THE weather gods were kind to the competitors who took on this year’s Warrington Way 40 Mile Ultra Marathon which started from Lymm before going around the villages, tracks and trails of Warrington.
The heavy rain which had lasted for much of the week meant that the notoriously muddy course managed to exceed expectations.
If you were out and about in Lymm enjoying the sunshine on Saturday 11th and wondered about the green balloons from the Dam to The Cross, they were to welcome home the 300 or so tired and mud splattered finishers who had taken part, either as 40 mile soloists or running as part of a pair or relay team of four.
The race, organised by Lymm Runners and now in its 9th year, has become a much-loved and very popular fixture in the National Ultra Running Calendar with entrants coming from all over the North of England.
Winner Sean Fenwick and his Prize. Photo Carl Smethurst
Winners this year were Sean Fenwick from Winwick who finished in 5 hours 28 minutes, who commented: ‘A good run. I set off fast and wasn’t sure I’d be able to maintain it but managed to.’
The first woman home was Kelly Staunton of Wigan and District Harriers AC in 6 hours 7 minutes.
Kelly said ‘It was a very good run, very muddy, very tough on the legs and super flat. I do a lot of hilly Ultras, but this was definitely a good challenge.’
In a most touching second place was Leo Loughran, a GB Ultra Ambassador and member of Salford Harriers AC. Leo ran in a specially designed t-shirt to dedicate this run to the memory of his cousin, who had passed away a few weeks before.
And finally Lymm Runners were delighted that their own Georgina Walker was the second woman to finish.
They were all delighted by their prizes of an engraved tankard and Limited Edition bottle of Warrington Way Ale.
The event, however, would not be so successful or as well organised without the legions of Lymm Runner volunteers who gave up their Saturday to look after everyone’s safety, both out at the four checkpoints on the course, with food and drink and also back at the Scout Hut HQ looking after the finishers and providing bowls of hearty home-made chilli.
Kieran Walshe, Co Race Director said: ‘Thanks to everyone who volunteered, ran or cheered others on in the Warrington Way today. It is such a testament to who we are as a club – inclusive, welcoming, encouraging and helping people to achieve things they might not have thought they could do. We love the frontrunners for their ability but to be honest I love the grit, determination and willpower of some of the other runners more! A great event with wonderful club support.’
The fabulous Oompa Loompas from Warrington Tri Club Photo Jason Rowbottom
Finally, adding extra motivation out of the Course were the traditional Oompa Loompas from Warrington Tri Club who danced, posed for photos and raised over £250.00 on the day for the charity Move Against Cancer.
The eleventh event is now being planned for November 2024, so if you, or any friends and family would like to know more, follow Warrington Way Facebook page or Instagram – or check out the Lymm Runners website at www.lymmrunners.org.uk
