Third time lucky as Halman breaks the tape

May 25 2007 By Chester Chronicle

AFTER two years of knocking on the door, Michael Halman finally clinched his maiden victory in the Shell Chester Half Marathon on Sunday.

It was a case of third time lucky for the Wilmslow long distance running ace, who was second last year and third the year before.

Halman posted a personal-best time of 69 minutes and 58 seconds to cross the finishing line on the Roodee in first place.

The reigning county half marathon champion said: ‘I’m delighted. This is the first time I’ve broken 70 minutes for a half marathon.

‘Conditions were perhaps not ideal because it was a bit warm, but I felt good so I didn’t really notice it.

‘Two of us broke away from the start and from about four miles I kicked on and basically didn’t look back.’

Halman revealed the victory had capped a busy time as it was his third race in a week and he had overcome the symptoms of a cold earlier in the week.

He added: ‘I had no expectations for Chester and I think that held me in good stead because I was completely relaxed at the start and had no worries whether I could win.

‘I just wanted to see how I felt and if I felt good I would just go for it, and that’s what happened.’

Colin Rigby of Horwich RMI finished runner-up in 72:04, and Paul Sankey of Liverpool Running Club secured third spot with 73:22.

Former winner Tony Power, an over-50 veteran, finished fourth in 74:01, and Steve Crowe (Ellesmere Port Running Club) posted 75:27 for seventh position.

Lynne Wright won the first lady prize after covering the route in 1:24:44, well clear of nearest rival Victoria Ranes who posted 1:28:50, and third placed Jane Ashbrook (1:29:41) of Helsby RC.

Almost 2,000 runners finished Sunday’s race, which started at the Old Dee Bridge and went as far as Pulford before returning to the city centre for a big finish on the Roodee. After the main race had started, there was also a popular fun run on the racecourse for children and parents.