STEVE Laker surprised himself by registering his fastest ever 10-mile time in atrocious conditions at Preston.
The Ellesmere Port Running Club member was taking part in the Guys 10-mile road race.
With heavy rain prior to the start, the prospect of getting a good time seemed remote.
As the start approached, the rain eased and the predicted strong winds didn’t seem to materialise.
When the gun fired Steve was optimistic of running a personal best.
For the first five miles, with a tailwind, he was on target for a sub 59-minute finish.
The second half of the race however was a different story. The wind whipped up and was head-on and several parts of the course were flooded, the most severe being a 50m stretch, six inches deep at the seven-mile mark.
With a mile to go Steve had all but given up on a good time but to his own amazement he crossed the line in a new fastest time of 59:07 in 13th place.
Anyone wishing to join EPRC, whether beginner or competent runner, can attend training at Whitby Sports and Social Club on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6.45pm to commence running at 7pm. All abilities are welcome. For further information, please contact webmaster@ellesmereportrunningclub.org.uk
