Probably the happiest competitor in Tuesday evening’s Northern AC Winter Series finale was Joanne Schade, who finally cracked the 20-minute barrier for 5km.
The Western AC athlete has been close to breaking 20 minutes on several occasions, and took advantage of perfect conditions in Ramsey to set a cracking time of 19:52.
It’s an amazing achievement from an athlete who cheerfully admits that she is not too far away from her 58th birthday, and continues to improve.
Joanne competed in athletics at the Island Games in Guernsey in 1987 as a thrower, and her much later transition to distance running in recent years has been truly remarkable.
It shows what can be achieved with hard work and determination if you want it badly enough.
Winter Series
The race was won by Dave Bignell, competing on the course for the first time and leading throughout.
David Garrood was second followed by John Wood, Andy McKnight, Mike Garrett and Mark Corkish.
Dawn Atherton had another superb run, setting a new personal best for the distance with a very impressive 18:36 in winning the women’s race.
The ever-consistent Katherine Cubbon was second, and Becky Watterson third.