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Wajib races clear at Cowm

28/ 4/2007

THE COLIN Robinson multi terrain race provided an ideal opportunity for Rochdale Harriers to assess how their form had progressed over the past year.

The annual event, which raises considerable sums for charity, starts with a tight lap around Cowm reservoir. The route then loops uphill through the quarry overlooking Cowm.

At 4.1 miles in length, and with a mixture of road, slippery ascent, and uneven trail, the route has something to test many aspects of a runner's overall ability.

The race was won in convincing style by Rochdale's Wajib Ali who finished a clear minute ahead of second placed Malcolm Fowler from Wilmslow Running Club.

Ali clocked 22 mins 12 secs which was some 158 seconds faster than his 2006 time.

For much of the race Matt Proctor, who finished 15th last year, was in second place.

But on the final ascent he lost a couple of places to Fowler (Wilmslow) and Jackson (Horwich) to finish fourth overall.

Evolving from a junior to a senior this year has worked well for Proctor, as lopping 199 seconds off his 2006 time clearly showed.

Rochdale's Josefa Terim joined Ali in the honours by being first lady finisher. For much of the race Terim was neck to neck with Heather Corbishley of Rossendale Harriers. But Terim proved the stronger to win by 33 seconds.

Ian Stainthorpe, who should have been resting ahead of the London Marathon, won the male veteran 45 category in a speedy 25 mins 12 secs.

David Schofield and Phil Roberts were first and second in the male veteran 60 category. Ian Aitchison was second male veteran 50.

Ian Holloway won the male veteran 55 category, while Diane Winterburn and Christine Deasey finished third and fourth in the female veteran 40 category.

THE unseasonably hot weather on Sunday created punishing conditions for all competitors taking part in the London Marathon.

As the heat took its toll, one competitor described the conditions from the 18 mile marker as "absolute carnage." On the whole finishing times were well down.

Results for members of Rochdale Harriers and AC were:

Ian Stainthorpe 3.05.01 (117th in age group, 1081st overall); Huma Rahman 3.31.40 (113th in age group, 458th overall in women's race); Anna Blomfield, 3.45.58 (86th in age group, 889th overall); Kirstin Johnson, 4.15.16 (482nd in age group, 2325th overall); David Bentley, 4.15.36 (1973rd in age group, 10121st overall); Julie Sandilands, 4.20.25 (470th in age group,2672nd overall).

THE second race in this year's local athletics clubs Fell Race Grand Prix takes place at 1.15 pm on 5 May.

It involves athletes from Rochdale, Radcliffe, Rossendale and Middleton Harriers.

The race is the Belmont Village Winter Hill over a short category B course stretching 4.5 miles with 1000ft of ascent.