Agency by William Gibson 
Much of the Alsager 5 route was lined with cheering spectators on Sunday as more than 1,000 runners took part in the annual road race.
The conditions for participants and onlookers couldn’t have been more perfect, with the event held under sunny skies and settled conditions.
First man to cross the finish line in the grounds of Alsager School was Harry Wakefield, of Salford Harriers Athletics Club, in 24 minutes and 15 seconds. In second place was Andrew Smith, of Leeds City AC, (24.31) and in third place was Sale Harriers runner Nicholas Barry (24.41).
First woman home was Gemma Steelm, of Charnwood AC, (26.47). In second was Kate Holt, of City of Stoke AC, (27.08) and in third was Stephie Pennycook, of Leeds City AC (27.10).
Finishing in the women aged 75 and over category was Elaine Statham, of Congleton Harriers, who finished the course in 48 minutes and 28 seconds. She was followed by Shelagh Swinnerton, of South Cheshire Harriers, (51.31).
In the men’s 80 and over category, Alan Lewis, of Trentham RC, finished in 45.57. He was followed by Graham Bagnall, of Alsager Runners (46.29).
Alsager 5 race director Ken Rushton said: “It was an absolutely fabulous event this time and what made it was the weather – bright sun and it was quite calm. It really was a good day.
“We had 1,006 at the start line and because of the great weather loads of Alsager residents tuned out to watch. The streets were lined with people cheering the runners on and it made for a really good atmosphere.”
Mr Rushton said the race would return next year on Sunday, 4th February 2024.
(Photos: Muriel Dale).
