Terry Nortley 10 Mile Multi Terrain Race

THERE was a record number of 261 runners in Radcliffe AC’s Terry Nortley 10 Mile Race.
The number was beyond expectations and was a tribute to the club’s former president who died in November. A coach for more than 50 years the club had decided to name the first race of the season after him.
In perfect conditions but contending with mud in places runners took to an undulating course along local nature trails and first man home was Joseph Vis of Southport Waterloo in a superb time of 57mins 24secs.
Dominic Mahon of Warrington AC was a close second in 57mins 38secs and third was Rob Grantham of Ellsmere Port RC in 58mins 20secs. First woman was Heather Jackson of Bolton Tri Club in 1hr 07mins 41secs, second was Katherine Fitzpatrick of Trafford AC in 1hr 08mins 39secs and Alison Sedman (V45) of Belle Vue Racers, who won the race last year, was third in 1hr 11mins 51secs, and first in her age group. Colette Harkin (V50) of Bolton United Harriers, who had been coached by Terry Nortley in her younger days, came back to racing for the event and finished a creditable 140th, 14th woman and third in her age group in 1hr 22mins 06secs.
Simon Bruton, formerly of Radcliffe AC but now running for Salford Harriers, got a cheer from Radcliffe members and finished in a great sixth place in 1hr 04secs and Rob Jackson from Horwich, who runs the event regularly, was ninth in1hr 01mins 13secs.

Four Radcliffe runners took part, Dave Bartlett finishing well up the field in 63rd place in 1hr 11mins 47secs , followed by Mark Ainsworth, Martin Gray and Darren Theakstone.
Club chairman Mark Emmett said later: “It was a record entry for any Radcliffe race and proved to be a fitting tribute to our former president.”
Terry’s wife Vera and son Chris were at the event.

(There are also some great photos on the Steve Bateson site and also on Sportsunday.)