The lighter nights are here and midweek evening races are coming back so lots of you are racing 2 or 3 times a week now. This week saw the first British Fell Championship race in Northern Ireland and some Lakeland fell running debuts. There’s also been some super fast racing at the Fastrax, Cowm and Littleborough 5K races. Plus trail running and some parkrun tourism.
TUESDAY 4 APRIL
BUNNY RUN 1
269 runners lined up on a sunny Tuesday evening on Penistone Hill near Haworth to take part in the first of the popular Bunny Run series organised by the irrepressible Woodentops. Three Clayton Ladies ran.
Christine Egerton at the Bunny Run Race. Photo by Woodentops
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 199 | Dawn Terry | FV50 | 26:40 |
| 266 | Christine Leathley | FV60 | 37:09 |
| 267 | Christine Egerton | FV60 | 37:29 |
WEDNESDAY 5 APRIL
GRISEDALE GRIND
Andrew Firth was our sole representative in this 2.5 mile race with 1575ft of ascent organised by Keswick AC.
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 97 | Andrew Firth | MV50 | 00:41:48 |
JOE SALT MEMORIAL COWM 5K
A dozen Clayton Harriers took part in this midweek 5K race. Laura Hesketh was the first Clayton finisher and first Lady runner in the race, 4th place overall, with a time of 17:48. Stephen Green was our next finisher in 19th place and 1st MV60. Cassie Smedley was 1st L35 and Irene Roche was 1st L55
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 4 | Laura Hesketh | FS | 17.48 |
| 19 | S. Green | MV60 | 19.47 |
| 25 | L. Jackson | MJ | 20.36 |
| 37 | A. Lundie | MJ | 22.01 |
| 38 | Cassie Smedley | FV35 | 22.09 |
| 41 | Michelle Abbott | FV35 | 22.3 |
| 45 | Irene Roche | FV55 | 22.39 |
| 52 | Nina Kewin | FV35 | 23.15 |
| 55 | Julia Rushton | FV50 | 23.42 |
| 66 | Heidi Kewin | FJ | 25.43 |
| 68 | Jane Hylands | FV45 | 25.57 |
| 77 | Julie Taylor | FV55 | 28.46 |
LITTLEBOROUGH 5K
Julie Dawes was our sole runner in the first of the Littleborough 5K race series. She finished in 79th place with a time of 0:25:16
SATURDAY 8 APRIL
COLEDALE HORSESHOE
Another dozen Clayton runners took to the Lakeland fells for the Coledale Horseshoe fell race. Matt Perry had a fantastic run to be our first finisher in 14th place overall, confidently holding his own amongst some top level fell runners.
Matt Perry at the Coledale Horseshoe Fell Race. Photo by Paul Dobson
Next in was Andrew Laycock in 38th place. Dave Motley also put in a strong performance fresh from the Manchester marathon last Saturday. Teresa de Curtis and Sarah Helliwell were representing the ladies and were both taking on a Lakeland fell race for the first time.
Sarah Helliwell loving her first Lakeland fell race. Photo by Paul Dobson
Report from Teresa de Curtis
This weekend saw a group of Clayton members running the high fells of the Lake District and some making great times.
The Coledale Horseshoe from Braithewaite near Keswick is an 8.5 mile route with 3300 feet of ascent or thereabouts. This was mine and Sarah Helliwell’s first Lakeland race and both of us had plenty of pre-race nerves. Unfortunately, for Sarah, she had succumbed to the end of term lurgy and had been struggling with a bad cold all week but being made of tough stuff she was determined to compete.
Teresa de Curtis in action at the Coledale Horseshoe fell race. Photo by Paul DobsonFull
On the day, the conditions were good, clear skies and plenty of warm sunshine (not always a runner’s friend). Sarah and I started off at a very comfortable pace but due to a major bottle neck at the beginning of the first ascent, we were at a standstill for 2 or 3 minutes according to Strava and ‘Strava never lies!’ (Donna Airey, 2017)
The first daunting climb was 2000 feet and 2 miles long up to Grizedale Pike! Part way up Sarah was struggling with her chest and told me to go on. It felt like forever reaching the summit but the run off was worth it and once you commit yourself and as Andy Firth says – empty your mind, it’s surprising how many less confident descenders you end up passing. There was a great rocky scramble through scree and crags up to Eel Crag and you had to be careful of the loose rock.
The final descent, approximately a mile long, was great fun if you love descending, and once again, I managed to sail pass quite a few runners.
I finished the race in 2hrs and 3mins, according to my watch, and waited for Sarah at the finish line. Unfortunately, John Sharples informed us that Dominic Carr had taken a tumble and had a suspected broken finger. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Dominic.
As always, the camaraderie and support from fellow Claytoners and runners from other clubs was fantastic. A female runner came and shook my hands and congratulated me on my descending and nicknamed me the Demon Descender. Pretty darn chuffed with that (she didn’t mention my ascending though – oh well never mind eh?)
As quoted by Sarah Helliwell, “Coledale Horseshoe – cracking race, weather and a beautiful part of the lakes!” What more could you ask for?
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 14 | Matt Perry | MS | 01:20:19 |
| 38 | Andrew Laycock | MS | 01:27:29 |
| 46 | Dave Motley | MS | 01:28:58 |
| 52 | Kirt Livesey | MV40 | 01:29:55 |
| 93 | Dominic Carr | MV40 | 01:37:54 |
| 133 | Jon Sharples | MV60 | 01:43:00 |
| 202 | Chris Funnell | MV50 | 01:53:44 |
| 219 | Chris Whiteoak | MS | 01:58:24 |
| 238 | Andrew Firth | MV50 | 02:01:46 |
| 243 | Teresa de Curtis | LV40 | 02:03:05 |
| 267 | David Nield | MV50 | 02:06:11 |
| 310 | Sarah Helliwell | L | 02:18:04 |
DONARD CHALLENGE
The Donard Challenge is the first race of the British Fell Running Championships. There are four races in each participating nation and the Donard Challenge is in Northern Ireland. A quartet of Harriers travelled to take part.
Paul Hesketh at the Donard Challenge. Photo by Richard Cowan
| Pos | Name | CaT | Time |
| 118 | Neil Hardiman | MV40 | 01:17:52 |
| 128 | Paul Hesketh | MV50 | 01:19:10 |
| 200 | Wendy Dodds | FV60 | 01:30:31 |
| 236 | Barbara Savage | FV50 | 01:44:19 |
WARDLE SKYLINE
A few Clayton vests spotted on photos of this 7 mile fell race with 1250ft of ascent organised by Rochdale Harriers.
No results are available as yet but Andrew Walmsley, Robert Hirst, Stephen Fish, Chris Snell and Peter Coates are in some of the photos.
Awaiting Results
SUNDAY 9 APRIL
3 VILLAGE 10
Report from Jonathan Pye
Starting in Wetherall in the sleepy Cumbrian countryside, the 3 villages 10 mile road race should probably be renamed 5×2 road race because it’s two five mile laps around (wait for it) 3 Cumbrian villages. The race seemed to attract quite a few keen runners from the border county clubs and I wouldn’t have found out about it had Jonathan Cox of Eden Valley runners fame not mentioned it to me the day before. I set off like a fool and did the first three miles at 5:55 pace before discovering that this road race involved those pesky things called hills. The climbs were hardly steep but more lengthy and persistent and I found myself needing a second wind (non existent in the sunshine) at the halfway stage. Despite my naive and naughty fast start I still hit my target of sub 70 minutes coming home around the 1:08 mark. An enjoyable outing for a man who regards anything further than 5k as the devil’s plaything.
Awaiting Results
FASTRAX 2K
Some excellent results for our junior runners in the Fastrax 2K race with Lennon Jackson taking the win and Helana White first girl and 4th overall.
Clayton Juniors at the Fastrax 2K race with coach Marion Wilkinson. Photo by Woodentops
| Pos | Name | Cat | CatPos | Time |
| 1 | Lennon Jackson | M13 | (001/001) | 00:07:37 |
| 2 | Matthew Jackson | M11 | (001/001) | 00:07:54 |
| 4 | Helana White | F10 | (001/002) | 00:08:07 |
| 7 | Charlie Barnes | M8 | (002/004) | 00:09:10 |
| 12 | Imogen Ferguson | F11 | (001/001) | 00:09:43 |
| 14 | Darcey Hurst | F8 | (001/003) | 00:10:13 |
| 15 | Ellisia Smedley | F8 | (002/003) | 00:11:49 |
FASTRAX 5K
A great run from Jacob Watson who battled Trawden’s Nick Gaskell to take the win at this flat and fast 5k race.
Jacob Watson powering to the finish. Photo by Woodentops
Our junior runners Nick Hennessey and Stanley Grewal put in strong performances amongst a competitive group of young runners.
Nick Hennessey doing it in style at the Fastrax 5K. Photo by Bryn Barnes
John Hartley continues his great form to finish in 16th place and 1st Vet60.
Supervet John Hartley at the Fastrax 5K. Photo by Woodentops
Amanda Duffy was our first lady finisher in 29th overall and 2nd F35.
Amanda Duffy making it look effortless at the Fastrax 5K. Photo by Woodentops
| Pos | Name | Cat | CatPos | Time |
| 1 | Jacob Watson | MS | (001/008) | 00:16:49 |
| 12 | Nicholas Hennessey | MJ | (004/007) | 00:18:44 |
| 16 | John Hartley | M60 | (001/003) | 00:19:43 |
| 18 | Stanley Grewal | MJ | (006/007) | 00:19:52 |
| 25 | Richard Briscoe | MS | (008/008) | 00:21:04 |
| 29 | Amanda Duffy | F35 | (002/003) | 00:21:26 |
| 32 | Michelle Abbott | F35 | (003/003) | 00:22:04 |
| 42 | Jack McGuire | M60 | (003/003) | 00:29:49 |
FLEETWOOD 10K
A trio of Clayton Harriers took part in the Fleetwood 10K. The race runs along Fleetwood’s Outer Promenade and Esplanade with great views over Morecambe Bay and is a flat and fast course. Dan Plant was our first finisher in 10th place with a time of 39:22 followed by James Dunderdale in 18th place and 43:02. Lucy Scott was our sole lady runner and she was 80th in 53:05. A total of 231 runners took part.
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 10 | Daniel Plant | M | 39:22.2 |
| 18 | James Dunderdale | M | 43:02.6 |
| 80 | Lucy Scott | L | 53:05.0 |
RADCLIFFE 10K MULTI-TERRAIN RACE
Martin and Kath Brady took part in this 10K multi-terrain race. Martin was 72nd in 49:18 and Kath was 141st in 56:25. A total of 254 runners took part.
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 72 | Martin Brady | M55 | 49:18 |
| 141 | Kath Brady | F50 | 56:25 |
RIVINGTON 10M TRAIL CHALLENGE
Organised by Mad Bull Events this race follows a beautiful and scenic route from the Bowling Green in Rivington village and heads out alongside Anglezarke Reservoir towards White Coppice. It then follows the path to Wheelton Plantation up through the woods and out at the top following a trail up and around back down to White Coppice and on to Rivington.
Three Harriers took part. Ludovic Salsmann was our first finisher in 118th place. Dawn Terry was our first lady finisher in 133rd place and Julia Rushton was 173rd. A total of 255 runners took part.
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 118 | Ludovic Salsmann | V40 | 1:39:01 |
| 133 | Dawn Terry | F50 | 1:41:26 |
| 173 | Julia Rushton | F50 | 1:48:53 |
PARKRUN ROUNDUP
Banstead Woods parkrun – A total of 186 runners took part.
| Pos | parkrunner | Time | Age Cat | Note |
| 85 | Katy THOMPSON | 25:27 | VW60-64 | First Timer! |
Brueton parkrun – A total of 477 runners took part.
| Pos | parkrunner | Time | Age Cat | Note |
| 263 | Helen HARRISON | 27:55 | VW45-49 | First Timer! |
Burnley parkrun – A total of 391 runners took part.
| Pos | parkrunner | Time | Age Cat | Note |
| 4 | Nicholas HENNESSEY | 18:59 | JM15-17 | |
| 7 | Josh HALL | 19:12 | JM15-17 | |
| 21 | Lennon JACKSON | 20:15 | JM11-14 | New PB! |
| 28 | Robbie SMEDLEY | 20:31 | JM11-14 | New PB! |
| 32 | Adam STEVENSON | 20:40 | JM11-14 | New PB! |
| 38 | Kevin DAVIES | 20:59 | VM55-59 | |
| 46 | Nick ROSCOE | 21:30 | VM45-49 | |
| 52 | Matthew JACKSON | 21:47 | JM11-14 | |
| 55 | Helana WHITE | 22:02 | JW10 | |
| 64 | Chris LAWRENCE | 22:22 | VM50-54 | New PB! |
| 67 | Martin BRADY | 22:29 | VM55-59 | |
| 69 | Charlie BARNES | 22:32 | JM10 | New PB! |
| 78 | Carl CAREY | 23:02 | VM45-49 | |
| 86 | Michelle ABBOTT | 23:23 | VW35-39 | |
| 87 | Cassandra Darling SMEDLEY | 23:26 | VW35-39 | |
| 93 | Nina KEWIN | 23:42 | VW35-39 | |
| 95 | David Ian SCOTT | 23:44 | VM70-74 | |
| 111 | Aaron LUNDIE | 24:16 | JM15-17 | |
| 112 | Jake ANFORTH | 24:17 | JM10 | |
| 114 | Julie DAWES | 24:23 | VW45-49 | |
| 115 | Sarah ANGELONE | 24:27 | SW30-34 | |
| 125 | Brian WILDMAN | 24:46 | VM50-54 | |
| 142 | Richard LAWSON | 25:22 | VM75-79 | |
| 153 | Beth QUINN | 25:59 | SW18-19 | |
| 170 | Annabel WILCOCK | 26:29 | JW15-17 | |
| 198 | Deborah GREENWOOD | 27:43 | VW45-49 | |
| 208 | Donna SCOTT | 28:08 | VW50-54 | |
| 213 | Charlie PLANT | 28:17 | JW10 | |
| 214 | Daniel PLANT | 28:17 | VM35-39 | |
| 231 | Christine Jennifer EGERTON | 28:43 | VW65-69 | |
| 241 | Darcey HIRST | 29:11 | JW10 | |
| 242 | Heidi KEWIN | 29:12 | JW11-14 | |
| 244 | Ron CHAPPELL | 29:16 | VM65-69 | |
| 281 | Judith CAREY | 31:03 | VW35-39 | |
| 348 | Ellisia SMEDLEY | 35:45 | JW10 |
Conwy parkrun – A total of 288 runners took part.
| Pos | parkrunner | Time | Age Cat | Note |
| 72 | Sophie ASHWORTH | 24:27 | JW11-14 | First Timer! |
Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 131 runners took part.
| Pos | parkrunner | Time | Age Cat | Note |
| 126 | Robin PRICE | 36:02 | VM70-74 |
Pendle parkrun – A total of 105 runners took part.
| Pos | parkrunner | Time | Age Cat | Note |
| 1 | David WALKER | 18:42 | VM35-39 | New PB! |
| 9 | John HARTLEY | 21:27 | VM60-64 | |
| 33 | Barry MITCHELL | 24:51 | VM70-74 |
Penrith parkrun – A total of 186 runners took part.
| Pos | parkrunner | Time | Age Cat | Note |
| 5 | Jonathan PYE | 18:40 | SM25-29 | New PB! |
Skipton parkrun – A total of 187 runners took part.
| Pos | parkrunner | Time | Age Cat | Note |
| 2 | Tom BREWSTER | 17:53 | SM30-34 |
South Manchester parkrun – A total of 339 runners took part.
| Pos | parkrunner | Time | Age Cat | Note |
| 225 | Yvonne WICKHAM | 27:32 | VW50-54 | First Timer! |
Witton parkrun – A total of 80 runners took part.
| Pos | parkrunner | Time | Age Cat | Note |
| 10 | David MOYNIHAN | 22:23 | VM50-54 | |
| 24 | Paul THOMPSON | 26:28 | VM45-49 | New PB! |
| 25 | Nerina GILL | 27:19 | VW45-49 |
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