10k duel in the sun

TOP runners . . . the first men and women over the finish line, Rob James and Sharon Johnston

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HUNDREDS of runners tackled hills, blinding sun and intense heat as they took part in the Milltown to Moors Oldham 10K on Sunday.

More than 350 athletes and charity runners signed up for this year's race, which saw them take to the streets of Oldham, Heyside and Shaw before returning to the start on High Street, Oldham.

At the start of the race there was a minute's silence to remember those killed in the terror attacks in Manchester and London as well as those killed in the Grenfell tower tragedy.

All competitors were also given a special Oldham 10K "We Stand Together" t-shirt which had two bee emblems for the two Royton mums Alison Howe and Lisa Lees who were killed in the Manchester Arena attack.

After a quick word of advice from organisers regarding the tough and hot conditions, the race was officially started by the Mayor of Oldham Councillor Shadab Qumer. For dad of three Rob James it was a Father's Day to remember as he crossed the finish line first, improving on his second-place finish last year and with a time of 34mintes and 13 seconds.

The 30-year-old, who is a member of Royton Road Runners, said: "It is really exciting to win.

"I've taken part for the last two years but I've never won before.

"It's a great father's day present and I'm looking forward to going home and celebrating with my family."

The top three fastest runners also included Michael Mannings (second) and Oliver Makinson (third).

The title of fastest female went to Sharon Johnstone, from Alderley Edge, who was surprised by the heat on the day.

The 44-year-old, who was taking part for the second time, said: "It was very hot. The sunshine was beaming down on the concrete making it a tough race.

"But I've enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to celebrating at home."

Also crossing the finish line was wheelchair athlete Stuart Bloor (29) who crossed the line in an impressive 33minutes an five seconds.

Stuart, who works in Oldham for NSL and lives in Middleton, said: "It was a really great race but very hot on the course.

"There was a lot of hills which is tough but I train for them. It felt great to cross the finishline. The event was really well organised."

There was also a lot of support for PC Damieon Hartley-Pickles as he finished the race after pushing a wheelbarrow around the 10K course.

Sunday's event was his 41st race pushing the wheelbarrow around as he collected money for his chosen causes Dr Kershaw's Hospice and mental health support group Andy's Man Club.

PC Hartley-Pickles, who completed the race with his police helmet, said: "The support on the route has been great and it was important for me to race today. The past weeks since the Manchester Terror Attack have been the toughest in my policing career but its important that everyone works together and supports each other."

Runners were met with cheers, a competitors medal and a much-needed cool bottle of water as they crossed the finish line in Oldham town centre.

Despite running on the hottest day of the year, there were no incidents out on the race route with only a few runners requesting help from members of St John Ambulance.

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