Race report: Cross Bay Challenge - Sunday, June 28, 2015
The 10th annual Cross Bay Challenge saw nearly 500 participants run, walk or cycle across the sands of Morecambe Bay in aid of local cancer support charity CancerCare. With three events on offer - a half marathon, a family friendly 7 mile walk and new for 2015 - a cycle challenge for anyone who has their own ‘Fat Bike’, the Cross Bay Challenge offered a truly unique way to experience the stunning scenery of the Bay and nearby Lake District.
The Cross Bay Half Marathon Challenge, the only known tidal race in the world, saw close to 300 competitors taking part.
Photos (l-r): Veteran category winner Philip Lowery. Second placed Luke Beresford and overall winner Lewis Banton.
The first half marathon finisher was 37 year old Lewis Banton from Clowne in Derbyshire who completed the course in 1:22:12, followed by Luke Beresford (32) from Rippley in 1:25:15.
Ladies winner and local girl Caroline Baxter finished in 1:33:01 with Kerry Oldfield aged 38 taking the second place spot in 01:51:57.
This year's veteran category winners were Philip Lowery aged 51 (time of 01:30:24) from Carnforth and Vicky Murphy aged 41 who finished in 01:51:57.
40 year old Irene Frezzini travelled all the way from Pisa in Italy to take part after reading about the event on Runners World!
Photos (l-r): Irene Frezzini, second placed Kerry Oldfield and women's winner Caroline Baxter
Conditions were very good despite a wet and grey start to the day and the sun made a welcome appearance just in time for the start. A strong head wind added to the challenge as runners took on Morecambe Bay's unique terrain making for a very sandy and wet afternoon!
This year’s event started and finished at the Flookburgh foreshore in Cumbria, for the first time with a beer tent, hog roast and refreshments ready to welcome runners, walkers and cyclists. Everyone who took part also received a Cross Bay Challenge medal.
The Cross Bay Challenge event has raised over quarter of a million pounds to date for CancerCare, whose free support services include professional Counselling and a Children & Young People's Service. CancerCare has two dedicated centres based in Kendal and in Lancaster and also provides outreach services in local hospitals.
For more information about CancerCare visit www.cancercare.org.uk, follow CancerCare on Twitter @CancerCareLocal or on Facebook at ‘CancerCareCharity.
The CancerCare Cross Bay Challenge event 2015 is sponsored by: Ghyllside Cycles, Reid Hamilton Insurance, EDF Energy, Peter Bland Sports, Willow Water, Lingwood Security Management, Booths Ulverston and Fletcher’s Fruit & Veg.
