Buxton AC athletes were relieved that Storm Ciara’s feared arrival came after two major running events had taken place last Saturday.  Consequently, perfect running conditions were enjoyed both at the popular Pavilion Gardens 5K and at the final fixture of the Manchester Cross Country League at Heaton Park.

Some 64 runners took part in the Gardens 5K, and Buxton’s Rob Lloyd led the field home in 19 minutes and 35 seconds.  Jon Sewell claimed 2nd spot in 19.56, and was first Male Vet 45 too. David Reeves was 3rd finisher in 19.57, giving Buxton AC  a 1-2-3 result. 

First female home was Suzie Roscoe, visiting from Congleton Harriers, in 12th overall position and in a time of 23.52.  Matilda Reeves of Buxton  was not only first Junior Female Home, but was second female overall, in 24.54 and 17th overall.  Claire Parker of Pennine was third female overall, 22nd and first Female Vet 45, in a time of 25.48.  First Male Junior was unattached Eric Weston, 7th overall and in a time of 23.07.

Heaton Park at North Manchester was the fifth and final fixture for the Manchester Cross Country League, and Buxton sent a large contingent of Seniors and Juniors to the event.  12 Senior Ladies and 12 Senior Men took part in the races, over a speedy and varied course over woodland, fields and rugged tracks.  Amy Clark’s 37th placing from a field of 250 runners was a fine result over the 5 mile course, followed  by Samantha Willis in 54th, Tania Willis 78th and Katie Rolfe in 81st.  This gave them 13th Senior Women’s team placing from 50.  Kate Ledin, Sheila Bradley, Ruth Gowers and Heather Fryer-Winder were 28th team, while Annabelle Mottram, Rachel Dowle, Sarah Soles and Jennie Light made up the third team, giving them 48th spot.

For the men, Jason Brunnock was first home over the 10k course in an impressive 33rd place from a huge field of 370 runners. Team mates Rob White, Ben Light, Chris Rushworth, Dan Latham and Rick Aldred’s finishing spots gave them the 15th Senior Men’s team placing from a total of 50 teams, while Matt Hawtin, Mark Thorogood, Richard Bouglas, Richard Goff, Pete Bailey and Paul Markall’s positions gave them 42nd team placing. 

Lauren McNeil was once again within the top 10 fastest females in the entire country in an amazing first placed 17.42 at the inaugural Wollaton Parkrun.  Ross Martland represented Buxton AC at the Macclesfield Parkrun, coming in 19th overall position in a time of 22.36 from a field of almost 150.