Author Archive Adrienne Olszewska

This week you have been mostly keeping it local and lapping round. There’s been fell running around the reservoirs and monster bracken at Widdop, fast 5K laps racing at Todmorden Park, navigating around Barley and Pendle, loads and loads of laps at the Thunder run, and a huge turnout to the Grand Prix races around Towneley Park.

Late Results

SUNDAY JULY 17

Ironman UK – Bolton

Congratulations to Paul Thompson who completed his Ironman challenge in 11:31:18

Paul Thompson – ironman!

Full Results

And now onto this week’s action….

WEDNESDAY 20 JULY

Lancaster 10K

151 runners took part in this 10K race. Daniel Isherwood and Jean Knightley took part. Daniel was our first finisher in 23^rd place overall and with a time of 39:47. Jean was 67^th overall and 1^st FV55 with atime of 48:44.

Full Results

Widdop Fell Race

Five Clayton-le-Moors Harriers took part in this little toughie of a mid-week fell race. It’s a 7 mile course with 1201ft of ascent. The high moorland route follows good and interesting paths with a few tussocks and chest high bracken thrown in (head height bracken in my case!).

Ryan Belshaw at the Widdop Fell Race. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

Five seniors took part in this race. Ryan Belshaw was our first finisher in 17th place overall and a time of 59:47.  Jeff Pickup was our next finisher in 61st. Michael Frost was 107th and Robert Hirst was 110th. Adrienne Olszewska was our sole lady runner and finished in 108th place.

Robert Hirst and Michael Frost at the Widdop Fell Race. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

Report by Adrienne Olszewska

My daughters were taking part in the junior races so I though why not have a run out myself. This is a tough but enjoyable race with a bit of everything.  The start takes runners a little way down the road from the Pack Horse pub before grinding to a (some might say welcome) stop as everyone queues politely to get past a stile. On the first climb the pack begins to spread out and stiles and gates are no longer stopping points.

Adrienne Olszewska at the Widdop Fell Race. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

Up and over to the Lower Gorple Reservoir and same again to Widdop Reservoir before the slog up the track to the moors. Some good paths and some rough stuff in equal measure for the next couple of miles with a bit of bogginess that I managed to fall in. After that a really enjoyable downhill gets you going again until you hit a short and steep road section to re-join the path that contours back around to the start. This year the bracken is big – really, really big and I was submerged in it most of the way back to the bottom of the finish field.

This is a great race and it would be even better if there were few more Clayton runners doing it next time.

Full Results

Widdop Junior Races

U8 Race

A great race for Ellisia Smedley who held her own in a field of local runners. She was 8^th overall and 2^nd girl in the race.

Ellisia Smedley in the U8 Race at Widdop. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

U10 Race

Some great running from Jenson Bentham, Matthew Jackson and Rachel Stevenson in this race.

Matthew Jackson emerging from the gigantic bracken at the Widdop fell race. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

U12 Race

Dexta Thompson won his age category, successfully keep off stiff competition from local Calder Valley runners. Robbie Smedley took 9^th place and Bronia Olszewska was 20^th.

Dexta Thompson (blue vest) in the U12 Race at Widdop. Photo by David Belshaw

U14 Race

Briony Holt was the overall winner of the under 14 race making it look effortless at the same time! Next in was Nicholas Hennessey in 2^nd overall. Adam Stevenson was 7^th and Natasha Olszewska was 8^th.

Briony Holt at the Widdop Fell Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Junior Results

THURSDAY 21 JULY                         

Todmorden Park 5K

It was a great evening of racing for our club members at the Todmorden Park 5K race series. This was the 3^rd race of the series and 11 members took part. Jacob Watson was 3^rd overall and 1^st senior male with a time of 17:18. Jackson McKay was 1^st MU14 and Ron Chappell was 1^st MV65. Amanda Duffy was our first lady finisher in 37^th place overall and 2^nd W35, and Val Lawson was 1^st LV70.

Our Men’s team took first team position (J Watson|D McMullan|S Green).

Full Results

SATURDAY 23 JULY

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers Navigation Workshop

Clayton Members Colin Woolford and Mark Nutter combined 40 years of experience in fell running, mountain marathons, adventure racing and orienteering to put on a workshop to help develop navigation skills. They put on an excellent session that was interesting, relevant and backed up with a navigation challenge event to put new found skills into practice.

Irene Roche in search of checkpoint 5 at the navigation challenge. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

Report from Sarah Helliwell

We both decided to seize the opportunity and take advantage of the wealth of knowledge that the club has to offer on fell running and navigation. With the kids at the grandparents and the sun shining we set of to Whitehough near Barley.

Everyone was greeted by Colin and Mark with coffee and pastries as we soon got down to the theory side of map reading! We covered a variety of areas from using your compass correctly, identifying the difference between man-made markers and natural markers. Plus learning new terminology such as; ‘re-entrants, ‘saddles’ ‘thumbing’ and ‘hand rails’.

After some good discussions and map reading tasks it was time to put this into practice. We were all given electronic dibbers and the task of finding 10 checkpoints using the navigation map they provided us. This was a great way for us to put our new skills into practice!

We ran the course as pair, this was the first time we had actually run together and I was worried at being too slow for Carl. However, I really enjoyed running with him and it was great to see Carl leading the way with the map reading and regularly using his compass. As before this course I would have confidently said I would have had very little faith in him… 😉

We were chuffed as we got all of the 10 checkpoints and felt like we did it as efficiently as we could.

Checkpoint 5

We would like to say a massive thank you to Colin Woolford and Mark Nutter who put a lot of preparation and planning into the day’s events, putting out the dibbers at 6.30am and collecting them back in late into the evening. We would fully recommend the course and we hope that other club members get the opportunity to do it.

Conti 24 Hour Thunder Run

The Conti Thunder Run is a 24 hour off-road relay race against the clock. It can be run solo, in pairs or teams of 5 or 8. The organisers claim that it’ll test your tactics, endurance, speed and team work. It’s described as an exhilarating, rewarding and tiring race with a great atmosphere. Runners complete as many 10K (?) laps as they can in a 24 hour period.

Four club members took part. Dave Motley and Danny Collinge joined runners from a range of other clubs to make up Team Cannonball and take 3^rd place in the Teams 6-8 race. The team completed 34 laps with Dave Motley running 5 of them and Danny Collinge running 2.

Dave Motley at the Conti 24 Hour Thunder Run

Nerina Gill and Julia Rushton took part in the individual female event and took on as many laps as they could during the 24 hours. Nerina Gill finished 12^th overall and ran an impressive 12 laps. Julia finished in 22^nd place having completed 9 laps.

Nerina Gill and Julia Rushton after the 24 hour Conti Thunder Run

Full Results

Lingmell Dash AWAITING RESULTS

Sunday 24 July

Coniston Country Fair Classic Old Man Fell Race AWAITING RESULTS

Harrock Hill Race 3

Stephen Fish was our sole representative in this 3^rd race of the Harrock Hill Series. He finished in 187^th place with a time of 01:00:04.

Full Results

Towneley Park 10K

Another huge turnout of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers for the latest event in the Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix with 56 seniors and 33 juniors taking part.

Start of the Towneley 10K. Photo by David Belshaw

This is local stomping ground for many of our runners so some great results and, with the addition of a set of junior races, it was fantastic to see so many club members spanning the generations from the age of 6 right up to 73; boys and girls, men and women.

Judith Carey at the Towneley 10K. Photo by David Belshaw

Quite a few members that weren’t running were dotted about the courses supporting or marshalling the event as well.

Senior Race

Jacob Watson was our first finisher in 3^rd place overall and a time of 37:37.

Jacob Watson at the Towneley 10K. Photo by David Belshaw

Joining him in the top ten were Matthew Duckworth (6^th place) and Chris Snell (10^th place). Louisa Powell-Smith won the ladies race and was 20^th overall with a time of 39:51.

Louisa Powell-Smith at the Towneley 10K. Photo by David Belshaw

There were age category wins for John Hartley (1^st M55), Louisa Powell- Smith (1^st F35), Paul Hesketh (1^st M50), Jordan McDonald (1^st MJ), Roger Brewster (1^st M60), David Scott (1^st M70), Bethany Quinn (1^st FJ) and Christine Egerton (1^st F65).

Beth Quinn at the Towneley 10K. Photo by David Belshaw

Roger Brewster at the Towneley 10K. Photo by David Belshaw

A Testing 10 – Report from Mick Hughes

Following a week of hot, humid weather came race 11 of the Pendle & Burnley Grand Prix (Towneley 10k). Slight showers presided just before the off and it remained a humid 68 degrees F. A series of junior races preceded with excellent attendance and many mini orange striped vests could be seen amongst the showing from several clubs and the junior Harriers once again riding high on the results tables for all races (A testament to the excellent training and development continuing in growth at the club).

As a very new member, and relative newbie to the hilltops, I was slightly nervy and the banter with fellow Harriers at the Stables Café pre-race was a welcome diversion.

Mick Hughes at the Towneley 10K. Photo by David Belshaw

The senior turn out was a terrific example of how popular the PBGP and local races have become as I saw vests of so many clubs, some from as far afield as Fylde coast, Morecambe, Prestwich & Lancaster. 11am came and the route left Towneley via a lap on the concrete path and slight pull up through the woods (luring us into a false sense of security, especially those who set off with a little hasty pace!) to exit onto Todmorden Road. The humidity kicked in as our legs started feeling the strain as we hit the elevations of the dreaded Mount Lane leaving walk mill and winding up to the heights of Red Lees Road (at least with the solace of great views of our mill town in the distance). I had a quiet word with myself and pushed on through the aches until we levelled out near the fighting Cocks Pub. Most of the runners around me seemed to recover a little and manage to pace up slightly.

After (according to my watch) 486ft of elevation we finally turned left guided by one of many lovely marshals, and descended down the steep track back into Towneley Park to the welcome sound of those cheering us on. As a newbie I was of course super keen to represent the club well and managed to our overtake and gain a few places to the cry of ‘c’mon Clayton’!.

I could see several Harriers and Trawden Vests (usual rapid suspects and seasoned runners) already through the finish and I didn’t have much left in the tank as I managed the final lap and stretch to the finish. John Roche patted me on the back and asked me how I’d got on.. I have to agree with his words exactly ” It’s a hilly course that”!.

3 Harriers came in within the top 10 with times under 40 mins and the overall representation and results for us across all age groups look great. It’s started out, and will remain a personal challenge training and improving on the hill climbs for me, but looking at my fellow club runners and the progress we see every race, long may it continue.t

Full Results

Towneley Junior Races

With Towneley Park being home turf for so many club members, it was hardly surprising to see a big turnout for the junior races as well as the seniors.

Clayton Juniors out in force at the Towneley Races. Photo by David Belshaw

33 of our juniors took part in three races making up just over half of the total field. There were some great runs from everyone and wins in all the race. A great day’s racing for our younger runners.

U8 Race

22 junior runners took part in the U8 race. Harry Smith won the race in 3:03. Ellisia Smedley was our first junior girl finisher and 3^rd girl in the race. Very strong performances from all of our youngest runners in this race.

Harry Smith in the U8 Race at Towneley. Photo by David Belshaw

 U12 Race

Team Clayton dominated the U12 race with all but one top ten place taken by a Clayton runner.

Start of the U12 Race at Towneley. Photo by David Belshaw

Dexta Thompson was the winner with Ella Dorrington taking the girls race and 5^th place overall. There were individual age category wins for Dexta Thompson (1^st M10), Summer Hargreaves (1^st F10), Robbie Smedley (1^st M12) and Ella Dorrington (1^st F12). A great set of results for our junior runners.

 U16 Race

With Clayton runners making up more than half the field, it was undoubtedly a great set of results for our juniors.

Under 16 Race at Towneley. Photo by David Belshaw

Jackson McKay won the race and Millie Stubbs won the girls race. Age category wins were Jackson McKay (1^st M14), Millie Stubbs (1^st F14), and Reece Lawrence (1^st M16).

Junior Results

Parkrun roundup

This week saw the inaugural running of the Burnley junior parkrun with 54 junior runners taking part. 11 of our junior runners took part (and a handful stayed on to run the junior Grand Prix races a little later).

Burgess parkrun – A total of 163 runners took part.

Burnley parkrun – A total of 348 runners took part.

Burnley junior parkrun

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 100 runners took part.

Glossop parkrun – A total of 85 runners took part.

Mile End parkrun – A total of 237 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun – A total of 101 runners took part.

Witton parkrun – A total of 76 runners took part.

It’s been a week of mountains, uphills and downhills, trails and running festivals with a sprinkle of road running to make it a perfect mix! There’s a report from the Dolomite Skyrace, results from the Snowden Mountain race and fell running galore at Worston, Bull Hill, Cracoe and the Lakeland classic, the Kentmere Horseshoe. You’ve been on the trails around Barley, Castle Howard and thumping the, sometimes rather steep, tarmac at the Pendle Running Festival and the somewhat flatter roads of Cheshire and Lytham.

Late Results

Bollington Nostalgia Hill Race – 10 July

The 12th Bollington Nostalgia Hill Race, organised by the Bridgend Centre took place on Sunday 10th July 2016. One hundred and twenty four runners enthusiastically took on the challenge of the 11.4km multi terrain route over road, pasture, high moorland and canal towpath in the beautiful countryside around Bollington. David Rutley, MP for Macclesfield, was on hand to start the race and send the runners on their way with much encouragement.

The weather was kind and it remained dry until just after the start of the race at 11am, there were small showers but this helped to keep competitors cool.

Ivan Whigham was our sole representative in this race, he reports;

Conditions were good and the pace was fast on trails, paths and canal. I was outclassed by mainly road runners but gained on the uphill and downhill parts of the course. This race would suit a novice for a first fell race as it was a marked course. This is the 2^nd time I’ve done the race and will do it again as Bollington is a pretty place.

Full Results

And onto this week’s action!

TUESDAY 12 JULY

Worston Summer Series Races

Great value for club members this summer series race is really two races for the price of one! There is an uphill race and then a separate downhill race.

Pete Browning, Chris Funnell and Carl Helliwell at the Worston Races. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

A great way to make the most of your strengths if you are a great downhill runner but not so good at the uphill and vice versa. 24 runners took part in this year’s event.

Beth Quinn, Briony Holt, Ellie Root and Sarah Helliwell at the Worston Races. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

Dave Motley ran strongly and finished first in both races.

Dave Motley leading the downhill race. Photo by Alan Dorrington

Briony Holt was the first female in both races. Other than that people took different positions in each race.

Richard Brisco and Briony Holt racing to the finish at the Worston Downhill Race. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

On top of the actual racing, is the estimating of race times. The uphill was won by Richard Brisco whose estimated time was only out by 7 seconds. The downhill was won by Ivan Whigham who was 29 seconds out.

Ivan Whigham and Chris Funnell battling to the finish at the Worston Downhill Race. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

Uphill Race Results

Heading up hill at Worston. Photo by David Belshaw

Downhill Race Results

At Pendle Trig Point waiting for the start of the Downhill Race. Photo by Andy Holt

Junior Races

Flying downhill. Photo by Alan Dorrington

A few of the older junior runners took part in the senior races but there was still a turnout of 16 juniors. Just 2 runners in the U8/U10 race. Rachel Stevenson finished first with Ellisia Smedley chasing her for second place.

In the U12/U14 race Christopher Brown had a great run to finish in first place. Helana White was our first girl to finish.

Just like the senior runners the juniors also had the extra challenge of estimating their times.

U8/U10 Race.

Rachel Stevenson chased by Ellisia Smedley at the U8/U10 Race. Photo by Alan Dorrington

U12/U14 Race

Harry Mason followed by Natasha Olszewska and Keira Stevenson. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

Full Results

WEDNESDAY 13 JULY

Ian Terry Memorial 5K Road Race

Three club members took part in this 5K race organised by Andems Runners/Rochdale Harriers in memory of Ian Terry, a police officer who was tragically killed during a training accident. Paul Brannon finished in 4^th place overall with a time of 18:25. Robert Morrison was 14^th with a time of 21:39 and Jack McGuire was 36^th with 30:05. 53 runners took part.

Full Results

THURSDAY 14 JULY

Bull Hill Fell Race

Ryan Wilkinson was our sole representative in this fell race. He finished in 15^th place with a time of 41:37 in afield of 201 runners.

Full Results

SATURDAY 16 JULY

Pendle Running Festival – Day 1

In its second year, the Pendle Running Festival offers a small but challenging set of events for runners. Taking place over the weekend you can choose from a trail race, a 10K, a Half Marathon and orienteering events. More than one if you are up for the challenge! Using Whitehough Outdoor Centre as a base there are lots of other activities to choose from making this a great weekend for the whole family.

Ian Hargreaves and Mick Hughes at the Pendle Running Festival

Pendle Running Festival – Half Marathon

Five Clayton Harriers took on this tough half marathon. Andrew Stubbs finished in 2^nd place with Andy Armstrong in 8^th place. Stuart Proctor made up the men’s team in 20^th place. Angela Shian and Vicky Heys finished in 34^th and 36^th positions and 1^st F35 and 1^st F45 respectively. A total of 56 runners took part in the race.

Clayton Runners in the Pendle Running Festival Half Marathon. Photo by Harry Devonport

 Pendle Running Festival – 10K Race

Five Club Members took part in the 10K race. Tracy Mitchell was both the first Clayton finisher as well as first lady finisher in the race overall. Donna Airey was our second lady in the race and 2^nd F35. Mich Hughes was our first Clayton man and Martin Bradt and Ian Hargreaves completed the team. A Total of 56 runners took part in the race.

New club member Mick Hughes at the Pendle Running Festival.

Full Results

Snowden Mountain Race

Five club members took part in the Snowden Mountain Race. The race starts and finishes at Padarn Park LLanberis. The runners follow and out and back route to the summit of Snowden. The race is 10 miles with 3300ft of climbing. Wendy Dodds was our first finisher in 302^nd place and 1^st FV60.

Wendy Dodds at the Snowden Mountain Race. Photo by Sue-Nigel Jeff

Mark Taylor was our first male finisher in 403^rd in a field of 603 finishers.

Mark Taylor at the Snowden Mountain Race. Photo by Stuart Russell

Snowden Mountain Race – Nicola Dugdale. Photo by Su-Nigel Jeff

Full Results 

SUNDAY 17 JULY

Castle Howard 10K Trail Race

The Castle Howard Trail Races offer fantastic routes around the grounds of one of Yorkshire’s finest historic homes. Castle Howard historic house and estate is home to the event, located just off the A64 between York and Malton. The route enjoys breathtaking views of the Castle Howard estate, taking in glorious scenery and a variety of architectural gems along the way. With the superb Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as a backdrop to the races, it’s hard to find a more attractive route.

Breton Holdsworth took part in this race. He finished in 5^th place in a time of 43:11

Full Results

Cheshire Half Marathon

Report from Jonathan Cleaver

There were just two Clayton runners registered, myself and Dan Plant, both keen to post good times on what’s supposed to be a flat fast course at Arley Hall in Knutsford.

John Cleaver at the Cheshire half marathon

It’s a closed road course (which had cars on it), 2 laps through some beautiful countryside. The weather for once was on our side with dry sunny conditions with a light breeze.

Jon Cleaver’s shirt that acurately predicted his time.

The course lived up to expectations with speed and set off pretty well averaging 06:20 miles for the first 10km and then the efforts from the week before started to catch up with me. I ended up with a PB of 01:24:19 and Dan came in just over the 01:30 mark. It’s a course I could definitely do better on next year with opportunities to keep the faster pace going for longer.

It’s a highly recommended course for PB and half marathon first timers!

Full Results

Cracoe (BOFRA) Fell Races

Senior Race

Richard Briscoe and Stephen Fish ran in the senior race at Cracoe which forms part of the BOFRA championship series. Richard finished in 39^th place and Stephen was 67^th.

Stephen Fish at the Cracoe race. Photo by Woodentops

U17 Race

Briony Holt continues her great form and finished in 11^th place overall and 1^st girl in this BOFRA race.

Briony Holt in the U16 Race. Photo by David Belshaw

U12 Race

Another great result for Dexta Thompson who finished in 2^nd place.

Dexta Thompson at the Cracoe race. Photo by David Belshaw

Chris Brown was 12^th and Jenson Bentham completed our trio of boys in 21^st place.

Jenson Bentham at the Cracoe race. Photo by David Belshaw

Kady Thompson was our only girl runner and she was 43^rd overall.

Kady Thompson at the Cracoe races. Photo by David Belshaw

U9 Race

Felix Thompson was our sole U9 runner and finished in 21^st place

Felix Thompson at the Cracoe Races. Photo by Woodentop

Full Results

Dolomites Skyrace

Andrew Firth took part in this tough, Italian mountain race finishing in 594^th place overall with atime of 3:42:25. There were 786 finishers.

Report from Andrew Firth

The Dolomites Skyrace held its 19th edition this weekend in Canazei, Val di Fassi. The event comprises a vertical kilometre race, i.e. a height gain of 1km which took place in sunny conditions on Friday. I was just a spectator for this and caught the cable car to the mid station and then marched Dinah upwards for approx. half an hour to the finish line at the top of Crepa Niegra, which overlooks the town. Whilst it was sunny there was a freezing cold wind on top which made spectating a bit uncomfortable. Anyway we enjoyed watching the elite competitors who made the impossibly steep climb look easy with most of the continentals using walking poles.

A line of runners zigzag up at the Dolomites Skyrace. Photo by Andrew Firth

The main event started bright and early at 8.30 on Sunday and when we parked up at about 7.30 it was very chilly since the sun was hidden by the mountain. It was clearly going to be very sunny and warm once we got into the sun, but it did feel weird putting sun cream on when it was so cold – I wore my down Pertex to the start!

This was my fourth attendance at this event, having completed in 2008, 2009 and 2011, but I have only done the full route to the top of Piz Boe once in 2008, the subsequent events were shortened due to snow on the route, and so I had done 3 different routes previously.

We were told that there were 1200 entrants this year, although I never managed to get a list prior to the race. I started right at the back, and it felt like a London Marathon type start where you can’t run properly for quite a while. Eventually breaking into a jog as we left the town streets and started on the way up the ski run I found I was passing a few and felt quite good. The cool mountain air felt good in the lungs and I was surprised at how I felt, my reccy of the lower slopes the Sunday before had felt very laboured in the heat of mid-morning and I had been quite apprehensive about the race as a result. It took quite a while to gain height and come out of the mountain shadow on the approach to Pordoi Pass when the heat started to make itself felt.

Looking back at the Dolomites Skyrace. Photo by Andrew Firth

Pordoi Pass is around 7500 ft above sea level, and there is a road that snakes its way to the summit. I had cycled up the road the previous week which took me an hour to the top. The road does zigzag quite a bit, and even though the run goes straight up I was pleased to match that on foot, particularly because I then still had a further hour to make the only cut-off of 2 hours to the top of Forcella Pordoi. The next bit is an impossibly steep zigzag up a scree slope which brings you to the plateau below Piz Boe. A gel and just concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other finally got me to the cut-off with just over 10 mins to spare. I looked down at those behind and thought there are going to be a substantial number of disappointed people.

At last I could get running again, passing people regularly across the plateau (including quite a few patches of dodgy compacted snow). The climb up to Piz Boe becomes a bit of a scramble with fixed wires to hold onto for safety. I had set off with just Clayton vest, but at this point I started to get quite cold with the biting cold wind at altitude. Hands in particular were suffering but because of the precarious climb I didn’t want to start messing with my bumbag so just put up with it. Soon we were at the top, over 10000ft and 2 hrs 15mins of continuous climbing, but at least it was downhill all the way back, or so I told myself.

The downhill starts with a very technical descent, followed by a steep loose scree to the plateau. Normally I love this type of terrain, but in trying too hard to pass I came a cropper early on the scree – no serious damage except to my pride, but psychologically it certainly had the effect of slowing me down to make certain of foot placements.

The memory is a strange thing when it comes to mountain running, after traversing the plateau for a short time we started to climb again, surely that can’t be right. Well I don’t remember it from 2008, but we were all following the markers.

Eventually we came to the next steep scree descent where I continued to make measured progress, passing quite a few, but being circumspect with foot placement. The descent does take a lot out of you, being 12km as opposed to 10km uphill. Eventually we reached Val Lasties where the gradient eases off a bit, and whilst still quite stony there is a bit more route choice if you fancy going off piste. There was a group on the path in front holding me up, so I veered off to the left on uneven grass/rock. Just as I had overtaken the group I noticed that the path had improved significantly so made a move back to the right to regain it, as I did so I tripped over a rock and fell full length at the feet of the group I had just over taken. Again no serious damage, just a skinned knee, but it again hit my descending confidence probably slowing me up a bit for the remaining descent which seemed to be going on a bit.

On the lower part of the descent they had definitely made a change in the route, what felt like an unnecessary diversion and horror of horrors including some more climbing at this late stage. This brought me (and the runners around me) to a walk until we started going downhill again. The last 2/3k I felt quite strong, still passing people. The only problem was a little stone probably picked in the screes had lodged inside my left shoe and had made its way to lodge itself against my big toenail. I wasn’t prepared to stop at this point but each foot plant on my left foot was agony as it was downhill all the way down the ski run to the finish. I finished in 3 hrs 42 mins, about 20 mins down on my 2008 time, but hey I’m 8 years older and nearer to 60 than I would like. I’ll probably have “Ben legs” tomorrow, but overall I’m pleased with the performance.

By the way this is a great place to enjoy the mountains in summer, and is particularly geared up for kids with adventure parks all over. The cable car and public transport system is great. Next year’s race is the 20th edition and they are planning a weekend of races 19th to 22nd July followed by a party on the Saturday night. Check it out at www.dolomiteskyrace.com, or ask me about it if you are interested.

Full Results

Kentmere Horseshoe

Ivan Whigham and Wendy Dodds ran in this classic Lakeland fell race around the Kentmere Horseshoe.

Full Results

Pendle Running Festival – Trail Race

85 runners from a range of local clubs took part in the Pendle Festival Trail Race. 12 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers lined up at the start. There was a clean sweep for our men as Danny Collinge took first place with Richard Stevenson in second and Matthew Duckworth in 3^rd. Donna Airey was our first lady finisher.

Pendle Running Festival – Orienteering

Ralph Baines and Colin Woolford took part in the Long Score orienteering event. Ralph Baines was in first place with a total score of 181 points and a time of 1:31:36. Colin Woolford was 7^th with 95 points and a time of 1:37:28

Windmill Half Marathon

A duo of Clayton men took part in this fast and flat half marathon around Lytham St Annes and Fairhaven Lake. Colin White was our first finisher in 139^th place overall and with a time of 1:46:01 and Geoff Smith was not far behind in 143^rd and 1:46:44.

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

Plenty of parkrun action this weekend with a sizeable portion of the top ten at Burnley parkrun and a fair few new PBs. Junior runner Aaron Lundie hit a major milestone by completing his 100^th parkrun with a PB this week at Towneley Park. Since his first run in November 2013, Aaron has taken over 12 minutes off his time – well done!

Aaron Lundie celebrating 100 parkruns

Great runs were seen at Pendle with Chris Holdsworth visiting for the first time and flying round to take first place. Nerine Gill celebrated her 50^th parkrun by being the first woman finisher at Witton parkrun and grabbing a new PB as well.

Nerina Gill at Witton parkrun

Burnley parkrun – A total of 327 runners took part.

Lancaster parkrun – A total of 149 runners took part

Oakwell Hall parkrun – A total of 324 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun – A total of 94 runners took part.

Witton parkrun – A total of 43 runners took part.

Wow! You have been out in huge numbers at the Witton Park Summer Trail Relays and the Trawden 7 Trail Race. We’ve had fastest legs, outright wins and championship successes this week. Chris Holdsworth and Louisa Powell-Smith continue to shine and our juniors have been showing us what they are made of. There’s also been road marathons, mountain marathon and Isoman triathlons as well. We have a couple of late ultra race results with some brilliant performances.Oh, and I have a nice new pair of ultra comfy shoes.

Late Results

Missed from last week’s roundup here are a couple of impressive late results from our ultra-runners!

Lavaredo Ultra Trail – Friday 24 June

The North Face Lavaredo Ultra Trail is a running race that takes place along paths in the Dolomite Mountains – a World Heritage site – for about 119 km (Approx. 74 miles) and with a variation in altitude of 5,850 metres (Approx. 19193 ft). The race is partly self-sufficient and it starts on Friday 24 June 2016 at 11.00 p.m. in Corso Italia in Cortina d’Ampezzo; maximum time: 30 hours.

Jean Brown at the finish of the North Face Lavaredo Ultra Trail race.

Jean Brown took part in this event and finished in 216^th place with a time of 20:00:45. 976 Runners took part.

Jean Reports

Massive thank you to Victoria Wilkinson and Denise Park! Two weeks ago my left calf / Achilles hurt walking, but after a concentrated effort from Vic; Denise working her magic; and me following their expert advice, I was on the start line of the Lavaredo Ultra Trail at 11pm on Friday! That was great, but for my leg to have stood up to the 119 km (5850m ascent) and finish the race 20 hours later was amazing!

Full Results

West Highland Way – Saturday 25 June

Congratulations to ultra-runner Martin Terry who took part in the West Highland Way Race and finished in 12^th place overall and 1^st V50 with a time of 19:05:36. The race follows a linear route from Milngavie Railway Station and follows the West Highland Way route to the leisure centre in Fort William a distance of just over 95 miles.

Full Results

Now onto this week’s action!

Wednesday 29 June

Cragg Vale Fell Race

104 Runners took part in this mid-week fell race run from the heart of the village. It’s a 4 mile race with 800ft of climb. Richard Briscoe and Stephen Fish took part.

Full Results

Thursday 30 June

Witton Park Summer Trail Relays

We entered a whopping 26 teams with a total of 78 runners in this popular local trail relay held in Witton Park, Blackburn. In total there were 122 teams from 12 different clubs.

And they are off! Leg 1 runners at the WItton Park Summer Trail Relays. Photo by David Belshaw

The event is 3 x 3.65km legs with 492ft of climbing starting in Witton Park and climbing to the top of Billinge Woods before heading back down to the park. It’s a deceptively stiff climb up and a rip roaring descent all the way to the finish.

Team Clayton out in force at the Witton Park Summer Trail Relays. Photo by David Belshaw

Our Men’s A team came 2^nd in the competition with leg 1 runner Christopher Holdsworth having the fastest leg overall in the competition. There were top 10 finishes for the Men’s B team and the Men’s C team; 6^th and 9^th respectively. Men’s Team E made the top 20 finishing in 18^th place. Men’s Team D were 21^st and Men’s Team F were 45^th.

Andrew Laycock hands over to Dave Motley at the Witton Park Summer Trail Relays. Photo by David Belshaw

The Vets C Team came 34^th with Vets B snapping at their heels in 35^th overall in the competition and 7^th and 8^th MVet teams respectively. The Vets A team were 67^th and Vets D were 80^th (15^th and 19^th MVet team).

Jon Cleaver ready to run after a hand over from Michael Clarke. Photo by David Belshaw

The Junior Boys A team were 27^th overall and 2^nd junior boys’ team. Junior Boys B were 40^th and Junior Boys C were 71^st (3^rd and 4^th MJ teams respectively).

Aaron Lundie handing over to Adam Stevenson at the Witton Park Summer Trail Relays. Photo by David Belshaw

The Clayton Ladies’ A team finished in 31^st place overall and were the 2^nd Ladies team. Ladies’ B Team were 66^th (7^th Ladies’ team), Ladies’ Team C were 86^th (11^th Ladies’ team). Team D were 114^th and Team E were 117^th (21^st and 22^nd Ladies’ teams respectively).

Leg B runners waiting to go at the Witton Park Summer Trail Relays. Photo by David Belshaw

The Lady Vets Team A were 59^th overall and 1^st Vet Ladies team in the competition. Lady Vets C were 98^th overall (6^th lady vets team), Lady Vets B were 105^th (7^th lady vets team), and Lady Vets D were 109^th (9^th lady vets team).

Anna Kelly coming into the finish at the Witton Park Summer Trail Relays. Photo by David Belshaw

The Junior girls race was all Clayton Harriers so we took 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd in the competition. Junior Girls A were the first in 50^th place, Junior Girls B were 77^th and Junior Girls C were 102^nd.

Briony Holt being set off by Ellie Root. Photo by David Belshaw

We entered one mixed junior team who were 107^th overall and 6^th mixed team.

Very well done to all runners!

Individual Times

Christopher Holdsworth ran the fastest individual leg of the competition to finish in first place on the first leg in 14:38. Peter Coates was our fastest Male vet in 35^th with a time of 17:03. Nick Hennessey was our fastest junior male runner in 52^nd place overall with a time of 17:28.

Christopher Holdsworth who ran the fastest leg in the competition. Photo by David Belshaw

Louisa Powell Smith was our fastest lady and second fastest lady in the competition in 47^th place overall with a time of 17:16. Avril Duckworth was our fastest Vet Lady in 138^th place with a time of 19:34. Briony Holt was our fastest junior girl, fastest junior girl in the race and also fourth fastest female in the overall competition with a time of 18:12

Louisa Powell-Smith our first Clayton Lady and 2nd fastest lady in the competition. Photo by David Belshaw

Full Results

Saturday 2 July

Catforth Canter

This was the 2^nd race of the series with a couple of club members taking part. Daniel Isherwood was our first finisher and was 17^th overall with a time of 19:39. Richard Lawson was 54^th and 1^st V75 with a time of 25:29

Church Stretton FRA Junior Champs & Inter-Counties

Report from Tina Hines Holt

It was a great course at Church Stretton for the last FRA championship race. It was windy, undulation and single track part of the way but at least the weather stayed fine. Briony Holt came in with another girl in a sprint finish but was awarded 2^nd place. Briony will end the series in 2^nd place overall in the series. Well done to everyone that ran!

U8 Race

Felix Thompson in the U8 Race. Photo by Woodentops

U10 Race

Jenson Bentham in the U10 Race. Photo by Woodentops

U12 Race

U14 Race

Briony Holt in the U14 race. Photo by Woodentops

Full Results

FRA Junior Championship – Final Standings

Full List of Standings

Heptonstall Festival Fell Race

After running the fastest leg of the Witton Park Relays, there was no stopping Christopher Holdsworth as he raced to the win at the Heptonstall Festival Fell Race. Dave Motley finished in 11th place with Carl Helliwell and Peter Coates in 13th and 16th. Fellow club members Chris Paul and Richard Briscoe completed the Clayton Contingent in 49th and 60th places respectively. 106 runners took part.

Starting in the hilltop village of Heptonstall, the route plunges deep into a neighbouring valley before finding its way to the top of a nearby peak. It then returns in similar fashion. So that means the runners finish with an almighty uphill struggle. There’s a mix of terrain. Cobbles to start with then some grassy fields, muddy slopes, rocky bridleway and open moorland, some of it pathless. Look up occasionally and there are some great views to be seen. This race is 5.9 miles with 1509ft of ascent.

Full Results

ISOMAN

Congratulations to Vicky Heys who came 19^th overall and second lady in the half Isoman event on Saturday 2^nd July. She completed a 3.5 mile swim, a 30.7 mile bike ride and a half marathon to finish with an impressive total time of 5:55:38.

Most triathlon events are biased mainly towards the cycling and to a slightly lesser extent towards the running. Iron distance pros for example will spend only 10% of the total time swimming, 54% of the time cycling and 36% of the time running.

The aim of Isoman is to address this imbalance and create a triathlon for which all disciplines demand an equal level of excellence. To excel at Iron distance triathlon you must be an excellent cyclist/runner. To excel in Isoman you need to be an excellent triathlete!

Full Results

Oakworth Haul

Stephen Fish was our sole representative at this traditional gala fell race; 5.6 miles and 820ft of ascent.

Report from Stephen Fish

I finished 11th out of only 16 runners, in a time of 51.39. I was the only Clayton member there. Great little route, just a shame the numbers were so low. I would recommend it as a worthwhile trip over to do it, the excellent Oakworth Gala is worth it alone.

Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon

The Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon (SLMM) is a two-day mountain navigation event open to teams of two. Teams navigate between checkpoints, visiting them in the order given. The first day finishes at a mid-way campsite. Competitors must carry the lightweight camping and safety equipment listed in the rules. Competitors need to be competent in the use of map and compass in the mountains. Many checkpoints require accurate navigation, especially in misty conditions.

Katy Thompson and Kath Wallis finished in 29^th place and 1^st FV team in the Kirkfell Class team event with a total time of 12:28:10.

Report from Katy Thompson

Kath Wallis and I did the Kirkfell Class in the Saunders. I think it was my 21st Kirkfell, with a variety of partners. Saturday was very wet and windy; but at least the visibility was quite good. The Mountain Rescue were called out to two casualties on the final steep and wet grassy descent, one of whom was helicoptered off the fell with a broken arm. Sunday was much better weather wise and we finished in sunshine, thoroughly exhausted after 7 hours out on Saturday and 5 1/2 hours on Sunday. We were 29th overall in our class and as we were the oldest pair in the class we did quite well in the Vets Handicap, coming 3rd. The older you are the more time is deducted from your overall time.

With classes to cater for every ability the Saunders is an ideal introduction to mountain marathons and it would be good to see more Clayton runners taking part.

Full Results

Sunday 3 July

Bentham Beagles Bash

The Bentham Beagles Bash 10k is a rural race held on 1 lap of country roads with spectacular views of Ingleborough and the Yorkshire 3 peaks. The course is undulating so runners can expect to be challenged. Martin and Kath Brady took part in a field of 82 runners.

Bampton Sports Day

Alan Life and Wendy Dodds ran in this 5.5 mile fell race with 801ft of climb which forms part of the Bampton Sports Day event. Alan Life was 13^th overall with a time of 46:53 and Wendy Dodds was 35^th with a time of 54:37.

Full Results

Oxenhope Straw Race

Described in the event rules as as strenuous activity that involves alcohol consumption, the race involves the consumption of beer at each of 5 venues on the route. Competitors are required to run approximately 2½ miles – with a bale of straw (20Kg) being carried for 1½ miles up hill.

Two hundred and eleven teams took part this year and with competitive athletes to some more leisurely competitors who took full advantage of the great weather to have a stroll around the village. The fancy dress, which never fails to impress, was amazing and it is great to see everyone staying in character along the whole course.

Laura Hesketh at the Oxenhope Straw Race. Photo by Woodentops

After enjoying success last year Laura Hesketh returned with her team mate Chris Barnes to finish in 4th place overall and take the prize for the Mixed Athletes category.

Full Results

Potteries Marathon

Daniel Plant took part in the Potteries marathon in Stoke finishing in 43^rd place with a time of 03:27:58. This is his 3^rd marathon in as many months. Well done Dan!

Full Results

Trawden 7 Trail Race

Another bumper turn out of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers for this 7 mile trail race, the latest in the popular Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix Series. The race is organised by Trawden AC and starts and finishes on the Recreation Ground in Trawden. 258 runners took part in the senior race and 54 of them were Clayton-le-Moors Harriers.

Team Clayton out in force at the Trawden 7 Trail Race. Photo by Ann Osborne

Dave Walker was our first finisher in 9^th place overall with a time of 44:34 battling to the finish with team mate Andrew Laycock who was only a second behind him in 10^th place.

Dave Walker, first Clayton finisher, followed by Andrew Laycock. Photo by Nick Olszewski

Richard Stevenson and Matthew Duckworth had a similar tussle for 17^th and 18^th place not long afterwards.

Matthew Duckworth and Richard Stevenson battling to the finish. Photo by Nick Olszewski

Thomas Bradley had a good run and was the first MU18 in the race in 43^rd place with a time of 50:38.

Thomas Bradley at the Trawden 7 Trail Race. Photo by Nick Olszewski

Stephen Ainsworth was 1^st M55 in 52^nd place with a time of 51:51 and David Scott was 1^st MV70 in 138^th place overall and a time of 59:49.

Louisa Powell- Smith was our first Clayton lady, first F35 and the winner of the ladies race in 29^th overall in 47:41.

Louisa Powell Smith. Photo by Nick Olszewski

Linda Bostock was 1^st LV60 and 142^nd overall with a time of 60:15, and Christine Leathley was 1^st LV65 in 253^rd place and with a time of 88:11.

Clayton ladies Cassie Smedley and Julia Rushton racing to the finish. Photo by Nick Olszewski

Report from Adrienne Olszewska

As most of you know, I am no speed queen! I’m much happier joggling along in ridiculously long distance events enjoying the scenery, the adventure and the food. However, I had some new shoes to try out and, due to unforeseen circumstances, find myself a bit time-poor at the moment. With a big race looming I thought the terrain on this race would be ideal testing ground. So I paid my entrance fee and lined up with the fast lads and lasses.

Adrienne in her clodhoppery Hokas at the Trawden 7 Trail Race. Photo by Ste Whip

After a circuit around the recreation ground we headed out along the road and continued through Higher Stunstead, Near Wanless and Far Wanless before dropping steeply down to the road at Hollin Hall. A left here follows the road as it gains height past Lodge Hill and Mean Moss farms to meet the Pendle Way at the foot of Boulsworth Hill. As expected, people passed me as I soldiered on up the hill in my new Hokas. I expected them to be a little on the clodhoppery side and had chosen to ignore the offer of a wig and a red nose to go with them from certain individuals. (There is a school of thought that compares these shoes to clown shoes as they are super cushioned and can look outrageously massive!) However, they are surprisingly light and extremely comfy!

A left turn now followed onto an undulating section until the path descended to a wide concrete bridge. Across this and on to the Pendle Way, then a sharp left onto the Bronte Way and gradual decline through a very scenic stretch by the river into Wycoller. This was where the shoes really came into their own since you barely notice the stony lumps and bumps underfoot. Sadly, they didn’t make me much faster at all but it was certainly quite pleasant underfoot! Having said that, I did have a fun descent and even managed to pass a few people on the way down.

Over the ancient stone bridge in Wycoller then it’s the last mile and a section of road beyond Wycoller and back to the finish. With a bit of headwind I had a bit of a Marcel Marceau feeling of making lots of effort and not really moving forward at all and then before I knew it I was back. Not last!

So in conclusion, the Trawden 7 Trail Race is a great race to do. It’s got a bit of everything; climbing, good trails, a bit of gooey stuff and is a nice distance. I wasn’t keen on the final road section but plenty of other runners really enjoyed that last fast section so it’s no real deal breaker.

Senior Race Results

Trawden Junior Trail Race Results

A great set of performances for all of our juniors at the Trawden Trail races. The U8s ran 2 laps of the recreation ground. The U10s added a descent and a climb in their race with the U12 & U16s running this course twice.

U8 Race

Toby Birtwisle running in with his older brother Charlie in the junior races. Photo by Nick Olszewski

29 runners took part in the U8 race. Toby Birtwistle raced hard and was 3^rd in the race. Felix followed a few seconds later to take 6^th place. Ellisia Smedley continues to show lots of promise with a strong run to finish in 7^th overall and 2^nd girl and team mate Emily Johnson was 20^th.

U10 Race

Matthew Jackson was our first finisher in the U10 race in 4^th place overall. Thomas Ashworth was 11^th and Kady Thompson battled hard in a sprint finish in 13^th overall and 3^rd girl in the race.

Kady Thompson, in the pink top, sprinting to the finish. Photo by Nick Olszewski

U12 & U16 Race

All the remaining junior runners the same route as the U10s two times. Dexta Thompson won the race outright with a lead of almost a minute over 2^nd place Barlick runner Elliott Phillips.

Dexta Thompson well in front at the Trawden races. Photo by Nick Olszewski

Reece Lawrence was 3^rd and first in his age category with Robbie Smedley chasing him for the position but having to settle for 4^th overall and 3^rd MU12.

Robbie Smedley chasing Reece Lawrence in the Trawden Junior races. Photo by Nick Olszewski

Lennon Jackson was 8^th overall and 3^rd MU16 and Charlie Birtwistle was 14th and 8th MU12. Our U16 girls had a clean sweep in the category. Liberty Thompson led in 11^th place with Sophie Ashworth following on her heels Natasha was the 3^rd U16 girl and 21^st overall with younger sister Bronia finishing in 28^th place and 4^th U16 girl.

A clean sweep for the U16 girls. L-R Sophie Ashworth, Liberty Thompson and Natasha Olszewska. Photo by Nick Olszewski

Parkrun roundup

Arrow Valley parkrun – A total of 303 runners took part.

Bolton parkrun – A total of 312 runners took part.

Burnley parkrun – A total of 301 runners took part.