Harrier Ali romps to Hill race victory on return to action

5/ 9/2007

AFTER a short break from local races, Wajib Ali came back in style to win the Marjorie Hawker-Bond Brown Wardle Hill Race.

For the first part of this five-miler Ali was tailed closely by Paralympic silver medallist Mark Brown of Clayton-le-Moors and Paul Birkett from Salford.

As the race developed Wajib’s strength on hilly and uneven terrain showed through and he developed a lead of a minute over Brown to win the race in 32 mins 35 secs.

Matt Proctor, who was quoted as saying "never again" after the recent Turnslack fell race, finished fourth overall, while David Schofield won the male veteran 60 category.

The event was organised by Rochdale’s Andy O’Sullivan MBE and run with assistance from Rochdale Harriers.

Full results for members of Rochdale Harriers were: 1 Wajib Ali 32.35; 4 Matt Proctor 34.38; 21 Brian Moore 40.31; 26 David Schofield (first v60) 41.16; 33 Andy O’Sullivan 42.49.

A FIVE-MILER will be held from the Falcon Inn, Littleborough, tomorrow.

All proceeds will go to local causes.

The entry fees are £6 for club runners and £8 for unattached runners.

Start time is 11.15am.

THE Hades Hill race is on Thursday, start 6.45pm from Taylor Street, Whitworth.

The five-miler has 1,200ft of ascent.

Entry is on the day only (£2) at Hallfold United Reformed Church from 5.30pm.

The minimum age for runners is 16, and those under 18 must have the signature of a parent on their entry form.

More information is available from Derek Clutterbuck on 01706 344630.