300 runners, lots of mud and a new record!

THE fifth annual Warrington Way 40 mile Ultra Race – which as usual started and finished at Lymm Village Hall, – provided a new pairs course record, a dip in temperature and lots of mud.
More than 300 runners took part and the race was judged another great success.
The new course record for the pairs was set by Mat Rushbrook and Neil Macnicol who came in just under the five hour mark at 4 hrs 50 mins taking a good 20 mins off last year’s previous record of 5 hrs 14 mins, which was previously held by Jack Pilkington and Pete Murphy of Lymm Runners. Charlie Sharpe came first in the solos for the second year running and Helsby took the relays crown again.
Mat and Neil who are regulars to the yearly race commented ‘This year was particularly hard going due to a lot of heavy rain pre-race. But this in no way dampened the spirits of the brilliant Lymm Runners who organise the event.
“As a club they have made improvements to the race each year and it has now become a highlight in our running calendar.
It’s an event that gets fantastic local support. Each checkpoint has everything you could possibly need, and race HQ exceeds any event I have experienced with more hot food and homemade cake than any runner could dream of.”
Out on the course another highlight was a colourful group of Ooompa Loompas from Warrington Triathlon Club who moved around the 40 mile route surprising and motivating runners with a combination of disco music, dancing and energising high fives.
The race remains as popular as ever, with over 300 runners competing either solo, in pairs or in relay teams of four. They were supported at Maple Lodge and checkpoints on the route by over 40 volunteers as well as RTC Medical Solutions who provided medical cover for the event.
As in previous years, the mood of the day was one of cheerful excitement and while some nerves were apparent at the start of the race, by the finish these had changed into a terrific party atmosphere in the hall, where muddy, wet and hungry runners could tuck into homemade chilli and cake while being reunited with their friends and families.
Race director Andrew Holland said: “The Warrington Way just gets more popular as the years go on. The race is now in its fifth year and fills up extremely quickly with a good mix of runners from all different walks of life. There is always lots of support from the volunteers who in previous years have participated and understand what the athletes are going through. It is great to see the event, organised by Lymm Runners, getting so many people into ultra running.”
The next Warrington Way Ultra will take place on Saturday November 14 next year and entries will open on May 1. Details will be on the Lymm Runners website.