Lostock v Burnden Challenge

After a series of intriguing tussles in which the two clubs could hardly be separated, Lostock A.C. eventually ran out comfortable winners in the inaugural Lostock v Burnden Challenge on Wednesday.With a history of very close battles between the two local rivals, the Lostock club are now proud to be the first name on the new trophy and the race will now become an annual event.

Races as diverse as the Haigh Hall Relays, Man v Horse Marathon, and the Isle of Jura Fell Race have recently seen Lostock and Burnden locked in the closest of contests with very little to choose between the two clubs. It was therefore decided to hold a head to head challenge race to compete for local pride and a new challenge trophy.

For two of the area’s smaller clubs there was a fantastic turn out, and 38 runners in the green vests of Lostock and the silver and black of Burnden lined up in driving rain to run for local bragging rights – and hot-pot in the local pub.

On a testing six mile off-road course around Anglezarke, Lostock’s Keith Thomas was first home in time of 36:56 followed by Burnden’s Andy Staveley in 37:40. Next home was Lostock’s Mick Green in 38:45 chased by Martyn Pollitt (40:16) for the Burnden club, and the clubs looked set for yet another close run thing. However Lostock then showed superior strength in depth with Neil Smith, Stewart Jones and Pete Hopley all in the chasing pack, and the trophy was heading for Lostock.

Lesley Fisher regained some pride for Burnden by claiming the prize for first Lady in a time of 44:05.

The night belonged to Lostock, but Burnden made a fight of it, and the Challenge looks sure to become a keenly contested race in the local fixture list for years to come.

Men’s Results :
K.Thomas (Lostock) 36:56
A.Staveley (Burnden) 37:40
M.Green (Lostock) 38:45
M.Pollitt (Burnden) 40:16
N.Smith (Lostock) 40:26
S.Jones (Lostock) 40:44
P.Hopley (Lostock) 41:22
A.Hope (Lostock ) 42:37
D.Clements (Lostock) 44:00
D.Lord (Lostock) 44:01

Ladies :
Lesley Fisher (Burnden) 44:05
Caroline Scholes (Lostock) 44:49
Shirley Ashton (Burnden) 47:18
Jane Forrest (Lostock) 48:34