Author Archive Adrienne Olszewska

So what did we do this year? Well…You have raced 2K, 5K, 10K, 4 milers, 5 milers, 7 milers, 10 milers, half marathons, 20 milers and full marathons. You’ve raced in ultras from a mere 32 miles up to 105 miles with thousands of feet of ascent thrown in just for fun. You’ve run in different continents; Australia, Africa and Europe. Fell races number in the hundreds for the year with too many to reel off but covering Lancashire, Pennines, Lake District, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Peak District and Yorkshire. You have got down and dirty in Cross Country Leagues and championships.  You have competed in team relay events on the roads, trails and fells. You’ve joined Ben Smith in his 401 marathons campaign when he was in the area. And top it off some of you have just completed a 31-day running streak in December.

We’ve welcomed 46 new members and had to say farewell to a handful as well this year. We were especially sad to hear of the passing of Tony Aspin, Mick Raine and Valerie Lawson.

When you are not running you are organising races, marshalling races, helping out at parkruns, helping out with training sessions and supporting your club mates in all kinds of ways. There have been 52 roundups this year with contributions and reports from 75 club members over the year.  That’s an amazing number and something to be really proud of as I don’t think many clubs can boast such a huge amount of participation from its members.  In the words of Ron Hill: “Clayton; what a club!”

MONDAY 26 DECEMBER

Whinberry Naze Fell Race

Report by Alan Dorrington

Cancelled last year during the horrendous Boxing Day floods, the Whinberry Naze Dash fell race was back this year with its usual eclectic mix of hangovers and fancy dress. Austerity seemed to have caught up with the dress code and there were no multi-occupant Chinese Dragons or Egyptian pyramids this year, but nonetheless the individual fancy dress on show wasn’t too shabby. A multitude of Elfs, some sexy, some not so, a couple of huntsman complete with dogs, Zorro, a bike carrying cyclist and Where’s Wally were among the outfits I caught sight of.

Whilst it was a crisp dry day and water engress would pose no threat to the many costumes, the vicious wind up on the tops would cause difficulties for some competitors with less than skin tight costumes (see Zorro’s cape for example).

A classic straight up and pretty much straight down route which makes up in climb what it lacks in imagination, the race starts up a very steep tarmac track and just keeps on going. Luckily they persuade Santa to do just one more gig before putting his feet up and he is always at the trig turn at the top with a tube of Smarties for each breathless runner. Those who are either less competitive or more foolhardy, attempt to eat them whilst breathing heavily and trying to descend a short greasy path to a long boggy run back for home. I’ve been running a charity challenge every day in December and had run 170 miles in the previous 2 weeks so was less than sprightly up the first steep climb, getting going up a bit more up to the trig at Cowpe Lowe before enjoying the scenic views (for once) over the Rossendale Valley on the way down.

Once finished down the steep and now slippery tarmac track, everybody was able to compare how well their outfits had fared up on the hill, and enjoy any wardrobe malfunctions as a consequence. A great way to run the Christmas fug off without getting too serious.

Awaiting results

Worden Park 10K

374 Runners ran off their Christmas dinners at the Worden Park Boxing Day 10K in Leyland, amongst them were four Clayton runners. First past the finish for the club was Mark Wightman in 48^th place. Next in was Stephen Biscombe in 68^th. Battling it out right to the end were Robert Morrison and Colin White in 78^th and 79^th respectively with Robert claiming a 3 second lead.

Full Results

TUESDAY 27 DECEMBER

Ribble Valley 10K

There was a whopping turnout of Clayton Harriers in the Ribble  Valley 10K with over 50 tangerine stripes on view. This popular road race attracts a quality field and the finish times are always fast.  Danny Collinge was our first man home in 33^rd place overall with a time of 32:26.  Dave Bagot and Jacob Watson made the top 100 with sub 35 minute times. It seems that despite the excesses of Christmas, this race has brought out the best across the board with our runners as too many of them to mention ran a blinder and smashed their PBs.

Well done Team Clayton!

Race Report from Dave Motley

Fast and furious 10k and with another quality field, most of Clayton got new PBs including me. 2017 looks promising. Up the Clayton!

Race Report from Nerina Gill

My husband says every time you get a few runners together all they talk about is injuries. So I don’t want to make my report on the Ribble Valley 10k all about my dodgy ankle. But it was my first race in almost six months thanks to a nasty attack of tendinitis that put paid to my running for all of August and most of September. It’s been a long hard road back.

I got to the start expecting little. I felt flabby, a tad hungover, and full of Christmas stodge. But marathon training starts this week, so the hard work has to start somewhere, and racing is still the best way I know to get fit. I had several John Roche sessions under my belt, but nothing beats the pressure of a number on your chest.

I set off thinking I was taking it fairly easy, but within minutes I was out of breath. I tried to hang on to the people I knew, but even though the course was more undulating than hilly, I couldn’t keep up the pace. I dug in, and soon the 5k marker was in sight. Mr and Mrs Roche came up in my shoulder, and instructions were issued. I tried to relax, keep breathing etc, but tagging on just wasn’t an option. Within a few hundred yards they were gone.

Soon the road started heading downhill, and I picked up the pace, but I was frustrated. Downhills are usually my forte, but my legs were refusing to follow instructions. I hit the bridge, and remembered the outward section. Oh God, it was going to be uphill to the finish. Argh! No chance of a sprint for the line, my legs were dead. I clumped over the finish, vowing to stop eating and drinking instantly (yeah right) and looked at the time.

What seriously? A PB feeling like that? Not sure how, but I’d love to do that course properly fit. Plenty of hills await in January and February, but what a great race to do in that awkward period between Christmas and New Year. PBs were claimed by loads of people we passed, so it was a race very forgiving of Christmas excess. I usually work over Christmas, so it’s the first time I’ve been able to run it, and I can’t wait to give it another go. Next year, I’ll be fitter, lighter, and less hungover. No, really…

Race Report from Lisa Johnson

Having not run the Ribble Valley 10k (or any 10k) for some time it was with some trepidation that I lined up on the start line with my mum. It wasn’t helped by the fact that at this race, you are allowed to collect your t shirt before you race – temptation to grab it and go and sit in the car was quite strong! It was good to see so many familiar Clayton faces on the start line and on the course and the atmosphere was, as usual, very friendly and encouraging. I kept up with the legend that is Dave Scott for a while but then the inevitable happened and he overtook me.

Slight mishap at the water station where I chipped my tooth opening the water bottle but perhaps that took my mind off the running as I managed to beat my previous 10k pb set probably about 15 years ago. Seeing Mr Belshaw and his camera outside the pub was welcome and then it was just the small matter of slogging up the hill to the finish line to wait for my mum and cheer her in.

Race Report from Danny Pilkington

After a trial run (and swim) before the 2015 race got cancelled due to the horrific floods I was really eager to get going on the race this year.  Although cold and foggy, the weather in the morning was good.

I already had my race number through the post but no safety pins (I have made a note to start my own collection) so was ready to go early on.  There were plenty of Harriers around registration on  the morning which was good to see.

The race started on time and off we went, straight over Edisford bridge and up a hill.  I started off well but after 4k of an undulating (and picturesque) route, The food from Xmas day and boxing day forced me to slow down.

I finished 1:19 behind my PB (which was set at Lytham so I will take this) and despite my struggles half way round, I thoroughly enjoyed the route.  The stewards were spot on, encouraging people round and I don’t think I was the only one suffering from

Eating and drinking too much.  The online times came through quite quick and as ever, the friendly feel of the Clayton family was on show throughout.  There were lots of PB’s around too which, considering the undulating style of the course is a massive achievement.

Well done to all those hitting their PB’s.I can’t wait for next year’s race and will do my best not to overindulge over Christmas and boxing day.

Report from Judith Carey

We did a recce of the route a few weeks ago so that we felt prepared on race day and I was surprised at my pace, so I was gunning for a PB at this race. Although I was nervous because I’d run everyday in the Marcathon challenge and wasn’t sure how I would hold out.

Jane Hylands offered to run round with me and pace me and we were off! I really enjoyed the undulating route in the beautiful local scenery we live around and Jane kept me at a steady pace.

Around 6k I started to flag and then I heard the shouts and cheers from the Birtwistles which were gratefully received and lifted my pace! Then with 1k to go and an uphill finish I pulled out my fastest 1km split out of the 10! Knocking 6 minutes off my 10k time and coming in at 1:00:31. It was great to see so many Claytoners get PB’s too include Carl 😊

The marshals were great and the km markings were really helpful.Definitely a race to do again, help run off the turkey and mince pies!

Full Results

Wansfell Pike

An out-and-back route, this race starts with an unforgiving short, sharp ascent of Stock Ghyll Lane to the fell gate/ stile. A runnable section to a 2nd gate leads on to a thigh burning section of steep stone steps which head directly upwards. A short section of open fell follows, over rough grass and onwards to the rocky summit. This is the only check point and although runners can take their own preferred route, most competitors ascend to the right of the summit, descending down the left or northern side, crossing back onto the main path near the bottom, creating a circular route.

Although short and sweet this race should not be underestimated. The route is very steep and extremely rough underfoot. Slippery, wet conditions can make the descent treacherous and if the mist is down the ability to navigate is essential.

Four Clayton Harriers took part with Mark Nutter finishing first for the club in 75^th. He was joined by Andrew Firth and Simon Stansfield. Wendy Dodds was our sole lady competitor.

Full Results

SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER

256 Challenge

Report from Alan Dorrington

In a bid to ward off the long winter nights, the tendency to stay on the couch and avoid going out, let alone the Christmas excess, December is now the month for running challenges – Streaky December, Run Every Day, Marcothon and now the 256 Challenge.

The 256 is the idea of ultra writer and photographer Ian Corless and involves a pyramid of 256 miles for the month, running every day in December. You run 1 mile on the 1st, 2 on the 2nd up to 16 on the 16th and then, luckily, it goes back down to a final 1 mile on NYE. Not so bad you would think, until you look at the cumulative mileages – middle weeks of 56 miles followed by 99 miles followed by 70 miles. Nearly 10 marathons for the month, 4 in the hardest week and days and days where the previous 7 days mileage hovers close to 100. For some runners, big mileages like that are a regular feature but being fairly new to regular running, it was definitely a step in to the unknown for me.

Fortified by the knowledge that I never really run more than 20 – 25 miles a week, I decided I would run the challenge to raise money for M3 Project, the charity I manage that works with homeless young people. How hard could it be?

The answer was hard but not impossible. Worries over niggles and aches persisted in the first 7-10 days before my body simply accepted that it had no option but to run every day, for an ever increasing mileage. The aches went away, and whilst fatigue started setting in, it never really became desperate just hard mentally to go out day after day and run the required mileage. I was tired, spectacularly so, and with an appetite the likes of which I have never known. The Big Week of 100 miles (99 just wouldn’t do) came and went ok in a Groundhog Day of long runs, but it was the week after the Big Week that was the hardest – a bad day physically and mentally on the 19th when I had 13 miles to run was the lowest point. Christmas Eve Eve (9 miles) and Christmas Day and the 7 miler were turning points where I knew it was done, in the bag.

A final mile on NYE seemed almost an anti-climax but the knowledge that I had run through and well beyond what I ever imagined I could do will stay for a long, long time. For me personally, the biggest takeaway was the sense of surprise that if you ask your body to do something huge, look after it diligently and feed it, it can and will do it. With the support of 2 other friends who also completed the challenge at the same time, over £4000 has been raised to help homeless young people in East Lancashire. Who knows, I might even keep on running every day for a while longer yet…

If you would like to donate please follow this link

Auld Lang Syne Fell Race

A baker’s dozen of Clayton Harriers ran in this hugely popular festive fell race.  Christopher Holdsworth was celebrating his birthday in style by finishing in second place. Conditions were good if a bit “wuthering” (that’s a cold, biting wind if you are a southern softy). Louisa Powell-Smith was 2^nd lady in the race.

Coming on New Year’s Eve, fancy dress is very much a part of this race and Neil Hardiman and Barbara Savage certainly got into the swing of things in a most ecclesiastic fashion!

Full Results

Bowstones Fell Race

The Bowstones are a pair of ancient Anglian cross shafts situated beside the old ridgeway between Disley and Macclesfield overlooking the gorgeous Lyme Park, with extensive views across the Cheshire Plain, to the city of Manchester and the hills of the Peak District.

The run starts from the Boards Head Pub in Higher Poynton and winds its way uphill, crossing the Macclesfield Canal, into Lyme Park, joining the Gritstone Trail up to the Bowstones themselves, before passing Lyme Hall and the deer sanctuaries near Lyme Cage, eventually winding back down to Higher Poynton.

It’s a tough challenge, but the views (and the free bottle of beer to all finishers) make it more than worthwhile.

Chris Snell was our sole representative in this year’s race. He finished 16^th in a field of 389 runners. A cracking finish to his running year.

Race report from Chris Snell

I booked on to Bowstones race due to Auld lang syne becoming full almost immediately and my Brother (Stockport Harriers) had booked to race and mentioned there were a few places available. Registration was between 8-930 in Cheshire so early start for myself and coach Gemma.

On the start line I didn’t recognise any faces but vests from Pennine, Dark Peak, Horwich, there was a decent turnout. I set off from the front and felt good for the first mile steady bridleway climb, I slipped behind from the leading group  but as usual thought head down run hard and see how it goes. The rest of the race after the first mile climb is forest track and grass paths within Lyme Park and has 3 bs climbs so not too bad and great practice for less experienced fell runners.

The route finishes with the same 1-mile bridleway so a fast finish.

I finished in 16th place and my brother 38th so I keep bragging rights for another race.

Full Results

FESTIVE PARKRUN ROUNDUP

It may have been Christmas but that hasn’t stopped you from running in multiple parkruns on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve in locations as far flung as Penrith, Whitley Bay, Swansea and even South Africa.

CHRISTMAS EVE PARKRUNS

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers love parkrun. So much in fact that rather a lot of you did the double on the Christmas weekend and ran on Christmas Day as well.

Burnley parkrun – A total of 271 runners took part.

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 108 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun – A total of 99 runners took part.

Skipton parkrun – A total of 154 runners took part.

St Albans parkrun – A total of 482 runners took part.

Whitley Bay parkrun – A total of 243 runners took part.

Witton parkrun – A total of 88 runners took part.

 CHRISTMAS DAY PARKRUNS

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 109 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun – A total of 62 runners took part

Witton parkrun – A total of 82 runners took part

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARKRUNS

Burnley parkrun – A total of 291 runners took part.

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 108 runners took part.

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 319 runners took part.

Finsbury parkrun – A total of 224 runners took part.

Heaton parkrun – A total of 486 runners took part.

Knysna parkrun – A total of 352 runners took part.

Lytham Hall parkrun – A total of 280 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun – A total of 90 runners took part.

Penrith parkrun –  A total of 172 runners took part.

Swansea Bay parkrun – A total of 292 runners took part.

Witton parkrun – A total of 99 runners took part.

There’s definitely a lot of Christmas spirit in the air. It’s been a week of challenge and festive fancy dress. Quite a few club members are taking part in run every day in December challenges; Alan Dorrington is running everyday for the M3 Project while others are taking part in the Marcothon or Run Every Day December challenges as a fitness boost over the winter.

SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER

HURST GREEN TURKEY TROT

For those that don’t know, the Hurst Green Turkey Trot is a 5 mile trail race with a bit of everything. Fancy dress costumes are actively encouraged and the sight of a burly, tattooed male runner dressed as a fairy princess is nothing out of the ordinary!

42 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers threw themselves into the festive madness of this year’s Hurst Green Turkey Trot. Fast becoming an annual tradition with lots of our members, this race certainly brings out the sillier side in runners.

Team Clayton at the Hurst GreenTurkey Trot. Photo by David Belshaw

Our first Clayton finisher was Louisa Powell-Smith who was 6^th overall in the race and 2^nd lady runner in the race as well as 1^st F35.

Louisa Powell-Smith at the Hurst Green Turkey Trot. Photo by David Belshaw

Breton was the first Clayton man in 8^th place overall and 2^nd M40 dressed as the Tango Man. Geoffrey Gough was 1^st M55, Ivan Whigham was 1^st M50, Joanne Bennett was 1^st F45, and Anita Jones was 1^st F60.

A junior race took place as well but sadly there are no results for this event.

Report from Jonathan Cleaver

It was my first time doing the Turkey Trot and I was not disappointed.  So many people made a huge effort in fancy dress and there was a relaxed atmosphere. The run itself is a 2.5 mile ascent part Road and part mud through the infamous elephant trap which got you soaked to the waist! The 2.5 mile descent was brilliant fun through the forest and flying down the track through the mud to the finish.

Jonathan Cleaver flying down through the woods at the Hurst Green Turkey Trot. Photo by David Belshaw

A fun prize giving by Chris Barnes followed which was a good laugh as well. Great turn out from Team Clayton and top performance particularly from Louisa who showed the boys up on the day!

Full Results

TOUR DE HELVELLYN

Three club members took part this in this year’s Tour de Helvellyn, a 38 mile trail ultra in the Lake District; Martin Terry, Nicholas Olszewski and Andy Armstrong. Martin Terry finished in 20th place with a time of 7:00:50, Nicholas Olszewski was 66th in 8:04:46 and Andrew Armstrong was 69th in 8:06:05. There were 201 finishers this year.

Report from Andy Armstrong

This year’s weather was a huge improvement on previous years (the event’s brief history has seen snow, torrential rain, gale force winds and flood damaged trails) and a clear dry day promised some excellent times. Three Harriers made the trip up north and the best performance was by Martin Terry who achieved a personal best (but slightly frustrating!) result of 7 hours and forty seconds.

Andy Armstrong with Nick Olszewski at the Tour de Helvellyn. Photo by Stephen White of Granddayout Photography

Full Results

THE STOOP

306 runners took part in this year’s festive Stoop Fell Race. 11 Clayton Harriers donned their Santa Hats and huddled together with the other runners in the quarry to stave off the icy cross wind that was blowing on an otherwise fine and dry day. Danny Collinge was our first finisher in 9^th place overall.

Danny Collinge at the Stoop Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Cassandra Smedley was our first lady finisher in 210^th place and dressed as a Christmas tree for the second time this weekend having run in the Turkey Trot the day before. Teresa de Curtis was making her fell racing debut and followed shortly afterwards in 215^th place despite turning her ankle on the course.

Report from James Boult

A strong summer turned to an injury-ridden winter and problems with motivation and fitness were starting to take their toll. Managing to struggle through a couple of Parkruns and a return to training only to be struck with shin pain, another layoff seemed on the cards. After a week off followed by JR’s winter wonderland on Tuesday, which finished pain free, I decided to tackle one last challenge of the year before Christmas – Woodentops’ The Stoop fell race over the border.

The 8km, 250m’ BS race from Penistone Country Park starts in the Quarry next to what Dave Woodhead told us at the start was “the highest cricket pitch in England” and heads onto the Harbour Lodge track. With more bog and mud than you could handle, the route heads on a steady, scenic climb up onto the tops to Stoop Standing Stone. A fast, long descent loops the course back before a final climb back to the cricket pitch.

L-R James Boult, Beth Quinn and Orlaith O’Mahony at the Stoop Fell Race.

Orlaith, Beth and I made the trip over for the race where we joined a handful of other Clayton runners tackling the event. A large field braved the icy crosswinds beforehand, clad in free Santa hats (which were a must for the race – it was the number 1 rule!) and some in fancy dress and we were released from the quarry at just after 11:45. Quickly finding rhythm I managed to move through the pack, only to be slowed by the first of what seemed to be about 7k worth of mud, bog and water. Ending up waist deep at one point and going knee deep countless times, I remembered just how much fun a proper, wintery fell race could be. Descents are not my strong point and this was no different (what’s new?!). Losing just about every place I had gained, and then probably a handful more for good measure, I tackled the course’s descent. Not a tricky one but when your ankles are like champagne flutes you tend to take more care than is probably necessary. Being overtaken by a man quite literally falling through the air, only to be stopped by bog a few metres ahead was a high point of what was a poor and disappointing descent. (But, ankles are still intact so I guess it’s not all bad.)

A steady climb back up to the finish line saw a time of 44:23 and a midfield finish, somewhere abound 120th I think in what was a great, muddy, fun-filled morning across the border and a nice way to conclude racing for 2016 – with two of my favourite team mates for company.

Full Results

THE STOOP JUNIOR RACES

U8 Race

50 children took part in the U8s race with lots of them in fancy dress. This is a rip-roaring and fun race up, down and around the Penistone Hill Quarry. Organised and officiated by larger-than-life Dave Woodhead, this is a fun event for junior runners with a generous goody bag for all of the finishers. Felix Thompson was our first U8 boy with Ellisia Smedley the our first U8 girl and Emily Johnson completing the team.

Emily Johnson running in fancy dress at the Stoop U8 Race. Photo by Geoff Thompson

 U10/U12/U14 Race

84 children took part in the U10/U12/U14 race. Dexta Thompson was 3^rd overall. Helana White had a great run dressed as Father Christmas to finish in 35^th place and 1^st U10 girls. This group also ran around the quarry but on a slightly extended route.

U10/U12/U14 Race. Photo by Geoff Thompson

Full Results

Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round route recce

As Race Organiser for the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round I am very keen to see this race full to bursting with orange hoops!  The date for the 2017 running is Saturday March 4^th at 11.00am from Barley Village hall.

The crux of this message goes out to those thinking of stepping up in fell race distance. The SBPR is a 16km/10 mile category ‘B’ run (i.e. not as steep as it could be!) around the tracks and trods of Pendle Hill, it is advertised as not being suitable for novices, partly through that distance, but mostly because of the potential weather that occurs at that time of year, early March in recent years has very much been “still winter”.

I would put forward the case that if you have run some of the other, shorter Pendle fell races, the Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix fell races, Woodentops events or have been Badgering from Barley over the winter on a Tuesday night, then you are not a novice and this is the ideal race to step up in Fell race distance terms!

To that end, if you are still not sure – come and try it out.  I am going to host two recce’s of the SBPR race route, one on January 15^th and one on February 12^th.  We will meet in Barley car park at 10.00am and run the route at a steady 1.45-2 hour pace (the winning time last year was 1 hour 12, slowest runner was 2 hours 10), covering the route, its terrain and what to aim for in poor visibility etc to hopefully inspire some new middle distance fell runners in the club.

Please bring your full running kit as per FRA rules (Waterproof whole body cover, hat, gloves, map of the route, compass, whistle, emergency food) as we will be on the hill in winter for a few hours.  If you are not sure if your kit would pass a race inspection, bring it and I will confirm that for you on the day.  (I will bring some spare maps left over from the Navigation course in the summer if you do not have one of those to hand).

I of course will be accepting race entry forms and money on these Sunday mornings (and Tuesday nights!)

Please drop me a message to stanbradshawrace@yahoo.com or through Facebook – the Team Clayton page, if you are interested in joining one or both runs.  I will post reminders on Facebook and the newsletter after Christmas and just before each run.  Clayton members only please!

If I don’t see you Tuesday night or on the Christmas Eve run – Have a good Christmas and Happy New Year!

Colin Woolford

Parkrun roundup

Burnley parkrun – A total of 235 runners took part.

Delamere parkrun – A total of 210 runners took part.

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 164 runners took part.

Marple parkrun – A total of 127 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun – A total of 54 runners took part.

Witton parkrun – A total of 60 runners took part.

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 250 runners took part.

A quiet week for the ladies with just a couple of die-hard racers. This week we are mostly mad about the boys. Five Clayton men took to the hilly roads around Longridge and six men raced hard in the Mytholmroyd fell race. It was great to see Chris Holdsworth back on to his winning form backed up by some great perfomances from his team mates.

SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER

LONGRIDGE 7 MILE CHRISTMAS PUDDING RUN

Five Clayton men took part in this tough, undulating seven mile road race over the Longridge fells .Richard Stevenson was our first finisher in 9th place overall. Just hitting the top 20 was Daniel Isherwood followed by Daniel Plant in 43rd, Stephen Biscomb in 66th and Martin Brady in 121st. There were 331 runners in the race.

L-R Richard Stevenson, Daniel Isherwood, Daniel Plant, Stephen Biscomb and Martin Brady

Report from Richard Stevenson

A small gathering of Clayton men turned up for the Longridge Xmas Pudding event, which is a well organised race with a challenging (700 ft elevation) scenic route on country lanes around Longridge.

I’ve done it a few times now and really enjoy the atmosphere plus you get the added bonus of a Xmas Pudding for all finishers. Well done to Daniel, Dan, Steve & Martin, hopefully there might be a few more Clayton runners next year.

Full Results

MYTHOLMROYD FELL RACE

A fantastic run for Chris Holdsworth as he continues his return from injury with a hard fought win at this end of season fell race.

Chris Holdsworth, winner of the Mytholmroyd fell race. Photo by Woodentops

A bit of a battle between Dave Bagot and Peter Coates earned them 8th and 12th place and gave our men’s team first place to boot. Carl Helliwell was snapping at their heels in 14th. Stephen Fish and Andrew Walmsley completed our contingent of men with Linda Lord our sole representative for the ladies.

Linda Lord at the Mytholmroyd fell race. Photo by Woodentops

Report from Peter Coates

Mytholmroyd Fell race is a 6 mile fell race with 500 metres of climbing, organised this year by Calder Valley Fell Runners. It was also the 7th and final race of the Clayton Fell Championship. Myself and Dave Bagot were tied on points and it was basically going to come down to whoever finished ahead of the other in this final race.

David Bagot chased by Peter Coates at the Mytholmroyd fell race. Photo by Woodentops

I stuck with Dave for the first half of the race which started with a steep climb out of the valley but eventually the elastic snapped and Dave got a bit of a lead on a very runnable path section and then extended his lead on the final climb before the slippery descent to the finish in Mytholmroyd. Well done to Dave thoroughly deserved.

Chris Holdsworth was overall race winner and led from the start in front of a couple of class runners in Ilkley’s Jack Wood and Calder Valley’s Karl Gray. Well done Chris absolute superb performance. Clayton with Chris, Dave and myself won the first team prize.

Report from Dave Bagot

This was a race I wouldn’t have normally done had it not been a club championship race, but it was a cracker and would definitely recommend, with a record entry of 179 people completing the tough 7 mile course. The route set off straight into a steep climb, and with over 700ft of climbing in the first mille, the field really spread out. The route then undulated for the next mile or so before a really fast, yet slippery, descent.

Up until this point I had been closely tailed by Pete Coates (both tied in 1st place going into the final race of the club fell championships), but I manged to stretch a slight lead on the decent before edging away along the road section that followed. We were then sent up another steep climb which I managed to run a good amount of and so drawing in the 2 runners ahead of me. A very fast few miles followed, ending with a tricky descent into the finish. At the finish I was pleased to see that Chris Holdsworth had won his first fell race back after a few months out injured. The win was even more impressive given the strong front runners he was up against with Jack Wood and Karl Gray finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively. I managed 8th place, followed by Pete Coates in 12th – which was enough to see us win the team prize. Carl Helliwell wasn’t far behind in 14th, followed by a group of Clayton runners with Stephen Fish in 139th, Linda Lord in 144th, Andrew Walmsley in 145th.

Full Results

PEAK RAID 3 – CROWDEN

This was the final event in a series of 4 3-hour mountain marathon (long scoring orienteering event) that were staged in the Peak District.

Katy Thompson and Jean Brown took part as solo competitors. Katy finished in 72nd place with an overall time of 2:48:59 and 245 points. Jean finished in 76^th place with a time of 02:47:36 and 235 poinjts

Full Results

SHITTERN SANTA SAUNTER

This 8km / 350m (4.97m / 1148ft) race takes place mainly over open moorland above Glossop with some tracks. The route takes in the summit of Glossop Low, shooters path junction, Dog Rock and Lightside top fence.

Report from Ivan Whigham

This race was run for the first time by the Glossop mountain rescue  and was 4.7 miles with 1000 ft of ascdnt. Climbing was well marshalled and flagged although it was very claggy on top. I was top twenty and I was the only Claytoner  about 70 ran.

Awaiting Results

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Burnley parkrun – A total of 249 runners took part.

Coventry parkrun – A total of 485 runners took part.

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 120 runners took part.

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 108 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun – A total of 57 runners took part.

Witton parkrun – A total of 65 runners took part.

It’s that time of year again and early December means only one thing; cross country at the notoriously and gloriously muddy Marl Pits. This fixture brought the Red Rose League to a close with some great results for the club. You’ve also been tearing up the tarmac at Guys 10 and Todmorden Park as well as additional cross country and the Shropshire Fells

A warm welcome to our newest members; James Dunderdale, Lucy Scott, Julie Newton, Michael Toms, Teresa de Curtis and Jessica McBride.

THURSDAY 1 DECEMBER

TODMORDEN PARK 5K WINTER SERIES – RACE 4

Martin Brady and Ron Chappell took part in the fourth race of the Todmorden Park 5K Winter Series organised by Cannonball Events. Martin was 23^rd in 23:25 and Ron was 37^th and 1^st MV65 in 29:22.

Full Results

SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER

BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY

Natasha and Bronia Olszewska both ran in the Yr 8/9 girls race. Bronia finished 19^th and Natasha was 5^th and goes on to compete for Blackburn Schools at the Lancashire fixture.

CARDINGTON CRACKER FELL RACE

Andy Firth and Pete Browning travelled down to Shropshire to take part in the Cardington Cracker Fell Race organised by Telford AC. It a 9 mile race with 2602ft of ascent. 252 runners completed the race.

Report from Andrew Firth

This is the third year running that I’ve made the trip down to Shropshire for this festive race, having been told how good it was by Jon Sharples. It’s a fair trek, but a good excuse for a weekend away, but it could be done in a day trip with an early start from Lancashire.

Andrew Firth at the Cardingham Cracker. Photo by Colin Williamson

For the first time I wasn’t the only Clayton Harrier in the race, Peter Browning also came down for a weekend away in his camper van. The race always attracts a good field, although the club vests in this part of the world are unfamiliar, although yellow vests appear to be prevalent (Shrewsbury, Mercia etc).

Peter Browning at the Cardington Cracker. Photo by Colin Williamson

As the 250+ runners set off my objective was simply to try and keep Pete in sight. The run out to the first main hill, The Lawley, is over gently rising farmland. Although the stiff frost had firmed up the mud there is a section where we are routed up a very muddy and unpleasant bridle way to avoid a kissing gate at the top of the very nice path which runs parallel on the other side of the hedge!

After about 10 mins of gradual climbing we plunge down a steep descent which is quite treacherous since it is still in the shade and frozen. After a short marshy section I look ahead only to see The Lawley rearing up in front of us for a good 10 mins of hands on knees climbing, and the first of three tough climbs. I’m getting quite warm at this point, in the sun and sheltered from the wind – as expected Pete is pulling away and disappearing over the top.

As always I enjoyed the descent, but the run across to the next and biggest climb Caradoc is quite tough, muddy fields, a bit of uphill road and a bridle way. Once on the climb I look up to see Pete quite a way ahead. As he climbs out of bracken I time myself to the same point – approx 3 mins, I’ll do well to peg him to that. When we get to the top and start the ridge run he is nowhere in sight. It’s amazing how 3 mins looks like a small gap on a climb but on flatter ground he isn’t in sight!

Another steep and technical descent sees me reel in a few runners, but the link to the next hill is uphill reducing most people including me to a fast walk again.

After the checkpoint at Gaerstones farm we start the last steep climb (although there’s still more climbing to come) and I spot Pete up ahead – again on the climb it doesn’t look too far so I pick a spot and time myself to the same place. Only 2 mins, and whilst I’m thinking I have made up some time I’m not kidding myself that I can catch him. The remainder of the race is exactly the sort Pete thrives on – after the initial climb it eases off with a gradual climb to the final summit. Again on the ridge Pete almost out of sight and I don’t see him again till the finish.

Once at the final hill checkpoint a steep descent to the valley again in the shade is tricky on the frozen path, but I got good grip by tramping down on the dying bracken gaining a few more places. All that is left now is a gradual climb up to The Wilderness and a ridge run before the gradual descent to the finish through the fields we started on. It’s all I can do to keep the legs running, but now I’m aiming at a sub 2 hr finish it gives me the motivation to just about grind it out.

At the finish I just dip in under the 2 hrs with about 20 secs to spare – some 4 mins quicker than last year. Pete as expected picked up the pace and took a couple of mins out of me on the run in – finishing in about 1.56.

In summary this is an excellent race, made better by the perfect sunshine and finished off with Sunday lunch in the historic Royal Oak pub with Pete and Sandy. A grand day out.

Full Results

MANCHESTER AREA CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE – HEATON PARK, MANCHESTER

The Manchester area cross country league was established following the merger of the Manchester & district, the Cheshire and the North West Women’s Cross Country leagues in 2006. The league provides competitive cross country running across all age groups.

Laura Hesketh was our sole competitor in this event and she finished 8^th overall in and 4^th senior woman.

Full Results

NWNL HAMELDON HILL

Jean Brown took part in the second event of the North West Night League orienteering event which took place on and around Hameldon Hill & Woods.

Blue Course

Full Results

RED ROSE CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE – MARL PITS

This was the fourth and final fixture of the Red Rose series at the infamous Marl Pits site. Despite the driest conditions for many years, there was still plenty of mud on the course.

U11 Boys

The U11 Boys are off! Photo by David Belshaw

Our U11 boys continued their winning streak with first and second places for Dexta Thompson and Robbie Smedley. Together with Jenson Bentham in 12^th they took the lead in the team results finishing in 1^st position.

U11 Girls

Helana White was our first U11 girl finishing in 3^rd place overall. The U11 Girls’ team finished in 6^th place (H White | S Hargreaves | K Thompson).

Helena White leads out the U11 Girls. Photo by David Belshaw

U13 Boys

The second win of the day came from Jackson McKay as he battled a group of fast Horwich Harriers to take first place. The U13 boys’ team finished in 4^th place (J McKay | C Brown | L Jackson)

Chris Brown and Lennon Jackson in the U13 boys race. Photo by David Belshaw

U13 Girls

Ella Dorrington was our first U13 girl in 11^th place overall. Together with Keira Stevenson and Bronia Olszewska, the team finished in 9^th place overall.

Keira Stevenson powering up the hill. Photo by David Belshaw

U15 Boys

Stanley Grewal was our first U15 boy in 19^th place. The U15 boys’ team finished in 5^th place ( S Grewal | J Bowman | A Stevenson)

U15 Girls

Second place for Briony Holt in this race. Millie Stubbs followed in 9^th place with a battle for third Clayton finisher between Liberty Thompson and Natasha Olszewska. The U15 girls’ team finished in 2^nd place.

Briony Holt in the U15 girls race. Photo by Bryn Barnes

U17 Men

Curtis Holt was our first U17 finisher in 7^th place, followed by Simon Wilshaw in 8^th. The team was completed by Reece Lawrence in 12^th giving the U17 men’s team 2^nd place.

Clayton U17 men on the start line. L-R Curtis Holt, Simon Wilshaw, Reece Lawrence. Photo by David Belshaw

U17 Women

Lucy Stevenson was our sole competitor in this age category. She finished in 10^th place.

Lucy Stevenson in the U17 race. Photo by Bryn Barnes

Men U20

George Pier was our sole U20 representative and he finished in 7^th place.

George Pier. Photo by Bryn Barnes

Ladies Race

Louisa Powell-Smith had a great run to finish in 2^nd place and 1^st L35. Katy Thompson was 1^st L60. Our ladies team finished in 8^th place (L Powell-Smith | M Abbot | C Darling-Smedley). The same ladies made up the ladies’ vets team and finished in 3^rd place.

Report from Louisa Powell-Smith

Marl Pitts – I loved it! Great course, super atmosphere and great team support. Brilliant running from everyone on a testing course. Good battle between myself and Laura Riches of Leigh for first place. After gaining the lead and pulling away on the last lap I fell victim to the bog on the hill and as a result lost the lead. Despite fighting back, I had nothing left in the tank and had to settle for second place.

Louisa Powell Smith battling with Laura Riches. Photo by Bryn Barnes

Despite it reportedly being the driest the course has been in recent years, the bogs were still there and still claiming shoes, feet and legs. Michelle Abbot had the misfortune to misjudge the mud and ended up waist deep and having to be rescued by another runner. Undeterred, she worked hard to catch up and pip team mate Cassandra Darling-Smedley to the finish.

Michelle Abbot before the bog. Photo by Bryn Barnes

Men’s Race

Danny Collinge was the first Clayton man and finished in 5^th place overall.

Danny Collinge in the men’s race. Photo by Bryn Barnes

Jeffrey Pickup was 1^st V65. The Men’s team finished 6^th (D Collinge | M Perry | M Duckworth | A Cran | G Pier | N Roscoe). The Vet men’s team (A Cran | N Roscoe | J Pickup | J Wilcock) finished in 10^th place.

Jeff Pickup 1st MV65 in the men’s race. Photo by Bryn Barnes

Report from Matthew Duckworth

Marl Pitts, what can I say! One of my favourite fixtures. if you ever think its an easy XC fixture because it’s shorter than usual, think again! With the steep, muddy climbs and the bog you have to run through at the top, it becomes one of the toughest. The conditions this year were pretty good really but after most of the cross country so far being quite warm and good underfoot, it was a completely different race in Rossendale on Saturday.

Matthew Duckworth tackling Marl Pits. Photo by Bryn Barnes

Full Results

RED ROSE CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE SERIES RESULTS

This has been a great cross country season for our juniors in particular with some excellent performances and results from the U11 boys and U 17 men. Individual wins for Dexta Thompson and Jackson McKay and excellent results for many others. Our senior result reflect the fact that no seniors managed to compete in more than 3 of the fixtures due to a clash with Mid Lancs this year and most choosing the Mid Lancs Fixture.

U11 Boys – Our U11 boys have taken the team prize with Dexta Thompson and Robbie Smedley taking 1^st and 2^nd place in the individual rankings.

U11 Girls – Our U11 girls’ team has finished in 5^th place. Helana White finished in joint 4^th place overall despite missing a fixture and a bout of appendicitis; a superb result for her.

U13 Boys – Our U13 Boys’ team finished in 5^th place. Jackson McKay has finished in 1^st place in the individual rankings.

U13 Girls – 9^th place for the U13 girls.

U15 Boys – 4^th place for the U15 boys

U15 Girls – 4^th place for the U15 girls

U17 Men – 2^nd place for the U17 men’s team

Ladies – with a clash of fixtures between the Red Rose and Mid Lancs cross country leagues none of our ladies ran all four fixtures as they opted for the Mid Lancs option. In fact, only Michelle Abbot and Christine Leathley qualified for the rankings having both competed in 3 fixtures. Michelle was 6^th L35 overall and Christine was 2^nd L65.

Our ladies team finished in 13^th place. And our vet ladies were 8^th.

Men – A similar story for the men. The men’s’ team finished in 6^th place with the vet men in 8^th place.

Full Series Results

SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER

GUYS 10

332 runners finished the rescheduled Guys 10 road race. Jacob Watson was our first Clayton man in 10^th place overall and with a time of 00:58:50. Richard Stevenson made the top 20 in 01:01:14. Super vet runners John Hartley and David Scott were 1^st MV60 and 1^st MV70.

Team Clayton at the Guys 10 Mile Race. L- R Andy Quinn, Vicky Heys, Irene Roche, Angela Shian and Michelle Butschok

Elizabeth Mullan was our first Clayton lady in 88^th place and 01:12:46 and we saw the welcome return from injury of Donna Airey in 124^th.

Report from Irene Roche

A lovely, bright December morning saw members of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers running in the Guys 10 mile road race. Many of us had entries brought forward from last year’s cancellation due to flooding. What a contrast in weather! It was good to see runners return from injury – Michael Hogan and Donna Airey – with superb performances. Andy Quinn was spotted at the finish and pulled into the photo snap before he got away.

Michelle Butschok and Liz Mullan were extremely pleased with a PB each and Angela, Vicky and me came into the finish as one job lot. Our own club president David Scott and Ian Hargreaves kept with us for the first three miles, then both left us behind to gain around three minutes on us. Well done both of you – perhaps our conversation spurred you both on. Totally enjoyed the morning and I’m entering again next year.

Report from Donna Airey

Having only run twice in 5 weeks due to injury, the 9pm Saturday night decision to do the race was definitely a gamble. The ankle held up, unlike the rest of me. Struggling with the distance from mile 5, I was glad to see the finish line. Course, organisation and marshals and even the weather were all great! This race is definitely on my list next year. Ankle hasn’t doubled in size today and I managed to knock 5 minutes off my current 10 mile race time. Thankfully, the gamble paid off this time.

Report from Adam Stephenson

A good turnout of Clayton Harriers rolled up in Garstang on a lovely Winter’s morning for the Guys 10 miler. It was a mostly flat course, and it was a good job as well because I think a few found it tough. By the seventh or eighth mile I felt like I was running through treacle with boots on! It’s a nice and scenic route, and very well organised and marshalled throughout. I’d definitely recommend it to anybody wanting to have a go at that distance.

There were a few PBs from our group which is always great, and some cheese at the end! Oh…and a well-earned pint.

More Team Clayton runners at Guys 10. L-R Donna Airey, Elizabeth Mullan, Adam Stephenson, David Scott, Ian Hargreaves Front – Matthew Duckworth and Jacob Watson and Matthe

Full Results

PFO HAMELDON HILL

The competition area is Hameldon Hill, with its extensive quarries and crags on the northern flank, and below them areas of woodland and the remnants of a WWII firing range

Report from the PFO website (abridged)

93 competitors at a PFO Level C event was a good turnout for this time of year, competing, as it did, with Christmas shopping. Thanks to the weather gods who smiled on us this year, remembering that our Pendle Night event exactly a year ago was cancelled due to Storm Desmond and our Pendle Day event involved some deep wading through Ogden Clough flood water.

All went well on the day with many comments and curses about the tricky nature of the quarries. Reeds on the open moor are inevitable in this part of Lancashire, so we cannot in all conscience offer apologies for this. Often the longer path route choice is quicker.

As they say in these parts, it was a grand day out.

Brown Course

Blue Course

Green Course

Orange Course

Full Results

parkrun Roundup

Burnley parkrun – A total of 218 runners took part

Burnley junior parkrun – A total of 34 runners took part

Chester parkrun – A total of 170 runners took part.

Concord parkrun, Sheffield – A total of 83 runners took part.

Cuerden Valley parkrun – A total of 136 runners took part.

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 123 runners took part.

 Pendle parkrun – A total of 61 runners took part.

 Preston parkrun – A total of 275 runners took part.

All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey. You went for a run on a winter’s day! It’s been pretty chilly this week and getting colder. It’s a good job you are a hardy bunch. There’s been plenty of great racing on show including cross country, road racing and fell relays. There have been returns to racing, challenges undertaken, PBs, wins and plenty of smiling faces.

THURSDAY 24 NOVEMBER

Todmorden Park 5K Winter Series – Race 3

44 runners put on their head torches to race in the third race of this winter 5K series organised by Cannonball Events. Garry Wilkinson was 6th in 19:12 and Ron Chappell was 40th in 29:07.

Full Results

SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER

Kirkby Moor Fell Race

This 6.5 mile fell race with 1608ft of ascent is organised by Black Combe Runners and is a fast race over rolling moorland: a mixture of heather, sheep tracks and sometimes the access tracks for the windmills. It’s not that high or steep, so a good race for beginners and road runners, but some parts are still quite hard going and navigation on the moor can be very interesting in the November fog.

Wendy Dodds was our sole representative in a field of 58 runners. She was 46^th and 1^st FV60 in a time of 01:22:38

Full Results

Mid Lancs Cross Country League – Sefton Park

It was a cold and misty morning as the Sefton Park fixture kicked off. Visibility was minimal giving an otherworldly feel to things as the juniors set off and disappeared from view. There were some great performances for all who ran.

Junior racing at the Mid Lancs’ Sefton park fixture. Photo by Alan Dorrington

U11 Girls

Helana White was our first U11 girl in 11th place overall and completing the team were Summer Hargreaves in 35th place and Kady Thompson in 38th.

Team Position 6^th (H White |S Hargreaves | K Thompson)

U11 Boys

Our U11 boys continue to have a storming season with a win for Dexta Thompson and 7th place for Jenson Bentham. Matthew Jackson had a great run to complete the team and finish in 17th place.

Team Position 1^st (D Thompson | J Bentham | M Jackson)

U13 Girls

Just a dynamic duo of girls in the U13 category at this race. Ella Dorrington was our first finisher in 25th place and Heidi Kewin was 75th.

U13 Boys

Jackson McKay was our first finisher in the U13 boys race. Team mates Lennon Jackson and William Nicholls were 28th and 37th respectively.

Team position 7^th ( J McKay | L Jackson | W Nicholls)

U15 Girls

The U15 girls continue their good form with Briony Holt finishing in 5th place. Eleanor Root was 22nd with Liberty Thompson chasing her in 23rd place.

Team position 5^th ( B Holt | E Root | L Thompson)

Briony Holt in the U15 Girls race. Photo by Alan Dorrington

U17 Men

Curtis Holt and Simon Wilshaw ran in this competitive category with Curtis in 24th place and Simon in 30th.

Senior Ladies

Report from Irene Roche

Out of the sunshine and into the fog our cross-country runners turned up to run round the challenging course at Sefton Park.

Michelle Abbot and Irene Roche.

The Mid Lancs fixture here at Liverpool is a much bigger event to experience compared to our usual cross-country venues in this League. More than the Mid Lancs takes place within the day which adds to the excitement over the PA system and what you see around you. Clayton Harriers ladies had two teams all together who ran … with lots of support around the course from the ladies who didn’t quite make the start. A good turnout also for the men. The results show some excellent runs achieved by all abilities from our members. Thank you to all who made it to Sefton on Saturday – runners and spectators. Well done to all who ran

Jean Knightley in the Ladies race. photo by David Wood

Ladies team position 15^th ( M Abbot | I Roche | J Knightley)

Ladies B Team 32^nd ( H Burnett | J Carey | S Allen)

Ladies Over 35 7^th (M Abbot | I Roche | J Knightley)

Ladies Over 45 5^th (I Roche |J Knightley | H Burnett)

Ladies Over 55 1^st ( I Roche | J Knightley| S Allen)

Senior Men

Report from Christopher Holdsworth

After spending 80% of the year injured, in particular, the last three months suffering niggles the stuff nightmares are made of , it’s safe to say I’m chuffed to be back racing. I’ve genuinely hated every second of  not being able to compete and boy do my close family and friends know it!

Chris Holdsworth with a welcome return to racing at Sefton Park. Photo by David Wood

A word of warning to all Clayton Harriers; look after your body and enjoy every second of running – you never know when a lengthy spell on the sidelines is on the cards.

As for the race, hamstrings screamed, lungs burned, but the hip held firm and I loved every second of it. Felt a little rusty but it’s great to be  back racing with Clayton again.

Robert Aspinall in the senior men’s race. Photo by David Wood

Mens team position 13^th ( C Holdsworth | R Aspinall | M Duckworth | A Holt | A Cran | K Davies)

Mens B Team 33^rd (A Dorrington | B Horrocks | J Wilcock | J Hickie | C Lawrence | A Quinn)

Men Over 40 6^th (R Aspinall | A Holt | A Cran | K Davies)

Men Over 50 3^rd (R Aspinall | K Davies | B Horrocks)