THE Wirral endurance program at Wirral AC has continued to show why it is so highly regarded across the NW of England, writes Ronan Kearney.

On March 27 at Birkenhead Park, they fielded 5km teams in all age groups against the best teams from the North of England.

In beautiful Spring weather, the Endurance program runners were in equally bright form on home ground, topping the medal table with four team golds and a silver to boot.

Wirral Globe:

Wirral Endurance Program competitors. Picture courtesy of Ronan Kearney

Even the coaches of the wirral endurance program got in on the act, and their senior women's team took seventh overall against the best women in the Northern relays, despite being (ahem!) slightly older on average.

Wirral Globe:

Wirral Endurance Program competitors. Picture courtesy of Ronan Kearney

More was to follow though, as the U17 boys team from the program headed to Sutton Park in Birmingham to take on the best in the Country over 5k.

Wirral Globe:

Wirral Endurance Program competitors. Picture courtesy of Ronan Kearney

Fresh from their Northern victory, they proved far too strong for the Southern teams. With Ethan Brady-Jones taking national silver, and TJ Jones taking national bronze, the squad that also included Jack and Will Strickley and Alex Poulston, ran out easy winners of the National 5k Championships, bringing this title back to Merseyside for the first time in the history of the event.

Wirral Globe:

Wirral Endurance Program competitors. Picture courtesy of Ronan Kearney

Young runners who would like to join the program are welcome every Wednesday and Thursday at 6pm for free trials. Contact Ronan Kearney on getronan@hotmail.com