It’s time to put down those mince pies, leave the mulled wine on the hob for a moment and throw together a Bolt-esque review of December’s four races in the club calendar to date:

In dry, still and warm conditions for the time of year, December’s Eve saw Kit Gallagher taking a debut win at Salford Women’s 5.25 mile road race in 39:43, with Annie Hirsch the second Belle Vue woman home a mere 15 seconds behind – also just squeezed out of top spot in her age-category – and Leah Evans the third BVR to cross the line.  Special mention to Fiona Seymour with the sole PB, reward for a year of hard graft.  Well done, Fiona!

The following weekend saw Kit taking her second Belle Vue win at the Manchester Area Boggart Hole Clough XC race, with Annie taking third on this occasion, second place going to Kath Horwill.  With the boys steeling themselves for Stockport 10 the following day, maybe, Andy Wood cruised around the course to take the 30 points as sole man.

Stockport 10: cold, wet and blustery, seemed a mighty long way from the glorious late evening sunshine of many of the summer races.  From the 23 Belle Vue Racers starting the course, Alison Sedman was the first woman home in 1:08:15, followed by Kath and Annie; Vic Walsh led the men home in 1:04:59, followed closely by Nigel Sedman and Simon Stead.

A sad note on which to end: with an Under 17 runner requiring Air Ambulance support out on the course at an extremely cold, wet and muddy Tandle Hills cross-country, the first race of the the South East Lancs league, the women’s race was cut short and the men’s race cancelled.  Our thoughts go out to the young man concerned and Belle Vue Racers wish him a speedy recovery.  In the event, Catherine McKenna crossed the line first in the curtailed women’s race, followed by Charlotte Goodwin on debut and Fiona Seymour.  AT

Final race of the year: Bowstones Fell Race on New Year’s Eve.  Until then, enjoy those mince pies.   Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  Hugs and kisses, BVR X