Author Archive Adrienne Olszewska

Well dear readers, after three years of compiling the weekly roundup, the time has come to hang up my editorial hat and move on. Did you know that over 70 individuals have submitted race reports in that time which is a fantastic achievement and testament to the enthusiasm and commitment of so many of our members. Those words have really made this roundup write itself and come alive. Thank you.

WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER

ROGER WHITE COWM RESERVOIR 5K RACE

A quartet of Clayton runners took part in this midweek race. Junior runner Matthew Jackson finished in 5^th place overall and 2^nd JM. Michelle Abbot was our only lady runner and she finished in 18^th place and 1^st LV35. Jack McGuire and Ron Chappell completed the Clayton team.

Full Results

SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER

GREAT WHERNSIDE FELL RACE

Five ladies and half a dozen men competed in the Great Whernside Fell Race. Both ladies and men’s teams finished in 9th place

Ladies Results

Five Clayton ladies ran with supervet Wendy Dodds our first finisher and 1st LV65.

Linda Lord and Sarah Helliwell at the Great Whernside Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Full Results

Men’s Results

Chris Holdsworth was our first finisher in the mens race, finishing in 5th place overall.

Chris Holdsworth at the Great Whernside Fell Race

Full Results

ORTON FELL RACE

Alan and Carol Life ran in this 6.2 mile race with 846ft of climbing. Alan finished in 15th place and was 1st V50. Carol was 52nd and 2nd V50 lady.

Full Results

ROC MOUNTAIN MARATHON

Report from Colin Woolford

Confidence was high approaching this Mountain Marathon. Following the (still) amazing result at the OMM Lite two weeks ago, I was well up for the ROC, formerly the RAB. What attracts me to this event is that you can compete as a solo. Most MM’s are aimed at teams of two, so this one is a real novelty.  This would be my 6th RAB/ROC.

Since the OMM Lite, I had kept my running to a minimum, wanting to be rested for the ROC and had decided that my regular Tuesday CleM runs (about 10-13km per evening) and one other 10km run the weekend between would be enough to ‘turn my legs over’. The Tuesday before the weekend I went off for the usual session (this month from Barrowford) BUT with new Mudclaws on.  Fresh out of the box, I wanted to bring these in to circulation as the RAB previously has finished shoes off – and I mean absolutely trashed them, so I thought I would be ahead of the curve and get some km’s on some new shoes, leaving my regular pair ready for the weekend.

So that was mistake number one!  I have worn classic Innov-8 Mudclaw 300’s for the past x many years, I have had well over ten pairs, same brand, model and for the last three pairs same colour and probably even the same batch as I bought a job lot from Pete Bland Sports in a sale.  This was the last pair from that batch – why would they be any different?  Clearly they were and for whatever reason, this pair gave me a hot spot on my left heel two km’s in to the run and by km three I knew I had a blister…  I stopped, had a look and thought with a bit of re lacing I could get back to the van/pub at a slow trot.  Wrong. Within 500m I had bent the back of the heel down and was running gingerly as I was now wearing the equivalent of fell running crocs…. (a gap in the market maybe?)  I left the group and made my way back to the pub.

Ouch!

I am pretty good at managing and treating blisters, learnt over many years walking, first aiding and reading many articles/books etc, particularly “Fixing Your Feet” by Jon Vonhof (well worth purchasing for any runner) so I was confident I could get to a point where I could trot round the ROC, I may not get the good result I was hoping for, but still, I would be there.

The ROC arrived, or rather I arrived in South West Cumbria, in the shadow of Black Combe, near Millom and I was ready to start and collect my map and control sheet. This is the premise behind a “score” event. you have a time (6 hours day one, 5 hours day two) to find as many controls as you can over a given area. You get the details at the start line and it is part of the challenge to formulate a plan/route that allows you to collect as many controls on your dibber as you can and get back to where you need to be – in this event an overnight camp- before the time runs out and you start to lose points by way of penalties.  I have lost all my day one points before on these events… gutting to say the least!

Mistake number 2 then was a real school boy error. Somehow in my haste I marked up the map incorrectly and gave a control a points value when it wasn’t in fact live that day – or indeed in use at any point over the weekend!  This tipped my route choice into a direction I otherwise wouldn’t have taken.  I realised my error as I was charging along to what I thought was the first control. I reached for the control description, expecting to see something like “stream source” or “spring” looking at how the map was marked but what I found was nothing. Control 210 wasn’t even on the live list, so why and how I had given it a value of 10 points was beyond me.  I quickly checked the others I had marked…. all fine. Phew!  Not for the mad house yet then… but that all took up more precious time. Oh well, I will carry on, I will lose even more time if I head back and take an alternative route from the start, the next control about a km away, was in my plan anyway.

It was at this point that the cloud came in.

Typical Lakeland View

The weather forecast for Saturday was clear, overcast, but not raining and clear visibility on the tops.  By 10.30 am the cloud base was down to about 400 m, it was very damp in the air and any chance at a view was lost.

Now I am a good navigator and back myself in poor conditions like this, but with a scrambled brain from trying to understand why I had made a control up, sore heel and still cursing myself for starting so poorly my relocation took longer than it should have, with the added pressure being against the clock brings I was getting decidedly cranky! Several expletives may well have passed my lips, much to the amusement of the ever present Herdwick Sheep on Black Combe. Rumours I asked ‘lost’ fell runners from the 2016 championships on this hill for directions are unfounded!

I got there in the end- the next control a 20 point one loomed out of the mist.  The game was on!  I tore off north east following a trod heading gently down I was certain about my location and where to head next and the terrain was very runnable.  This would still rank as my worst start ever – 2 hours in and only 20 points!  I then came across three other competitors, a solo male and a male pair, all studying their maps and with compass in hand. They didn’t know where they were with any great conviction, so I advised them accordingly. “We’re here mate”, much gratitude was expressed and the pair carried on their way, the solo – a chap named Dan on his first MM asked to team up for a while.  Sure, with no view, conversation would be good for the next few km’s!

“OS Trig Pillar” control description with control.

Dan was clearly a better runner than I and as we got lower down and the visibility improved he sped off to follow his own plan.

From here on in I was navigating to my usual standard and hitting controls exactly where I expected them to be.  I still get a massive buzz from that, but essentially the damage was done.  The poor tactics, dodgy heel and slower going in the clagg meant I was in damage limitation mode and the main objective was to get back to camp without incurring penalties, which I was able to do and got back in with a meagre 200 points and four minutes to spare.  My plan had seen me get somewhere between 270 and 300 which would have left me comfortably mid table at half way, instead I was languishing in the bottom 20 or so 92^nd from 113 ish.

But tomorrow was another day!

Day two and the weather was much improved.

Sunrise Day 2

Feeling good and less achy than I usually feel on day two of these things and with a heel blister that hadn’t got any worse I was raring to go and at 8.13 am I dibbed out of camp to head back via as many controls as I could in a bid to make amends for the previous days woes.

And oh what a day.  Stunning conditions, runnable, although wet ground and with clear visibility.  It was like running a different event, my route choice saw me tackle some controls I had visited the previous day (all correctly marked up this time!) and a whole heap of new ones.  The views were stunning, with Eskdale and the Scafell Massif to the north and the Irish Sea and coast to the south and west it was a vista to inspire whenever your head was up.

The going was good and I was pleased with my lines and nav to the controls.  By two hours in from the five I had I had about 120 points… a much better haul!

My Day two total was 300, which placed me 53^rd on the day from the 113 that started  which is where I usually am, mid pack, but because of day one’s error and conditions I finished in a disappointing 75^th. The heel is now healing nicely and although somewhere between uncomfortable and painful did not get any worse which was pleasing. I almost wish I was competing at this year’s OMM I’m gonna have to wait till 2018 for my next Mountain Marathon.

SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

ENGLISH SCHOOLS FELL RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIP

Report from Alan Dorrington

This was the Championships that nearly wasn’t. After the original hosting school pulled out, a fairly last minute but very welcome intervention by Giggleswick School meant the fell champs could go ahead and the junior fell racing scene made its way to Settle for a full programme of racing.

The courses were long, as per normal for the English Schools but didn’t contain as much climbing as usual. However with steep initial climbs followed by fast running over undulating tracks, they were still challenging courses and tested the runners considerably. Our Clayton Juniors were there to represent their respective schools and all had good runs on a lovely later summer day.

Robbie Smedley (no 8) at the English Schools Fell Running Championship. Photo by Alan Dorrington

Robbie Smedley was pushing very hard from the off in the Year 7 race, and produced a great run for 7th despite falling hard AND losing a shoe. What might have been if he had had a clean run? Behind him, Helana White was battling hard to take a fantastic 5th place in the Girls race. Jenson Bentham was struggling with injury and didn’t quite manage to perform as he would have wanted to, with a still creditable 23rd.

In the combined Yr 8 and 9 race field of 178, Jackson McKay (Yr9) had his usual calm, collected performance for a great 5th place, and Ella Dorrington (Yr8) beat many older girls to take 10th in the Girls. She was backed up by a smiling and bouncy Sophie Ashworth (Yr9) in 29th.

Ella Dorrington at the English Schools Fell Running Championship. Photo by Alan Dorrington

Finally in the Yr 10 and 11 race Michael (Yr10) and Peter Stevens (Yr10) ran a tough 7km around the Settle Hills in another large and very experienced field containing international runners, to take 44th and 53rd respectively.

This event pretty much wrapped up the fell season for our Juniors, and they now turn their attention to the cross-country season where no doubt they will be to the fore again.

LOCH NESS MARATHON

Paul Foster has kicked started a holiday around the west coast of Scotland by running in the Loch Ness Marathon. He finished in 671st place with u 3:55:13.

Report from Paul Foster

Paul Foster after his successful Loch Ness Marathon.

This is a brilliant event in a great location. My target for this, my 1st Marathon, was to go under 4 hours so really pleased with my time of 3:55:13. Followed a training plan and John’s Tuesday and Thursday sessions definitely helped me. I managed to stick to the pace I’d set myself and finished strongly over the last 6 miles. The route follows the south west shore of Loch Ness and finishes in Inverness

Full Results

ROSSENDALE 50^TH MMM (Mini Mountain Marathon)

This combined event was staged by Rossendale Harriers for their 50th birthday, and was planned by PFO and SELOC members with orienteering controls and SI timing. It was a Mini Mountain Marathon score event run over 3 hours. The competition area was covering approximately 20 sq km, comprising Cowpe Moor, Lee Quarry and Stubbylee Parks.

Three club members took part

Full Results

RUN PRESTON 5K

Junior runners, Matthew and Lennon Jackson, ran in the Run Preston 5K race. Matthew was 7th and Lennon was 15th. Great results as usual for the Jackson boys.

RUN PRESTON 10K

Eight seniors ran in the Run Preston 10K. Matthew Duckworth was our first finisher in 17th place and with a time of 36:46. Michelle Abbot was our first lady finisher in 170th with a time of 46:09Full Res

Full Results

PARKRUN LINKS

This week’s parkrun results for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

This week’s Burnley junior parkrun results

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It’s a whopping double edition this week! You’d think there wouldn’t be much going on this time of year, but as usual our club members have been out there racing and competing all over the place.  You have been doing ultra-long distance events, representing the England Team, winning races, reaching important milestones, and raising money for charity. You’ve been out on the high fells, the boggy moorlands, the rugged coast, the parks, roads, tracks and trails.

THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER

DEREK CLUTTERBUCK AND GRAHAM WRIGHT HADES HILL RACE

5 Clayton Runners took part in this 5 mile race. This was a particularly significant race for Martin Brady

Report by Martin Brady

Last night I reached a personal milestone – I completed my 500th race since my mechanical aortic heart valve replacement (AVR) 7 years ago. The races ranged from 33 mile fell races down to 5K road races and open water swims (5K down to 1 mile). The first few months after my AVR I did not think I would get back to running again as I had several problems which made it difficult to run. I eventually overcame these problems and got back to racing – initially with open water swimming. Last nights race was a 5 mile fell race in very wet and windy conditions. It was very muddy but it was probably the most enjoyable race I have done recently. With the weather conditions last night I did not really fancy running but I am glad I did now.

Full Results

SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER

HODDER VALLEY SHOW FELL RACE

A dozen Clayton Harriers turned out for the latest race in the club fell championship. Ryan Wilkinson was our first finisher in 9^th place. Jack Holt was 1^st V60 and 13^th overall.  Barbara Savage was our first lady finisher in 25^th place and 1^st LV50 and Linda Lord was 1^st LV60.

Report from Sarah Helliwell

It was a sunny day as we lined up in the show ground. The ground was saturated from the weeks worth of rain. After a quick start the runners started to spread up the track and up the climb at Mellor Knoll. Unfortunately the ground was absolutely rutted from the cows between the climb and this is where I went over on my ankle….. .
I carried on hobbling/running and started the climb up Totteridge and hung onto 3 runners as my ankle got its movement back. I cheered on the Clayton runners coming back down the climb. Think Ryan Wilkinson was the first of them followed by Mr Orr, Nutter & Wigham.

Once at the top it as tussocks and heather and around the trig. I started to ignore my ankle and thought right it’s time to pass the 3 runners in front of me as we started the long decent. I got the last one climbing back over Mellor Knoll before the big dipper field to the finish.

It is one of my favourite races, in a stunning area.

Barbara Savage had a great day with first Vet and 1st vet 50. Linda Lord was 1st Vet60 and then myself included we won the ladies team for Clayton. Well done all.

Full Results

LOTHERSDALE SHOW

Two Clayton Harriers ran in the Lothersdale Show fell race. Alan Life was our first finisher in 7th place and Scott Baistow was 12th.

Full Results

PERIS HORSESHOE

Report By Ralph Baines

It’s never a large entry for this race, there is a Half Peris taking in Elidir Fawr, Y Garn and Glyder Fawr and finishing at the car park at Pen y Pass which is about two and a half hours with 4500ft of climbing. Altenatively the Full Peris does the same route at the beginning then continues on the Miner’s track before doing Lliwedd, Snowdon and Moel Cynghorion totalling 8500ft. Andrew Priory and I raced it for a second successive time, last year was glorious weather, this time not so, but we were familiar with the route and knew what was to come. The rocks were very slippery all the way round the course and also coming of the Glyders down to Pen Y Pass was particularly boggy, a good pair of shoes made quite a difference.

Ralph Baines at the Peris Horseshoe fell race. Photo by Beau Dog Photography

We ran a chunk of the middle section with Tim Laney who was a member of Clayton many years ago and now lives in Bath. The Descent off Lliwedd was very technical and the climb up Snowdon by the Watkin Path was a long drag, never sure how far off the top we were. I knew it was about an hour from the top to Llanberis and wasn’t too tired this year so we had a good run off and finished in the sunshine in 5:08 hr. The day was completed with sausage, egg and chips at Pete’s Eats and a long drive home.It’s never a large entry for this race, there is a Half Peris taking in Elidir Fawr, Y Garn and Glyder Fawr and finishing at the car park at Pen y Pass which is about two and a half hours with 4500ft of climbing. Altenatively the Full Peris does the same route at the beginning then continues on the Miner’s track before doing Lliwedd, Snowdon and Moel Cynghorion totalling 8500ft.

Andrew Priory at the Peris Horseshoe fell race. Photo by Beau Dog Photography

Andrew Priory and I raced it for a second successive time, last year was glorious weather, this time not so, but we were familiar with the route and knew what was to come. The rocks were very slippery all the way round the course and also coming of the Glyders down to Pen Y Pass was particularly boggy, a good pair of shoes made quite a difference. We ran a chunk of the middle section with Tim Laney who was a member of Clayton many years ago and now lives in Bath. The Descent off Lliwedd was very technical and the climb up Snowdon by the Watkin Path was a long drag, never sure how far off the top we were. I knew it was about an hour from the top to Llanberis and wasn’t too tired this year so we had a good run off and finished in the sunshine in 5:08 hr. The day was completed with sausage, egg and chips at Pete’s Eats and a long drive home.

OMM LITE YORKSHIRE DALES

Report By Colin Woolford

The OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) is just that – originally launched as test of team work, mountain skill and running ability the The OMM has long been the bench mark of multi day navigation based events in the fell running/orienteering community.  The OMM Lite is a more recent idea, developed as an entry point to multi day running events, it is on trails and rights of way rather than open fell/mountain with the navigation being less daunting. The checkpoints are at path junctions or significant features rather than on some tiny contour feature in the middle of nowhere!

Colin Woolford and Paul at the OMM lite

The other key difference is that the the competitors in teams of two, don’t need to carry their overnight kit like on the full OMM, you return to a central point to refuel, recover and sleep.  The OMM also want to encourage families to attend so family tents, partners and children  are welcome to make use of the event cafe and bar!  This would be my second OMM Lite (and 10th Mountain Marathon) and the plan was that  last years team mate – Graeme from Scotland would run with me whilst our wives and children would amuse themselves around the Yorkshire Dales for the 7 hours on the Saturday and the 5 hours on the Sunday of the “Long Score” format.  We would be charging around the Hawes area finding red and whie flags and collecting points.

Well, that was the plan.

On Wednesday before the Friday night drive to Hawes Graeme rang to say his wife had been quite poorly and that the weekend was in doubt… They would know more after a Thursday morning doctors visit.  By 10.00 am Thursday morning, the weekend was off! With Jenny ordered to bed rest, Graeme clearly wasn’t going to abandon her with their 6 year old to come and charge around boggy bits of Yorkshire with me.  Gutted!  So a quick scan of the website and OMM rules and a brief exchange of emails and text messages with the organisers and it became clear I could turn up and run solo, but be ‘non competitive’ for the weekend having been judged to have had enough experience to do so -or find a partner and transfer the entry, which we could do right up till the start on Saturday morning.

By the time I was able to start reaching out to people I thought might be up for it it was Thursday evening!  No joy with the ‘usual suspects’ so I thought it was time for drastic measures and a post on the Team Clayton FB page – someone must be up for it and available!  But no… desperation kicked in, the idea of being non competitive just did not appeal – those that know me, know I am never going to win these things – but I am damn well going to put a shift in and the idea of getting a “good score” but it meaning nothing was too frustrating to consider.  Time for a post on the FRA FB page.  BINGO!  Within thirty minutes I had some potential partners, with one looking promising, he had done the OMM before, completed the Spine Challenger race (110 miles up the Pennine Way) and could get a pass for the weekend.

We arranged to speak Friday lunch time and by then the show was back on the road. so Paul, and I met at registration on Saturday morning in Hawes at 8.30 am and by 9.45 were running the OMM together.

And what a weekend it was! The weather was wet to say the least, torrential rain had caused many of the rivers to be in spate,  so several fords were now marked as out of bounds and a few checkpoints were dropped for competitor safety, but the two of us seemed to find an even stride. When you have 7 hours to fill on the hill with a complete stranger, you talk about a lot of stuff!  It turns out we were both “mid table” in our results. I’ve always said top 50% is a good result for me, top 75% is more common!  SO what happened that Saturday was just bizarre… We came in after 6 hours 45 minutes, 41 km and a score of 500 points to find ourselves in 9th!!!  9th!!! I’ve never been that high up a leader board in my life!  A celebratory beer was in order!  We were both gob smacked that we clicked the way we did and were keen to put in a good performance to see what we could do on the Sunday..could we improve our lot? would we slip down the field? – we had met the teams in 7th and 12th and seen several of the other teams around us earlier on the hill – competition was going to be strong.

Sunday came and the forecast was shocking – heavy rain due in from mid morning and a stronger wind for the rest of the day. We were going to have to dig deep to battle the elements and see if we would hold on. Neither Paul or I had ever finished in the top ten before… we kinda liked the view!

Sunday we set off at 8.40 at a gentle pace to allow ourselves a gradual warm up. It was a tough day and much more traditional OMM terrain, with greater distance between the check points to boot.  the high ground was particularly tough in the wind, but we both felt we had enough in the tank to push for the higher value checkpoints – the risk with these events is always that you can push too far and end up burnt out and miles away from the finish line which leads to penalty deductions if you are late back. I have on several occasions made this mistake and lost most of my points by being 30 minutes and later back to base!  We were both keen to avoid such a mistake today.

We nailed it. 4 hours 56 minutes and 30km on our feet we came back knowing we couldn’t have done any better or given anymore.  Cold, wet and keen to get the results we sat down to eat the finishers meal and waited for the course to close and results to come in….7th!!!  7th!!!  We’d gained places!  My highest finish ever in a race, never mind a mountain marathon – with a complete stranger by my side!  Astonished didn’t begin to describe the expression on our faces. We knew we had run well, but 7th!

Paul was every bit as amazed as I was, 7th was his best ever result also. To top it all we were 3rd in age category.  3rd!!!

All in all we had plucked triumph from the jaws of my despair – on Thursday evening I wasn’t sure if I was even going to be there at all. To then place in the top ten is still, a few days later… quite astonishing.  I am sure there is a message in there somewhere.  I am still to chuffed to work out what it is though.

Roll on the ROC Mountain Marathon in two weeks time.

Full Results

ONE FOOT IN THE GARGRAVE

Report By Adrienne Olszewska

This is a low key challenge event organised by the LDWA (Long Distance Walkers Association). It’s a 23 mile route around Malhamdale along trails, paths and county lanes and is the perfect event for any runner wanting to try out longer distances. The route is very runnable with only one steep climb up the side of Gordale Scar.

This event was a bit of a confidence booster as I had entered a longer event the following week. I needed to make sure I could still do the time on my feet as I’ve been a bit scant on training over the last couple of months. I managed to joggle round merrily and had a good time as well. The weather was kind despite a wet start and the conditions underfoot weren’t too bad despite a week of continuous rain beforehand.

I finished in 26^th place overall with a time of 5 hours and 33 minutes.

Full Results

SUNDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

LAKE DISTRICT MOUNTAIN TRIALS

Report From Katy Thompson

Wendy Dodds and I took part in the Lake District Mountain Trial from Gatescarth Farm, Buttermere last Sunday. I was doing the Medium course as usual but Wendy had dropped down to the short due to breaking her fibula a couple of months ago.

Runners set off at minute intervals and at my start time of 8.54 the rain was fairly light and in the valley bottom we were sheltered from the wind. However, conditions deteriorated and we were battling into the wind along Hindscarth Edge and down to Honister. Quite a lot of runners called it a day here and ran back down the road to Gatescarth.  After a slow start I was just getting going so carried on over the side of Grey Knotts to Checkpoint 4 on Seathwaite Fell above Sty Head tarn. Here we learnt that the Medium and Classic courses were being abandoned due to the deteriorating conditions and we were sent down to Seathwaite where we were ferried back to the finish. I think I felt disappointment and relief in equal measure. I had been out nearly 4 hours and would probably have been out another 3.

Of 58 starters, ten runners – either very fast or very early starters – did complete the Medium, with a further 15 reaching Checkpoint 4, and prizes were awarded accordingly. The Short course  was completed by 47 out of the 60 starters, including Wendy who had climbed well but found the descents more testing on her injured leg.

I think this is the first time the event has had to be abandoned mid-race, but the organisation was excellent and everybody was accounted for and ferried back to the event centre with little fuss.

Although the courses seemed rather longer than usual, and would have been testing even in good conditions, they offered lots of route choice and the Mountain Trial is a great navigation exercise. The short course can now be tackled in pairs – an ideal introduction to this event.

Full Results

RIBBLE WAY RUN HALF MARATHON

Alison Smith was our only runner in this inaugural trail half marathon. The race takes place along the scenic banks of the River Ribble following the Ribble Way. Alison finished in 74^th place coping admirably with mud, puddles, cows and soggy fields.

Alison Smith at the Ribble Way Half Marathon.

Full Results

THE GREAT NORTH RUN

Report from Lynsey Birtwistle

Sunday 10th sept saw me take on my third great north run. The weather was a bit damp when we got to the start and quite chilly but perfect for running really. We met up with team Clayton Karen, Anita, helen and mark and then everyone went into their pens for warm up. This was my first race back since breaking my toe and I hadn’t run anywhere near half marathon distance since may so I was feeling the pressure. I set off too quick (which is quite normal for me!) but managed to find a comfortable pace around the 8 minute mile mark and stuck at it. The support of the crowds is amazing and really spurs you on. I began to struggle around 9 miles which I knew I would through lack of training and I had to really grit my teeth and dig in. When I came down onto the sea front in South Shields I knew I was in with a chance of sub 1:45 which I secretly wanted to get. I gave it everything down that final mile and crossed the line in 1:44:59!!! I don’t half make it difficult for myself sometimes. This is a 5 minute pb so definitely gave me a confidence boost and I got to meet the legend steve cram who asked me about my race!!! Well done team Clayton great day out

Team Clayton at the Great North Run

Report from Colin White

Despite protests of injury and not expecting a great time before the race he managed to come home in his fastest GNR time of 1:40:52 for his best position of 3069th.

Full Results

THE YORKSHIREMAN

There were Clayton runners in all three categories in this year’s Yorkshireman off road marathon. Congratulation to Christopher Holdsworth on his win in the half marathon despite a navigational error at the beginning of the race!

Marathon Solo Runners

Alex Cran was our first finisher in 39th place with a time of 4:28. Three Clayton ladies also ran finishing in 94th, 96th and 115th place.

L-R Vicky Heys, Angela Shian and Irene Roche. Photos by Woodentops

Marathon Pairs Runners

Dave Motley won the pairs even running with former Claytoner Ian Livesey. Martin Terry and Dawn Terry were 10th overall in the pairs race.

Martin and Dawn Terry at the Yorkshireman Off Road Marathon. Photo by Woodentops

Half Marathon Runners

Christopher Holdsworth at the Yorkshireman Half Marathon. Photo by Woodentops

Full Results

WWRS MANCHESTER

The WRRS was held in Wythenshawe Park on 10 September for a second year. One of the most exciting and varied courses in the race series, the route takes place largely over trails, including grassy parkland and dirt paths and starts and finishes on a local athletics track, situated within the park.

Report from Michelle Abbott

The women’s Manchester 10 k was a 2 lap course starting then finishing with a full lap of the track. The course though was more of a xc and trail, with a bit of ducking through trees kind of run. I wasn’t on set for a race just a nice steady away run so was surprised I came in in 9^th place overall.  It was well organised with lots of support on route

Full Results

SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

HARDMOORS 60

The Hardmoors 60 route follows the Cleveland Way from Guisborough to Filey passing through coastal resorts and fishing villages such as Saltburn, Staithes, Robin Hoods Bay, Ravenscar, Scarborough and Filey while following cliff tops for the main duration of the race. Competitors will have 18 hours to complete the 62 miles.

Ultra-runner Martin Terry who was 1st V50 at the Hardmoors 60

Awaiting official results but congratulations to Clayton runner Martin Terry who was 1st V50 in this year’s event.

JUNIOR HOME INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN RACES

Congratuations to Briony Holt who after earning an England vest went on to finish in 4^th place in this event and 3^rd England counter.England won in both age categories U17s and U20s in boys and girls. A great debut performance for Briony.

Briony Holt running for England at the Junior Home International Mountain Running event. Photo by Woodentops

Report from Briony Holt

After three weeks of waiting for the weekend of the Junior home international, it was finally here. We travelled up to Scotland on the Friday to be greeted with an outdoor adventure centre, where some of my England team mates were. The first part of the weekend was basically just a meet and greet session, putting bags in the dorms and getting ready to check out the course. It was also a chance to get some food before driving to Peebles as we were all starving!

When we first saw what we were running up, everyone was surprised by how flat it was, not the type of route I’m used to – these thoughts were soon changed on the day of the race! It started on a gradual uphill that lead to a funnel to get through a gate in the wall. Then the hill got a little steeper which followed by a gradual downhill section leading us to the next ‘climb’. We contoured around the hill for a little bit before being hit by the steepest section of the course about half way round. I’d say that this part was the only real hill in it! Then the undulating downhill started which lasted for basically the rest of the course. From the races I’d been used to running, it was a lot flatter and this added to the nerves that were already there. I knew I would find it hard! After an early start, it was race day. The face paint and glitter were ready to be applied and our England kits were all lined up along the dormitory floor. The atmosphere was surprisingly calm but I think everyone was quietly nervous!

Briony Holt (2nd from left) with her England Team Mates. Photo by Woodentops

We arrived at Peebles High School where Dave and Eileen Woodhead were ready for pre race photos with the England team. He had a stash of GB flags including a Yorkshire flag (his home ground)! Everyone was kept there for a good 10 minutes which helped calm the nerves as they took our minds off the actual race. Considering how small the pens were, I knew that I wouldn’t get a good start. However, I soon caught up with a good uphill to the first section of downhill. I was in 5th place for most of the race until the downhill section where I managed to make ground on the girl in front which secured me fourth position and third England counter. For my first international race, I was over the moon as I wasn’t expecting anything above 6th place! We won the team as well which is always a bonus! I loved the experience as it was a chance to race against some of the top athletes in Britain, but most importantly, it was an opportunity to get to know some of my fellow competitors better. Thankyou to all of the coaches and team mates who have helped me achieve my goal, and to my parents for being the weekend taxi!

NORTHERN ATHLETICS ROAD RELAY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Men

The men ran six stages and the club entered 4 teams. Team A were 30th with a combined time of 2:13:21, Team C were 91st with a combined time of 2:39:15, Team D were 101st with a combined time of 2:56:25. Unfortunately, Team B were disqualified but ran an excellent combined time of 2:22:58.

Full Results

Ladies

The ladies ran four stages and the club entered 2 teams. Team A finished in 18th place with Laura Hesketh winning the first leg. She ran the 3rd fastest leg in the ladies competition. Team B finished in 51st place with a combined time of 1:50:34

Clayton Ladies at the Northern Athletic Road Relay Championships

Report from Angela Shian

We went to Sports City on Saturday with 2 ladies teams: these types of events always get the butterflies going when you’re on start line, crowded in with top sprinters..!! In an overwhelming stadium, (loudest cheers of encouragement coming from team orange of course.!) team A was Laura Hesketh, Claire vincent, Amanda Duffy & Donna Airey. All 4 ran fantastic legs. Coming a very respectful 18th position overall. We nearly burst with excitement as Laura came sprinting into the Stadium in first position on leg 1, she had an outstanding run, and achieved 3rd over all on fastest leg. Team 2: Michelle abbot headed out in leg 1, Lyndsay Birtwistle (made her relay debut leg 2) Vicky heys was on leg 3 and myself on leg 4, our overall position was 51, out of 86 teams (quite a few dq) A big thank you to both teams to the ladies that ran, we to make sure we continue to compete in these prestigious events and of course, cheer the loudest..!!

Full Results

Juniors

The club entered 8 junior teams.

Clayton Juniors at the Northern Athletics Road Relay Championships

U13 Girls finished in 18th place. U13 Boys A Team finished in 12th place and U13 Boys B Team were 19th. U15 Girls A Team finished in 27th place and U15 Girls B Team were 36th. U15 Boys Team A Finished in 26th place and U15 Boys B Team were 41st. U17 Mens Team were 27th.

Full Results

RED ROSE 50

Report from Adrienne Olszewska

Adrienne Olszewska and Nicholas Olszewski took part in the inaugural Red Rose 50, a 50 mile (well actually 52 mile) challenge event organised by the LDWA. The route starts and finishes at Jumbles Sailing Club taking competitors up and over Winter Hill, on to Rivington, Brinscall, Houghton, Mellor Brook, Witton Park, Tockholes, Darwen Tower, Entwistle Reservoir and Holcombe Tower.

In typical LDWA style entrants were provided a detailed route description and looked after superbly at 8 checkpoints groaning with goodies to keep you going. The recent rainy weather made the going especially boggy on the various moorland sections and I managed to fall over quite a lot almost from the start. So much so, that at the first checkpoint I was asked if I had enjoyed the spa treatments! The conditions underfoot made for slow going at times but that was countered by some nice, easy flattish bits where I was able to trot along and get in front of the speedy walkers that kept passing me on the climbs. Even as a veteran of LDWA events, I am still constantly amazed and impressed by the speed that some of those walkers can maintain.

I was hoping to finish at midnight and to get to the checkpoint at Entwistle reservoir before it got dark enough for a head torch. As I was running around the reservoir in almost total darkness, I missed the steps up to the top carpark and found myself at the damn. So I headed up the road to get to it the other way and saw car lights. With a cheery hello I appeared out of the darkness full of mud to see some people and some cars who were most definitely NOT an LDWA checkpoint. Awkward! I beat a hasty retreat and headed back, fortunately a couple of people were just heading up the steps and I finally found the checkpoint.

The final section in the dark was the tricky navigation around the back of Bull Hill skirting the MOD firing range. It’s boggy and tricky even in the daylight so it was a welcome relief to have teamed up with a speedy walker who knew the route and to find a set of red lights marking the route like a runway strip!

Didn’t quite hit the midnight target but only over by 25 minutes. I am happy with 16 hours 25 minutes and 47th place,considering my lack of serious training and the conditions underfoot. There were 166 starters and 25 retirements.

Nick has been plagued with injuries for much of the year so this event was ideal to tackle as a test of his recovery. He had a fantastic run with no navigational errors and was at the front of the event in a group of four or five runners from start to finish. He finished in 4^th place with a time of 11 hours and 15 minutes. A great return to form.

Full Results

THREE SHIRES FELL RACE

A baker’s dozen of Clayton Harriers were on the entry list for this race and several orange hoops have been spotted on the photos. Still awaiting results.

Report from Alan Dorrington

The shire counties of Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire may have long changed themselves, but the Three Shires boundary stone still lies at the top of the Wrynose Pass road and forms the central point of the race which is named after it. Starting and finishing in Little Langdale, at the eponymously named pub, the Three Shires race is a classic AL Lakeland race, which whilst just scraping a “Long” classification, certainly deserves its A category. A nice easy start rolling along to Greenburn is abruptly replaced by a brutal and very long climb up Birk Fell and then up onto Wetherlam. It’s tough mentally as you can see exactly where you are headed as the race stretches out above you and tough physically as the route gains around 1700ft in1 mile of distance.

Clayton Runners at the Three Shires Fell Race. Photo by Steve Wilson

Thankfully once Wetherlam summit is reached it becomes much more runnable, down off the back of Black Sails with only the rocky path up Prison Band to Swirl How to break things up. Clear conditions on the day meant the runners had fantastic views all around the Coniston Fells and over to Bowfell and Scafell. The route then drops pretty much in a straight line down sometimes boggy slopes toward the Three Shires Stone on the Wrynose road. Just under half distance and so far so good. But the hardest part of the race is to come, up and over Pike ‘O’ Blisco before a long and at times taxing descent down Wrynose Fell to Blea Tarn.

The final part of the race up and over Lingmoor Fell is a real test of resolve. The climb is long, at times steep, often boggy and with a couple of false summits. If you had anything in reserve at that point, it’s soon used up and it’s a real battle to keep moving well, up and over Mart Crag and onto a long run into the finish back at the pub. I had my usual inability to move well downhill later on in the race, and so struggled in somewhat slower than I had hoped, but the tea and pasty at the finish soon took care of that and the satisfaction of completing one of the longstanding classic Lakeland races in great weather soon replaced any grumpiness about times and the like.

Report from Carl Helliwell

AWAITING RESULTS

SUNDAY 17 SEPTEMBER

ASDA FOUNDATION BURY 10K

Top ten finishes for Danny Collinge and Calum Holmes at the Asda Foundation Bury 10K.

Team Clayton at the Asda Foundation Bury 10K

Full Results

BURNLEY LEISURE 10K

Report from Luke Turner

I do the course a lot on training runs so despite doing the road relays yesterday I decided to still have a go at racing it. The conditions were good, dry and not too cold. I went out in the leading pack of 3 and sat on the shoulders of the other two comfortably for the first 4 miles. Unfortunately going into the 5th mile yesterday’s relays caught up with me and my legs started to tire and I fell off pace a little. I managed to come home in 3rd which I’m really happy with having ran the race on very fragile legs. It’s one of my favourite courses and I’ll definitely be back next year hopefully for the win

Happy Harriers at the Burnley Leisure 10K

Full Results

EMBSAY FELL RACE

Richard Briscoe was our sole runner in Embsay Fell Race organised by BOFRA.

Full Results

YARROW RIVER SPLASH 10K

A scenic one lap race in and around woodland, following the River Yarrow, starting and finishing in the Yarrow Valley Country Park, Chorley. This course takes in the crossing of the River Yarrow. Deborah Greenwood and Bianca ran in the race.

Deborah Greenwood and Bianca Bennett after the Yarrow Splash

Report from Bianca Bennett

Muddy fun with a scenic route. The course was well signposted and marshalled. I haven’t raced in a while and I was glad I picked this race. It has blown the cobwebs off and given me my mojo back. Great XC prep too!

Full Results

PARKRUN RESULTS

Latest parkrun results for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

Latest Burnley junior parkrun results

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Hang on… there’s no time for lounging around. Oh no, Clayton-le-Moors Harriers have been out and at it with gusto. You’ve been fell running up the biggest mountains, at country fairs, up crags, down scree and all over the place. You have been grinding it out on longer events like the Garstang half, the Golden Ball 20 and the Gritstone Grind. And there’s also been some super fast road running at Salford and various parkruns. There’s even been a bit of hardcore triathlon this week.

MONDAY 28 AUGUST

ROYAL RUMBLE

Rick Moore was our sole runner in this Bank Holiday fell race. It’s a 5 mile route with 958ft of ascent.

Full Results

TUESDAY 29 AUGUST

KILNSEY CRAGG FELL RACE

Half a dozen Clayton vests were on show at this famous Yorkshire fell race. A short 1.2mile blast with 407ft of climbing make this event a fast and furious one.

Clayton runners at the Kilnsey Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Report from Ralph Baines

Because this race is on a work day I have always ended up missing it, my only other go was in 2000. I met up with Andy Firth, Mark Nutter, Ivan, and Steve Fish (All retired gentlemen of leisure) at registration, had a look round the show and at 3pm watched Richard Briscoe running the Mile track race, the only member young enough and mad enough to do both.

As Andy pointed out there aren’t many races that you can do a full recce of the course 3/4 hour before the start but we went and had a look with Darren Fishwick. There is a rope in now down the ‘Chimney’, properly secured, so no longer just a bit of old wire fence to hang onto. The race itself is a mad blast, down the 100m field, out to cross the road and beck then up the steep banking, everyone sets off at a ridiculous pace and the lactic build up has you regretting it after only a couple of minutes.

There is a flat section out along the top to catch your breath a bit then down steep to the chimney which is over before you know it and across the screes and just try to hang on. There is always a large crowd watching and Roger Ingham with his words of Yorkshire wisdom so you burst a lung for a good finish and a couple of scalps. Mark, Richard, Ivan, Andy and Steve were in very soon after me. Great fun.

Full Results

SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER

BEN NEVIS RACE

Twenty Clayton Harriers travelled up to Scotland to take part in the Ben Nevis race. A motley crew of first timers and more experienced runners. Danny Collinge was our first finisher in 38^th place overall with Andy Laycock snapping at his heels in 41^st and only 6 seconds behind with the 46K Matterhorn Ultraks still in his legs!

Some of the Clayton runners at the Ben Nevis Race.

Two ladies ran this year. Barbara Savage was our first lady finisher in 417^th place overall and Nicola Horsfall was 440^th.

Full Results

BLACKSHAW HEAD FETE FELL RACE

There were four Clayton runners at this 5.5 mile fell race with 899 feet of ascent. Martin Brady was our first finisher in 44^th place with Wayne McIntosh, Michael Frost and Robert Hirst making up the quartet of runners.

Full Results

GRISEDALE HORSESHOE

Two Clayton vests were on show at the Grisedale Horseshoe a 10 mile fell race with around 5000 feet of climbing.

Start of the Grisedale Horseshoe. Tim Edwards raring to go.

Report from Alan Dorrington

Huge Lakeland climbs up Birkhouse Moor, Catstycam, a scramble along Swirral Edge up to Helvellyn, tourist dodging around Nethermost and Dollywagon Pikes and a proper hard descent off St Sunday Crag. Not technical, just a quad masher. Oh and the final climb out of Grisedale Beck and over to the finish.

Alan Dorrington during the Grisedale Horseshoe race

They saved the ‘best’ till last with that one. There were broken runners all over it – literally on all fours crawling. All for £5, with a blunt organisers prerace brief full of pre-emptive bollockings. Orange squash and cheese and pickle sandwiches after. Old school

Full Results

SUNDAY 3 SEPTEMBER

BRADLEY FELL RACE

One junior runner and a couple of seniors took part in the latest BOFRA fell race.

Report from Rachael White

Helana White was the only Clayton Junior who travelled to Bradley for the Fell race.

A cloudy day which threatened but never delivered the rain. The U12 course was an up, along, up a bit more before a very fast descent, all on recent high cut grass, with lots of loose grass everywhere – (as well as cows in the next field that were running up and down alongside the runners) – Helana came 3^rd  U12, which she was pleased with.

Helana White at the Bradley fell race. Photo by Geoff Thompson

Two Clayton seniors made the trip – Martin Brady & Stephen Fish. The adult’s course started the same way as the juniors… and then carried on across the skyline to the next hill before the same fast descent.

Senior Results

U12 Results

Full Results

CASTLE CARR FELL RACE

Chris Holdsworth and Katy Thompson ran in the Castle Carr Fell Race a 15-mile with around 4000feet of ascent on a route in the private estate of Castle Carr and Midgley Moor.

Report From Katy Thompson

Castle Carr, 15miles and 4000ft over the moors above Hebden Bridge, was the second long race in the English Fell Champs.  The route was rather contrived, to get in the necessary climbing. (If you look at the map on the Calder Valley website you will see what I mean!)  Despite a couple of recces I wasn’t completely confident of finding the way, but quite a lot of the route was flagged, and I ran most of it with Lesley Malarkey from Keswick, one of my LV60 rivals, who had been over the bits I hadn’t. Between us we got round without any major errors and I managed to pull away from her back over the moor to the finish. This was the bit I was most worried about as there are so many trods over those moors, but I managed to go in the right direction without too much deep heather, and kept ahead of Lesley to finish 2nd LV60. The longest race I’ve done for a while, but I did enjoy it and the rain kept off until after the presentation!

Full Results

GARSTANG HALF MARATHON

Four Clayton men and one Clayton lady ran in the Garstang half marathon.

Report from Robert Morrison

The race was tougher than I thought it would be but it was a good race. I wanted 3 mins faster than last time. Came home 4 mins quicker – would have been faster but believe it or not, I got stuck behind a tractor for about a kilometer on country roads. There must have been a show on there was about 30 overall. A good race really enjoyed it –  we all did well. I will definitely pencil it in for next year.

Report from Nina Kewin

The Garstang Half was a gorgeous, scenic route which I would describe as hilly rather than ‘undulating’. We were even treated to a random and quite bizarre procession of around 25 tractors along the winding country roads. This was my first half marathon and it was lovely to see Robert Morrison and Colin White waiting for me at the end – although there was only a few of us, that summed up the Clayton Team Spirit for me. Same again next year!

Full Results

GOLDEN BALL 20

Daniel Plant was our sole representative in this 20-mile race organised by the Lancaster Race Series. It’s run on a network of paths and quiet roads.

Full Results

GRITSTONE GRIND

The Gritstone Grind is a low-key ultra marathon organised by Beyond Marathon. The race follows a 35 mile, picturesque and linear route between Kidsgrove and Disley along the Gritstone Trail. Andrew Webster and Stephen Ainsworth took part and finished in 76^th and 77^th place in a time of 7:48:25.

Stephen Ainsworth and Andrew Webster at the Gritstone Grind

Full Results

HELVELLYN TRIATHLON

Report From Peter Coates

I completed the Helvellyn Triathlon on Sunday which is a tough event starting from Glenridding in the Lake District. The race began with a 1 mile swim in Ullswater followed by a 38 mile cycle with a number of challenging climbs including the 2.5 mile climb to the top of the Kirkstone Pass from Ambleside known as “The Struggle”. This was followed by a 9 mile run setting off from the transition area in Glenridding up to the summit of Helvellyn via Swirral Edge.

The weather took a turn for the worse during the race which ensured a tough race was even more challenging with strong winds making for a tough bike leg. A decision was made by the organisers during the race to run the shorter run route so we did not actually make it to the summit of Helvellyn but took the path down at Red Tarn and back down into the finish at Glenridding. I was disappointed that the run section was cut short as a technical hilly run plays to my strengths but it was the right decision made by the organisers. I had a good race without incident and I finished in 36th place overall out of a total of 395 finishers so was happy with this result.

This is a great well organised race in a fantastic location which I would recommend if anyone fancies a good challenge and something a little bit different. I will definitely be back to do next year were hopefully conditions will allow the run to go to the top of Helvellyn.

UKFAST CITY OF SALFORD 10K

Jacob Watson and Amanda Duffy tested their legs at the Salford 10K race. This is a popular and fast 10K with full road closures so athletes are out for a PB. Jacob Watson had a great run to finish in 8^th place overall with a time of 33:42. Amanda Duffy finished in 140^th overall, 10^th lady and 1^st F35 with a time of 41:22

Report from Amanda Duffy

The City of Salford 10k takes place on the quays at Media City. It’s a relatively flat course with great PB potential.  It was an excellent atmosphere with great support around the course.

Amanda Duffy at the Salford 10K

There was a 15 minute delay at the start but it didn’t seem to affect my performance.

I finished 10th female and won the v35 cat with a PB 41.22

Another great performance from Jacob Watson finishing in 8th place and another PB 33.42

Full Results

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Burnley parkrun – A total of 438 runners took part.

Burnley junior parkrun – A total of 85 runners took part.

 Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 94 runners took part.

Lytham Hall parkrun – A total of 233 runners took part.

Lyme Park parkrun – A total of 103 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun – A total of 100 runners took part.

Witton parkrun – A total of 97 runners took part.

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 511 runners took part.

There’s a change in the air and the leaves are beginning to fall. Summer is over and Autumn is moving in. The summer races are fast fading but there’s still plenty going on for Clayton Harriers. It’s been a great week for our senior and vet runners with some category wins at several fell races and a fantastic time and race win for Laura Hesketh. Our junior runners have also had a great week with a great performance at the junior mountain running trials for Briony Holt and some great times from the Jackson brothers.

TUESDAY 22 AUGUST

SHIPMAN KNOTTS FELL RACE

Report from Mark Nutter

The Clayton car containing Pete Dugdale, Andy Firth, Ivan Whigham and me (Mark Nutter) set off from the “Triangle” for this superfast midweek race up Shipman Knotts in the Lake District. It’s organised by Helm Hill and starting at the Green Quarter in Kentmere it’sjust short of 4 miles with 1300ft of climbing, making it an ‘AS’.

At a humid 7pm just short of 50 runners set off up the steep climb at the start, which soon turns into a cattle / land rover track, gradually climbing and undulating for about a mile. A few lonesome cattle had made a mess on the track so it’s best to keep your mouth shut whilst trying to breathe ~ not easy when you’re already in oxygen debt! Once though the gate in the wall you turn on to the fell proper and here is where the fun begins. It’s a short run / scramble up a rocky outcrop which then turns to more undulating ground to the trig point of Shipman Knotts at 587m. At the turn it’s the same way back, but there are a few “best options” known to the locals. With that in mind I decided to follow a Helm Hill runner, but soon got cragbound as we took a bad route off the top. Helm Hill runner shouts “I’ve only been with the club for 3 weeks!” ~ just my luck! We soon got back on track but had lost about 4 places so the pressure was on to catch up. We were soon back on the land rover track with even more mess from the cattle, but I managed to regain my 4 places in a scrabble to the finish.  Following a quick wash down using the farm “tap” it was off to the Eagle & Child for a well-earned pint.

We should have gone to presentation as I managed 1st V50 and Pete won 1st V60. We only found out when another runner picked up our prizes and delivered them to us in the pub ~ he knew where we’d be!

Results:

18^th Mark Nutter      1st V50     46.46

29^th Ivan Whigham        V50     49.30

40^th Andy Firth                V50     56.41

42^nd Pete Dugdale   1st V60     59.24

THURSDAY 24 AUGUST

STAN CURRAN 70^th BIRTHDAY RESERVOIR RACE

Eight Clayton Harriers took part in the Stan Curran 70^th Birthday reservoir race.  Lennon Jackson was our first finisher in 21^st place and with a new PB time of 19:24. Michelle Abbot was our first lady finisher in 58^th place overall also with a new PB time of 21:56.  Richard Lawson was 1^st M75.

Full Results

SATURDAY 26 AUGUST

BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS 5K/10K 

Clayton Runners at the Blackpool Illuminations 5K and 10K races.

5K Report from Michelle Abbot

Michelle Abbot and her sons Lennon and Matthew Jackson ran in the Blackpool Illuminations. Lennon had a steady run after injuring himself earlier in the week, and Matthew had a great run finishing in 12^th place overall. Michelle was 24^th overall and 1^st LV35.

10K Report from Mick Hughes

I ran pacing my Mrs to a PB at Blackpool on the (10k) so not at my usual race pace. We came in at 55mins…The weather was ideal, bright and a cool breeze. There was a mix up with times as some people decided to unofficially take the 5K turn instead of completing the 1K! Despite that, the atmosphere was good. Only myself and Michelle and Lennon and Math from Clayton. All in all a good flat-ish fast course and a good night and party atmosphere

PENDLETON FELL RACE  

As expected, plenty of Clayton vests on show in this club organised race. Peter Coates was our first finisher in 5^th place overall.

Clayton men at the Pendleton Fell Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Tim Edward was 1^st V50 and Mike Wallis was 1^st V60 and both of them were in the top 15. Claire Vincent was our first lady runner.

Full Results

PILLING 10K SERIES – RACE 4

Another great result for Laura Hesketh who was first lady and second overall in this 10 race with a fantastic time of 35:04

Full Results

SUNDAY 27 AUGUST

ENGLAND MOUNTAIN RUNNING JUNIOR HOME INTERNATIONAL TRIAL – SEDBURGH

This race was specifically designed as a trial race to help select the team to represent England at the Junior Home Country International Race in Peebles, Scotland on 16th September 2017.  The trials took place on the Southern Howgill Fells above Sedbergh, with the starts on the south flank of Winder, approximately 1km from registration. Briony Holt had an excellent run finishing 3^rd and awaiting a decision from the selection team soon.

Report From Andrew Holt

We travelled with Briony to Sedbergh on Sunday for Brionys’ much anticipated England junior fell running trial. (Briony has been unable to attempt this race up until now despite being both capable and easily quick enough due to her being two months too young to run, and has resisted the urge to ask for special treatment allowing her to run.)

Having raced around Sedbergh several times now, and following a recce last week we knew the course was a runnable 2k up and 1.5 k down. The incline was approx 10% which is medium for fell running and the grassy paths are both grippy and cushioned making for a fast course.

Only a handful of runners (8) attended this age group, with the fastest U17 not running as she has already been selected for the team due to her amazing form and results through the season. The girls were informed on the start line and told that a further 7 places were up for grabs.

The start was very very fast, and quickly forced a lead group of two, with Briony and last years English schools fell champion 10seconds behind in 3rd and 4th. 5th and 6th were probably 10seconds behind again.

Both sets of girls battled hard up the hill changing places many times.

The lead swapped at the top of the hill with one of the leaders (a powerful cyclist) falling back into 5th place, and the now leader putting daylight between herself and the girls in 2nd and 3rd.

Briony Holt running strongly in the mountain running trials.

As usual Briony was strong descending but left herself too much of a gap to reel the girls in front of her in. There are no results up yet but we estimate only 20 or so seconds between the first three places.

A highly competitive race, (in Briony’s words “so so hard”) which demonstrates the quality in Briony’s age group this year and 3rd place is just reward for Briony’s hard work ,patience and commitment to hopefully achieving her goal of  obtaining an England vest.

Briony will be informed by the selectors this week whether she has made the team so a long week no doubt expecting this phone call, but as we emphasised at the start of the race to her the result today wasn’t important as she has already won in our eyes in the way she has trained and generally conducted herself this last couple of years.

She is a credit to herself, the coaching staff at Clayton, the junior team members and both Briony, Tina and myself are very thankful for the support she has always received.

Full Results

TOUR OF NORLAND MOOR RACE

Two Clayton Harriers ran in this 7.4 mile race with around 800ft of climbing organised by Halifax Harriers. Richard Stevenson was first to finish in 16th place overall and Martin Brad was 75th.

Full Results

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Burnley parkrun – A total of 379 runners took part.

Burnley junior parkrun – A total of 63 runners took part.

Cuerden Valley parkrun – A total of 143 runners took part.

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 333 runners took part.

Lytham Hall parkrun – A total of 185 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun – A total of 72 runners took part.

Skipton parkrun – A total of 180 runners took part.

Witton parkrun – A total of 171 runners took part.

but not nearly as fast as our runners! Even in the midst of the holiday season, plenty of you are out and about racing hard. There’s been a range of gala fell racing, half marathons, parkrun tourism and new course records. Summer holidays are just another reason to get out and run for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers!

WEDNESDAY 16 AUGUST

GOLF BALL FELL RACE

A dozen Clayton Harriers took part in the Golf Ball fell race, the latest in the summer series of fell races organised by Rossendale Harriers. This race takes runners on a 5 mile route with 900ft of ascent passing the landmark golf ball (which I think is a weather station).

Peter Coates was our first finisher in 12th place overall. Carol Life was our sole lady runner and she finished in 123rd place.

Carol Life at the Golf Ball Fell Race. Photo by Mick Fryer

Full Results

SATURDAY 19 AUGUST

BURNSALL CLASSIC

Geoff Gough was our sole runner in this classic short fell race. He finished in 38th place overall and 1st V60.

Geoff Gough flying downhill at the Burnsall Classic. Photo by Woodentops

Full Results

DARWEN GALA CATHERINE DOWDELL MEMORIAL FELL RACE

Stephen Fish and Julia Rushton took part in this race in memory of local runner Catherine Dowdell. Stephen Fish was 38th and Julia Rushton was 52nd and 1st F50.

Full Results

PENDLE 3 PEAKS FELL RACE

Despite taking place in the midst of holiday season, there was a good turnout for this race which is part of this year’s Club Fell Championship. Dave Motley was our first finisher in 9th place overall. Jack Holt who finished 30th overall was 1st V65.

Dave Motley at the Pendle 3 Peaks fell race. Photo by David Belshaw

Claire Vincent was our first lady finisher and first lady in the race as well. Barbara Savage was our only other lady runner and she finished in 75th place overall.

Claire Vincent leading the ladies race at Pendle 3 Peaks. Photo by David BelshawFu

Full Results

SUNDAY 20 AUGUST

FLEETWOOD HALF MARATHON

Five Clayton runners competed in the Fleetwood Half Marathon. James Dunderdale was our first finisher in 52nd place overall and with a time of 1:34:12. Sarah Angelone was our first lady finisher in 89th place and with a time of 1:39:29

Full Results

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Plenty of parkrun tourism this week as we are in the height of the holiday season. Congratulations to Michael Stevens for setting a new course record at Burnley junior parkrun.

Blackpool parkrun – A total of 188 runners took part.

Burnley parkrun – A total of 353 runners took part

Burnley junior parkrun – A total of 65 runners took part

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 118 runners took part.

Dulwich parkrun – A total of 270 runners took part.

Hove Promenade parkrun – A total of 311 runners took part

Melton Mowbray parkrun – A total of 127 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun – A total of 84 runners took part.

What an epic week! This week you’ve been representing Team GB, tackling classic Lakeland fell races, hitting new PBs and turning out en masse at the latest Grand Prix race. Huge congratulations to Christopher Holdsworth on his Team GB debut – he’s a credit to the club and an inspiration to all of us.

TUESDAY 1 AUGUST

ASTLEY PARK JUNIOR TRAIL RACE SERIES – RACE 4

Five junior members took part in the final race of the popular Astley Park Junior Trail series. Lennon Jackson was our first finisher in 12^th place and Imogen Ferguson was our first girl finisher in 67^th place.

Full Results

CROW HILL REVERSE

Alan Life and Stephen Fish ran in the Crow Hill Reverse fell race; a 5 mile route with 1001 feet of ascent. Alan Life was our first finisher in 22^nd place overall and Stephen Fish was 63^rd. A total of 78 runners took part.

Full Results

WEDNESDAY 2 AUGUST

WHITTLE PIKE FELL RACE

Jon Cleaver and Peter Dugdale ran in the Whittle Pike Fell Race organised by Rossendale Harriers. This is a rough and tough midweek fell race covering 4.5 miles and 1400 feet of ascent. Jon Cleaver was 17^th and Peter Dugdale was 82^nd.

Report from Jon Cleaver

This was a  tough race for a midweek evening. I clocked 1500ft over 4.5 miles. Setting off in Cowpe, it was a fast start on the tarmac for the first few hundred yards onto the Fell for the first climb which seemed to go on forever. There was in total 3 major climbs (2 drags and one on hands) and some fantastic fun descents through mud up to your waist around the moorland above Leigh Quarry. Ended up covered head to toe and thoroughly enjoyed it. Pleased with 17/99 for a chicken legged road runner (name courtesy of Snell).

Full Results

THURSDAY 3 AUGUST

TODMORDEN PARK 5K SERIES

A mix of vets, senior and junior runners competed in the final race of the flat and fast Todmorden Park 5K series. First Clayton in was Jacob Watson who was third overall.  Matthew Jackson was 1^st MJ U14 and Michelle Abbot was 1^st F35 and our only lady in the race.

Full Results

SATURDAY 5 AUGUST

BORROWDALE FELL RACE

Five Clayton Harriers ran in the Borrowdale Fell Race. This is a classic, Lakeland AL fell race that takes runners 17 miles with 6500 feet of ascent, including a climb up Scafell. James Williamson was our first finisher in 79^th place and with a time of 3:56:09. Andy Firth was running the race for an impressive 21^st time.

Report from Andrew Firth

1988 was the first time I attempted Borrowdale and although I’d completed the 3 Peaks and Langdale a couple of times I wanted to sample a classic Lakeland Super Long. I had a reasonable run and got round in 4hrs 19 mins, but didn’t return until 1992 after discovering the delights of the evening “knees up” in the marquee. After that it became an almost annual pilgrimage – mainly due to the pull of the drinking and merrymaking in the marquee which normally ended with top fell runners in various stages of undress and climbing up the poles and sliding down the outside of the tent. (Some of them were Clayton members).

Andrew Firth during his 21st completion of the classic Borrowdale Fell Race. Photo by Paul Dobson

The marquee and evening festivities are no longer, but most years since 1992 has seen me camping or caravanning somewhere in the Lakes on the first weekend of August. Time seems to dull the pain of the Borrowdale, and lining up at the start of my 21st completion of the event saw me looking forward to the challenge rather than remembering the painful crawl up and descent of Dale Head on shredded legs. There were a few Claytoners lining up, James Williamson, Paul Shackleton, Mark Nutter, Ralph Baines and myself. The weather immediately before the start was terrible with heavy rain keeping the runners sheltering in their cars rather than warming up, however it eased up and shortly after the start the sun came out resulting in cags and thermal layers being discarded on the climb to Bessyboot.

Paul Shackleton at the Borrowdale Fell Race. Photo by Paul Dobson

I had my normal sprint start to avoid the bottleneck shortly after the start then eased back to my normal shuffle with a constant stream of runners passing me all the way up Bessyboot. I started to play catch up on the long haul through the boggy ground to Esk Hause and made good progress over the rocky Boulder fields to Scafell Pike summit. The scree descent to the corridor route was in excellent condition despite the rainfall, however two enforced stops to remove the resultant stones in shoes negated any advantage gained.

Mark Nutter and Ralph Baines just behind at the Borrowdale Fell Race. Photo by Paul Dobson

I felt OK on the run to Sty Head, but the minute I dibbed and started the Gable climb I started to remember last years pain and entertained thoughts of retiring and taking the easy descent to Seatoller. It took a great deal of fortitude to find the resolve to carry on, but with it being my 21st, and not ever failing in a Borrowdale previously I found the motivation to complete, promising myself this would be my last Super Long.

The traverse to Honister went well, finding some good lines and reasonable running (for me) and gaining a few places. However the climb up Dale Head was excruciating losing all the places gained, I arrived at the top a broken man and it was all I could do to shuffle down the steep rocky descent, taking care not to trip. The final run up the lane was a slow walk/run crossing the line in 5hrs 11 mins, but it was over. I remain very proud of my record on this tough Lakeland classic with a best time of 3hrs 54mins in 2000, but I think these super longs are taking too much out of my body so that’s it for me! I’m certainly not retiring from running, and I’ll be giving Langdale a shot in October – it’s shorter by at least an hour. I’ll be back at Borrowdale next year, but cheering runners on at key spots like Esk Hause and Sty Head, and I hope to see more Clayton runners entered to this classic.

Report From James Williamson

Borrowdale is an absolute classic Lakeland AL race, 16.7 miles and 7000ft ascent over some of the roughest & most technical terrain the Lake District has to offer.

The route took us from Rosthwaite village and summits including Bessyboot, Scafell Pike, Great Gable & Dale Head before returning back to the village. I settled nicely in to the race and climbed well ensuring I ate & drank regular to prevent a recurrence of last year when I bonked on Great Gable. The conditions underfoot were far from ideal due to heavy rainfall in the lead up to the race, the ground was wet & boggy and the rocks over the corridor route between Scafell Pike & Great Gable were testing and incredibly slippery as a result I found my descending was poor at times and I became a touch frustrated.

James Williamson at the Borrowdale Fell Race. Photo by Paul Dobson

I was glad to reach the Honister Hause check point for a much needed swig of orange which helped me kick on up the final, relentless climb to Dale Head. The long run off through the quarry back to Rosthwaite felt never ending but I finally dibbed in to finish in 3.56.5  – mixed feelings about my performance – disappointed as I descended badly & I know I can go quicker in better conditions but also pleasing as I knocked 14 minutes off my time from the 2016 English champs race.

The crowning glory of this race is undoubtedly the cheese & Jam sandwiches served up in the village hall at the end of the race – pure magic

Full Results

HELLIFIELD GALA

Having missed Whittle Pike fell race due to work commitments I was keen to squeeze a race in this week and Hellifield Gala ticked all the boxes. With plenty of stalls and attractions for the family this tough little 5.6km race should take me sub 40 minutes to blast round before the boy (James ,4) got too bored! The record is an astonishing 23 minutes, set by a certain Mr A. Brownlee, apparently quite well known round Yorkshire way! With the weather promising to be kind off we went.

Colin Woolford at the Hellifield Gala Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

As BS races go this is as runnable and fast as you would expect, broadly up and down three small hills (climbing ladders over dry stone walls and hay bales over barbed wire fences as you go) round a marshal and trig point at the top of the last hill then run back the way you came, starting and finishing in the centre of the gala field with a commentary from t’Yorkshire MC and much applause from the spectators.

Stephen Fish with Martin Brady chasing at the Hellifield Gala Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Three Clayton made the start line, Steve Fish having completed the race before and myself and Martin Brady taking mental notes as to the route, the three of us raced each other well, changing positions a few times as we went, but ultimately finishing Brady, Woolford, Fish.  One for the diary next year!

SUNDAY 6 AUGUST

FARLETON KNOTT FELL RACE

Farleton Knott is a challenging 4.5 mile race with around 1500 feet of climb and is a counter in the BOFRA Championship.

Two senior runners took part, Andrew Holt and Richard Briscoe, and Briony Holt ran in the U17 race in which she was 1st girl.

Report from Andrew Holt

Fifth BOFRA race of the season for me today at Farlton knott (big hill on the left as you pass the m6 on the settle to Kendal road). Unusually for a BOFRA race it’s not a straight up/down but more of a gradual up, stupid down, even more stupid up and gradual back down to the finish.

Weather was cloudy, warm, breezy, bit greasy underfoot but good running conditions.
Having walked the route first with Briony I knew it was going to be tough, but have done well this season with uphills of this type and true to form overtook several people on the way up to the trig.

Andrew Holt at the Farleton Knott fell race. Photo by Geoff Thompson

The scree run down I can only describe as hilarious, my usual tip tapping down quickly deteriorated into a sort of waterskiing affair on stones, bringing out laughter from the runners around me!More by luck than judgment I survived and crawled, hands and feet back up to the trig for the run along the top. I was slower than I would have liked on the descent to the finish, and I was overtaken several times. The heavy rain shower was a welcome addition however.

Richard Briscoe at the Farleton Knott fell race. Photo by Geoff Thompson

4.5 miles,750ft of elevation, top twenty finish and a huge smile on my face at the end of it; another quality fell race and the longest one I’ve managed yet so no complaints.

Two other hoops were visible, Briony and Richard Briscoe.

U17 RACE

Briony Holt was our sole junior runner and she raced in the U17 category finishing in 11th place overall and 1st girl.

Report from Briony Holt

The time quickly passed and soon it was time for my race to start. Surprisingly I wasn’t my usual ‘nervous wreck’ (maybe it was the patterned shorts?) so my warm up went pretty smoothly and I was ready to race.

Briony Holt in the U17 race. Photo by Geoff Thompson

Full Results

WORLD MOUNTAIN RUNNING LONG DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Congratulations to our runner, Christopher Holdsworth, who took part in the 2017 World Mountain Running Long Distance Championships in Italy. He put in an impressive performance for his debut in Team GB to finish in 36^th place overall and 3^rd British male in 03:47:30 in a field of 443 international runners. Well done Chris you’ve done us proud!

Report from Chris Holdsworth

Chris Holdsworth ready to represent Team GB at the World Mountain Running Long Distance Championship

Well what can I say? The course literally beat me up, battered me, chewed me up and spat me out – the hardest, most physical race I have ever endured… But what an atmosphere! It was supported fantastically and had Tour de France level of support going up some hills. Amazing.

As for the race itself, do I think I could have placed higher? Absolutely. Had it been on a course more suited to my style of running I think I could have been well up there. However, this was without a doubt the most technical, brutal and toughest route I’ve ever endured. Every step down a descent felt like a punch to your body, which by the end had me falling constantly on the wet rocks, bloodied, battered and in a world of pain for the last few miles, but very proud to finish 3rd GB runner and 34th in the World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships.

So… On my first GB outing I managed to run a respectable time on one of the toughest races out there, running over 19 miles and 8000ft of harsh Italian Alps. I am happy with that – but mostly I’m really proud of simply being here and the level of support so many have given me, and I’m really thankful for that. I hope I can keep it up for a good while yet and return on the amazing amount of support shown in me so far. This is just the beginning and I hope you will continue to follow my progress as it really does spur me on.

Lastly, I’d like to thank my amazing friends Adam Hamer and Caroline Lane and girlfriend Sophie McIntosh for travelling over to watch me race. I can’t thank them enough, especially Sophie who has put up with so much moaning and complaints from me over the years, she’s practically my complaints department at this point!

Thanks again for all the support, I’m now going to enjoy several beers over the next week and immense as I travel back through Europe and no doubt an immense amount of DOMS…

Full Results

WORSTHORNE MOOR TRAIL RACE

Another big turnout for the penultimate race of this year’s  Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix. Danny Collinge was our first finisher in 2nd place.

Worsthorne Moor race. Photo by David Belshaw

There were age category wins for Paul Hesketh, James Boult, Jeff Pickup, John Roche and David Scott for the men. There were age category wins for Alison Dugdale, Irene Roche, Linda Bostock and Beth Quinn for the ladies.

Junior Aaron Lundie helping to organise Worsthorne Moor Trail Race. Photo by Deborah Stevenson

Full Results

WORSTHORNE MOOR JUNIOR RACES

We had a good turnout of junior runners at the Worsthorne race despite being the height of the school holidays. There were some great performances and plenty of success, especially for our older juniors.

Nick Hennessey in the U17 Race. Photo by David Belshaw

U7 RACES

Freya Birtwistle was our only runner in the U7 race and she finished in 6th place overall and 1st girl

U9 RACE

There were 3 juniors in the U9 Race.

U11 BOYS  RACE

Joshua McKay and Toby  Birtwistle ran in the U11 boys race.

U11 GIRLS RACE

Three junior girls ran in the U11 race.

U13 BOYS RACE

Robbie Smedley won the U13 boys race.

U13 GIRLS RACE

Imogen Ferguson was our only runner in the U13 girls race and she finished first.

U15 BOYS RACE

Another win for our juniors as Jackson McKay took first place in the U15 Boys race.

U15 GIRLS RACE

Ella Dorrington was first in the U15 Girls race.

U17 RACE

And yet another win for us as Nick Hennessey took first place in the U17 Race.

YORK 10K

Amanda Duffy and Breton Holdsworth ran in the York 10K. Amanda Duffy had a great run, earning herself a new PB. Breton was modelling his suggestion for the Team Clayton Away Kit and pacing his wife Paula round the course.

Breton Holdsworth in his ‘Away’ kit!

Report from Amanda Duffy

I decided to check out the York 10k at the weekend. We set off early the day before and spent the afternoon sightseeing around York.Race morning arrived and I was hoping that zero sleep the night before wasn’t going to affect my run!

Amanda Duffy looking ready for action at the York 10K

The course itself was slightly undulating which set off from York race course and went through the streets of York, past York Minster and along the riverbank to finish back at the race course.

After getting bad stitch at 5k I had to drop my pace abit but was more than happy to finish with a PB in 41.51

Full Results

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Well done to Jacob Watson for his parkrun win at Carlisle parkrun. Well done also to everyone who got a PB this week.

Bramhall parkrun – A total of 339 runners took part.

Burnley parkrun – A total of 418 runners took part.

Carlisle parkrun – A total of 215 runners took part.

Dewsbury parkrun – a total of 92 runners took part.

Lytham Hall parkrun – A total of 153 runners took part.

Malahide parkrun – A total of 254 runners took part.

Medina I.O.W. parkrun – A total of 285 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun – A total of 76 runners took part.

…very, very frightening race! Well it was on Wednesday evening for some of our hardy fellrunners. Other than a bit of thunderbolt dodging, you have been uphill and downhill, out in force at the Towneley 10K and junior races as well as the Todmorden Park 5K and the Widdop Races.

TUESDAY 18 JULY

WORSTON UPHILL & DOWNHILL RACES

Two races on one evening for club members with the first being the uphill race from Worston village to Pendle Summit and the second the downhill race from the summit back down the village. Like all the summer series races, runners must estimate their time.

Carl Helliwell was the first to reach the finish in the uphill and Mark Nutter was the best estimate being only 8 seconds out on his guess

Uphill Results

Andy Armstrong was the fastest descender in the downhill race and Sean Clare was the best estimate being a mere 7 seconds out on his guess.

Downhill Results

WEDNESDAY 19 JULY

BLISCO DASH

Three hardy fell runners headed to the Lake District for the Blisco Dash which is a low key, rough and tough short race with a bit of everything. It’s a 5 mile course with 2133ft of ascent.  A troubling weather forecast was issued and here’s what the race organisers had to say;

This was a race organiser’s worst nightmare! After three days of blazing sun, a forecast showing isolated thundery showers. The electric storm begins an hour and a half before the race, and is both heavy and very local. We wait and I take no money until we see how it pans out. The summit marshals are prepared to set off and our Plan B is for them to turn the runners before the summit. We are on the start line when the lightning comes again and two runners drop out when I spell out the danger. Both of my children are running. The race sets off and it stops raining in time for Phil and John to take the results. As Phil Davies says afterwards,”this is how fell running ought to be – on the edge”

Exciting stuff.

Full Results

WIDDOP

Report from Peter Coates

There were some few Clayton Harriers at Wednesday evening’s fell race at Widdop. This was my first time doing this fantastic mid-week race organised by Calder Valley Fell Runners. This is a 7-mile race taking in the moorland around Widdop. No really big climbs but a great route on twisty paths and plenty of tussocks and bracken.  I took a tumble on some wet rocks half way round but managed to get round and finished a respectable 8th place out of 144 finishers. Clayton were third men’s team overall.  This is a great race, and certainly one of my favourite local mid-week fell races and will definitely do again next year all being well.

Full Results

WIDDOP JUNIOR RACES

Eleven juniors headed just over the border to take part in the Widdop fell races.

Imogen Ferguson emerging from the bracken at the Widdop fell race. Photo by Alan Dorrington

Report from Ella Dorrington

On Wednesday I ran the Widdop Junior fell race. It was a really good course, one which suited me quite well. There wasn’t too much steep climbing, most of the climbs being long and draggy. Luckily, there were only three girls in my age group so I was guaranteed to be in the top three!

I had a good start and ran all the climbs but on the way down, I got quite annoyed because I kept on tripping and falling over loads. One was a spectacular fall, I face planted and have a few battle scars – some cuts on my face, legs and a swollen knee! The weather was all right, a perfect temperature and a little bit rainy. The atmosphere was really good and it was great to see all the Clayton Juniors that ran.

U9 RACE

U11 RACE

U13 RACE

U15 RACE

Full Results

THURSDAY 20 JULY

TODMORDEN PARK 5K SERIES  – RACE 3

Eight club members took part in the third race of the Todmorden Park 5K series organised by Cannonball Events. Jacob Watson was our first finisher in 2^nd place with a time of 17:14. Michell Abbot was our first lady finisher in 24^th place overall and 1^st F35. Richard Lawson was 1^st M75. Matthew Jackson was 1^st junior in the race. Jacob Watson, Matthew Jackson and Lennon Jackson took 1^st men’s team place.

Full Results

SUNDAY 23 JULY

CRAY  – awaiting results

TOWNELEY PARK 10K

55 Clayton Harriers ran in the Towneley Park 10K the 11^th race of the popular Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix race series. Danny Collinge took the win with Barlick’s Julian Hood snapping at his heels.

Danny Collinge racing hard for the win. Photo by David Belshaw

Jon Cleaver and Luke Turner continue their great form to finish in the top ten. Curtis Holt was 1stMj in 40^th place overall. Kevin Davis was our first vet male finisher in 22^nd place and was 1^st V55. Cassandra Smedley was our first lady finisher in 72^nd overall. Irene Roche was 1^st F55.

Report from Cassandra Smedley

I nearly missed the start of this race as I was too busy watching the juniors and chilling. Standing on the start line I was feeling rather relaxed. As we set off round Towneley I got into my stride and felt good.

Cassie Smedley at the Towneley 10K. Photo by David Belshaw

As I got to Mount Lane, I was feeling strong but I was very pleased to see the top. A few friendly faces definitely helped! As I started down the hill into Towneley I was still feeling strong, so pushed on past a few more runners. The support all way round was brilliant. Great PB 10k for me, as well as taking 6 mins off last year’s time.

TOWNELEY PARK JUNIOR RACES

Over 30 junior members took part in the Towneley Park Junior races with some fantastic performances in all age categories.

Clayton juniors out in force at Towneley. Photo by David Belshaw

U7 RACE

U9 RACE

U11 RACE

U13 RACE

U15 RACE

U17 RACE

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Burnley parkrun – A total of 374 runners took part.

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 92 runners took part.

Dunfermline parkrun – A total of 135 runners took part.

Heaton parkrun – A total of 626 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun – A total of 81 runners took part.

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