By Tony Bell

Race Date: 18^th August 2024

Way back in 1984, in the days of the old Queen, I ran the first Birchwood 10km in my home town of Warrington, in Cheshire. This race was organised by Spectrum Striders running club, who subsequently became my first running club. Over the years I have run in or volunteered at most of the Birchwood 10km races. In 1989 I ran 38.47 in this race, I am a bit slower now.

On Sunday 18th August 2024 I crossed the Pennines to run the Birchwood 10km again, a chance to see old running friends and visit with family. This was going to be more of a social run than a serious race, I have had back and leg injuries in recent weeks so I knew I wasn’t that fit.

It was a cool, windy morning, a bit chilly for August, but not too bad running conditions. After an easy 1.2km warmup, it was time to line up for the race. Off we went on the familiar roads and paths through Birchwood and the Science Park. I was moving reasonably well in the first half, I got to 5km in 24.51. I know from experience that, even though the course is fairly flat, there are 3 motorway bridges in the last 3km. I pushed on a little bit harder from 5km as we headed out into the countryside, I passed a couple more runners to 7km. Over the first bridge OK, but it was tough going after the 2nd bridge. I lost lots of places in the last km but I kept going hard to the end.

Over the line in 49.29 (gun) 49.18 (chip), very tired on finishing but pleased with my run. I would have accepted sub 50 on the start line. After crossing the finish line I was given a towel as a finisher prize. For many years this race gave towels to finishers, we have several Birchwood 10km towels at home. This year the towel came back, how many race t-shirts do you really need?

I finished with an age-graded time of 39.47, not too bad for a fat, injured, old man.

Photo shows me approaching the finish line.

The race was won by Thomas Charles (Chorlton Runners) in 30:05 and Lucy Fairclough (St Helens Sutton AC) in 36:24

Strider’s Result: