Preston Road Races mark 15 years since we became a city

City of Preston Road Races 2017

The City of Preston Road Races returned on Sunday 13 August to celebrate 15 years since Preston became a city.

The 5 and 10 mile races took place on the scenic route around Warmer Bridge Village Hall, on Gill Lane.

Nearly 400 runners took part in the races and helped to mark the special occasion.

The races, organised by Conteq Events, started at 10am and finished around 1pm.

Organiser, Michael Brennand, said: “Last weekend saw the City of Preston road races take place with nearly 400 runners from Scotland to the South Coast, many running to raise money for charity, assembling to race an exact 5 mile loop starting and finishing at Walmer Bridge Village Hall.

“There were two distances, with a 5 mile race and a two lap 10 mile race starting together at 10am.

“Bright sunshine greeted the participants on raceday with the weather hotting up as the race went on.

“There were personal bests throughout the field with the fast, flat course proving very popular with the runners.”

City of Preston Road Races 2017

The first runner home from the 5 mile race was Josh Crowther of Blackburn Road Runners in 27:06, and Amanda Crook of Southport Waterloo AC was the first female with an impressive 27:39 in 4th overall position.

In the 10 mile race, Gary Priestly of Salford Harriers was the first home in a speedy 52:54, winning the race by over four minutes on his way to a new personal best.

In the ladies race, Catherine Howard of Knowsley Harriers stormed home in 1:01:05 knocking 3 minutes off her previous best.

Steve Hughes of Lancaster Runners was the first wheelchair athlete home in an impressive 1:05:40.

Next years race is on 12 August 2018 and is already attracting lots of entries. You can sign up here.

Did you take part in the Preston Road Races 2017? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below