Sandwiched between Germany surprise defeat and England's disappointing performance against Algeria in the World Cup, Altrincham AC's North Cheshire Grand Prix returned to scenic Dunham Massey Park for the fourth of its series. Those that benchmark their progress, this return to Dunham Massey can be a reality check that improvement comes incrementally in small rather than in leaps and bounds. Five of our nine participants had given their best five days earlier in the tough Welsh Castles Relays when long mountain stages and revelry inevitably deadened legs.

Mike Kilmartin (16.37) is well into his 'second coming' finally displaying the ability of his early years before abandoning the sport. He broke M45 Gary Rowlinson's record of first club finisher but Gary won't be disappointed, clocking seventeen seconds faster than in the first Dunham Massey and his fastest ever for the course. It was Paul Capey's debut and his 17.38 is one of his best times for 5k. Carl Barber's (17.38) run of PB's finally ended but then he'd run the Welsh Castles Relays. Mike Wharton (19:40) was also a victim of tired legs but performed better. Over twelve months ago, MV50 John Battersby (20:11) had considered his running career ended but, discarding surgery, has chipped away on a comeback and now within sight of his 2007/8 best in this series. In-form Rose Blackburn (20:17) was a minute faster than two years ago but the question is she fast enough to keep her competitive sister at bay when she returns from pregnancy! Just three seconds has separated Jo Street's (21:27) performances making her our most consistent performer, particularly pleasing so soon after her superb contribution in the Welsh Castles Relays. Similarly, Jenny Flanagan (23:06) also made a superb contribution and suffered tired legs and would certainly have produced another sub-23 minute performance.

The tour of North Cheshire ends at the Lymn 5k on June 26. Then the club's magnificent Manchester 4 x 5k Sizzlers explore on to the scene

(written by Fechin Mc Cormick).