Athletics: Daniel Cliffe makes history as he claims Round the Walls Race title

Dec 31 2009 Chester Chronicle

Athletics: Daniel Cliffe makes history as he claims Round the Walls Race title

THE frosty weather forced organisers to rethink the course for Chester’s annual Round the Walls Race – but the plummeting temperatures failed to deter hundreds of runners from taking part.

Dangerous icy conditions on several sections of the city walls meant the traditional Boxing Day run was restricted to the confines of Chester Racecourse.

Under 20 junior Daniel Cliffe, from Warrington AC, was first past the post.

He completed the 3.5-mile course in 19 minutes and one second, clocking the biggest winning margin in the race’s history – one minute and 16 seconds.

He was well clear of under 20 junior clubmate Mathew Jackson, who posted 20:17 for second, with Ian Wetherall (Sale Harriers) securing third place in 20:20.

A total of 376 entrants completed the race which was supplemented by a one-mile fun run.

Alec Beaney, representing host club West Cheshire AC, clocked 21:05 to secure the first under 20 junior men’s award, and finished seventh overall.

Wrecsam Tri Club’s Gary Norgrove won the over-40 men’s prize after finishing fifth overall with a time of 20:37, and Chester Triathlon Club’s Ken Begley claimed the over-45 men’s award with 13th spot overall and a time of 21:52.

Ian Lancaster, of Tattenhall Runners, took the over-50 men’s prize, finishing 17th in 22:30, while club-mate Michael Whiteside finished 66th in 25:14 to claim the over-60 men’s award.

Helen Waugh, a former member of Wirral AC, grabbed success in the ladies race with a time of 22:05, well clear of runner-up Catherine Draper (Liverpool Harriers) in 22:51 and third-placed Emma Parry (Wrexham AC) in 23:08.

Waverton-based Ysabel Monk claimed the over-50 women’s prize, and Helsby's Janet Shaw clinched the first over-55 women’s award.

Tom Booth (West Cheshire AC) claimed 23rd spot in 23:11, spearheading the host club challenge alongside Alan Bevan (50th in 24:40), Chris Rhodes (75th in 25:44), Mark Povey (113th in 27:00), Neil McIntyre (131st in 27:50), John Manning (192nd in 29:25), Tony Hill (281st in 33:35) and Jayne Noble (335th in 36:59).

Other locally-based finishers included Ellesmere Port Running Club’s Michael Burns (30th in 23:36) and City of Chester Tri Club’s Ben Birks (34th in 23:45).

Fixtures this weekend include the third round of the Borders Road Running League at Tattenhall on Sunday (11am start).