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Fast and furious racing at the Alsager 5

2023 Alsager 5 is a fast mover!

There were wins for Harry Wakefield and Gemma Steele at this NSRRA season opener.

Fast, furious and full of PB’s – that was the VeloRunner Alsager 5 (Sunday 5 February) which was given a warm reception on a cold day in Cheshire. Harry Wakefield and Gemma Steele claimed the top spots...

The VeloRunner Alsager 5 is a favourite with runners everywhere due to the PB-potential course, organisation and support from local residents. This is the race to show the results of your winter training and put a marker down for the rest of the season.

It always attracts a top quality field looking to impress  and is equally an ideal first event for Couch to 5K graduates and those new to the distance. As an example, a cohort of C25K runners from Audley Striders RC made it their first race and enjoyed the experience.

There was a buzz in the air and plenty of happy, smiling runners at Race 1 in the NSRRA League Programme for 2023 who gathered at Alsager Leisure Centre on a dry and chilly morning. Many local clubs were represented from the colourful array of vests and everyone was keen to get going and test themselves on the flat, speedy route around Alsager. They soon got their chance...

Harry Wakefield of Salford Harriers & AC won the VeloRunner Alsager 5 in 24:15. Andrew Smith of Leeds City AC finished second in 24:31 with Nicholas Barry of Sale Harriers Manchester not far behind, finishing third in 24:41.

Gemma Steele was the women’s winner in 2013 and again in 2023, taking first place in 26:47. It was very close for second and third places with City of Stoke AC’s Kate Holt finishing in 27:07 – one second separating her and Stephie Pennycook of Leeds City AC who finished in 27:08.

View the complete set of results via the runABC Race Listing page.

There were prizes for the top three men and women and age category winners and a bespoke medal for every finisher.

There were PB’s aplenty for a large number of finishers from local clubs that also included a good turnout coached by John Danahay of High Performance Runner (HPR) and others by Gareth Copley-Jones of IMA Running Coach.

Race Director Ken Rushton acknowledged the hard work and efforts of everyone involved in helping to deliver another successful Alsager 5. Not least, a big ‘thank you’ to all the residents for making them welcome.

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale (Race Photos).

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