Keep on runnin’

It’s been another weekend of epic action for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers. You’ve been out on the fells and mountains, the urban and rural roads, and parks. There’s been a huge turnout of Harriers at Hendon Brook race and you’ve been spotted at classic Lakeland races, mountain marathons and a whole host of 5K and 10K events.

TUESDAY 4 JULY

20 BARRIERS

The 20 Barriers race follows a scenic route of just over 5 miles on the field paths, trails and canal towpath in the countryside to the south of Carnforth “Gateway to the Lake District”. The race gets its name from the number of stiles and other field boundaries crossed en-route but none of the “20 barriers” should present any unusual hazards or difficulties.

Wendy Dodds was our only runner in this year’s race finishing in 83^rd place and 1^st WV65.

Full Results

ROCHDALE 10K

Michael Hogan was running solo at the Rochdale 10K where he finished in 51^st place with a time of 42:04

Report from Michael Hogan

I was the only Clayton runner to venture out on this lovely mid-week 10K. It was a bit warm and humid but otherwise good conditions; there isn’t too much flat on the course just a series of undulations to work at. A cracking night out for 8 quid and a pair of technical running socks for completing- can’t fault it.

Michael Hogan at the Rochdale 10K

Full Results 

STOODLEY PIKE FELL RACE

Five Clayton Harriers took to the Calderdale fells for the Stoodley Pike Fell Race which, of course, features a run up to and back from the famous landmark. It’s a 3.1m race with 699ft of ascent. Richard Stevenson was our first finisher in 19^th place in 23:42.

Report from Colin Woolford

Another classic Calder Valley race, hosted by Tod Harriers with a short fast well marked course with something for everyone but none of it lasting long enough to be too unpleasant! I seemed to pass more people than passed me, so either my climbing is improving or I’m starting too near to the back…  I ended up in an early tussle for position with Steve Fish and was keen to stay ahead as I knew Mr Stevenson and Mr Briscoe would be well out of my reach!

By the time I reached the Pike – where there seemed to be a huge amount of spectators clapping and cheering support ( I apologised for being late) – I was hot on the heels of a Halifax Harrier and young Tod lady whereby the three of us seemed to change places several times over the final mile and although they got the better of me I was very pleased with my performance over all as third of five Clayton home.  This is a cracking route and a good race for those looking to venture on to the fells.

Full Results 

WEDNESDAY 5 JULY

ASTLEY PARK TRAIL SERIES

Five Clayton juniors headed to Chorley for the third race of the Astley Park trail series. Lennon Jackson was first finisher for the club in 17^th place with little brother Matthew not too far behind in 26^th. Luck Guest was 44^th and Jack O’Dowd was 82^nd. Imogen Ferguson was our only girl and finished in 78^th place overall.

Full Results

ROB SHEPHERD’S STIRTON

Five club members headed across the border to Skipton to take part in the Rob Shepherd’s Stirton fell race. This is a 5.6mile race with 1181ft of ascent organised by Keighley and Craven AC.

Kurt Livesey was our first finisher in 10^th place overall and 1^st M45. Jude Ashworth was our only lady runner and finished in 98^th place.Â

Full Results

THURSDAY 6 JULY

HOAD HILL FELL RACE

DON ASHTON MEMORIAL TOCKHOLES EVENING FELL RACE

Seven Clayton Harriers took part in the Tockholes Evening Fell Race, a 5.8 mile race with 1099ft of ascent.

Report From Ivan Whigham

This evening race run by Darwen dashers race is 6 mile long and 875 ft.of climbing and is well marshalled. The weather was sunny and warm with great views over the Moors.

Ivan Whigham at the Don Ashton Memorial Fell Race. Photo by Calum Rigby

The race sets off down tracks that take you down to Darwen then up to Darwen moor going round the back of the tower then down to the reservoir and then a climb to the finish. Peter Coates the first Claytoner came in 7^th, I came in at 35^th, Mark Taylor 53^rd, Andrew Howarth 58^th, Pete Dugdale 62^nd and finally Stephen Fish 82^nd  place out of 99 entrants .

Jack Bundle of Blackburn Harriers took the win and Kirsty Hall of Wharfedale the first Lady who also broke the record in 27th place.

Full Results

TODMORDEN PARK 5K SERIES

 A dozen Clayton Harriers, including juniors, seniors and vets, ran the fast and furious Todmorden Park 5K race. Jacob Watson was our first Clayton runner and finished in 4^th place. Our super fast juniors got age category wins all round with Helana 1^st U12 girl and 3^rd female overall and Ella Dorrington 2^nd U14 girl and 2^nd female overall.  Josh Hall, Matthew Jackson and Lennon Jackson were 1^st in their respective age categories. We also had success for our seniors with Michelle Abbot 1^st F35,  1^st senior man to Jacob Watson, and 1^st M60 to Stephen Green.

Clayton runners on the start line at Todmorden Park 5K. Photo by Rachael White

Ella Dorrington, Helana White and Michelle Abbott were the first ladies team. Jacob Watson, Jonathan Pye and Chris Snell were the 1^st mens team. Josh Hall, Matthew Jackson and Stephen Green were second mens team.

Full Results

SATURDAY 8 JULY

ADDINGHAM GALA

Four Clayton men took part in the Addingham Gala Fell Race, a 6 mile route with 9894ft of ascent. Alan Life was our first finisher in 18^th place. Jack Holt was our next finisher in 21^st place and 1^st M60. Rick Moore and Stephen Fish completed the quartet.

Full Results

MANX MOUNTAIN MARATHON

Simon Halliday, Jean Brown and Paul Thompson took part in the tough, Manx Mountain Marathon. Simon Halliday finished in 6th place, Jean Brown was 7th and 1st lady, and Paul Thompson was 12th. 52 competitors finished the event.

Report from Jean Brown

So pleased that I made it over to the Isle of Man for what was billed as the last running of the Manx Mountain Marathon. Those of us who had a great time over there are very much hoping that the race continues – it is a classic in every way!

The 51km race with 2500m of ascent starts in Ramsey at the northern end of the island and tracks its way up and down what seems like every hill on the island to finish on the prom in Port Erin. The first half is over the wilder hills, t…he latter section on a stunning section of coast path.

Jean Brown at the Manx Marathon presentation.

A bottle of local beer and tee-shirt for all finishers – presentation by a bar next to the beach in the evening (after great ice-cream and fish and chips in the town) – what is not to like?! OK – it was sunny this year so the island was showing itself off in the best way!

The race was extremely well organised, a mini-bus available to take you to the start, great marshalling on route, lots of places to get water etc. 

Thanks for an excellent race! I plan to return…

Full Results

WASDALE

Martin Terry and Wendy Dodds took part in the classic Wasdale Horseshoe fell race organised by Cumberland Fell Runners Association. Its a category AL race and is 21.1miles with over 9000ft of ascent including a climb of Scafell Pike. Martin Terry was our first finisher in 104^th place with a time of 5:23:13 and being the hard-as-nails ultra runner that he is, went on to run a respectable 57^th place in the Hendon Brook race the following day!

Wendy Dodds was our sole lady runner and she finished in 203rf place in 6:21:08 and 1^st W65.

Wendy Dodds at the Wasdale fell race.

Full Results

SUNDAY 9 JULY

BLACKPOOL SUMMER 10K

Craig Nicholls was our sole runner in the Blackpool Summer 10K. He finished in 9^th place overall with a time of 42:17 and 1^st MV40.

Full Results

GERRY MCCABE LEGENDARY HENDON BROOK RACE

A record turnout for this year’s Hendon Brook, newly renamed to honour its founder, Gerry McCabe. Jacob Watson was the first Clayton finisher in 6^th place with Luke Turner and Jon Cleaver joining him in the top ten.

Jacob Watson in action at Hendon Brook. Photo by David Belshaw

Paul Hesketh was 21^st and 1^st M50. Martin Terry was 57^th, an amazing result considering he’d run the Wasdale Fell race the day before and already had 21.1 miles and over 9000 feet of climbing in his legs!

Martin Terry running Hendon Brook on the back of the Wasdale fell race the day before! George Pier just behind. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

George Pier was the 1^st MJ in 71^st place overall, and Jeff Pickup was 1^st M65.

Donna Airey was our 1^st Clayton Lady in 79^th place and 2^nd in her age category. Irene Roche was 1^st L55 and Beth Quinn was 1^st FJ.

Donna Airey looking fresh at the halfway point. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

It was a great turnout for the club and good to see so many Clayton Harriers tackling the distance and the climbing; some for the first time and some repeating the experience.

The Clayton Water Stop team.

The halfway water station was manned by Clayton Juniors who did a fantastic job of dishing out water, oranges, jelly babies and lots of encouragement to the runners. There were also a few “inspirational” signs dotted around to keep the motivation going.

Inspirational signs at Caldwell. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

Report from Richard Briscoe

I hadn’t done this race for the last two years so I’d decided to do it. I hadn’t really done much long running recently so it would be a good training run. I started slow and steady and stayed with James Boult, and John Roche all the way round. I was quite worried how many people I was overtaking especially on the hills. I have an achilles heel injury and a bad calf so I struggled on the downhills.

L-R Richard Briscoe, James Boult and Gareth Berry at the Hendon Brook race. Photo by David Belshaw

The support was amazing from the water stations from both and Clayton and Trawden handing out sweets etc. I struggled on the last mile where I wanted to get under 1hr45 but James and John overtook me unfortunately. Finished the route in 1hr50 so it was a good result and a good day for everyone who took part.

Report from Sharon Wilson

Well it was the morning of Hendon Brook and I was feeling ok so far; had a good breakfast and drank plenty of water, so I knew I would be ok. Until I was about to leave the house – oh my the nerves started to kick in even more. What am I doing? My first ever half marathon and I choose Hendon Brook! Well I love a challenge and I knew I would give it my all so nothing ventured nothing gained.

As we arrived to the start line getting ready to start. I could tell I wasn’t on my own with nerves everyone was going through exactly the same. And at that split second we were starting the race its now or never I took it steady as I didn’t want to go too fast. My friend Carole Bailey ran with me as it was her first Hendon Brook too. We kept one another going and it was great as the first 3miles passed I was feeling ok and nerves drifted away.  I was focusing on I can do this. As we kept on running Marshalls were handing out jelly babies and water which was great. It was great to see so many spectators and marshals helping and making sure we were. It’s what makes a race.

As we reached 8 miles I was relieved to be nearly half way round feeling very hot but good as we approached another water station. I could see a young lad with a hosepipe. He knew we were hot and yes I can say I was wet through but  it cooled me down and it kept me going. As we were nearly approaching the end I was slowing down a bit which I didn’t want to. I kept saying to myself you can do this not much longer to go. As we were getting closer to the finish I could har everyone cheering us on. This really spurred me on to give me my last sprint finish which I did and it felt fantastic.

Sharon Wilson’s sprint to the finish at Hendon Brook. Photo by David Belshaw

Overall it was a very good run and I will be doing it again. Thank you to everyone for all your encouragement it was amazing marshals and spectators

Full Results

ST ANNE’S CARNIVAL 5K ROAD RACE

Two super-vet Clayton Harriers ran at the St Anne’s Carnival 5K road race. David Scott was the first Clayton finisher in 64^th place and 2^nd M70. Richard Lawson was 76^th and 1st M75. A total of 156 runners took part.

Awaiting Results

WE LOVE MANCHESTER 10K

Amanda Duffy and Clare Wilson ran in the We Love Manchester 10K

Report from Amanda Duffy

I ventured over to the Ethiad stadium on Sunday morning for the We Love Manchester 10K. It’s a fast start and finish on the running track with a few small undulations. I was hoping the sun wasn’t going to come out as it was already warm but at the 3k mark it made an appearance which made the race get tougher.

Amanda Duffy racing hard at the We Love Manchester 10K

I had a target time to try and beat 43 minutes and finished in 42.09 and 11th female. The race was well organised with a friendly atmosphere with a nice medal and t shirt to finish. Another one for the diary for next year

Full Results

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Blackpool parkrun – A total of 170 runners took part.

Burnley parkrun – A total of 386 runners took part.

Burnley junior parkrun – A total of 82 runners took part.

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 111 runners took part.

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 221 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun – A total of 94 runners took part.

Skipton parkrun – A total of 146 runners took part.

Witton parkrun – A total of 91 runners took part.

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 280 runners took part.