High Legh 10k sees record runners and race winner times

The High Legh 10k took place on March 17 with winners James Westlake of Crawley AC and Abigail Howarth of Vale Royal AC breaking the historic course records in terrific times of 30.53 minutes and 36.47 minutes respectively.

James knocked a full 1 min 44 seconds off the previous male record set in 2017 by James Wignall while Abigail broke Sarah Lomas’ long standing 2009 record by a whole 1minute 52 seconds.

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Both have set the bar very high for future races.

Jame said: ‘It’s been a great event, really enjoyed it. I was a little bit worried about knowing where to go but the marshals were fantastic.

"I’ll definitely be coming back again."

There were other firsts too.

The huge field of 516 runners from all over the UK was one of the largest ever, and included a big team of over 50 Runners from Royton Road Runners, as well as over 100 from Lymm Runners: almost a quarter of the total membership of the club.

The race even saw three competing runners over 80. David Phillips of Royton Road Runners who was first in his category in a time of 1.04, Harry Newton of Macclesfield Harriers in 1.08 and finally Eilish Glavey who was celebrating just turning 80 and who finished in 1.33.

The runners were supported, as ever, by a super-efficient organising team, friendly marshals on the course and High Legh residents, who came out to cheer everyone on, while Cheshire’s Mix56 team of presenters added to the party atmosphere by broadcasting live from the venue.

The race  isn’t just a fun morning out, it also benefits the local community as proceeds go towards High Legh projects and High Legh Primary School (via the PTA) which also serves as the Race HQ.

Many runners also took advantage of the opportunity to give money to Tees for Trees instead of having a T shirt in their goody bag, resulting in a donation of over £250 for the charity.

Nick Gerrard, race team chair commented: ‘Lymm Runners and the High Legh Community Association would like to thank all the volunteers without whom this friendly and popular event would not be possible: this includes the organising committee, the goody bag and registrations teams and also the ever-cheerful Marshals who always have such a positive impact on the runners, and not forgetting those who helped to clear up.

"It’s a fabulous team to work with on a great community event.

"We have had more sponsors than ever this year and they have been, as ever, very generous. We would like to thank them for their donations of cheques, vouchers or in kind, including water, fruit and other prizes."

The race will be back again in 2025, after everyone has had a well-earned rest!