Where Preston, Lancashire
When November 19, 2006
First Man Rick Hayman 52:04
First Woman Susan Samme 1:00:47
Last Finisher 1:41:54
No. of finishers 476
To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the establishment of Preston Harriers – the club that organises this race – a one-off prize of £125 was offered to the first runner to break the course record of 50:11.
Sale Harrier Rick Hayman came closest on a course that is well-known for its PB potential, but the record time eluded him by almost two minutes.
The flat two-lap course doesn’t just attract competitive club runners at the front of the field though; less experienced runners who might be looking to move up from the 10K distance are also welcomed.
The 25th running of the race started at Hutton Grammar School before heading to Longton and Walmer Bridge. Cheery marshals managed to keep impatient motorists away from runners on the A59, as well as shouting encouragement.
Bright sunshine and a light, cool breeze created perfect conditions for the record number of entrants.Most were local runners but two days before the race the organiser was surprised to receive a call from a runner who wanted to travel from Nigeria to take part. Perhaps he had heard about the prize money.
