What a week! There have been some amazing efforts from our members as they took part in the Pendle Hill 22 for 22 challenge with plenty more of you turning up to support and join in along the way. There’s also been plenty of action with some great performances and success in the Inter-Counties competition.
PENDLE HILL 22 FOR THE 22
The terrorist attack at the MEN Arena left 22 dead and 119 injured. Many of our club members have felt the impact of this atrocity and thankfully our junior member who was there escaped unhurt. A charity event to raise money for the We Love MCR Emergency Fund and Red Cross was launched.
6 runners, Garry Wilkinson, Matt Perry, Dave Motley, Dave Bagot, Ryan Wilkinson, Lee Smith and Paul Hesketh would run up and down Pendle Hill 22 times making a total of over 80 miles of running with around 22,000 feet of climbing over 3 days.
The 22 for 22 Challenge. Photo by David Belshaw
Support came in thick and fast from members of Clayton Harriers, other local running clubs and local businesses.
Report From Garry Wilkinson
Well 4 out of 5 of us beat the mountain.22 Summit climbs from the Pendle Inn Barley taking in 84 miles and 23,500 feet of ascent/descent. Starting out on Friday at 4pm and finishing Sunday at 4pm.
Claggy conditions during the 22 for 22 challenge.
We wish to thank the Pendle Inn, Barley Village for letting us host the event there and all our sponsors and supporters. Some came to run a few and some just one.
Clayton runners supporting the challenge. Photo by David Belshaw
Others just came to show their support, feed us and take in the incredible camaraderie these guys produced. We have raised close to £5000 and our original target was a thousand.
You can still donate on www.justgiving.com/WeHeartMCR22
We just can’t thank you enough
Report From Dave Motley
Well I managed to complete the challenge of running up/down Pendle Hill 22 times this weekend and I’m not broken, although my legs are a little sore.
One last time. Photo by David Belshaw
During the challenge 4 of us completed the full 22 reps resulting in us running 83.5mile and climbing 23,359ft!! I’ve just checked and this is the equivalent of running from Everest base camp to the summit and back down twice (and a tiny bit more) over the weekend. Unfortunately Man 5, Ryan Wilkinson had to pull out after really struggling with a knee injury with 5 reps to go, but he has already vowed to finish the challenge when he’s fixed, so watch this space.
We had some real low times between us over the weekend with awful weather on Saturday and personally the 1st two legs on Sunday where I couldn’t keep food down (not drink related). But the support we received over the weekend from our families, friends and the running community was amazing.
We have managed to raise over 4k so far and once we’ve counted the buckets and got the last bits of sponsorship hope to be over the 5k mark. You can still sponsor us on the below link. Thanks for all your support, it means a lot to me and the rest of the lads.
TUESDAY 6 MAY
PADDY’S POLE
The weather conditions at the Preston Harriers` organised Paddys Pole fell race were very challenging this year. A very strong westerly wind howled across the fells making progress very difficult at times for the runners and the wind had brought down some tree branches in the lanes near Chipping. The race starts and finishes near Fell Foot and is 3.7 miles , with 1102 feet of climbing. It heads out under Parlick, crosses Blindhurst Fell to Fair Snape Fell (Paddys Pole) and returns with a fast descent to the finish off Parlick. The first three runners were together for the majority of the race and Matt Perry won in 31.06, just two seconds ahead of Sam Harrison of Bowland. They both descended from Parlick at a furious pace as the lead kept changing hands.
Sarah Helliwell was our first lady finisher and Karin Goss was 1st FV60. First place was awarded to both our Men’s and Ladies’ teams.
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 1 | Matt Perry | M | 00:31:06 |
| 8 | Peter Coates | M40 | 00:34:12 |
| 12 | Carl Helliwell | M40 | 00:34:49 |
| 13 | Chris Snell | M | 00:35:10 |
| 25 | Andrew Orr | M40 | 00:38:54 |
| 29 | Sean Clare | M50 | 00:39:27 |
| 31 | Mark Nutter | M50 | 00:40:25 |
| 38 | David Moynihan | M50 | 00:41:51 |
| 48 | Wayne McIntosh | M | 00:44:36 |
| 49 | David Naylor | M60 | 00:45:23 |
| 51 | Colin Woolford | M40 | 00:45:42 |
| 53 | Andrew Dugdale | M50 | 00:47:55 |
| 55 | Stephen Fish | M60 | 00:48:54 |
| 56 | Sarah Helliwell | F | 00:49:15 |
| 60 | Joanne Perry | F | 00:51:32 |
| 67 | Karin Goss | F60 | 00:57:38 |
WEDNESDAY 7 MAY
ASTLEY PARK TRAIL SERIES
Seven junior runners took part in the second race of this year’s Astley Park trail series. Lennon Jackson was our first finisher in 17th place and Sophie Ashworth was our first girl.
| Pos | Name | Cat | CatPos | Time |
| 17 | Lennon Jackson | M17 | (013/033) | 00:05:37 |
| 22 | Matthew Jackson | M17 | (016/033) | 00:05:43 |
| 36 | Sophie Ashworth | F17 | (014/034) | 00:06:02 |
| 37 | Helana White | F17 | (015/034) | 00:06:04 |
| 54 | Luke Guest | M17 | (025/033) | 00:06:22 |
| 61 | Imogen Ferguson | F17 | (024/034) | 00:06:30 |
| 82 | Jake O’Dowd | M17 | (030/033) | 00:07:02 |
SENIOR RACE
Jonathan Pye and David Moynihan took part in the senior race. Jonathan was our first finisher in 13th place overall and David was 44th
| Pos | Name | Cat | CatPos | Time |
| 13 | Jonathan Pye | MS | (004/022) | 00:27:46 |
| 44 | David Moynihan | M50 | (008/030) | 00:30:33 |
BLENCATHRA FELL RACE
Report from James Williamson
The 2017 Blencathra fell race started with the race organiser reading a quote from the great Alfred Wainwright – a request made by the family of Stephen Owen who tragically passed away whilst competing in Loughrigg fell race earlier this year. A poignant reminder of how precious life is and a moment to reflect. A short silence followed by a round of applause in his memory was a fitting way to pay tribute to a fellow runner who died doing what we all love.
I’ve been looking forward to this race all year, a real classic Lakeland fell race starting from Mungrisdale taking you over the summit of Bowscale fell, Blencathra and Souther Fell. At 7.5 miles and just shy of 3000ft climb, this is a pretty runnable race (once the 1st climb is out of the way) & affords some stunning views of the surrounding Peaks and Lakes. It wasn’t difficult to get motivated for this, given that Blencathra is my favourite mountain & for me this is by far the best race on the calendar both in terms of value & race route.
The windy conditions this year made it much more difficult compared to the glorious sunshine last season…… although we fell lucky as the relentless rain over the 2 days had halted for a few hours!
3 Clayton vests turned out amongst a strong field for this one – me, Neil & Barbara.
I set off well, felt good on the initial climb up towards Bowscale fell & settled in to a nice rhythm, the run off between Bowscale and the foot of Blencathra is nice & fast and i was able to gain a few places, however I may have overcooked it as the climb up to Blencathra summit felt laboured. I was relieved to reach the top as the fast start and wind resistance really took it out of me. From this point there is a long run off to Souther Fell and back to the finish – nice & fast running that allowed me to regain the places i lost on the climb. A very steep descent down to a small river crossing was energy sapping but I had just enough in the tank to outsprint 2 chaps as I approached the line. Great runs also from Neil & Barbara. Ben Mounsey of CVFR took the win ahead of Steven Hebblethwaite & Martin Mikkelson-Barron. Not the best season so far for me, a mixed bag of results of late, plenty of positives to take but also plenty of areas to work & improve on.
I can’t recommend this race enough!
THURSDAY 8 JUNE
BRONTE 5
Richard Briscoe was our sole runner in this race. He finished in 35th place.
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 35 | Richard Briscoe | M35 | 00:34:46 |
EAST LANCS PRIMARY SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY
Report from Rachael White
The East Lancs Schools final saw several Clayton Juniors take part for their towns. Selected as the best 25 Girls and 25 Boys from each of the 5 school regions including Burnley, Rossendale & Blackburn after local Town XC races had taken place. This year the final was held at Marl Pitts, so even before the heavens opened, you knew there would be mud, mud and more mud.
All children taking part did brilliantly in such horrendous rain, whilst the Clayton kids and other club runners are used to it, I did feel sorry for the non-club runners who looked a little shocked when they finished the course.The Girls went first, on the 2.5K route that followed similar to the normal X-Country route and ended up on the track for the final 300m. – Helana White won for Burnley with a commanding lead over second place girl. The boys followed, with great positions for Robbie Smedley (4th) and Mathew Jackson (12th).
NO AVAILABLE RESULTS
KETTLEWELL ANNIVERSARY FELL RACE
Report from Luke Turner
Still not really sure what happened to my legs in that race, but they felt incredible!! First race I’ve ever done where they’ve felt good and I’ve been in control and able to push as and where I want and feel strong all the way round. 5 mile and 1800ft of climb and came home in 7th against some incredible fell runners. Had a blinder of a run. Could even see Ted mason who won it in my sights all the way round! I’ve only been following a proper training plan for two weeks now, just went on regular jogs before that with the odd race. Just wait till next year. Over the moon with that.
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 7 | Luke Turner | MSen | 42.38 |
| 57 | Andrew Dugdale | M55 | 56.24 |
| 63 | Paul Dugdale | M60 | 57.31 |
| 64 | Jack Dugdale | MSen | 58.23 |
WALSH TWO LADS FELL RACE
Stephen Fish was running solo in this fell race where he finished in 133rd place.
| Pos | Name | Cat | CatPos | Time |
| 133 | Stephen Fish | M60 | (007/009) | 00:55:10 |
SATURDAY 10 JUNE
Five Clayton juniors took part in the FRA championship/ inter counties race at the Rossendale 50th Anniversary race.
Report from Tina Hines Holt
it was a brilliant day at Cowpe UK inter counties/FRA fell race despite the weather. It lashed it down just in time for the U17s race and continued into the U19s. It was wet, slippery and had at least 3 big hills to climb. Well done to everyone who ran this difficult course on an awful day.
Briony loved this course but not so much Curtis who has mainly concentrated on the track, and this is only his 2nd fell race in about 3yrs. Briony came 2nd girl in U17s and 1st Lancashire counter and Curtis came 14th boy and 2nd Lancashire counter. After a challenging season Briony managed to secure 3rd place in the FRA overall.
U13 RACE
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 19 | Christopher Brown | U13B | 00:14:59 |
| 31 | Jenson Bentham | U13B | 00:15:53 |
U15 RACE
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 8 | Jackson McKay | U15B | 00:20:51 |
U17 RACE
Briony Holt in the U17 race. Photo by Woodentops
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 24 | Briony Holt (2nd Girl) | U17G | 00:35:19 |
U19 RACE
Curtis Holt in the U19 Race. Photo by Woodentops
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 23 | Curtis Holt | U19B | 00:52:48 |
WEETS FELL RACE
Another big turnout despite the grim weather on the day. Danny Collinge took the win in under 40 minutes.
Reece Lawrence was 1st MU18 and Jeff Pickup was 1st MV65. Our first lady was Elizabeth Mullan in 76th place. Anita Jones was 1st W60 and Karin Goss was 1st W65
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 1 | Danny Collinge | M | 00:39:24 |
| 8 | Jordan McDonald | M | 00:42:40 |
| 13 | Chris Snell | M | 00:45:01 |
| 21 | George Pier | M | 00:47:43 |
| 23 | Michael O’Donnell | M40 | 00:47:52 |
| 29 | Paul Hesketh | M50 | 00:48:34 |
| 34 | Sean Clare | M50 | 00:49:19 |
| 38 | Andrew Orr | M45 | 00:49:55 |
| 40 | John Roche | M55 | 00:50:09 |
| 46 | Gareth Berry | M40 | 00:51:10 |
| 48 | Daniel Plant | M | 00:51:23 |
| 49 | David Moynihan | M50 | 00:51:27 |
| 51 | Craig Nicholls | M40 | 00:51:36 |
| 52 | Michael Clarke | M40 | 00:51:39 |
| 54 | John Wilcock | M50 | 00:51:49 |
| 63 | David Naughton | M55 | 00:53:03 |
| 64 | Andy Bradley | M50 | 00:53:06 |
| 66 | Mick Hughes | M40 | 00:53:40 |
| 72 | Jeffrey Pickup | M65 | 00:54:34 |
| 73 | Robert Morrison | M40 | 00:56:03 |
| 74 | James Dunderdale | M | 00:56:17 |
| 75 | Stephen Ainsworth | M60 | 00:56:22 |
| 76 | Elizabeth Mullan | W | 00:56:24 |
| 80 | Cassandra Smedley | W35 | 00:56:36 |
| 81 | Reece Lawrence | MU18 | 00:57:17 |
| 82 | Adam Stephenson | M | 00:57:25 |
| 87 | Chris Lawrence | M50 | 00:58:48 |
| 88 | Stuart Proctor | M | 00:59:01 |
| 105 | Colin Woolford | M40 | 01:01:42 |
| 107 | Irene Roche | W55 | 01:01:53 |
| 109 | Andrew Dugdale | M55 | 01:02:12 |
| 112 | Carl Carey | M45 | 01:03:06 |
| 113 | Nerina Gill | W45 | 01:03:08 |
| 115 | Peter Dugdale | M60 | 01:04:20 |
| 118 | Jane Ryan | W40 | 01:04:38 |
| 119 | Donna Scott | W50 | 01:05:21 |
| 121 | Andrew Webster | M45 | 01:06:51 |
| 122 | Lucy Scott | W | 01:08:00 |
| 123 | Lisa Ellis | W35 | 01:08:01 |
| 125 | Ian Hargreaves | M50 | 01:09:39 |
| 131 | Julia Rushton | W50 | 01:10:56 |
| 134 | Bethany Quinn | W | 01:11:42 |
| 135 | Mark Knowles | M40 | 01:12:46 |
| 136 | Janine Pollard | W45 | 01:13:56 |
| 137 | Michelle Butschok | W40 | 01:14:01 |
| 140 | Deborah Greenwood | W45 | 01:14:23 |
| 147 | Karin Goss | W65 | 01:18:04 |
| 149 | Julia Taylor | W55 | 01:20:39 |
| 150 | Judith Carey | W | 01:22:46 |
| 151 | Jack McGuire | M60 | 01:29:08 |
| 152 | Anita Jones | W60 | 01:32:37 |
WEETS JUNIOR RACES
U9S RACE
Charlie Plant helping her little brother in the U7s race. Photo by David Belshaw
A trio of our youngest runners took part in the U9s race. Charlie Plant was our first finisher in 5th place overall. Emily Johnson was our next finisher in 6th place and Olly Plant was 7th. In a dramatic finish redolent of the Brownlee Brothers, young Olly took a tumble a few yards short of the finish line and his big sister Charlie ran back for him, picked him up and held his hand all the way to the finish line.
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 5 | Charlie Plant | U9G | 3:55 |
| 6 | Emily Johnson | U9G | 4:24 |
| 7 | Olly Plant | U9B | 5:01 |
U11S RACE
Fraser Anforth and Ellisia Smedley in the U11s Race. Photo by David Belshaw
Some great running from our U11s as they raced in grim conditions. Charlie Barnes was our first finisher in 4th place. Ellisia Smedley was our first Clayton girl with a really strong run.
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 4 | Charlie Barnes | U11B | 3:37 |
| 5 | Guy Whalley | U11B | 3:39 |
| 10 | Toby Birtwistle | U9B | 3:51 |
| 16 | Fraser Anforth | U11B | 4:12 |
| 17 | Ellisia Smedley | U11G | 4:16 |
| 20 | Emily Nicholls | U11G | 4:27 |
| 22 | Joni Higgins | U11G | 5:07 |
U13S RACE
The start of the U13 race. Photo by David Belshaw
Robbie Smedley took lead from the start and finished in first place. Harry Cole battled hard with Elliot Phillips of Barlick but had to settle for 3rd.
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 1 | Robbie Smedley | U13B | 2:47 |
| 3 | Harry Cole | U13B | 2:55 |
| 12 | Luke Guest | U13B | 3:33 |
| 14 | Jake Anforth | U13B | 3:38 |
U15s RACE
Start of the U15 race. Photo by David Belshaw
Mirroring the U13s Joshua Hall had a decisive lead to take the win with Michael Stevens battling Barlick’s Jack Villiers but having to settle for 3rd place. Sophie Ashworth had a really strong run to finish as first girl in 8th place overall. Some great running from our older juniors.
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 1 | Joshua Hall | U17B | 3:43 |
| 3 | Michael Stevens | U15B | 3:55 |
| 5 | Adam Stevenson | U15B | 4:21 |
| 6 | William Nicholls | U15B | 4:27 |
| 8 | Sophie Ashworth | U15G | 4:33 |
| 9 | Natasha Olszewska | U15G | 5:21 |
| 10 | Keira Stevenson | U15G | 5:39 |
| 11 | Bronia Olszewska | U15G | 5:52 |
| 12 | Jake O’Dowd | U15B | 5:59 |
SUNDAY 11 JUNE
BOLTON HILL HALF MARATON
Geoff Smith was our only representative at this half marathon event. He finished in 29th place with a time of 02:03:07. A total of 118 runners took part.
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 29 | Geoff Smith | MV40 | 02:03:27 |
HAWKSWICK DASH
Report from Andrew Holt
HOWTOWN FR
Wendy Dodds was our only runner in this Lake District Fell Race. She finished in 35th place and 1st WV60. A total of 65 runners took part.
| Pos | Runner | Category | Time |
| 35 | Wendy Dodds | WV60 | 3.12.16 |
PARKRUN ROUNDUP
Blackpool parkrun – A total of 104 runners took part.
| Pos | parkrunner | Time | Age Cat | Note |
| 25 | Philip NAYLOR | 23:44 | VM35-39 | New PB! |
Burnley parkrun – A total of 256 runners took part.
| Pos | parkrunner | Time | Age Cat | Note |
| 2 | Matthew DUCKWORTH | 18:33 | SM25-29 | |
| 3 | Jonathan PYE | 19:08 | SM25-29 | |
| 6 | Kevin DAVIES | 19:55 | VM55-59 | |
| 8 | Simon WILSHAW | 20:43 | JM15-17 | |
| 9 | Lennon JACKSON | 20:49 | JM11-14 | |
| 20 | Alison DUGDALE | 21:53 | VW45-49 | |
| 30 | Wayne MCINTOSH | 23:22 | VM35-39 | |
| 44 | Michelle ABBOTT | 24:28 | VW35-39 | |
| 55 | Caitlin WELSH | 25:09 | JW15-17 | |
| 64 | Imogen FERGUSON | 25:20 | JW11-14 | |
| 90 | Richard LAWSON | 26:31 | VM75-79 | |
| 100 | Tony PILLING | 26:50 | VM50-54 | |
| 111 | Melanie HIRST | 27:29 | VW40-44 | |
| 138 | Evan WELSH | 28:34 | JM11-14 | |
| 141 | Bethany WHEATCROFT | 28:52 | JW11-14 | |
| 142 | Darcey HIRST | 29:00 | JW10 | |
| 170 | Christine Jennifer EGERTON | 30:39 | VW65-69 | |
| 176 | Rachel STEVENSON | 30:57 | JW11-14 | |
| 198 | Stuart BARKER | 31:37 | VM50-54 | |
| 200 | Lucy STEVENSON | 31:41 | JW15-17 | |
| 205 | Helen HARRISON | 32:00 | VW45-49 | |
| 207 | Robert HIRST | 32:10 | VM65-69 | |
| 208 | Ron CHAPPELL | 32:24 | VM65-69 | |
| 214 | Christine LEATHLEY | 32:52 | VW65-69 |
Burnley junior parkrun – A total of 87 runners took part.
| Pos | parkrunner | Time | Age Cat | Note |
| 1 | Michael STEVENS | 07:13 | JM11-14 | New PB! |
| 3 | Matthew JACKSON | 07:36 | JM11-14 | New PB! |
| 13 | Imogen FERGUSON | 08:54 | JW11-14 | |
| 14 | Guy WHALLEY | 09:13 | JM10 | First Timer! |
Cuerden Valley parkrun – A total of 122 runners took part.
| Pos | parkrunner | Time | Age Cat | Note |
| 50 | Paul THOMPSON | 27:29 | VM45-49 |
Pendle parkrun – A total of 67 runners took part.
| Pos | parkrunner | Time | Age Cat | Note |
| 16 | Martin BRADY | 24:11 | VM55-59 | |
| 34 | Eleanor Betty ROOT | 27:36 | JW15-17 | |
| 56 | Yvonne WICKHAM | 32:49 | VW50-54 |
Witton parkrun – A total of 89 runners took part.
| Pos | parkrunner | Time | Age Cat | Note |
| 9 | Alan LIFE | 23:17 | VM50-54 | First Timer! |
| 17 | Vicky HEYS | 25:35 | VW45-49 | |
| 29 | Carol LIFE | 28:06 | VW50-54 | First Timer! |
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