CANAL CANTER ‘COMEBACK’ – SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST 2020

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With the bulk of races cancelled for 2020 due to the Covid19 pandemic, a gradual return to racing seems to be on the horizon here and there. Some organised, some virtual. It’s Grim Up North Running are leading the way organising several of their popular races. Welcoming a return to ‘live’ racing, four Eccleshill Road Runners took on the challenge offered by the Canal Canter, with a variety of distances on offer, Annie Kisluk and David Goodyear stepped back into the fray with a marathon, seemingly picking up right where they left off. Ian Storey and Sarah Rawlings chose the half marathon.

With staggered start times the event ensured they managed some of the challenges brought about by Covid-19 whilst allowing runners to do what they do best and return to live events. All participants were sent a full break down of all the steps taken to ensure that the event was ‘Covid-19 secure’. Start times were varied to give a staggered approach to the start of each distance to ensure runners safety. What definitely didn’t change of course was the fun, the friendship, the sense of achievement and the all important bling. Starting out at the Bridge Inn, Kirkstall, there was a choice of three distances: Half Marathon, 20 Miles and Marathon that were held in changeable conditions, on good paths along the Leeds-Liverpool canal. Annie completed the marathon in 5:29:50, David 5:43:24, Ian raced home in the half in 1:59:53 and Sarah 2:16:48.

Well done Team and welcome back!