our runners and naming no names, Paul, was still on the toilet. So after a slight delay the group started off on the 21 mile course.

The start was from Newburgh Sport’s Club we then preceded to run along the canal before turning off and heading towards Parbold village. At Parbold village the root then took us towards Harrock Hill and literally following the exact root of the Harrock Hill race but in reverse. At the top of Jacksons Lane and after 6 miles of running we stopped at the check point for a drink or two and a bite to eat. At this check point the local ladies fed us with Cherry bakewell tarts, biscuits, Battenburg, Swiss Rolls and also a few drinks of orange juice. (You don’t get this at the Haigh Hall Races). So after eating a tray full of cakes, Chris and the rest of group started off again. It was not long after that disaster struck with our budding team of navigating experts namely, David, Jayne and Tracey accidentally taking a wrong turning. After doing around a mile extra and with a little help from other walkers, yes we really did get overtaken by walkers, we eventually got back on track and following the official root.

With more cakes, biscuits, and sandwiches at Appley Bridge Community Centre and a few more wrong turning, falling over tree roots and more extra distance, the best form of policy was to keep two other runners, who knew the root, in our distance. So after more frantic shouting from our group, and frequency questions of, ”Is this the right way?”, we somehow managed to make our way to Ashurst Beacon.

At the Beacon the wind howled but at least it was all down hill back to Newburgh. The hot soup at the Ashurst Beacon golf course was very welcoming. Negotiating the tricky ploughed and uneven fields, just outside Newburgh, we managed to arrive back at Newburgh Sport’s Club in one piece.

The pie and peas and not to mention the apple pie and cream was very welcoming at the Sport’s Club. After finishing the course in around 4 hours 30 minutes and after doing around 22.5 miles, about 1.5 miles extra, it was suggested that a bit less eating and better map reading skills we could have done the course quicker.

A big thanks to Tracey Dutton for suggesting we do the event and also the members of Newburgh Sport’s club, the organisers and other helpers along the course for making it such an eventful day. Thanks for Sally for taking the photo of the group having a rest at Ashurst Beacon.

Sunday February 17^th saw the annual Village Bakery Wrexham Half Marathon road race. A fast flat course around the outskirts of Wrexham tested the runners.

Along with over 500 runners was Wigan Phoenix’s Jacqui Jones. Jacqui completed the course in a P.B of 1:28:41 to finish as 16^th lady overall and fourth lady over 40 and also in an overall race position of 144^th. Congratulation Jacqui on producing such a good run.

There were 524 finishers in the race in which the winner was Xavier Deese, Wirral A.C, in 1:12:42. Second was Rob Downs, Wimslow, in 1:12:53 and third was Brendan Rothery, Eryri Harriers 1:13:36. Julia Matt, Newcastle (Staffs) was first lady in 1:19:47.

Sunday February 17^th saw the inaugural Chatsworth Chase Fell Race, Derbyshire. A tough, undulating but scenic 7.1mile, 720 foot, fell race tested the runners on a gorgeous, cold, sunny and fresh day, almost perfect conditions for running.

There were three representatives from Wigan Phoenix and it was a case of a family affair with the Culshaw family taking part with Deborah, Kathryn and David braving the course. Deborah finished with an excellent time of approximately 51:00 to complete the race as fourth lady overall and in a race position of 37. Kathryn finished with a brilliant time of around 58:00 to finish in 74^th position and also 8^th lady overall. Kathryn also finished in front of her dad ,David, in the process. Well done Kathryn on a good run. Meanwhile David finished in 90^th place and in a time of around 1:00:30 to complete the runners from Wigan Phoenix.

In total 134 finished the race with Simon Bailey, Mericia Fell, winning the race in 40:24 while Stuart Bond, Chesterfield, 41:06 finishing second and third was Nick Swift, Dark Peak, in 41:34.

Saturday February 16^th saw the annual Parbold Hill race with the picturesque and undulating course attracting over 450 runners and seven runners from Wigan Phoenix. Conditions for the race were ideal, sunny but cold, however there was plenty of mud to be seen.

The highlight of the race was for Yvonne Wyke by winning her age category. Yvonne was first lady over 40 and she was also 3^rd lady in race, in which she completed the course in a time of 49:23 to finish in 66^th position.

The first Wigan Phoenix runner home in the race was Andy Eccles who completed the course in a time of 46:47 and in 36^th place. Stephen Nicholls completed the course in a time of 47:13 to finish in 40^th place while Barry Abram finished in 62^nd place to record a time of 49:15. Karl Tuzio in a time of 50:08 completed the race in a race position of 74^th while Dave Wall finished in 127^th place to complete the race in a time of 53:21. Greg Lee finished in 317^th place and with a time of 1:05:11 to complete all the runners from Wigan Phoenix.

In total there were 456 finishers in race in which R.Burney, Liverpool, won the race in a time of 39:47. Second was C.Heys, Horwich RMI in 40:38 while third was G.Priestley in a time of 40:58. Kate Ingram, Horwich RMI was the first lady in the race and in a time of 46:14.