THE seventh Rainford 10k and Fun Run held in memory of George Faulkner was deemed a huge success despite the heavy rain.
In very difficult conditions Matt Crehan won the George Faulkner Trophy for the second time and set a new course record of 32:47.
Rugby league personality and Sky pundit Barrie McDermott started the race and joined the runners to take on the 10k challenge from the front of Rainford High School.
In second place was Ben Lewington 36:19 followed by Dylan Redican in third place.
The winning lady was Nicola Jackson finishing well ahead of Karolina Groves in second.
The vet (over 40s) category winners posted good times with Chris Taylor and Katrina Seymour winning the main prizes.
A close race in the youth category saw Tom Leigh take winning position (39:13) pulling away from Samuel Wells (40:03).
Prizes were also given to Fun Runners and youth athletes in the leading places.
Some prizes and vouchers were donated by local businesses as; meal, podiatry and MOT vouchers.
"Our thanks go to our village pub managers – the Derby, the Junction and as the Cottage Indian Restaurant," said Terry Bates, of organisers Be Ur Best.
"We are fortunate to have O2 Business centre and Alpine Podiatry as our main sponsor and for their continued support.
"The association we have with Rainford High Technology College really is one of the main reasons for the success of this event. It’s service providers ‘Interserve’ staff always go the extra mile to help with arrangements.
"With the memory of George firmly embedded with runners, mum and dad Sue and John together with son Bob made up the numbers in a big ‘supporting George’ team through the race.
"Sue also offers vouchers for her podiatry sessions.
"We were also blessed to have the ‘Run with George’ team in the main 10k race and George starting the fun run and giving out the medals."
Funds raised through entry fees will go to three charities this year; the Compassionate Friends, Henshaws and Tommy’s.
Each charity was also represented on the day with good visibility being given to the substantial support offered in and around the school grounds as well as the runners.
Terry added: "The event couldn’t take place without the willing volunteers who offer up their time to assist with setting up, registration and marshalling duties.
"A good contingent come from St Helens Tri Club, our Rainford (Wednesday evening) runner group and the local community. It is a growing community event that is helping to generate high interest in running and general fitness in the area.
"We hope to keep building the running community for all abilities and feel this event and our free Wednesday run session for all abilities is helping with this."
See therainford10k.co.uk for more and on early bird 2020 entries.
Pictures courtesy of Steve Samosa
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