Up hills, down dales and round the streets

ByAlan Dorrington

Up hills, down dales and round the streets

It’s nearly the Easter holidays but there is no let up to your racing action. The fell season is in full swing now with County Championship medals among the successes this week, as well as a batch of PBs for our road devotees reaping the rewards of their winter training in the warmer weather. With some mountain orienteering and aquathloning (is that a word?) thrown in for good measure, it’s the usual diverse roundup of racing, results and rumbustious fun that you lot always seem to have.

Tuesday

Pete Hartley Memorial fell race – Liver Hill

This popular mid week fell race escaped the wintry conditions of last year that saw marshalls struggling with hypothermia and was run off in reasonable, if boggy conditions this time.

Karl Steinegger of Ambleside AC was first home in 34:47 and first of the twelve Clayton runners back was Peter Coates.

Pos Name Cat Time
5 Peter Coates V40 36:38
14 Chris Snell SEN 38:47
20 Ryan Wilkinson Sen 41:04
21 Neil Hardiman V45 41:12
44 Ivan Whigham V55 44:15
47 Mark Nutter V55 45:13
60 Richard Briscoe SEN 49:12
67 Andrew Howarth V55 49:45
76 Darren Rushton V45 51:04
79 Colin Woolford V40 51:29
85 Barbara Savage LV50 52:20
110 Stephen Fish V60 58:39

Sole Clayton Junior in the Junior races was Ella Dorrington who was 1st U13G and 7th overall in the U13s race.

Full results

Wednesday

The Colin & Brenda Robinson Cowm 5k, Whitworth

The Club Road Championships continued midweek in Whitworth for the Cowm 5k in less than ideal conditions. A large contingent of Clayton runners braved the weather, with 15th placed James Boult leading them home.

Race report from James Boult:

A wet and blustery night set the scene for the second race in the 2017 Road Championships, with two laps of the scenic Cowm reservoir in Rochdale making it a fast, furious course. With a good Clayton turnout assembled on the start line and the absence of the big guns in play we quickly realised that 50 points were up for grabs and 5 of us stood a good chance of taking them home. Setting off bang on 7 a small incline leads onto the first of two laps, with me, Dan Plant and Recce Lawrence leading the way. Moving to the top of the pack I made sure I stuck at a comfortable pace for the first lap, keeping steady as not to blow up and ruin the race.

By the second lap it was a two horse race between me and Dan, and I could feel him on my heels the whole way. I upped the pace again while maintaining a comfortable speed and by the gate leading onto the reservoir I found myself to be a couple of places ahead. Putting in another kick I managed to put a few places between myself and Dan and kicked on. Keeping a comfortable pace I knew I could up the tempo if needed, but with Darwen half on Sunday I kept it easy and didnt push as not to risk injury. Feeling strong coming into the final half a KM I upped the pace again, taking four more places on my way to a 15th place finish and just 20 seconds shy of a PB set last July. Dan took 2nd Clayton counter with Mick Hughes in 3rd. Some fantastic results and PBs galore made for a successful championship race.

James Boult at the Cowm 5k. Photo: David Belshaw

James Boult at the Cowm 5k.
Photo: David Belshaw

Pos Name Cat Time
15 J. Bould MS 19.12
20 D. Plant MS 19.36
25 M. Hughes MV40 20.05
26 L. Jackson MJ 20.09
27 J. Wilcock MV50 20.12
30 D. McMullan MV50 20.18
32 S. Green MV60 20.29
36 R. Morrison MV40 21.05
38 A. Quinn MV45 21.1
39 A. Airey MS 21.12
42 R. Lawrence MJ 21.25
44 Cassandra Smedley FV35 21.36
46 C. Lawrence MV50 21.44
52 Donna Airey FV35 21.58
53 M. Brady MV55 22.04
57 M. Kewin MJ 22.36
61 Michelle Abbott FV35 22.56
68 Nina Kewin FV35 23.5
71 W. McIntosh MS 24.18
72 Lisa Ellis FS 24.2
73 Lisa Johnson Fv45 24.48
74 Beth Quinn FJ 24.52
77 Heidi Kewin FJ 25.2
80 Julia Rushton FV50 25.4
82 I. Hargreaves MV50 25.48
87 B. Barnes MV65 26.34
88 Jane Hylands FV45 26.46
94 R. Lawson MV75 27.33
103 Karen Clarkin FV40 29.14
106 Marion Wilkinson FV75 30.16
107 R. Hirst MV65 30.22
108 Anita Jones FV60 30.46
109 Christine Leathley FV65 33.13
110 R. Chappell MV65 30.39

Full results

Saturday

Pendle Hill Fell Races

It’s been a few years since the Pendle Hill fell races had some nice Spring weather and the rain and clag was back again for this year’s edition, particularly for our hardy Juniors who raced before the adults. This year, extra spice was added to the races as they doubled up as the Lancashire Fell Championships in all age groups. Plenty of recent rain made the fellside fairly soggy, especially on the climb up from Buttock.

Senior Race

Chris Arthur of Bowland Fell Runners was a clear winner this year, with our own Chris Holdsworth leading the club charge in 5th place. Danny Collinge was 2nd U23 in 9th place, after setting off at a blistering pace.

Linda Lord at Pendle. Photo: David Belshaw

Linda Lord at Pendle.
Photo: David Belshaw

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos Time
5 Chris. Holdsworth MS (004/042) 00:34:41
8 Matt Perry MS (005/042) 00:36:26
9 Danny Collinge M23 (002/005) 00:36:36
15 Peter Coates M40 (002/036) 00:38:39
37 Chris Snell MS (017/042) 00:40:50
48 Geoff Gough M50 (006/037) 00:42:52
60 Neil Hardiman M40 (011/036) 00:44:17
105 Craig Nicholls M40 (024/036) 00:49:52
112 Claire Vincent FS (006/016) 00:50:34
121 Teresa de Curtis F40 (006/010) 00:52:24
125 Mark Taylor MS (038/042) 00:52:38
130 Rick Moore M50 (026/037) 00:52:56
134 Barbara Savage F50 (003/007) 00:53:46
141 Andrew M Dugdale M50 (029/037) 00:55:16
150 Linda Lord F60 (001/003) 00:56:26
154 Wayne McIntosh MS (039/042) 00:57:02
155 Katy Thompson F60 (002/003) 00:57:03
182 Michelle Butschok F40 (010/010) 01:07:06
183 Karin Goss F60 (003/003) 01:07:57
Chris Holdsworth at Pendle. Photo: David Belshaw

Chris Holdsworth at Pendle.
Photo: David Belshaw

Senior Results

Junior Races

The rain came down and the clag came in shortly before the start of the Junior races, leading to some of the wettest and boggiest conditions seen in a long while over Barley Green and up to Buttock. This didn’t deter our Juniors, with Emily Nicholls putting in a spirited performance in the U11G for 9th girl, despite being a distinct height disadvantage over the stone stile in her race. Robbie Smedley chased the leaders hard up to the turn in the U13B race, and was rewarded for his efforts with a well deserved Bronze medal. He was followed up in that race by Luke Guest in 16th.

Jackson McKay finished well clear to take the Lancashire title in the U15B, with Adam Stevenson and Lennon Jackson not far behind in 6th and 7th with Will Nicholls in 11th and Jake O’Dowd in 13th. Ella Dorrington was closing in at the finish on the winner of the U15G but had to settle for Silver, 2 seconds down in her first year in this age group. Bethany Wheatcroft and Heidi Kewin also both stepped up to the U15 distance and climbing really well, finishing 9th and 11th.

Finally, Nick Hennessy away from his more familiar tarmac surfaces, put in a great performance to keep some experienced and older U17 boys in sight on the climb high onto the fell and secure 4th place.

U11s race

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos Time
20 Emily Nicholls F11 (009/012) 08:33:00

U13s race

Robbie Smedley working hard before the turn on his way to 2nd place. Photo: Alan Dorrington

Robbie Smedley working hard before the turn on his way to 2nd place.
Photo: Alan Dorrington

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos Time
3 Robbie Smedley M13 (003/021) 00:16:32
21 Luke Guest M13 (016/021) 00:20:11

U15s race

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos Time
1 Jackson McKay M15 (001/016) 00:18:47
6 Adam Stevenson M15 (006/016) 00:22:21
7 Lennon Jackson M15 (007/016) 00:22:24
9 E Dorrington-Levy F15 (002/010) 00:22:42
11 William Nicholls M15 (009/016) 00:22:55
21 Bethany Wheatcroft F15 (008/010) 00:29:00
22 Jake O’Dowd M15 (014/016) 00:29:45
24 Heidi Kewin F15 (010/010) 00:30:05
 
Ella Dorrington descends to the finish. Photo: Deborah Stevenson

Ella Dorrington descends to the finish.
Photo: Deborah Stevenson

U17s race

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos Time
4 Nicholas Hennessey M17 (003/005) 00:26:46
Happy muddy Juniors. Photo: Deborah Stevenson

Happy muddy Juniors.
Photo: Deborah Stevenson

Junior Results

Junior FRA Championship West Nab

Four of our Juniors, Helena White, Briony Holt, Christopher Brown and Jenson Bentham travelled over to Holmfirth for the 2nd round of the Junior FRA Championships and were rewarded with better weather than in Lancashire…

Briony Holt running in the U17G for her first year took an excellent 3rd place against older opposition. It’s shaping up to be a great year again on the fells for Briony. Helena White was 7th in U13G with Jenson Bentham 12th in U13B and Christopher Brown 20th.

Full results

Jenson Bentham pushing on up the first climb. Photo: Geoff Thompson

Jenson Bentham pushing on up the first climb.
Photo: Geoff Thompson

Helena White with her own distinctive style. Photo: Geoff Thompson

Helena White with her own distinctive style.
Photo: Geoff Thompson

Briony on her way to 3rd place U17G. Photo: Geoff Thompson

Briony on her way to 3rd place U17G.
Photo: Geoff Thompson

Calderdale Hike

This longstanding event offers both marathon distance and ultra distance (37.2miles) routes round the Calderdale hills, with checkpoints at great sounding places like Coolam, Slatepit Hill and Lumbutts. Andrew Armstrong and Nick Olszweski (among others) ran, preparing for the Fellsman Hike in late April. Nick ran round in 7:40 with full results to follow.

New Dungeon Ghyll fell race

Wendy Dodds was the Clayton representative here, coming in 1st WV60 in 42nd place and a time of 56:31.

Full results

 

Sunday

Lads Leap fell race

This AS race unsurprisingly packs in a fair bit of climb in it’s 5.9m route around the popular Crowdon area of the Peak District, steeped in rock climbing history, and randomly, populated by large white hares. Stephen Fish MV60 was the sole Clayton runner, finishing in 1.24.54

Report from Stephen Fish:

Always keen to try a race I’ve not previously done and being unavailable for Saturday’s Pendle race, I picked out the Lad’s Leap on the Sunday to do.

On a pleasant, early, spring morning I set off to the Crowden Campsite, situated on the Woodhead Pass in the Peak District National Park, for the start, only taking 50 minutes of travelling to reach.

124 runners lined up on the start line to tackle the demanding route that takes in Lad’s Leap twice. Once a short road section was out of the way, a long lung-busting climb ensued and lead onto Robinson’s Moss. This portion of the race was very boggy underfoot, with more than one competitor having to extract their shoes from said bogs.  After about a mile over the tops, through deep heather, the route then had a long descent into a disused stone quarry. All this lost height had to recouped, as we re-joined the outward route over Lad’s Leap again. The earlier lung-buster climb now became an exhilarating descent down the welcome finish line.

A pretty good race in my book, which had a bit of everything. One I would recommend, certainly justifying its category ‘A’ status.

Full results to follow

Baildon Boundary Way (Runners)

Martin Terry was running here, on a shorter race distance than of late…

Pos Name Cat Time
108 Martin TERRY M55 01:50:10

Full results

Kong Mini Mountain Marathon – Coniston

A beautiful Spring day in the Lakes saw Alan Dorrington teaming up with friend Greg May for this 4hr score event held around the Old Man of Coniston range. A strong collection of high scoring controls over the back half combined with a headlong descent off Wetherlam via Hen Tor to Tilberthwaite saw them pick up 4th Vet pair.

Goat's Water from Goat's Hause. Photo: Alan Dorrington

Goat’s Water from Goat’s Hause.
Photo: Alan Dorrington

 

ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon

A rare (and evidently painful) foray onto the roads for some, and a sharpner for London for others, Manchester’s rainy streets (bathed in sunshine) were the backdrop for this weekend’s 26.2 miles. ‘Team Sub 3’ were led in by a charging Lee Smith in 2:50:13, followed by Jon Cleaver in 2:56:17 and a presumably lost and disoriented Dave Motley in 2:56:58 wondering where the fells were. With John Hartley winning the V60 category in 3:06:38 and Danny Pilkington also running round in 6:34:53, that made for some solid Clayton miles over the weekend. A fantastic effort by all!

Report from Jon Cleaver:

I had booked this for training on my route to London for a PB, however after a couple of solid 20 mile races at Spen and Trimpell I felt ready to give a PB a go especially considering the forecast was as good as it was ever going to get. After meeting Dave & Lee at the Lowry we went over to the start on the Chester road near Old Trafford. The route takes you towards the city centre before turning back and heading out to Sale and Altrincham at the half way point then back to Emirates cricket ground for the finish.

I hatched a plan to run a moderate first half learning from my Trimpell experience and went through just under 88 minutes where I saw Gary Wilkinson filming the race. I was feeling confident at that point so pushed a bit harder and took my pace down 5/10 seconds a mile all the way to mile 23 where I caught up with Dave and then through to what feels like the longest finish in history. Really pleased with 02:56:17 finish and the other Clayton lads Lee Smith, Dave Motley and John Hartley did incredibly with Lee getting the bragging rights on the day running an incredible 02:50. 3 weeks to London!!

Jon Cleaver cruising to his sub 3hr marathon. Photo: Lynsey Birtwhistle

Jon Cleaver cruising to his sub 3hr marathon.
Photo: Lynsey Birtwhistle

Pos Name Time Cat Cat Pos
121 Lee SMITH 02:50:13 V35 32
249 Jon CLEAVER 02:56:17 V35 66
273 Dave MOTLEY 02:56:58 V35 69
583 John HARTLEY 03:06:38 V60 1
8652 Danny PILKINGTON 06:34:53 V40 1058

Full results

Darwen Heritage Half Marathon

Described as undulating, and definitely scenic and with great views, this Darwen Dashers organised half is in its second year now. Jacob Watson stormed round to 9th place overall in 1:20:01 with a solid group of Clayton Seniors, Vets and Ladies behind. The Ladies picked up the team prize with Cassie Smedley, Michelle Abbot and Vicky Heys all scoring.

Report from James Boult:

Having absolutely shattered my half marathon PB last year, taking 45 minutes off in total with 38 of them coming off at Darwen I returned this year excited for what is one of my favourite races of the year. Conditions were perfect as we set off and knowing a comfortable pace consistently would mean I’d break the 1.42 I ran here last year, I started with a good game plan. In what is one of the nicest and most scenic 10ks I’ve done the views alone make for a good distraction and it wasn’t long before I reached 6k. Telling Rob on the drive over that I felt good and was going to go for it I knew he wouldn’t be able to resist the allure of a good race.

Having raced my last 2 half marathons with him we’ve become a great team and mange to bring out the best in each other, evidenced in our performance at Manchester in October. He joined me at 6km and we naturally took the pace up, reaching 10km in 45 minutes; bang on time and two minutes faster than last year. The race at Darwen doesn’t start until 9 miles in and as I drove on with water stations a good relief in the heat, the hills started. Steep and gradual and short and even steeper, they come thick and fast after mile 8. At 14km I was bang on track for a sub 1.40 but pain in my glutes restricted speed on the flats and I struggled to get momentum.

Forcing myself through i reached the final 2 and a half miles of pure downhill, finding myself another 3 minutes up on last year. Managing to pick up enough speed to get back to comfortable 6 minute miles I raced onto the finish to knock 5 minutes off last year’s time and to take 3rd Clayton counter in 55th place. Rob came in a couple of minites after to shatter his time from last year too, in what was a great turnout for team Clayton. Ben Fish took the overall win, crushing the course record on the way to a 69 minute finish. Roll on next year.

Team Clayton at the Darwen Heritage Half Marathon Photo:

Team Clayton at the Darwen Heritage Half Marathon
Photo:

Mich Hughes enjoying the sun at the Darwen Heritage Half. Photo:

Mick Hughes enjoying the sun at the Darwen Heritage Half.
Photo:

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos  Time
9 Jacob Watson M S (006/072) 01:20:01
35 Andrew Orr M45 (007/029) 01:30:51
55 James Boult M S (026/072) 01:37:29
57 David Moynihan M50 (004/029) 01:37:58
64 Robert Morrison M40 (017/039) 01:39:31
96 Mick Hughes M40 (022/039) 01:44:35
110 Christopher Lawrence M50 (012/029) 01:47:07
127 Cassandra Smedley F S (004/040) 01:49:22
128 Michelle Abbott F S (005/040) 01:49:22
144 Geoff Smith M40 (027/039) 01:53:10
146 Vicky Heys F45 (006/030) 01:53:28
147 Irene Roche F55 (002/006) 01:53:28
148 Nerina Gill F45 (007/030) 01:53:28
231 Angela Shian F S (022/040) 02:08:10
260 Andrew Webster M45 (027/029) 02:15:03

Full results

Padiham Aquathlon

Alfie and Helena White donned their swimming costumes and club vests for the Aquathlon this Sunday. Mum Rachael reports:

Flying the Clayton Flag at Padiham Aquathlon, Helana came 1st Girl and 3rd overall in her age cat and Alfie (age 14) had to do the adults distance 600m swim & 5k run. Very proud of them both

Alfie and Helena White at the Padiham Aquathlon. Photo: Rachael White

Alfie and Helena White at the Padiham Aquathlon.
Photo: Rachael White

Awaiting results

Garstang Gallop 7

Five Clayton Harriers took part in this 7 mile race that raises money for UK Prostate Cancer.  Stephen Biscomb was our first finisher and also 1st MV60.  Christine Egerton was our sole lady runner and also 1st LV65.

Pos Name Cat Time
33 Stephen Biscomb MV60 00:49:06
40 Richard Briscoe MV35 00:50:36
58 Brian Wildman MV50 00:55:16
117 Christine Egerton FV65 01:08:10
120 Ron Chappell MV65 01:09:45

Full results

Parkrun results

Burnley Junior Parkrun

A total of 58 runners took part

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
3 Nathan KEWIN 08:16 JM11-14
9 Bethany WHEATCROFT 09:22 JW11-14
12 Heidi KEWIN 09:32 JW11-14
13 Brayden CLARKSON 09:37 JM10 New PB!
15 Kady THOMPSON 10:13 JW10
18 Darcey HIRST 10:22 JW10 New PB!
25 Charlie PLANT 10:51 JW10
40 Joni HIGGINS 12:19 JW10
53 Olly PLANT 14:57 JM10

Burnley Parkrun – a total of 210 runners took part

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
5 Laura HESKETH 18:14 SW30-34
13 Terry O’LEARY 20:01 VM35-39
17 Sean CLARE 20:43 VM50-54
31 Stephen AINSWORTH 21:48 VM60-64
32 David MOYNIHAN 21:51 VM50-54
40 Donna RILEY 22:16 VW50-54
42 Gordon BARRETT 22:18 VM55-59
44 Kevin DAVIES 22:22 VM55-59
50 Reece Adam LAWRENCE 22:32 JM15-17
55 Charlie BARNES 22:46 JM10
60 Michelle ABBOTT 22:59 VW35-39
64 Charlie BIRTWISTLE 23:08 JM11-14
75 David Ian SCOTT 23:53 VM70-74
80 Nick ROSCOE 24:08:00 VM45-49
84 Aaron LUNDIE 24:14:00 JM15-17
85 Nina KEWIN 24:16:00 VW35-39
94 Jake ANFORTH 24:36:00 JM10
101 Julie DAWES 24:56:00 VW45-49
108 Keira STEVENSON 25:12:00 JW11-14 New PB!
109 Lisa JOHNSON 25:12:00 VW45-49
110 Donna SCOTT 25:13:00 VW50-54
111 Toby BIRTWISTLE 25:16:00 JM10
116 Andrew TAYLOR 25:23:00 VM55-59
133 John WILCOCK 25:57:00 VM50-54
142 Annabel WILCOCK 26:05:00 JW15-17
157 Justin BIRTWISTLE 26:39:00 VM40-44
181 Carl CAREY 27:41:00 VM45-49
220 Helen HARRISON 29:53:00 VW45-49
230 Robert HIRST 30:23:00 VM65-69
249 Darcey HIRST 32:11:00 JW10
258 Judith CAREY 32:40:00 VW35-39
288 Ron CHAPPELL 34:09:00 VM65-69

Dewsbury parkrun

A total of 114 runners took part

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
110 Robin PRICE 25:13 VM70-74

Southwark parkrun

A total of 292 runners took part

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
208 Eileen JONES 29:03 VW60-64

Skipton parkrun

A total of 177 runners took part

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
3 Tom BREWSTER 18:17 SM30-34

Pendle parkrun

A total of 76 runners took part

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
12 Martin BRADY 24:11 VM55-59
35 Yvonne WICKHAM 30:48 VW50-54

Witton parkrun

A total of 64 runners took part

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
25 Paul THOMPSON 26:58 VM45-49  New PB!
26 Katy THOMPSON 27:12 VW60-64

Blackpool parkrun

A total of 172 runners took part

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
28 Alan LIFE 22:18 VM50-54
75 Carol LIFE 26:26 VW50-54

About the author

Alan Dorrington editor