THE short journey to Capenhurst for the annual 10k event was made by three Ellesmere Port Running Club members.

Simon Jeffs, Tony Hy-land and Chris Marshall joined more than 70 runners in perfect weather conditions.

Jeffs was the first man home for EPRC in a time of 35 minutes and 38 seconds, finishing as third male overall.

Slightly disappointed with his performance, Jeffs is now eyeing up the Warrington 10k a week tomorrow in an attempt to dip under the 35-minute barrier.

Hyland crossed the line in 39:30 as he returns to fitness with his sights set on an autumn 10k.

Resurrecting his running career in his first comeback race for EPRC was Chris Marshall. He excelled with a great time of 39:50 and is aiming to reach his previous personal best of 37 minutes within six weeks.

Capenhurst has not seen the last of the runners this year. Anyone wishing to take part in an ultra flat, friendly 5k race, whether a debutant or a seasoned runner, can enter EPRC's Original Capenhurst 5k starting from the Urenco Electri-city Sports & Social Club, Capenhurst Technology Park, at 7pm on Wednes day, August 22.

To pre-enter, visit www. ellesmere portrunning club.org.uk, download the entry form and forward it to: Dave Nalder, Race, Secretary, Ellesmere Port Running Club, 4 Dolphin Crescent, Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH66 4SZ. Entry is £5 for EPRC members and £7 for non-members. There is

also entry on the night for an additional £1. n Birkenhead Park has had a massive facelift since EPRC last sent representatives to its five-mile fixture.

The challenging, undulating course has a new smooth tarmac surface and a 264-metre sprint finish.

Six EPRC members tackled the three-lap race hoping for some fast times.

First home for the club in 13th position overall was Steve Crowe in 27:49.

Closely behind Steve was Simon Jeffs. He had been aiming for a sub-28-minute time and ran hard but, like so many of the runners taking part, he seemed to suffer on the draining rises and falls of the park course and finished in 19th position in 28:29.

The ever-improving Keith Jones ran a solid race as he finished in 30:11, a new personal best which handed him 36th place.

Tony Hyland continued his return to form as he finished 45th in 31:49.

Matt Whitfield also took part, just three days after the City v City 10k in Liverpool, and ran 31:40 for 48th place.

EPRC's only female representative was Alison Hughes. Still on the comeback trail after missing three months with an ankle injury, she clocked 34:09 to end as fifth senior lady overall.