The 23rd edition of the Lancaster & Morecambe AC’s popular 4k festive fun run went ahead this year on Wednesday 27th December. 

Despite the forecast that Storm Gerrit would bring very wet and windy weather, fortunately there was actually only a slight drizzle. There were 70 more runners than last year, with 240 taking part including 40+ who registered on the day.

There was a great atmosphere with many families and children taking part and lots running in festive gear.  Runners ranged from children as young as 5 up to a number of over 70-year-olds.  Truly a race for all ages.

It was especially encouraging to see 29 members of Lancaster & Morecambe AC (LMAC) taking part, many with their children or grandchildren.

With a flat route it wasn’t a surprise that the top runners completed the course very quickly with the winner being Junior Ben Brassington of local LMAC crossing the line after only 12 minutes 58 seconds.  Not far behind were two other LMAC members, Matthew Guilder MV35 (13:23) and John Brassington MV45 (13:38).

The women’s winner in a fantastic time for a junior of 14:57 was Holly Nicholls of Rossendale Harriers.  She was followed by Emily Simm in 15:10 and in 3rd place was Natalie Sandford of Manchester Road Runners in 16:19. 

For most runners the finishing time wasn’t an issue - the fun run was just that, FUN with a great festive medal at the end.   And the huge number of spot prizes and vouchers was much appreciated by all finishers at the end. 

The main sponsor this year was HPA Architects in Lancaster with other sponsors being Asda, Morecambe; Barton Grange Garden Centre (Flower Bowl); Blacks Fish ‘n Chips, Halton; Body Shop, Lancaster; Catherine Douglas; DC Wilson Garages, Lancaster & Forton; Lancaster University Sports Centre; Dr Juliet McGrattan; Pete Bland Sports, Kendal; Robert Gordon James Hairdressers, Lancaster; Rowan Wood Massage Therapy, Lancaster; Runners Centre, Lancaster; Scholls Chiropody Clinic, Lancaster;  Susan Lucas; Tesco Carnforth; Vue Cinema, Lancaster and Carole Wilkinson. 

Thanks a lot to the run’s main organiser Steve Perry assisted by Angus Murray, Christine Perry, Susan Lucas, Richard Jones, Kerry Wilding and Ken Wilding plus a large number of other Club volunteers and marshals.