We’ve had a bit of a break from cross country this week but there is still plenty of action to report on; fell running, road racing, a half marathon and plenty of park run participation. Many of our members have also been out and about recce-ing for the upcoming Tour of Pendle on 15th November.

Shepherd’s Skyline – 1^st November
The Shepherds Skyline Fell Race is organised by Todmorden Harriers who describe the race as a fast, muddy course – with a steep descent off Stoodley Pike for the kamikaze descenders, immediately followed by a stiff climb back up the hill for the stout-legged amongst you.

Individual Results (231 Runners)

There were 13 Clayton Harriers running in this popular local race.

Jacob Boyle had an excellent run finishing in 7^th place overall and 1^st place in his category. He said, “Tough race – didn’t expect to start climbing again. Really enjoyed it! Was a technical race and loved that aspect of it. Overall a great race and will be doing it next year.”

Shepherds Skyline – Jacob Boyle. Photo courtesy of Woodentops.org.uk

Sarah Helliwell said, “I agree with Jacob, it was a really good race all round. A lot more up hill and drag than you’d expect, however,  the views at the top were stunning. Unfortunately, you didn’t have much chance to appreciate them as you had to really concentrate on where you were putting your feet!

Sarah Helliwell at the Shepherds Skyline Fell Race. Photo courtesy of todharriers.co.uk

There was a good mixture of moorland, bog, rocky stuff and technical! The descent of Stoodley Pike was steep in sections and I was in awe of Martin when he came flying past. I told myself because he is closer to the ground so its not as scary for him!!

After the second climb it is still a tough slog back to the last descent to the finish. By the end, your legs felt like they had had a good workout, I slept well last night! I actually think it is one of the best fell races I’ve done in a while, with a good mixture of everything. My husband, Carl, said it was a really good spectator event as you could see runners nearly all the way around the course, especially with the cracking weather we had.”

Martin Brady (Sarah Helliwell just behind) at the Shepherds Skyline Fell Race. Photo courtesy of woodentops.org.uk

Martin Brady said, “I enjoyed the race but it was a lot more difficult than I remember. It was 19 years since I last did the race. There are quite a few sections that require a lot of concentration due the rough terrain especially on the way out to Stoodly Pike.”

In the junior races, Christopher Brown was the sole  representative of the club. He had a great run finishing 2^nd under 10 boy in the junior races.

Clayton Junior, Chris Brown at the Shepherds Skyline Junior Fell Race. Photo courtesy of woodentops.org.uk

Judging by the excellent photos provided by Woodentops it looks like it was a battle all the way through between Christopher and Cian Healy of Horwich with Cian just pipping Christopher to the finish by only a second. Well done Christopher!

Clayton Junior, Chris Brown,with Horwich’s Cian Healy, at the Shepherds Skyline Junior Fell Race. Photo courtesy of woodentops.org.uk

Full Results
Junior Results

Through the Villages Road Race – 2^nd November

​The 31st annual Through the Villages Road Race took place on Sunday 2 November at 10.30am. ​The tough, undulating 8.5 mile race takes in Wheelton, Brinscall, Abbey Village and Withnell.

6 Clayton Harriers took part. Stephen Biscomb was the 1^st V60, Fabienne Richmond was 1^st F35 and Dawn Terry was 1^st F50. A great result from the ladies placing them first in the lady vets teams!

Individual Results (240 Runners)

Team Results
Male Vets – 8^th (122 pts)
Lady Vets – 1^st (24pts)

Full Results

Lancaster Half Marathon – 2nd November

Just a couple of Clayton Harriers took part in this event on Sunday. Peter Costello came in 340th with a chip time of 01:55:57, and Nikki Kay 541st place with a chip time of 02:22:27.

Well done to both of you.

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

Katy and George Thompson have added another location to their expanding list of parkruns – St Albans this week. Where next I wonder? This week Burnley parkrun held its first paced parkrun. Clayton Harrier Andy Quinn acted as pacemaker for the 24 minute slot so a big thank you to him! There was a win and a new PB for Jonny McKenna, and new PBs for Carl Helliwell, Nick Roscoe, Dexta Thompson and Jackie Kershaw. And finally, congratulations to Carol Life for 1st lady finisher at Pendle parkrun.

Well done everyone who took part this week.

Pollok parkrun, Glasgow. A total of 380 runners took part.

 Heaton parkrun. A total of 394 runners took part.

St Albans parkrun. A total of 277 runners took part.

 Arrow Valley parkrun. A total of 300 runners took part.

Gunnersbury parkrun. A total of 298 runners took part.

 Marple parkrun. A total of 149 runners took part.

Burnley parkrun. A total of 197 runners took part.

Dewsbury parkrun. A total of 79 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun. A total of 61 runners took part.