Bolton Harriers stalwart Dean Johnson has announced he is stepping away from club affairs for at least 12 months. He has been a coach, committee member and athlete representing Harriers for 10 years.
Dean is suffering from chronic knee problems and is in a knee brace for the next 4 months. After a further 4 months he may then opt for reconstructive surgery. Sadly he will be away from running for a minimum of 12 months.
Dean completed the Ironman event in July 2017 in 12 hours. He had only taken up swimming 18 months before but showed what a quick learner he was with a gutsy determined 1 hr 22 mins in 2.4 miles of a freezing cold Pennington Flash. He then did 112 miles on the bike in gusty headwinds before undertaking a full 26.2 miles marathon in very warm conditions round Bolton.
In the last 10 years he has worn the famous blue vest on numerous occasions and played his part in many successful club races.
For the last few years he has been giving up time to coach, inspire and run with the Bolton Harriers Endurance group. Even in the last 12 months when not able to take part himself he could be seen cycling up and down the roads encouraging and cajoling group members in training exercises.
Everyone at Bolton Harriers wish Dean well in his recuperation and obviously hope for a successful outcome.
HARRIERS FELL RUNNERS SPARKLE
On Friday February 14th Feb Harriers specialist fell runners Lee Petch and Andy Gallagher ventured to Mr Sparkle’s Dark ‘Un. An exciting headtorch evening 5 mile fell race from the Royal Hotel comprising of a couple of stiff climbs, open moorland, mud and a dash down to the finish. In total 214 metres of ascent. They came home in 51 minutes in 33rd and 34th positions respectively.
