The 23rd edition of the Lancaster & Morecambe AC’s 4k festive fun run went ahead this year on Friday 27th December.  It was a bit misty but not too cold and not windy so pretty much perfect winter running conditions!

  There were over 230 runners including 40+ who registered on the day.

There was a great atmosphere with many families and children taking part – some for their first ever run - and lots running in festive gear.  Runners ranged from children as young as 4 or 5 years old up to a number of men and women over 70.  Truly a race for all ages.

It was especially encouraging to see 37 adult and junior members of Lancaster & Morecambe AC (LMAC) taking part, some 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 Luke Minns (V35) of Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde AC finishing in a very fast 11 minutes 51 seconds. In second place was Oscar Stapleton of Ilkley Harriers crossing the Pennines to take part with a time of 12 minutes 55 seconds and in 3rd place was the first runner back for LMAC, Jack Eccles in 13 minutes 21 seconds.  

The women’s winner, also a Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde AC runner, was Emily Simm in 10thth place overall with a fast 14:55.  The first LMAC female finisher was Lauren Gora (FV40) who was also 2nd woman home in the very good time of 15:44, in 17th place overall. 

In 3rd place, in a time of 16:34 and in 24th place overall was former LMAC member, now running for Garstang Runing Club, Jayne Perry.  Well done to all of them.

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 very much appreciated by all finishers at the end. 

The sponsors this year were Angus Murray; Barton Grange Garden Centre (Flower Bowl); Black’s fish ‘n Chips, Halton; Carole Wilkinson; Catherine Douglas; Christine Perry; Colette Whelan; DC Wilson Garages, Lancaster & Forton; Gregory Lambert; HPA Architects; Lancaster Brewery; Lancaster University Sports Centre; Dr Juliet McGrattan; OMM; Robert Gordon James Hairdressers, Lancaster; Rowan Wood Massage Therapy, Lancaster; Runners Centre, Lancaster; Scholls Chiropody Clinic, Lancaster; Susan Lucas and Tesco, Carnforth. 

Thanks a lot to the run’s main organisers Steve Perry, Christine Perry, Susan Lucas, Richard Jones and also all the other many volunteers and marshals.

Full results are below