Cold and windy conditions for the sold out Alsager 5 (Sunday 6 February) as 1,000 runners took to the streets of this Cheshire market town. Richard Allen and Kate Holt ran like whirlwinds to claim the top spots in a fiercely competitive race. 

The VeloRunner Alsager 5 is the first event in the 2022 NSRRA programme and always a good test of winter training where runners push the pace from the outset on a fast and flat course. Last year’s race went virtual in response to the third lockdown so it was with a sigh of relief that the live version returned in all its glory.  

There were prizes for the top three male and female, age category winners and the winning male and female team. This meant there was all to play for. 

Everyone headed up to the start on Pikemere Road waiting for the off at 11am. Race Director Ken Rushton sent the field on its way to loop around the town where locals stood despite the chilly weather and applauded the runners as they passed. The marshals did a sterling job too, keeping everyone safe whilst encouraging them to the end.  

Richard Allen of Leeds AC held off the challenge from David Devine of Liverpool Harriers & AC as they raced down the finishing straight. Allen was the 2022 winner in 24:25 followed by Devine in 24:28. 

Stuart Spencer of Notts AC was third in 25:16. 

City of Stoke AC’s Kate Holt looked strong and focused as she finished first female in 26:46. Bronwen Owen of Leeds City AC was second in 27:28, eight seconds ahead of her teammate Steph Pennycook who came third in 27:36. 

City of Stoke AC won the men’s and women’s team prizes. 

And two Trentham RC men showed that age is just a number... Doug Alcock posted a new M70 record of 34:56 and Alan Lewis a new M80 record of 45:47. 

The full results are available to view via the runABC Race Listings page. 

The day was summed up perfectly by Race Director Ken Rushton who said: “Close to 1,000 runners toed the line for the VeloRunner Alsager 5 Mile Race. Considering the weather we’d had the day before everyone was pleased the rain stopped before the race. A bit blustery but everyone seemed to enjoy the event. It’s a big ‘thank you’ to all the helpers and Blythe Bridge Running Club for providing the marshals.”

Race 2 in the NSRRA programme is the Rugeley 10 Mile on Sunday 20 February. 

Images courtesy of John Danahay (High Performance Runner).