Held for the last ten years and with continuous team involvement since 2004, the Horwich Festival of Racing formerly known as the Horwich Carnival Races, are a day long series of running and cycling events held within Horwich Town Centre which uniquely is completely closed to traffic for the day in order for the races to be run in safety.
Races around the town centre circuit included road running events, fun runs, various youth and senior cycle races, and for the first time this year a Street Orienteering Challenge event.
In total 31x Team Call Out list members and two Support Group members were present around the course, in four team Land Rover Ambulances, and the teams minibus, (Appropriately equipped for the event). Our involvement was co-ordinated from our Control trailer, with direct links to the Races Marshal Team. (With very experienced team member Mike Marsh in charge of the teams involvement, whilst our Team Leader Garry rhodes MBE assisted and remained available to deal with any other calls on the teams services)
Fortunately for all, despite the cloud, the day remained dry with the sun finally coming out to greet the last event, with the spectators present being treated to some fantastic athletes in a very varied selection of events.
Thankfully all the events largely passed without any requirement on our services, except for the usual minor bumps and scrapes, and a road cyclist who suffered a serious injury. (See Incident Report 42-2011)
The organisers and co-ordinators of this annual event, Horwich Festival of Racing Committee, Lostock Athletics Club, Horwich Cycling Club and Horwich RMI Harriers and Athletics Club alongside Horwich Town Council and the event sponsors are to be congratulated on their skills and abilities on putting on such an event within their local community that attracts a great gathering of renowned sportsmen and women. (not forgetting all the Junior Athletes)
The team welcomes the opportunity to be associated with this local event and looks forward to next year’s Horwich Festival of Racing.
