Despite the heavy rain on Sunday, the second Viking Way 5K race from Gosforth to Seascale and back on Sunday morning attracted an enthusiastic entry and some good times in challenging running conditions.
The field was led home by Bobby Hagan of Border Harriers in 19 minutes 4 seconds, improving from his second place last year, but he was closely pursued all the way by Alan Homer of Derwent AC (19.10), with Guy Bettinson of St Bees Triers in third place in 19.25. The Men’s team race was won by Derwent AC, with Alan Homer, Robert Paterson (7th) and Brett Maloy (9th) as counters.
In the Ladies race the honours went to St Bees Triers, with Karen Smith, fresh from her triumph in the Cumbrian Run, finishing first lady and fourth overall in 19.41, a new course record. Liz Watson of Derwent AC was second lady to finish in 20.06, with Lindsay Walker third lady in 21.32. The Ladies Team Race was won emphatically by St Bees Triers, led home by Karen Smith, with Katrina Dickinson (21.51) and Natalie Smith (25.22) as counters.
Organisers Blengdale Runners were also well represented by Ben Seed (21.14), Lauren Kenwright (24.53), Amy Fisher (25.23), Rachel Read (26.29), Lindsay Buck (26.33), David Herdman (27.53), and Peter Manning (36.55). Retired club member Andy Fletcher made an impressive comeback after a long absence in 28.28, with his daughter chasing him home.
Other members of the club were kept busy recording and processing the results and handing out medals to all finishers.
The race organisers would like to thank all the runners, everyone who helped on the day and also race sponsors Robinson+Co, and Debra and her team at the Westlakes Hotel and Restaurant who provided welcome refreshments to the competitors at the finish.
All proceeds from the race, and the Gosforth 10 mile and 10 kilometre races (held earlier in the year) will be donated to local charities and good causes.
Full race results are available on the Blengdale Runners Facebook page.
Provisional dates for next years races are Wed 10th June 2020 for the Gosforth 10 Mile & Fun Run; Tuesday 1st September for the Gosforth 10K; and Sunday 18th October for the Viking Way 5K.
