NICOLA Bird flew to the head of the pack in the second race of Deestriders Off-Road Grand Prix.

The Ellesmere Port Running Club member took first place in the female under 35 group and was second overall in 33 minutes and six seconds, despite being back in training for only a few months.

Also in podium positions in the Shotton race were Graham Earlam (29:54) and Alison Hughes (35:33), both finishing third in their respective age groups.

First home for EPRC, and continuing his current run of great form, was Denis Duret in a very impressive sixth place with a time of 28:28.

Just behind was a battle between three club members who all finished seconds apart.

On this occasion, David Nalder was victorious with a time of 32:25, hotly pursued by Jason Bennett (32:28) and Danny Legg (32:31). Completing the line-up was Madeleine Bird with a time of 39:55.

Winning the race was Wirral runner Xavier Desse with a time of 26:51, while Helen Davies from Wrexham AC triumphed in the ladies race with a time of 32:20.

In the Reebok Manchester 5k Sizzler, Denis Duret continued his focus on the shorter distances and, despite the wet conditions and a hamstring problem towards the end of the race, still managed to finish in an impressive time of 17:06.

EPRC is now accepting entries for the sixth Urenco Capenhurst 5k, ideal for anyone wishing to partake in an ultra flat, friendly 5k race.

The route starts from the Electricity Sports & Social Club, Capenhurst Technology Park, at 7pm on Wednesday, August 20. Anyone wishing to pre-enter can do so by downloading the form from www.ellesmereportrunningclub.org.uk and forwarding it to: Race Secretary, Ellesmere Port Running Club, 4 Dolphin Crescent, Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH66 4SZ.

There will be entry open on the night for an additional £1.

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 begin running at 7pm).

EPRC is also starting a beginners’ night on Wednesdays, starting at 7pm (meet at 6.45pm).

It is targeted at anyone who has never run before, feels scared to join a club for fear of lack of ability or has simply never thought of the benefits of running.

Starting at the easiest level, EPRC coaches will be there to start you off. For further information, contact webmaster@ellesmereportrunningclub.org.uk