Three reasons for Bury AC’s Hannah Lucas to celebrate at Sunday’s (4 September) South Cheshire 20 (SCH20). She was the winning woman, set a new women’s course record and finished in the top 10. 

Hannah Lucas was amongst a 200+ strong field at the South Cheshire 20 Mile Road Race which always provides a challenge. Event 14 in the NSRRA Programme of League Races, it is a favourite with runners preparing for an autumn marathon. Not one to underestimate though due to the inclines!

The race started at 9.30am although there was an earlier time of 8.30am for those who run at a slower pace, ensuring that they would make the 13.30pm cut-off.  Hosted by South Cheshire Harriers, the event took place on a single lap, fully marshalled course that set off from Shavington Leisure Centre (also the location for the finish) up and down through rural villages. The perfect test to see if all those miles logged during marathon training would pay off...

A controlled display of running by Sale Harriers Nicholas Barry resulted in him winning the SCH20 in 1:55:08. Keith Swainson of Sheffield RC came second in 1:56:38 and Paul Bannister of Salford Harriers & AC third in 1:59:42. 

Looking 100% focused throughout, Hannah Lucas of Bury AC was the first female in 2:06:47 – a new ladies course record and was 6th overall. There was a gap of almost 20 minutes between her and runner up Theresa Oldroyd who finished in 2:26:31. It was another good run for Amanda Kelly of Stoke FIT who was third in 2:32:47, knocking 5 minutes off her 2021 time. 

A full set of results is available via the runABC Midlands race listing page.          

A medal, long-sleeved t-shirt (always a vote winner!) and snacks for every finisher and post-run massages from LW Sports Therapy, gladly received by many after all the hills.

The next NSRRA race is the Ipstones 5ish and Junior Run this Saturday. There is still time to enter...

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale (Race Photos).