Running - Challenge organiser "overwhelmed" by successful run (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Running - Challenge organiser "overwhelmed" by successful run

2:21pm Saturday 30th July 2011 in Sport

CANCERCARE Cross Bay Challenge organiser Nicki Hearne said she was “overwhelmed” by this year’s successful event in which an increased entry, up almost 60 per cent up, tackled the unique race in glorious weather.

Runners are led over the Kent channel through two counties and two rivers in the only race in the world to cross a tidal bay.

Nicki said: Mother Nature couldn’t have been kinder – the main water crossing, the Kent channel was in prime condition, the sands were most packed hard for the length of the course and the combination of sunshine, cool breeze and refreshing water crossing seemed to keep runners happy.”

First across the seven-mile Kent channel was Manchester Frontrunners Daniel Murphy who stayed ahead for a winning time of 1hr 20min 50seconds.

Close behind was the winner of the previous two year’s Challenges, Paul Muller of Horwich RMI Harrier, in 1-20-57, with Chris Barnes, an unattached runner, third in 1-21-23.

First woman to finish and eighth overall was Paula Irons, also unattached, in 1-27-07.

In all there were 559 finishes, the oldest a 77-year-old woman who has completed the last five races.

Nicki added: “Particular thanks are due to the bay guides who not only do a superb job of keeping everyone safe but do so in such great spirits. “ Among the local club runners, Robert Moffat of Howgill Harriers had a prominent run in 16th, while Allithwaite and District RC man Simon Thompson was 18th.