Mixed fortunes at Wilmslow 10k race

Report by Don Hale

There were mixed fortunes for two of North Wales Road Runners’ top athletes in last Sunday’s Wilmslow Summer 10k race.

Martin Green claimed a 2nd place in his M45 age category, but Jonathan Kettle had to withdraw due to a persistent injury.
In hot and humid conditions Martin continued his excellent form to finish 25th overall out of an amazing 2,545 other runners.

Competing under social distancing restrictions in England, Martin maintained a good pace throughout despite some tough additional races of late, and finally finished in 33 minutes 7 seconds for a silver medal podium cat place.

He later confirmed: “Pleased enough. It was going really well until 7k, then my legs fell off (or someone poured cement inside them). Last week’s half still there, but still very happy with how I felt up to that point.”

And Jonathan, who has been struggling with an Achilles tendon injury, bravely battled his way around the course, but eventually had to drop out the race.

Despite the severity of his problem, he still managed to record a notable distance of 8.41 km in 30.29, before jogging back.

Afterwards, Jonathan admitted: “I should have known better than to attempt a race with an injury.

“My lungs and legs felt good, but my Achilles had a different plan at two miles. A silly idea today! Lesson learned!”

*The race attracted another quality field of club runners, and the first three placings went to athletes from Salford Harriers with just one second separating the first two runners, Marc Brown 1st in 30.07 and David Barratt 2nd in 30.08, with club colleague Michael Clayton 3rd in 30.30.

In a fast race, the first six runners all dipped under 31 minutes. The final race results link: https://run-northwest.niftyentries.com/Results/Wilmslow-Summer-10k-?