THE weather was certainly seasonal at Wythenshawe Park, with the race only being given the go ahead as late as one hour before the scheduled start.

There were plenty of well wrapped-up athletes in the car park by that time, but the snow covered track and frozen areas of the park were the main concerns.

However, the decision was made and the race was on, and everyone began their warm up routines.

The race was an important watershed for two local runners.

For that Whitefield-based, long-standing, and well-respected Salford Harrier, Sid Sacks, it was his 65th birthday.

Never content with a slippers-by-the fire routine, Sid was out doing what he does best - running. Always one with an eye for the prizes, Sid had suffered recently in the vet 60 age group as several excellent runners had moved into that category.

However, a new age group was his and true to form he took his opportunity well, winning in his first outing as a vet 65.

The race was also a milestone for Bury AC's Lesley McDermott. Last year at this event she ruptured a bone in her foot and limped in, destined not to compete for a full year.

No pressure there Lesley! Today she was one determined athlete. She had her targets and with a sensible performance, she knew she would achieve them. I am not sure that Lesley shared her coach's belief that she would be amongst the prizewinners, but an impressive run was made all that much better by winning her age category, first lady vet 40.

So how did these two runners celebrate their successes?

Sid had his birthday party; Lesley went from Sale to the sales! Dedicated or what?

The other two Bury AC members who ran must also have been pleased. Anthony Stanton, an accident victim, also returned to competition.

Anthony enjoyed the race and was able to overtake his teammate Ken Smith on the snow covered track as they both raced to the line.

The winner was Andrew Norman, with his brother David not far behind in fourth, and along with another Altrincham runner in third place, the team prize was quickly sorted out.