Adrienne Olszewska – Page 7 – Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

This club is on fire!

In case it escaped your notice, one of the local football teams has done rather well this season and it looks like some of that success is catching. We’ve had wins at Pinhaw Trail race and Malvern Hill Ultra and some great performances at the English and Junior fell running championships, Lakeland Trails and Astley Park series. As well as this weeks results, you will find an article from Club President David Scott as he marks the end of an era.

Tuesday 3 May

Lothersdale Fell Race

Five Clayton Harriers took part in this midweek fell race organised by Keighley and Craven AC. It is a 3.6m race with 591ft of ascent. The race was won by Jack Smith of Wharfedale. Our first finisher was Richard Briscoe.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
20	Richard Briscoe	M	29:49:00
51	Rick Moore	M50	34:27:00
65	Stephen Fish	M60	37:49:00
67	Michael Frost	M60	38:01:00
82	Robert Hirst	M65	45:10:00

Full Results

Wednesday 4 May

Astley Park Trail Series 1

Senior Results

113 runners lined up for the first of the Astley Park Trail Series. This is a 7.4km / 4.5mile, undulating, two-lap course around the park.

Report from Jonathan Pye

The first of four trail runs around Astley Park took place on Wednesday. As ever there was a strong turnout from the juniors with wave upon wave of orange cascading through the finishing line. Strong runs from Dexta, Helena, Sophie, Adam and the Jackson duo with lots of others doing the club proud.

The senior route is 7km comprising of two laps on firm paths and tracks and three times up a hill that catches you out at the start, especially if you set off too fast (like me). I was delighted to knock 45 seconds off my time from last year but even more delighted to have Clayton company from Martin and Adrienne around the course. It’s a lovely run and I would encourage seniors to give it a whirl in the remaining three races.”

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
6	Jonathan Pye	M	26:09
73	Martin Brady	MV50	34:06
104	Adrienne Olszewska	LV45	41:28

Senior Results

Junior Results

Fifteen junior runners went to Chorley to take part in the Astley Park Summer Trail Series. It was a clean sweep for our speedy U11 boys who took 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd in their category. Helana White had a great run and was our first girl home and 3^rd in her age category. Some great performances all round from our juniors with plenty of PBs.

Starting line at Astley Park Junior Trail Series. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
12	Dexta Thompson	U11	5:28
23	Lennon Jackson	U13	5:51
28	Jenson Bentham	U11	5:57
30	Adam Stevenson	U15	6:00
32	Matthew Jackson	U11	6:02
35	Helana White	L11	6:05
42	Sophie Ashworth	L13	6:12
47	Liberty Thompson	L15	6:17
63	Natasha Olszewska	L15	6:43
80	Imogen Ferguson	L11	7:08
95	Kady Thompson	L11	7:29
101	Felix Thompson	U7	7:37
108	Rachel Stevenson	L11	7:53
141	Bronia Olszewska	L13	8:01
142	Tillie Ferguson	L11	8:02

Junior Results

Littleborough 5K

100 runners took part in the Littleborough 5k. The new route for this series utilises the cycle path that runs from near the start to Smithy Bridge Road taking out a busy main road and traffic at the initial part of the race making the route flatter and straighter, which means faster times. The race still retains the Hill on Smithy Bridge Road, but this is counteracted by the amazing downhill steady descent to the finish.

Paul Laurence Walsh was our sole representative on this event finishing in 70^th place with a time of 25:37.9.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
70	Paul Laurence Walsh	MV60	25:37.9

Full Results

Friday 6 May

Geoff Foggett Memorial 5K

Pinhaw Trail Race

Although this race is described as a fell race, it passes over some road sections and good paths and tracks to the summit of Pin Haw and then back again along the same route. It is the second race in the popular Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix series so turnout was high with 201 runners. There was a whopping 57 Clayton Harriers in attendance from U18s right up to V75.

Danny Collinge was the race winner with a time of 31:57. Thomas Bradley was 1^st U18 and 22^nd overall in the race continuing his successful transition from junior to senior racing. Paul Hesketh was 1^st V50 with a time of 35:43, Roger Brewster was 1^st V60 with a time of 38:27, Doug Monroe was 1^st V70 in 54:33, and Ted Orrell was 1^st V75 in 54:23.

Ryan Belshaw closely followed by Thomas Bradley at the Pinhaw Trail Race. Photo by David Belshaw

The ladies race was won by Emma Taylor of Accrington Road Runners. The first Clayton Lady finisher was Helen O’Rourke who was 101^st place overall and 10^th lady runner with a time of 42:38. Bethany Quinn was 2^nd WU18, continuing to run well on her step up to senior racing. Irene Roche was 1^st W55 with a time of 43:28 and Anita Jones was 1^st W60

Bethany Quinn battling to the finish at the Pinhaw Trail Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
1	Danny Collinge	M	31:57
11	Matthew Duckworth	M	35:05
12	Peter Coates	M	35:20
16	Paul Hesketh	M50 (1^st)	35:43
19	Ryan Belshaw	M	36:00
22	Thomas Bradley	MU18	36:20
24	Andy Armstrong	M45	36:29
32	Michael Clarke	M40	37:09
36	Sean Clare	M50	37:32
38	Richard Briscoe	M	37:40
44	John Wilcock	M55	38:20
45	James Boult	M	38:21
46	Roger Brewster	M60 (1^st)	38:27
56	Stephen Ainsworth	M55	39:01
57	Alan Life	M50	39:04
58	Chris Paul	M	39:05
59	Nick Roscoe	M45	39:07
60	Andrew Bradley	M50	39:12
61	Daniel Plant	M	39:12
64	Neil Garnett	M50	39:17
76	Robert Morrison	M40	40:24
93	Andrew Webster	M45	41:52
94	Carl Dale	M	41:55
97	Stuart Proctor	M	42:18
99	Darren Rushton	M45	42:24
100	Andy Quinn	M45	42:34
101	Helen O’ Rourke	W	42:38
106	Angela Shian	W35	43:19
108	Irene Roche	W55	43:28
116	Elizabeth Mullen	W	43:41
126	Nerina Gill	W45	44:57
129	Barbara Savage	W50	45:15
130	Linda Bostock	W55	45:45
131	Jean Knightley	W55	45:49
132	Cassandra Smedley	W35	45:54
135	Carl Carey	M45	46:12
137	Julie Dawes	W45	46:15
142	Tony Pilling	M50	47:12
154	Bianca Bennett	W	48:42
161	Carol Life	W50	50:09
162	Rachel Todd	W40	50:19
163	Danny Pilkington	M40	50:33
166	Paul Walsh	M60	51:18
169	Bethany Quinn	WU18	51:44
172	Michelle Butschok	W40	52:41
176	Ted Orrell	M75	54:23
177	Deborah Greenwood	W45	54:31
178	Doug Monroe	M70	54:33
179	Stuart Barker	M45	54:37
180	Phil Naylor	M	54:41
181	Julia Rushton	W50	54:47
185	Mark Knowles	M40	55:26
193	Ron Chappell	M65	58:33
195	Karen Clarkin	W40	1:00:57
197	Judith Carey	W35	1:02:10
199	Sharon Wilson	W40	1:02:51
201	Anita Jones	W60	1:03:01

Full Results

Saturday 7 May

Hawkswick Juniors & Seniors

Junior Races

12 of our junior members took part across a range of age categories for this race which is the second race in the 2016 FRA Junior Championships.

L-R Liberty Thompson, Kady Thompson and Ella Dorrington at the Hawkswick Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

U8 Race

46 runners took part in this race. Felix Thompson was our sole representative in this category and he finished in 23rd position with a time of 4:33.

Felix Thompson in the U8s race. Photo by Woodentops

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
23	Felix Thompson	BU8	04:33

U10 Race

69 runners took part in this race. Jenson Bentham had an excellent run finishing in 2nd place and there were strong runs from Joshua McKay and Kady Thompson.

Joshua McKay in the U10 race. photo by Woodentops

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
2	Jenson Bentham	BU10	8:20
43	Joshua McKay	BU10	10:08
59	Kady Thompson	GU10	11:15

U12 Race

90 runners took part in the U12 race. Jackson McKay was our first finisher in 4th place overall and Ella Dorrington was our first girl home.

Summer Hargreaves in the U12 race. Photo by Woodentops

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
4	Jackson McKay	BU12	11:44
8	Dexta Thompson	BU12	12:19
27	Christopher Brown	BU12	13:13
36	Ella Dorrington	GU12	13:40
73	Summer Hargreaves	GU12	16:03

U14 Race

There were 60 runners in this age group. Briony Holt was our first finisher in 22nd place and 3rd girl overall. Claudia Bentham and Liberty Thompson completed the U14 team.

Claudia Bentham in the U14 race. Photo by Woodentops

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
22	Briony Holt	GU14	21:02
53	Claudia Bentham	GU14	25:14
58	Liberty Thompson	GU14	26:28

Junior Results

Senior Race

Just two of our senior runners took part in the senior race. Jean Brown was our first finisher in 30th place and she was joined by Mark Taylor who finished in 45th place.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
30	Jean Brown	LV40	42:19
45	Mark Taylor	M	45:56

Senior Results

Katie Hewison Chorley Duathlon

Ellie Root took part in the Katie Hewison Chorley Duathlon. She had a steady run to start, followed by a tricky 6k on the bike on grass, and a short run to follow. This is the first time she had worn her cleats to race and transition was a challenge but hopefully will get easier. Overall she came 5th in the youth category

Lakeland Trails – Staveley

Starting and finishing at Staveley Recreation Ground, the 10km Kentmere Trail Run, and the 17km Kentmere Trail Race courses follow well marked and marshalled footpaths and bridleways, taking in panoramic views of most of the southern Lakeland fells. The trail climbs out from Staveley above the Kentmere valley, before returning along the valley itself past idyllic tarns and through ancient woodland, climbing Reston Scar before the descent back into Staveley village. Underfoot conditions can be quite variable and there’s a bit of everything; short sections of tarmac, grassy footpaths, stony bridleways with some stiles to climb over near the end.

10km Trail Race

Andrew Taylor in the Lakeland Trails 10k race. Photo courtesy of Lakeland Trails

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
92	Andrew Taylor	M50	1:11:45

17km Trail Race

Report from Richard Stevenson

Another well organised event by Lakeland Trails in Staveley brings the Spring Series to a close. It’s a tough, rocky and hilly course made all the harder by the lovely warm sunshine we enjoyed on the day. I thoroughly enjoyed the race but I think my legs were disagreeing on Sunday morning. I’ll certainly look to so some of the other trail races they have later this year or perhaps come back again next year to see if I can improve.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
2	Christopher Holdsworth	M	1:12:46
9	Richard Stevenson	M40	1:22:22
59	Richard John	M	1:37:03

Full Results

Malvern Hills Ultra

Congratulations to Martin Terry who was the winner of the Malvern Hills Ultra. He competed in the 52mile event which takes in over 6000ft of ascent. In a close finish he took the win with just a second to spare with 8hrs 45mins and 16.8secs.

Full Results

Up the Nab

This Derbyshire fell race is a counter in the English Fell Running Championships and 16 Clayton Harriers travelled to Glossop to take part. It is a 4 mile race with 1197ft of ascent. 267 runners took part in the mens’ race and our first finisher was Matt Perry who came 57^th with a time of 38:59.

99 runners took part in the ladies race. Wendy Dodds was our first lady finisher, 61^st place overall and 1^st LV65.

Mens’ Results

Jon Cleaver in the Up the Nab fell race. Photo by Sarah Helliwell

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
57	Matt Perry	M	38:50
62	Daniel Collinge	U23	39:20
87	Dave Motley	M	41:20
106	Carl Helliwell	V40	42:29
130	Ryan Wilkinson	M	44:02
138	Chris Snell	M	44:31
152	Geoffrey Gough	M55	45:57
164	Jonathan Cleaver	M	47:00
211	Kieran Carr	V70	51:15
236	George Pier	U23	54:27
246	Stephen Fish	V60	58:16

Ladies’ Results

L-R Linda Lord, Karen Goss and Katy Thompson. Photo by Sarah Helliwell

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
61	Wendy Dodds	V65	52:50
78	Linda Lord	V65	56:58
87	Katy Thompson	V60	58:57
99	Karen Goss	V65	1:16:00

Full Results

Sunday 8 May

Blackpool Fun Run 10K

The course starts outside the Savoy Hotel and heads south along a traffic free Promenade passing Blackpool Tower, the Golden Mile and Blackpool Pleasure Beach. You then turn near the Big Blue Hotel and run back along the same route, carrying to the new shared Finish Line. A water station is located close to the turnaround mark.

Well done to the juniors who took part in this event which was a rare opportunity for them to test their legs on the 10K distance.

L-R Aaron Lundie, Adam Stevenson, Lennon Jackson and Matthew Jackson. Photo by Deborah Stevenson

Adam Stevenson finished in around 49 minutes on his first 10K attempt. Not bad! Especially when you factor in how hot it was on Sunday.

Adam was joined by teammates Aaron Lundie, and Lennon and Matthew Jackson.

Results available Tuesday

Blacksticks Blue 10K

252 Runners took part in this popular 10k race that rewards finishers with cheese! The race starts and finishes at Whitechapel Village Hall and offers stunning views en route as you overlook the Bowland Fells.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
40	Richard Briscoe	M	44:28
46	Stephen Biscomb	M60	44:40
184	Julie Toman	F45	1:02:14
216	Kevin O’Brien	V70	1:08:00

Full Results

Leeds Half Marathon

Thousands of runners took to the roads of Leeds for this half marathon on the hottest day of the year so far. Our sole representative was Colin Shuttleworth who finished in 215^th place with a time of 1:31:35

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
215	Colin Shuttleworth	M55	1:31:35

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

Burnley parkrun – A total of 348 runners took part.

Rachel Stevenson (L) and Bronia Olszewska on the way to new PBs at Burnley parkrun

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Jacob WATSON	17:50	SM30-34
6	Alan DORRINGTON	19:08	VM45-49	New PB!
10	Nicholas HENNESSEY	19:33	JM11-14
13	Richard BRISCOE	19:50	VM35-39	New PB!
14	Jonathan CLEAVER	20:02	VM35-39
16	Simon WILSHAW	20:23	JM15-17
23	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	20:55	JM15-17
24	Daniel PLANT	21:01	SM30-34
30	Jonathan PYE	21:40	SM25-29
31	Sophie ASHWORTH	21:41	JW11-14
36	Charlie BIRTWISTLE	22:01	JM10
51	Brian WILDMAN	23:17	VM50-54
72	David Ian SCOTT	24:06	VM70-74
77	Julie DAWES	24:17	VW45-49
87	Lee MOORE	24:38	VM35-39
94	Toby BIRTWISTLE	24:53	JM10
95	Justin BIRTWISTLE	24:58	VM40-44
96	Lisa JOHNSON	24:59	VW40-44
101	Annabel WILCOCK	25:04	JW15-17	New PB!
102	John WILCOCK	25:05	VM50-54
117	Natasha OLSZEWSKA	25:45	JW11-14
174	Julie TOMAN	27:41	VW45-49
175	Philip NAYLOR	27:41	VM35-39
177	Adrienne OLSZEWSKA	27:50	VW45-49
192	Robert HIRST	28:41	VM65-69
200	Rachel STEVENSON	29:07	JW10	New PB!
201	Bronia OLSZEWSKA	29:08	JW11-14	New PB!
211	Paul Laurence WALSH	29:45	VM60-64
214	Richard LAWSON	29:49	VM75-79
219	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	29:56	VW65-69
236	Jack MCGUIRE	30:37	VM60-64
296	Valerie LAWSON	35:27	VW70-74
307	Cassandra Darling SMEDLEY	36:45	VW35-39

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 90 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
77	Robin PRICE	34:33	VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 193 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
193	Eileen JONES	54:02	VW60-64

Pendle parkrun – A total of 96 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Andrew STUBBS	18:25	VM45-49
2	Paul BRANNON	20:18	VM55-59
3	John HARTLEY	20:32	VM55-59
12	Millie STUBBS	23:28	JW11-14	New PB!
15	Finley STUBBS	24:15	JM10
23	Andrew WEBSTER	25:21	VM45-49	First Timer!
64	Christine LEATHLEY	33:37	VW65-69

Witton parkrun – A total of 87 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
17	Nerina GILL	25:00	VW45-49	New PB!

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 450 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
4	David BAGOT	17:57	SM20-24

End of an Era

I’d like to extend warm thanks to all present and ex-members of Clayton who, over the years, have shouted words of encouragement to me during many 3 Peaks races. Sadly, the end of an era seems to have arrived.

Dave Scott descending Penyghent at the 3 Peaks Fell Race. Photo by SportSunday Photography

An aim to complete one at age 70 (actually 70yrs 364 days) coincided with my 47th race and Neil Worswick and others said ‘Oh you’ve got to do 50, Dave!’

This year was to have been my 49th completion. Training had gone well and on a good weather day I felt I could have made the cut-off time at Hill Inn, albeit only just. However, age has obviously caught up with me, which, combined with the weather and atrocious underfoot conditions plus an unforeseen hold-up at the river certainly didn’t help my cause.

So apologies to Dave Motley, Gary Wilkinson and others who were going to join me on the 50th run in 2017. It is hard to express fully how much I appreciated their offer. Sadly, it’s not to be.

Jill has been every year apart from a couple, with food and drink, and a change of shoes/clothes if necessary. When daughter, Justine, went to Denver 10 years ago I missed her whoops and whistles in the lay-by near Ribblehead. For the last 5 years, son Alistair has met me at the foot of Whernside and accompanied me over Ingleborough, chatting all the way and making the time seem to pass very quickly.

For the record, my fastest time was on my 31st birthday in 1974 when I broke 3 hours. I have 1 elite certificate, 16 first class certs, 18 second class certs and the rest are merit/standard.

Many grateful thanks go to the 3 Peaks organisers and perhaps next year you’ll spot me shouting encouragement to other competitors.

David Scott

ByAdrienne Olszewska

May the fourth be with you

It’s a tad early but who could resist when there are so many stellar performances to report on this week! There’s been great results at the classic 3 Peaks Race, a massive turnout at the Great Hameldon Hill Race, race wins, PBs and tangerine stripes and tracksuits all over the place.

Tuesday 26 April

Orchan Rocks, Todmorden

First run in 2014, Orchan Rocks starts a couple of miles outside Todmorden. A short sharp blast of a race on some fast, grassy paths. Up the Knotts Cliffs, a quick loop around the Orchan Rocks and a swift descent back the way you came. Rick Moore and Robert Hirst took part in this local race.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
72	Rick Moore	MV50	33:12
97	Robert Hirst	MV60	43:50

Full Results

Wednesday 27 April

Rochdale Heroes Cowm 5K

Ron Chappell was our sole representative at the Rochdale Harriers Heroes Cowm 5K. 78 runners took part.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
58	R. Chappell	MV65	26.45

Full Results

Saturday 30 April

3 Peaks Race

Seventeen Clayton-le-Moors Harriers finished this year’s 3 Peaks Fell Race. Christopher Holdsworth was our first finisher and put in a tremendous run to cross the line in 17^th place with a superb time of 03:13:26 earning an Elite class standard as well. David Bagot was next to finish in 53^rd place gaining a 1^st class standard and also 2^nd MU25 in the race. Fell captain Dave Motley was our 3^rd man home in 94^th place. Brian Horrocks, Paul Shackleton and Nicholas Olszewski all had great runs earning the 2^nd MV50 team place in the event.

L-R Brian Horrocks, Paul Shackleton and Nicholas Olszewski. MV50 team. Photos by Sport Sunday

Jean Brown was our first lady home in 254^th= and a time of 4:11:37. Andy Bradley and Alan Dorrington were both running the event for the first time.

Jean Brown at the 3 Peaks Race. Photo by Sport Sunday

Report from Christopher Holdsworth

The 2016 Yorkshire Three Peaks threw every possible weather condition at us, but definitely wasn’t as grim as the previous year. The snow and the bogs made for very tricky, leg sapping conditions – particularly on the climb up to Whernside. With Edinburgh Marathon at the end of May on my mind, I approached the Three Peaks as a tough training run. I’d also been suffering with piriformis pain for the last 3 weeks and was keen to not aggravate it further. As such, a steady and sensible race left me with loads of energy left in the engine by the time I’d reached Ingleborough, allowing me to have a comfortable run in back to the finish – though I didn’t want to see any more hills!

Christopher Holdsworth at the 3 Peaks Fell Race. Photo by Sport Sunday

Tips for anyone thinking of racing it next year:

Don’t at any point feel like you’re over exerting yourself before you’ve reached Whernside summit. You’ll end up having cramp and no energy by the time you reach Hill Inn, making Ingleborough the single most soul-destroying climb of your life (as I found out last year!) Let everyone else race off and slowly reel them back in.
Fuel up like you’re never going to eat again. I’d had 2 gels by the 10k mark, 4 by the summit of Whernside, then another and two full bottles of water before Ingleborough. Don’t let your energy levels drop (again, as I found out last year!)
If its predicted bad weather, stick your jacket on from the start. You shouldn’t be going at a speed that overheats you on a race like this, and can make a massive difference by keeping you dry and giving you the option of putting your hood up when the snow/hail/sleet/rain comes down (which you’ll appreciate when you’re on top of Whernside)

Loved the race, will be back again next year to have a proper crack at getting close to the 3 hour mark.

Report from first timer Andy Bradley

So, my first 3 peaks. Apprehensive to say the least, feeling rather undercooked. I had never run further than 16 miles and the furthest race I had managed was the Heptonstall Fell Race about a month ago, as plans for anything further and a course recce were scuppered by work. What I did have was plenty of valuable advice from runners from inside and outside the club, who have done it all before. I arrived in plenty of time very impressed with the set up and scale of the event and managed to see a few friendly faces and pick up some last minute advice. Don’t those hills (!) look big, I decided to be impressed with how magnificent they looked covered in snow than to worry about running through it! I set off at a conservative pace (You can’t set off too slowly!) and off we went and up Pen Y Ghent. One of the benefits of being slow, was seeing the awesome sight of the leaders descending, blimey they were shifting!

Andy Bradley at the 3 Peaks Fell Race. Photo by Sportsunday

Up and down Pen Y Ghent feeling fresh and on to the run over to Whernside, with advice ringing round my head, “Do not get carried away, its easy to race on this section and pay on the last 2 climbs”, so I ran steadily and chatted to anyone who would talk to me (and even those who wouldn’t!) to make sure I stayed steady, trying not worry about runners flying past me. Big queue at the bottom of Whernside so time for a natter and a flapjack before running (!) up the vertical bog to the next checkpoint, in the teeth of a hailstorm, I felt good as I set off at the top of Whernside and noticed I was beginning to pass other runners.

Loved the descent off Whernside, though the snow enema I gave myself sliding down was a bit of wake up call and I was feeling very pleased with myself until I asked a fellow runner, “Where do we go next?” and was pointed in the direction of the ascent of Ingleborough which looked erm… steep. Decided to take my mind of the climb by distracting myself by talking to a poor lady from Keighley who got her ear bent all the way up, she either did not mind or was polite enough not to tell me to shut it!

And so to the final descent, I had plenty left and only faded in the last half a mile, as I finally began to overheat in the sun, but by then I had cracked it and could see the finishing tent. No one had passed me after Whernside and I had caught everyone who had passed me between Pen Y Ghent and Whernside. I got round which was all I wanted to do. I don’t really know if it is a good time or not, maybe I will find out next year! What I did learn is that there is a wealth of experience within the club (and some outside), who are only too willing to help and give advice if you ask, (And boy did I do a lot of asking!) it is thanks to them, (I hope they know who they are!) that I got round and enjoyed it so much.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time	Class
17th	Christopher Holdsworth	M	03:13:26	Elite
53rd	David Bagot	MU25	03:33:29	1st Class
94th	Dave Motley	M	03:43:24	2nd Class
148th	Ryan Belshaw	M	03:55:31	2nd Class
245th=	Jean Brown	FV40	04:11:37	2nd Class
293rd	Brian Horrocks	MV50	04:17:26	2nd Class
299th=	Paul Shackleton	MV50	04:18:14	2nd Class
320th	Nicholas Olszewski	MV50	04:21:34	2nd Class
371st	Ivan Whigham	MV50	04:29:38	2nd Class
452nd	Alan Dorrington	MV40	04:43:07	Standard
486th	Andrew Bradley	MV50	04:46:57	Standard
531st	Martin Brady	MV50	04:55:10	Standard
559th	David Horrocks	MV50	04:58:04	Standard
620th	Nigel Hodson	MV40	05:10:23	Standard
635th	Angela Shian	F	05:12:22	Standard
634th	Vicky Heys	FV40	05:12:21	Standard
652nd	Wendy Dodds	FV60	05:15:01	Standard

Full Results

Coniston Fell Race

Report from Katy Thompson

The sun was shining as I arrived in Coniston but the hills were covered in snow, so it was disappointing, but not surprising, that the organisers had decided to shorten the course to avoid the treacherous descent off Coniston. I think everyone realised what a sensible decision this was as we descended from Wetherlam.

With the Three Peaks on the same day instead of the week before, numbers were slightly down, but 180+ runners still set off up Mouldry Bank. After about half a mile the gradient eases, but it’s still up and up the seemingly never-ending climb to Wetherlam. I was working hard to keep up with Richard Bellaries but he gradually pulled away on the more runnable parts. As we neared the summit the snow became deeper and we had to be careful not to go through between the rocks.

Richard Bellaries at the Coniston Fell Race. Atmospheric shot by Fellephant.

Eventually we reached the summit and it was down through the snow round Black Crags to Swirl Hawse. Instead of climbing up Prison Band we headed left down towards Levers Water. Here the snow was deeper and softer which made the running quite difficult and dangerous. I was glad I had footprints through the snow to follow. Passing a runner who had broken her wrist was a big incentive to be careful. After the rocky path round Levers Water there was a short pull up to the path down Boulder Valley. Then we joined the Coniston tourist path down to Miners Bridge and the road to the finish.

There was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing between the Clayton runners – Pete Browning, Richard Bellaries, Steve Bury, Pete and Andy Dugdale, Andy Firth, Andrew Walmesley and me – and I’m not sure of the finish order.

I had managed to overtake and keep ahead of my only rival for 1st LV60, and Andy Firth was awarded a spot prize for 27 consecutive Coniston races – it’s just a shame he was in the pub and not able to collect it!

Luckily the weather had stayed dry throughout the race – a very different day from Sunday, marshalling halfway up Gt Hameldon in the wind and rain.

Awaiting Results

Sunday 1 May

Edge Hill Aquathlon

Helana White came 3rd in Edge Hill aquathlon. This was race 4 of the Triathlon England North West Series – but she is more proud that she smashed her Burnley park run PB by 1 1/2 mins on Saturday and now has the JW10 record for Burnley, taking 55 seconds off the last record. She said “I had the best start and just kept running”

Well done Helana!

Great Hameldon Hill Race

There was a whopping turnout of 57 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers for the senior race, and. as it is the first in the Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix series there was an equally great turn out from lots of other local clubs as well.

Carl Helliwell, Chris Snell, Louisa Powell-Smith and Matthew Duckworth at the Great Hameldon Hill Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Danny Collinge was the winner in a time of 39:04. Jordan McDonald was 10^th and 1^st M23, Paul Hesketh was 1^st MV50. Louisa Powell-Smith was 3^rd lady and 1^st F35, Jean Knightley was 1^st FV55, Anita Jones was 1^st FV60 and Karin Goss was 1^st FV65.

Cassie Darling-Smedley, Beth Quinn, Justin Birtwistle, Jean Knightley, Joanne Perry and Ian Hargreaves at the start of the Great Hameldon Hill Race. Photo by David Belshaw

In the teams table we fielded 12 men’s team with the highest position being 2^nd place. We also fielded an impressive 6 women’s teams with the highest position being 4^th. A fantastic turnout for the Clayton Ladies!

Jane Ryan at the finish of the Great Hameldon Hill Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Senior Race report by Louisa Powell-Smith

What can I say it was a race against the elements. Cold, wet, very windy, and very boggy! I spent more time lying on the floor in bogs than running!! Lol

Despite being the leading lady and in the top ten overall for the first half of the race after falling 5 times and hurting my knee I end up 3rd lady and 21st overall. Danny Collinge had a great race leading from the start and finishing first. Jordan McDonald came 10^th and was the 2nd Clayton counter and first U20 despite hurting his Achilles.

Beth Quinn was 124th overall and 2nd in her category

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
1	Daniel Collinge	M	(001/029)	00:39:04
10	Jordan McDonald	M23	(001/004)	00:44:36
12	Richard Stevenson	M40	(002/028)	00:44:57
13	Carl Helliwell	M40	(003/028)	00:45:14
14	Matthew Duckworth	M	(008/029)	00:45:27
15	Peter Coates	M	(009/029)	00:45:45
16	Paul Hesketh	M50	(001/017)	00:45:56
17	Chris Snell	M	(010/029)	00:46:18
21	Louisa Powell-Smith	F35	(001/011)	00:46:59
29	Thomas Bradley	M23	(002/004)	00:48:48
30	Michael Clarke	M40	(007/028)	00:49:05
31	Michael O’Donnell	M40	(008/028)	00:49:06
34	Sean Clare	M50	(005/017)	00:49:34
35	John Wilcock	M50	(006/017)	00:49:38
50	Nick Roscoe	M45	(004/017)	00:51:18
55	James Boult	M23	(003/004)	00:51:54
56	Richard Briscoe	M	(017/029)	00:51:56
66	Robert Morrison	M40	(014/028)	00:52:57
68	Stephen Ainsworth	M55	(003/010)	00:53:06
77	Chris Paul	M	(023/029)	00:53:47
83	Andrew Howarth	M55	(005/010)	00:55:11
84	Andy Quinn	M45	(008/017)	00:55:17
92	Stuart Proctor	M	(026/029)	00:55:53
96	Andrew Webster	M45	(010/017)	00:56:40
106	Stephen Breckell	M65	(002/006)	00:57:40
107	Geoff Smith	M40	(025/028)	00:57:48
110	Barbara Savage	F50	(003/007)	00:58:39
118	C. Darling Smedley	F35	(007/011)	01:01:09
119	Elizabeth Mullan	F	(005/010)	01:01:16
121	Joanne Perry	F	(006/010)	01:02:00
123	Julie Dawes	F45	(002/009)	01:02:21
124	Bethany Quinn	F23	(002/002)	01:02:25
125	Stephen Fish	M60	(005/008)	01:02:46
128	Carl Carey	M45	(014/017)	01:02:56
131	Jean Knightley	F55	(001/003)	01:03:15
132	Jane Ryan	F35	(009/011)	01:03:20
137	Tony Pilling	M50	(016/017)	01:03:38
138	Julia Anne Rushton	F50	(005/007)	01:03:47
140	Bianca Bennett	F	(008/010)	01:04:43
141	Rachel Todd	F40	(006/010)	01:04:50
148	Geoff Laycock	M60	(007/008)	01:06:58
149	Ian J. Hargreaves	M50	(017/017)	01:07:42
151	Justin Birtwistle	M40	(027/028)	01:08:24
154	Joanne Motley	F	(010/010)	01:09:13
156	Janine Pollard	F45	(006/009)	01:10:04
157	Robert Hirst	M65	(005/006)	01:10:37
158	Doug Munroe	M70	(002/003)	01:10:48
164	Karin Goss	F65	(001/001)	01:13:46
165	Deborah Greenwood	F45	(008/009)	01:14:34
166	Ron Chappell	M65	(006/006)	01:14:44
167	Phillip Thornber	M60	(008/008)	01:15:29
168	Mark. R. Knowles	M40	(028/028)	01:16:02
170	Stuart Barker	M45	(017/017)	01:17:29
172	Karen Clarkin	F40	(008/010)	01:25:48
174	Anita Jones	F60	(001/001)	01:27:24
175	Judith Carey	F35	(011/011)	01:29:32
176	Sharon Wilson	F40	(010/010)	01:34:24

Full Results

Junior Races

Race organiser, Paul Healey reports that this year was the highest turnout for juniors since 1991 and really made it a special day. The fantastic job our junior coaches and helpers do is brilliant and although a number of clubs had children at the race our turnout was great.

Junior coach, Marion Wilkinson reports

Our wonderful juniors put on a show of strength on Sunday with some great performances from them all, but what impressed me the most was their strong team spirit, when one of their buddies fell and didn’t want to continue they came to his rescue and gave him strength to carry on.

U8s Race

29 runners took part in the U8s race.

Report from Toby Birtwistle who came 3^rd in the U8s Race

I really enjoyed my first fell race! I was in the lead until the hill. I tried hard but ended up 3rd. I really loved getting wet and muddy.

Toby Birtwistle (no. 175) in his first fell race. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat/Pos	Time
3	Toby Birtwistle	M	(2/11)	0:01:33
10	Felix Thompson	M	(7/11)	0:01:45
23	Emily Johnson	F	(14/18)	0:02:03

Under 10s Race

25 runners took part in the U10s race. Jenson Bentham was our first finisher and 3rd overall and Kady Thompson was our 1st girl and 1st girl in the race as well.

U10 Girls with coach Marion Wilkinson at the Hameldon races. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat/Pos	Time
3	Jenson Bentham	M	(3/12)	0:03:08
4	Matthew Jackson	M	(4/12)	0:03:12
8	Joshua McKay	M	(8/12)	0:03:28
9	Kady Thompson	F	(1/13)	0:03:32
10	Jake Anforth	M	(9/12)	0:03:34
17	Tillie Ferguson	F	(6/13)	0:03:50
19	Rachel Stevenson	F	(8/13)	0:03:52

The Under 10 Boys at the start line. Photo by David Belshaw

U12s Race

21 runners took part in the U12s race. Dexta Thompson was the winner with Jackson McKay in 2nd. Ella Dorrington was the first girl. Dome great running from our U12s some of whom were stepping up the distance for the first time at this event.

Report from Charlie Birtwistle

I haven’t really done fell running before. It was a hard race but I was very proud to come 5^th and really enjoyed trying a new type of running.

Charlie Birtwistle in his first fell race. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat/Pos	Time
1	Dexta Thompson	M	(1/9)	0:12:17
2	Jackson McKay	M	(2/9)	0:12:56
4	Ella Dorrington	F	(1/12)	0:13:47
5	Charlie Birtwistle	M	(4/9)	0:14:47
17	Imogen Ferguson	F	(9/12)	0:17:12
21	Bronia Olszewska	F	(12/12)	0:20:39

U14s Race

Briony Holt was on fine form, dominating the U14s category. Lennon Jackson put in a strong performance to finish in 2nd. Solid performances from our U14s.

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat/Pos	Time
1	Briony Holt	F	(1/9)	0:12:57
2	Lennon Jackson	M	(1/3)	0:13:29
4	Adam Stevenson	M	(2/3)	0:14:39
6	Claudia Bentham	F	(3/9)	0:14:47
7	Millie Eve Stubbs	F	(4/9)	0:14:52
9	Sophie Ashworth	F	(6/9)	0:15:15
10	Natasha Olszewska	F	(7/9)	0:15:42
11	Liberty Thompson	F	(8/9)	0:15:50

U16s Race

Top 3 for our U16s who look to be promising great things when they join the seniors before too long.

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat/Pos	Time
1	Nicholas Hennessey	M	(1/3)	0:12:49
2	Reece Lawrence	M	(2/3)	0:13:29
3	Eleanor Root	F	(1/2)	0:15:04

Full Results

Yarrow River Bluebell 10k trail run

Steven Blake and Kevin O’Brien took part in this beautiful woodland race held in May so that runners can see the transformation when the bluebells are in full bloom.

The course is a one lap out and back looped course.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
89	Steven Blake	MV40	00.58.58
210	Kevin O’Brien	VM70	01.16.43

Full Results

Monday 2 May 2016

Avenham 5K

306 runners took part in this 5K race in Preston. Another great performance from young Helana White who is definitely shaping up to be one to watch.

Martin Brady Reports

I had a go at the Avenham 5K to test the legs out after Saturdays run, (Martin had raced in the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Race on the Saturday!) and was surprised that they felt OK.

There were two other Clayton Members running in the 5K – Helena White and her dad Colin White and Jack McGuire run in the shorter sprint race.

Helena set off like an express train and achieved a fantastic time of 20.46. Well done!

Helana White who was the first lady runner at the Avenham 5K. Photo by Rachael White

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
31	Helana White	F	20:49
52	Martin Brady	MV50	22:26
56	Colin White	MV40	22:40

Full Results

Coiners Junior Races

Christopher Brown took part in the junior races organised by Calder Valley Fell Runners. No results available yet but he looked strong on the photos by Woodentops.

Christopher Brown at the Coiners Junior Races. Photo by Woodentops

Awaiting Results

Wray Scarecrow Fell Race

Report from Doug Monroe
This race is part of the village gala day and at just over 6 miles 1100ft could be good introduction to fell running for anyone wishing to give it a try. There are races for the juniors who set of on the same course as the seniors soon after seniors have started and have different turn round points dependent on age Quite alarming to be passed by a flying 8 year old!
The race was well organised, the course was well flagged with plenty of marshals. The race starts on the main street and after about half a mile up the road race turns left onto the fell then it is up hill to the turning point. Fast descent over muddy ground to the sting in the tail, a muddy slippery path and a short up hill to the finish. Thought I saw John Francis but did not see his name in the results

Awaiting Official Results

Parkrun roundup

Burnley parkrun – A total of 355 runners took part.

Burnley parkrun celebrated it’s 200th event this weekend and there was a large contingent of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers running and joining in the celebrations with top ten finishes and PBs galore.

A wall of Clayton Harriers leading the runners at the 200th Burnley parkrun. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Jonathan PYE	17:44	SM25-29
2	Richard STEVENSON	18:15	VM40-44
5	Laura HESKETH	18:49	SW30-34
6	Nicholas HENNESSEY	19:24	JM11-14
14	Nick ROSCOE	20:18	VM45-49
22	Helana WHITE	20:51	JW10	New PB!
26	Matthew JACKSON	21:09	JM10	New PB!
27	Dexta THOMPSON	21:09	JM10
28	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	21:23	JM15-17
30	Andy QUINN	21:34	VM45-49
33	Lennon JACKSON	21:40	JM11-14
35	Andrew WEBSTER	21:45	VM45-49
44	Robert MORRISON	22:11	VM40-44
46	Charlie BIRTWISTLE	22:20	JM10	New PB!
56	Sophie ASHWORTH	22:57	JW11-14
57	Brian WILDMAN	22:58	VM50-54	New PB!
58	Colin WHITE	23:00	VM40-44
61	Nathan KEWIN	23:07	JM11-14	New PB!
71	Donna AIREY	23:33	VW35-39	New PB!
74	Julie DAWES	23:38	VW45-49
91	Jenson BENTHAM	24:08	JM10
92	Jean KNIGHTLEY	24:09	VW55-59
99	Ian HARGREAVES	24:22	VM50-54
108	Beth QUINN	24:37	JW15-17
111	James BOULT	24:39	SM20-24
119	Lisa JOHNSON	25:02	VW40-44
125	Toby BIRTWISTLE	25:13	JM10
134	Justin BIRTWISTLE	25:28	VM40-44
135	Aaron LUNDIE	25:29	JM11-14	New PB!
149	Donna SCOTT	26:11	VW50-54
153	Philip NAYLOR	26:21	VM35-39
187	Imogen FERGUSON	27:43	JW10
200	Tony PILLING	28:03	VM50-54
209	Ron CHAPPELL	28:35	VM65-69
222	Stuart BARKER	29:04	VM45-49
223	Robert HIRST	29:05	VM65-69
244	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	30:22	VW65-69
271	Christine LEATHLEY	32:01	VW65-69
283	Judith CAREY	32:52	VW35-39
323	Paul HESKETH	35:32	VM50-54

Chadderton Hall parkrun – A total of 136 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
81	Eileen JONES	32:50	VW60-64	First Timer!

Penrith Lakes. Australia parkrun – A total of 174 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
133	Robin PRICE	39:29	VM70-74

Pendle parkrun – A total of 74 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Paul BRANNON	20:09	VM55-59
2	John HARTLEY	20:28	VM55-59

Witton parkrun – A total of 103 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
22	Nerina GILL	25:28	VW45-49	First Timer!
102	Julia RUSHTON	45:57	VW50-54

And finally, the club is supporting the campaign to bring Martholme Viaduct into use for walkers and cyclists. There will be an open day on 14th May and the group are looking for volunteers to act as stewards. Why not pop down to lend and get the chance to explore this local landmark.

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Roadrunner, roadrunner…

… going faster miles an hour! With the most famous road race in the world dominating the back pages this weekend, it’s no surprise that this has been a tremendous week for our tarmac thumpers. Months of dedicated training has paid off and our marathoners have come away happy with their races in London and in Blackpool. There have also been wins, course records, PBs galore and plenty of great racing

Tuesday 19 April

Bunny Run Relay

Well done to Briony Holt who took part in the Bunny Run Relays. She ran anchor leg for an U16 girls teams and they were the fastest in their category. Her team was ‘Mean Girls’ and they finished in 32^nd place overall but first U16 girls. According to her dad, carrying all the chocolate back to the car was harder than the run apparently!

Briony Holt at the Bunny Run Relay. Photo by Woodentops

Also, Jack McGuire spotted on the photos and he ran as a solo team named ‘Fastest This Decade Part 2’, finishing in 96^th place

Jack Maguire (no.81) at the Bunny Relays. Photo by Woodentops

Jack Maguire (no.S1) at the Bunny Relays. Photo by Woodentops

Full Results

Ray Shaw & June Allingan Trail 5k

Julie Toman and Ron Chappell took part in this midweek 5K race over mixed terrain.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
81	Ron Chappell	MV65	00:27:25
83	Julie Toman	FV45	00:27:47

Full Results

Saturday 23 April

Mold Aqualthlon

Well done to our junior member, Helana White who came 2^nd in the T1 category of the Mold Aquathlon. T1 is for 9/10 year olds and consists of a 150m swim and a 1500m run.

Wray Scarecrow 10K

Dan Isherwood had a great run, finishing in 15^th place with a time of 41:00 in this 10K race. Julie Toman was representing the ladies and finished in 88^th place with a time of 56:41

Pos	Name	Category	Time
15	ISHERWOOD, Daniel	M	00:41:00
88	TOMAN, Julie	F45	00:56:41

Awaiting Official Results

Sunday 24 April

Blackpool 10K

Hot on the heels of breaking the Burnley parkrun course record came yet another great run for Danny Collinge who won the Blackpool 10K race in 32:21. Richard Stevenson was 4^th overall and 1^st V40 with a time of 36:12. Swapping the fells for tarmac, Alan Life finished in 12^th position and 1^st V50 with a time of 40:06. Ian Hargreaves was 58^th with a time of 50:39 and our sole lady runner was Carol Life who finished in 75^th place with a time of 51:52. 328 runners completed the course

Report from Danny Collinge

The Blackpool 10k was one that I have had on my race calendar for a period of time. It is a race which I knew would attract plenty of people with there also being both the half and full marathon on the same day. When I arrived there at the prom on the front with Jon Cleaver and his little girl and wife, I felt really good and my legs surprisingly felt in tip top condition.

We went to collect our race packs which had race numbers and everything in and then went on to do our warm up after have a quick look about to see who we could see and who our competition would be.

I then lined up on the start line feeling really, really good however I did feel a tad nervous as I didn’t have a clue of anybody else’s times or anything about who I was next to on the line. Anyway the race got started and it was a relatively quick start from the front which saw myself, a runner from Salford harriers, Richard Stevenson and another v50 take up the lead. After the 1 mile marker I took a quick glance at my watch to see my clock time of 5:14 for the first mile which I knew was very, very quick. At this point I found myself out at the front by myself with about a 30m lead on second place which seemed to spread further and further throughout the race. Again I took a look at my watch at the 5k marker to see a time of 16:26 which I knew would put me in for a really good time for the full 10k. When I crossed the line to see that I had got myself another PB, I could not have been any happier… 2 PB’s in one weekend !!!!!

The race was a really good route and I enjoyed most of it apart from fighting against the wind heading towards the North Pier. I really enjoyed the day out and enjoyed my winning prize of another pair of running socks ha ha!

Pos	Name	Time	Cat
1	DANNY COLLINGE	00:32:21	M
4	RICHARD STEVENSON	00:36:12	M40
12	ALAN LIFE	00:40:06	M50
58	IAN HARGREAVES	00:50:39	M50
75	CAROL LIFE	00:51:52	F50

Blackpool Half Marathon

Four Clayton Harriers took part in the half marathon at Blackpool. Our first finisher was Jon Cleaver who was 22^nd overall with a time of 1:25:56. Robert Kay was very pleased with his time of 1:33 having not done anything like this for a number of years; he’s now raring to go onwards and upwards. Our sole lady runner was Donna Airey, who thought the event was very well organised and enjoyable. She was delighted to have knocked 14 minutes off her half marathon PB even with the typically windy conditions along Blackpool prom.

Donna Airey at the Blackpool Half Marathon

Colin White completed our quartet of runners finishing in 152^nd place with a time of 1:44:20. 835 runners took part.

Report from Jon Cleaver

Compared to my last half marathon in Blackpool this one was a breeze, albeit there was a reasonable southerly headwind (when is there not wind in Blackpool).

We started heading south for 4 miles past the tower and down to the pleasure beach with the wind behind us, I didn’t really appreciate how hard it was going to be headed north or I would have gone a bit faster to gain some time.

The next 6 miles were a bit difficult, the wind knocked 20-30 seconds a mile off and I started feeling a bit leggy from the marathon 2 weeks ago. I was praying for that turning point at 10 miles to get out of the wind.

I could finally get moving again and pushed my pace up to 06:30 for the last 3 which helped me reel in a few places. I was happy knocking 2 minutes off my PB, but a little disappointed not to go under 01:25. There’s always next time…

L-R Richard Stevenson, Jon Cleaver and Danny Collinge at the Blackpool races.

Pos	Name	Time	Cat
22	JONATHAN CLEAVER	01:25:56	M
53	ROBERT KAY	01:33:27	M45
129	DONNA AIREY	01:42:03	F35
152	COLIN WHITE	01:44:20	M40

Blackpool Marathon

Report from Nerina Gill

Nerina Gill with her Blackpool marathon medal.

Last year I ran the Llanelli marathon in 4 hours and 50 seconds. It was a massive 15 minute PB, so I was delighted, but it certainly left me with unfinished business. I decided to pick Blackpool this spring, on the basis that it has the potential to be a fast course, if it isn’t too windy.

The forecast promised cool conditions, after the beautiful sunshine on Saturday, but that suited me just fine. The winds got up on Saturday night, and gave our motorhome a good battering – it was parked just off the sea front near the start. But by Sunday morning the wind had died down, it was dry, and I knew I had no excuses.

I needed to average 9.05 minute miling to beat 4 hours, so I decided to run 8.45s, to leave myself a margin if my times started to slide badly at the end. They usually do. I also decided to try very hard not to go too fast at the start, not to weave, and to stay as close as possible to the racing line.

Part of the reason I chose Blackpool is that it’s quiet. I don’t like busy races and screaming crowds. I like to be able to run my own race. And I got to do that. My average pace was still 8.45 by the 20 mile marker. I’d picked up a few faster miles running down the slight hill to the south with the wind behind. I’d done a few slower miles on the way back, but the wind was refreshing, and although I had to reverse my cap, it didn’t feel like a constant battle.

I did a quick mental calculation, and decided I could run 9mm for the last 6 miles, and still come in under 4 hours. I thought it was better to reduce the risk of cramp or blowing up and ruining it all than to try to make my tiring legs keep up the same pace.

The final out and back seemed to take forever, and those last two miles felt hard, but I was still picking people off. I saw a woman in front of me who looked like she might be a vet, but which category? I decided I’d be cross with myself if she turned out to be an F45 and I could have caught her, so I pushed on and overtook her at 26 miles. All I had to do then was stay in front. I’m glad to say it was the shortest 0.2 miles I’ve yet encountered, and I did a reasonable sprint/not sprint (don’t get cramp) to the line, keeping her well behind me. Turns out she was an F60. Oh well.

Final chip time: 3 49’ 22”, 1st F45, an 11 minute PB – and a GFA place for London next year. Not a bad morning’s work.

Pos	Name	Time	Cat
144	NERINA GILL	03:49:22	F45

Bolton 10K

Five Clayton Harriers toed the line amongst 695 runners at the Bolton 10K. Our first finisher was Stephen Ainsworth who finished in 59^th place overall and with a time of 42:56.

Stephen Biscomb Reports

This is the first time I have done this race. It was one of the harder 10ks. 2 laps of Leverhulme park with a few hills thrown in. Starts and finishes on the running track. However 800 runners into an eight lane track causes a bit of a bottle neck at the start. Always good to see other Clayton vests in the lineup. Enjoyed the run, just trying to get back were I was after a few injuries. Well done to the other Harriers.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
59	Stephen Ainsworth	MV55	42:56
83	Stephen Biscomb	MV60	44:15
186	Brian Wildman	MV50	48:27
402	Stuart Barker	MV45	57:13
518	Kevin O’Brien	MV70	63:11

Full Results

Virgin London Marathon

Congratulations to our London Marathoners.

Dan Plant was our first finisher. He reports;

Dan Plant at the London Marathon

My second time at London and again fantastic experience the crowds from start to finish were fantastic . Up to 18 miles I was running the race of my life . Then the pain came finished in 3:26 which I was more than happy with

Lynsey Birtwistle reports

Lynsey Birtwistle at the London Marathon

This was my second London Marathon and it was just as great as the first. It’s such an emotional day and the crowds are just amazing. I ran the first half bang on pace and managed to keep up with the 4 hour pacer even though they were a way in front at the start. The weather was perfect for running. At mile 19 I lost the pacer when I stopped for water but carried on pacing myself and managed consistent pace right to the end. Didn’t stop at all this year which I am proud of; I actually ran 26.2 miles in 4:01 but with weaving around people my actual distance at the finish was 26.8 chip time 4:05 which is a PB by 5 minutes so please with that.

Lynsey is on the telly at the VLM

And, I got on the telly crossing the finish line. All in a good day’s work.

Stephanie Hawke reports

My first marathon, fantastic experience- the crowd support is phenomenal. I was on pace for a 4hr30 marathon until about mile 15 I think, then I started to lose time. I did manage a spring finish though coming in at 4:36.

Clare Wilson reports

This was my first marathon too and what an amazing experience. Such an atmosphere that the first half flew by and I don’t think I stopped smiling. A tougher 2^nd half from about mile 19 onwards, possibly as a result of going off a bit fast, but came in a 4:30. Brilliant experience overall, still taking it in.

Stephanie Hawke and Clare WIlson celebrating VLM success

Pos	Name	Category	HALF	FINISH
5794	Plant, Daniel	18-39	01:34:10	03:26:47
15563	Birtwistle, Lynsey	18-39	01:59:03	04:05:13
22237	Wilson, Clare	18-39	02:06:46	04:30:55
23627	Hawke, Stephanie	18-39	02:14:36	04:36:31
29343	Birtwistle, Justin	40-44	02:12:22	05:01:13

Full Results

Wirksworth Incline Race

Julie Toman, racing for the third time this week, was our sole representative at the WIrksworth Incline race in the Peak District. She finished in 105^th place with a time of 40:44

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

Danny Collinge setting a new course record of 15:53. Photo by David Belshaw

This week there was a bit of parkrun tourism at home and abroad, a 50th parkrun for Dr Ron Hill, a first place finish for Jacob Boyle, and a brand new course record for Danny Collinge at the Burnley parkrun. PBs for Danny Collinge, Chris Snell, Richard John, Amanda Duffy, Cassandra Darling-Smedley, Aaron Lundie and Doug Monroe.

Burnley parkrun – A total of 309 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Danny Collinge	15:53	SM20-24	New PB!
3	Jonathan PYE	17:46	SM25-29
4	Jacob WATSON	17:52	SM30-34
8	Richard STEVENSON	18:44	VM40-44
9	Chris SNELL	18:45	VM35-39	New PB!
10	Paul BRANNON	18:57	VM55-59
18	Dexta THOMPSON	19:57	JM10
20	Richard JOHN	20:05	VM35-39	New PB!
23	Simon WILSHAW	20:16	JM15-17
27	Michael HOGAN	20:32	VM45-49
30	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	21:10	JM15-17
34	James BOULT	21:30	SM20-24
40	Robert MORRISON	21:54	VM40-44
42	Andrew WEBSTER	21:56	VM45-49
47	Martin BRADY	22:10	VM50-54
53	Amanda DUFFY	22:22	VW35-39	New PB!
57	Lennon JACKSON	22:29	JM11-14
62	Matthew JACKSON	22:46	JM10
64	Ella DORRINGTON-LEVY	22:53	JW11-14
71	Sophie ASHWORTH	23:18	JW11-14
73	Cassandra Darling SMEDLEY	23:20	VW35-39	New PB!
74	Robbie SMEDLEY	23:22	JM10
75	Julie DAWES	23:25	VW45-49
93	Tony PILLING	24:18	VM50-54
95	Nathan KEWIN	24:23	JM11-14
109	Jake ANFORTH	25:19	JM10
114	Lisa JOHNSON	25:25	VW40-44
117	Beth QUINN	25:27	JW15-17
118	Andy QUINN	25:28	VM45-49
129	Aaron LUNDIE	25:45	JM11-14	New PB!
149	Ian HARGREAVES	26:19	VM50-54
159	Ron CHAPPELL	27:16	VM65-69
160	Richard LAWSON	27:18	VM75-79
164	Yvonne WICKHAM	27:31	VW50-54
186	Lucy STEVENSON	28:23	JW11-14
216	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	30:07	VW65-69
239	Judith CAREY	31:38	VW35-39
248	Christine LEATHLEY	32:09	VW65-69
290	Valerie LAWSON	36:21	VW70-74
296	Nicola KAY	37:13	SW30-34

Chelmsford Central parkrun – A total of 522 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time
1	Jacob BOYLE	17:32

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 157 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
108	Eileen JONES	30:12	VW60-64

Hamilton Island parkrun – A total of 26 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
26	Robin PRICE	38:57	VM70-74	First Timer!

Heaton parkrun – A total of 713 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner		Time	Age Cat	Note
428	Ron HILL		29:49:00	VM75-79

Lancaster parkrun – A total of 280 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
10	Dave MOTLEY	20:44	SM30-34	First Timer!
167	Doug MUNROE	30:53	VM70-74	New PB!

Pendle parkrun – A total of 95 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
4	John HARTLEY	20:28	VM55-59
5	Paul HESKETH	20:34	VM50-54
60	Robert HIRST	31:28	VM65-69

Witton parkrun – A total of 82 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
28	Julia RUSHTON	27:26	VW50-54

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Uptown Top Ranking

A proud week for our club with team and individual awards galore at the Mid Lancs Cross Country presentation evening. PBs have been smashed and UK rankings topped, not to mention a presence at the British Fell Championships. A top week for a top team. The future’s bright!

TUESDAY 5 APRIL

Coppice Trail Race

30 club members and 4 runners from Trawden AC took part in the Coppice Trail Race. Danny Collinge was the first finisher in 35:58.

Danny Collinge at the Coppice Trail Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Runners give an estimate to the organiser of what they expect their completion time to be and watches are not allowed. Chris Snell was the handicap first place with a guess that was absolutely spot on.

Chris Snell, handicap winner at the Coppice Fell Race. Photo by David Belshaw

The event was held in memory of club member Tony Aspin and raised money for the East Lancs Hospice.

Pos	Name	Club	Cat	Time	Estimate	Difference	Handicap
1	Danny Collinge	CLM	U23	35:58	39:00	3:02	23
2	George Pier	CLM	U20	40:35	41:00	0:07	4
3	Chris Snell	CLM		41:00	41:00	0:00	1
4	Paul Hesketh	CLM	V50	41:47	42:30	0:43	12
5	Andrew Orr	CLM	V45	42:40	44:06	1:26	17
6	Andrew Priory	CLM	V40	43:04	44:00	0:56	15
7	Sean Clare	CLM	V50	44:22	43:00	1:22	16
8	Brian Horrocks	CLM	V50	45:21	48:15	2:54	22
9	Ivan Whigham	CLM	V50	46:46	45:10	1:36	19
10	Mark Nutter	CLM	V50	47:34	47:00	0:34	7
11	Mark Taylor	CLM		48:18	52:00	3:42	25
12	Jim Hickie	CLM	V50	48:40	52:02	5:22	31
13	Steve Breckell	CLM	V60	19:03	53:00	3:57	27
14	Andrew Howarth	CLM	V50	49:55	49:50	0:05	3
15	Peter Dugdale	CLM	V50	50:14	52:30	2:16	20
16	Martin Brady	CLM	V50	50:23	51:00	0:37	8
17	Dave Horrocks	CLM	V50	51:11	50:30	0:41	11
18	Steve Bury	CLM	V50	51:33	53:00	1:27	18
19	Rick Moore	CLM	V50	52:07	53:00	0:53	13
20	Peter Browning	CLM	V50	52:10	53:04	0:54	14
21	Dave Scott	CLM	V70	52:37	52:00	0:37	9
22	Colin Woolford	CLM	V40	52:50	53:30	0:40	10
23	Geoff Smith	CLM	V40	52:58	58:58	6:00	32
24	Colin Smith	TAC	V50	53:03	58:00	4:57	30
25	Richard Bellaries	CLM	V60	53:16	49:35	3:41	24
26	Graham Odgars	TAC	V40	53:33		53:33	34
27	David Naylor	CLM	V60	54:37	50:50	3:47	26
28	Louise Baron	TAC	L	57:29	60:00	2:31	21
29	Steven Blake	CLM	V40	58:50	59:00	0:10	5
30	Geoff Laycock	CLM	V60	60:17	60:00	0:17	6
31	Doug Munroe	CLM	V60	65:30	61:15	4:15	28
32	Sue Allen	CLM	LV50	66:38	71:17	4:39	29
33	Phil Thornber	CLM	V60	68:02	68:00	0:02	2
34	Mark Lord	TAC	V40	71:06	65:00	6:06	33

FRIDAY 8 APRIL

Mid Lancs Cross Country Presentation

Report from Irene Roche

Friday 8th April was the presentation evening for the Mid Lancs Cross Country and Clayton Le-moors ladies were officially presented as League 2 winners with gold trophy and medals. It was definitely a proud moment, realising we have steadily climbed our way up from not too long ago in the third division. Last season we just missed promotion out of League 2, making our achievement this time so rewarding. So a huge thank you to all our lady runners this season as each and everyone counts towards the overall position. Collecting the trophy on behalf of us all was Christine Leathley, Jean Knightley and myself.

L-R Irene Roche, Christine Leathley and Jean Knightley receive the Ladies Team Prize at the Mid Lancs League Presentation Evening

After such a wet, cold and muddy season, Clayton ladies have shown a massive commitment and determination through turning up to run in some pretty awful conditions, and enjoying it! Again many thanks.

Dexta Thompson, Gold winner, at the Mid Lancs Presentation night

Team Clayton were the big winners with 10 team awards in all and 4 more than their nearest rivals. Medals were also claimed for our V40 category (bronze) and V55 category (silver). Individual awards were claimed by Bethany Quinn (silver U20 Women), Irene Roche (gold V55 Women), Christine Leathley (V65 bronze) and Karin Goss (V65 silver).

SATURDAY 9 APRIL

Calderdale Hike

Report from Nicholas Olszewski

This was the first time for me on this particular event and was part of this year’s Runfurther ultra running series, classed as a medium event at 36.5 miles. The series consist of a short, medium and a long and one other from one of the three categories. Having completed a short, the Howarth Hobble last month this was my medium event, unfortunately this sort of clashes with the long I propose to do, which is the Fellsman next Saturday, so only a week to recover from the Calderdale.

Nicholas Olszewski at the Calderdale Hike. Photo by SportSunday

My plan was to take it easy during the day and on arrival I was met with a couple of friendly faces in that of Mike Dobson and Michelle Brooks from Trawden AC, both of which I knew were also on the Fellsman the following Saturday and would be taking it just as easy on the hike today. As the three of us set off, 9:00 sharp, the sun was just starting to come through and it looked as though we were in for a grand sunny day out on the hills, and hills there were, this route goes up and down dale all day long, with some rather steep sections in places and although we’d had a reasonably dry week prior, there was still quite a lot of water and bog to contend with during the course.

Although the route is roughly 36.5 miles, this wasn’t enough for Michelle who, at about the 20-mile mark, decided to swan dive a very large puddle, fortunately unscathed, but rather wet nonetheless, appeared to be determined to turn the event into some sort of triathlon. Anyway as we progressed, she did eventually dry out and we trudged on to the next check point whereby we were welcomed with sandwiches and bananas.

Navigationally the whole route went to plan, only a few blips partly because of gabbing too much and not focusing on the route, but it’s a fantastic event, well organised and very friendly and a great way to explore Calderdale, the weather stayed with us all day, so much so that the back of my legs are badly burnt, it was only in the last 3 miles that it turned dramatically colder and the rain set in, we all waterproofed up for the final sprint back to Sowerby Cricket Club luckily just before the rain turned into large flakes of snow.

The route completed, not in a fast time, but that wasn’t the purpose of the day, all three of us had a fantastic day out on the hills in brilliant sunshine, route finding and getting the miles and time in our legs, ready for next adventure the following weekend

Coledale Horseshoe

Andy Orr, Chris Whiteoak, Kurt Livesey and Jean Brown all took part in the 8mile with 3000ft of ascent Lakeland fell race, the Coledale Horseshoe,

Awaiting results

Donard Commedagh

Well done to Alan Dorrington and Wendy Dodds for making the trip to Northern Ireland for this British Championship Fell Race.

Report From Alan Dorrington

With cheap flights from Manchester and some Hebden-based Irish friends keen to go over to race, a weekend trip to the Mourne Mountains for the British Champs round at Donard seemed too good to pass up.

Wendy Dodds at the finish. Photo by Richard Cowan

With a reputation for bad weather and clag, we were all glad to wake up to a cold but fine sunny day on the Saturday morning and duly gathered in Donard Park, Newcastle for the start. There were plenty of English clubs represented with a particularly large and cheerful contingent from Tod Harriers with some of whom I had travelled out and was staying with. The race takes in a direct climb up to Northern Ireland’s highest point going from pretty much sea-level to 2790ft in fairly quick order. This meant for a very hard, calf bursting climb followed by a steep fast descent down the Mourne Wall to the surprisingly dry Bog of Donard. From there we picked up a beautiful contouring path in the heart of the range, the Brandy Pad. Used by smugglers, this gave stunning views across the Mourne Peaks and after some fast, rock hopping running took us into the base of another big, steep climb up to Donard’s neighbour, Slieve Commedagh. All that remained from the summit was a long fast and 2200 ft descent back to Donard Park. With lots of route options, the field spread out all over the fell, converging for a final narrow woodland blast down to the finish.

Alan Dorrington Nimra Photos/Bell Family

Alan Dorrington at the Donard Commedagh Fell race. Photo by Nimra Photos/Bell Family

With lovely friendly marshals, helpers and organisers, and a demanding and beautifully scenic course of proper mountain running, it was the best fell race I’ve done so far and more than worth the trip. A further hangover-curing run before our Sunday afternoon flight home confirmed the Mourne Mountains as a superb venue for a trip over the water.

Pos	Name	AgeClass	Time
137	Alan Dorrington	MV40	01:52:12
187	Wendy Dodds	FV60	02:03:38

Full Results

Wardle Skyline NO RESULTS YET

SUNDAY 10 APRIL

Asics Greater Manchester Marathon

Congratulations to John Hartley who finished 1st vet 55 and the time he ran will take him to top of British ranking for his age category for the Marathon. John says he is chuffed to bits about his result and gives massive thanks to his wife for the support without which this would not be possible. Sub four hour finishes for Jon Cleaver and Nick Roscoe. Donna Scott was representing the ladies with a very respectable 4:21:37 and Stephen Targett completed the Clayton Harriers contingent with 4:31:15.

Report from Jon Cleaver

For me this was a last minute change of plans, I was going to do the Brighton marathon next weekend, but decided to run Manchester instead. In the build up since Christmas I trained a lot with fellow Clayton Dan Plant who is doing London and both ended up with a couple of injuries on the way, but got though them thanks to some help from Garry Wilkinson.

The race started at on the Chester Road near Old Trafford and did a loop round the quay side and then made its way out to Sale, Timperley, Altringham and then back to Emirates Old Trafford home of LCC.You really couldn’t ask for better conditions weather-wise a light breeze, sunshine and 10 degrees; all in all it was set up for a quick race. Manchester is supposed to be the quickest marathon in Europe there isn’t a lot of elevation my strava clocked 364ft.

The race got off well, but there was some strange goings on with the mile markers they were at least 0.2 out and sometimes half a mile which was a bit disconcerting. The crowds were out in force in the towns and it was buzzing in Altringham at the half marathon point which I passed through in about 01:27, all in all things were going to plan. After stopping to tie my shoelaces I spotted fellow Clayton John Hartley who was going strong and we went along for 5/6 miles at 06:40 pace. Unfortunately for me I couldn’t hold on to John and as he got strong in the final 10km my legs went to lead weights.

Another mess up with the mile markers came when there was two 22 mile markers half a mile apart which was not exactly the psychological boost you need. My legs started to completely shut down in the last 3 going to 09:00 minute miles at mile 25. There’s nothing more soul destroying than seeing that 03:00 pace maker come past you and there is nothing you can do to respond to it.

The finish was at least 0.2 longer than it needed to be and I felt every additional step and it was a welcome relief to see the timer still under 03:04. At the end you were greeted with an alcohol free beer a great finishers medal, t shirt and goody bag.John Hartley was 1st vet 55 which was a brilliant effort a real inspiration to us all.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
223	John HARTLEY	MV55	02:56:02
502	Jon CLEAVER	MV35	03:03:54
2291	Nick ROSCOE	MV45	03:37:47
5830	Donna SCOTT	FV50	04:21:37
6512	Stephen TARGETT	MV40	04:31:15

Well done to our marathoners!

Full Results

Cheshire 10K

L-R Danny Collinge, Ian Hargreaves, Chris Snell

Over a thousand runners took part in this popular race that claims to be one of the fastest 10K road racing courses in the UK. The course follows the flat and rural roads of Antrobus with full road closures. Four Clayton Harriers took part with some great results. Danny Collinge had a great race finishing in 7^th place overall and smashing through the 33 minute barrier to finish with a storming time of 32:26. Next in was Chris Snell in 58^th place with a time of 37:55. Laura Hesketh was representing the ladies and was 66^th overall and 5^th female in the race with a time of 49:22. Completing our speedy foursome was Ian Hargreaves who broke through the 50 minute time despite having a Guinness hangover!

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
7	Danny Collinge	M	00:32:26
58	Chris Snell	M	00:37:55
66	Laura Hesketh	F	00:38:16
434	Ian Hargreaves	MV50	00:49:22

Full Results

Fleetwood 10K

Elizabeth Mullen and Kevin O’Brien took part in the Fleetwood 10K. Elizabeth was our first finisher in 34^th place overall with a time of 45:24 and third lady in the race. Kevin O’Brien was 142^nd with a time of 1:00:30 and was third V65.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
34	Elizabeth Mullan	L	45:24.0
142	Kevin Obrien	V65	1:00:30.0

Full Results

Pendle Cloughs Fell Race

The Race starts and finishes in the village of Downham Nr Clitheroe and runners visit seven of Pendle’s Cloughs; Burst Clough, Mearley Clough, Ogden Clough, Deep Clough, Churn Clough, Ashendean Clough, and Boar Clough.

Report from Dave Motley

I decided to enter Pendle Cloughs last minute as a build-up race for the 3 Peaks Race. I was planning a 2hr run on Pendle anyway so why not go race. I entered. Downham and Pendle Hill were basking in Spring sunshine, perfect conditions for some fun.

We set off and I was surprised to find myself in the lead group after 1 mile, but as soon as we hit the fell and the 1st climb it was clear to me that I wasn’t going to keep the pace and I dropped back and decided to stick with Mr Fell (Darren Fishwick of Chorley AC) as the route was unknown to me. I was glad of this decision as Darren seemed to know the route and he hit some good lines and parts of Pendle I’ve never visited. The race itself seems to hit some really underused paths, open fell and there is a massive amount of route choice between checkpoints with the race hitting the summit of Pendle twice (or at least that’s the route I chose).

I finished the race in 4th place out of a disappointingly low turnout of 40 after leaving Darren on the last climb and outrunning Jon Green (Preston Harriers) on the final descent. A fantastic race and I’d probably go as far as say the best one of the Pendle Fell races. I think I’ll pencil this one in again for next year and now I know the route hope to improve on my time.

Pete Browning’s a legend in the fell running world, the quiet man who just gets on with it, though not many know that he eats fell runners for breakfast – and spits ’em out on his way around the course. Photo by Andy Holden

Report from Martin Brady

This is a tough race over Pendle from Downham. It takes you to places you would not normally visit as it does not follow recognised footpath for most of its way. There are plenty of route choices especially from CP5 (Stainscomb) to CP6 in Ashendean Clough. Snow was on the ground early on but at least the sun was shining. There were plenty of walkers about who were wondering what on earth was going on. This is a great traditional long fell race and a good test of stamina.

Pos	Nam	Cat	Time
4	Dave Motley	M	2:36:52
8	Alan Life	V50	2:45:20
9	Andy Armstrong	V40	2:45:37
16	Sean Clare	V50	3:01:25
19	Richard Bellaries	V60	3:09:27
20	Mark Nutter	V50	3:10:51
24	Martin Brady	V50	3:25:25
25	Peter Browning	V50	3:28:42
27	Andrew Firth	V50	3:31:52
31	Steve Bury	V50	3:39:20

Yarlside Downhill NO RESULTS YET

Parkrun roundup

Burnley parkrun – A total of 314 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
3	Christopher HOLDSWORTH	18:52	SM25-29
9	Mark ASPINALL	19:25	VM55-59
11	Alexander TOWNROW	19:43	JM15-17	New PB!
12	Jackson MCKAY	20:02	JM11-14
13	Nicholas HENNESSEY	20:04	JM11-14
14	Jonathan CLEAVER	20:15	VM35-39
19	James BOULT	20:36	SM20-24	New PB!
22	Simon WILSHAW	20:48	JM15-17
32	Jenson BENTHAM	21:35	JM10	New PB!
35	Lennon JACKSON	21:55	JM11-14
36	Andy QUINN	21:57	VM40-44
39	Donna RILEY	22:14	VW50-54
41	Helana WHITE	22:24	JW10	New PB!
43	Martin BRADY	22:27	VM50-54
51	Daniel PLANT	23:06	SM30-34
53	Charlie BIRTWISTLE	23:14	JM10
65	Brian WILDMAN	23:52	VM50-54
69	Colin WHITE	24:08	VM40-44
79	Julie DAWES	24:54	VW45-49
92	Chris SNELL	25:30	VM35-39
102	Breton HOLDSWORTH	25:54	VM40-44
103	Toby BIRTWISTLE	25:59	JM10
105	Annabel WILCOCK	26:00	JW15-17
106	John WILCOCK	26:02	VM50-54
107	Lisa JOHNSON	26:06	VW40-44
119	Beth QUINN	26:36	JW15-17
125	Joshua MCKAY	26:54	JM10	New PB!
127	Philip NAYLOR	27:01	VM35-39
133	Aaron LUNDIE	27:19	JM11-14
135	Julie TOMAN	27:26	VW45-49
157	Yvonne WICKHAM	28:26	VW50-54
166	Ron CHAPPELL	28:40	VM65-69
219	Sophie MCINTOSH	30:48	SW25-29
244	Nicola KAY	32:44	SW30-34
249	Christine LEATHLEY	32:58	VW65-69

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 188 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
149	Eileen JONES	32:30

Pendle parkrun – A total of 90 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
14	John HARTLEY	24:34	VM55-59

Preston parkrun – A total of 269 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
85	Katy THOMPSON	25:04	VW60-64

South Manchester parkrun – A total of 261 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
191	Ron HILL	31:03	VM75-79

Witton parkrun – A total of 101 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
11	Adam SHAW	21:56	SM30-34
35	Julia RUSHTON	26:37	VW50-54

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Leaping Forward

The clocks have changed, the lighter nights are here and midweek races are back. Still at the mercy of the weather at times, our hardy Harriers have been racing on with gusto. Starting the week with a win at Liver Hill and continuing to run well in all disciplines. We are springing forwards in leaps and bounds.

Happening this week

Reminder from the fell captains: entries are open for the next English Championships race, “Up the Nab” in the Peak District. Also entries are now open for the British Championships race, ‘Sedbergh Sports’ in July. Full details are available on the FRA Website

Tuesday 5th April first in the Summer Series – Coppice Trail Race – starts 6.30 pm from the Peel Park Hotel, Turkey Street, Accrington. Entry £4 which will be donated to East Lancs Hospice in memory of Tony Aspin. There will be free Potato Pie or Cheese and Onion Pie. There will also be a one hour walk for those interested and a number of helpers needed for the race.

Volunteers needed to help out at the Mearley Clough Race on Tuesday 10^th May. Please contact Andy Firth (andrewfirth58@aol.com mob 07470368926) if you can help.

Tuesday 29 March

Bunny Run 1

Well done to Briony Holt who took part in the first Bunny Run in the current series organised by Woodentops. In a field of 275 senior and junior runners she was 39^th overall and 1^st U14 girl

Briony Holt at the first Bunny Run race. Photo by Woodentops

Pos.	Name	Cat.	Time
39	Briony Holt	GU14	20:12

Full Results

Pete Hartley Memorial Liver Hill Fell Race

The second race in the club fell championship competition took place in harsh conditions with 23 Clayton Harriers taking part. Danny Collinge continued his winning streak taking first place.

Danny Collinge leading the way at the Pete Hartley Memorial Liver Hill Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Our first female was Orlaith O’Mahony who was second lady overall to Preston Harrier’s Nicola Jackson.

Orlaith O’Mahony and Chris Paul at the Pete Hartley Memorial Liver Hill Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos.	Name	Cat.	Time
1	Danny Collinge	MU23	00:34:51
15	Peter Coates	MSEN	00:39:15
19	Carl Helliwell	MV40	00:39:42
23	Ryan Wilkinson	MSEN	00:40:13
24	Dave Motley	MSEN	00:40:22
33	Mike Wallis	MV55	00:41:27
40	Paul Hesketh	MV50	00:42:19
48	Sean Clare	MV50	00:42:56
49	Alan Dorrington	MV45	00:43:02
64	Richard Briscoe	MSEN	00:46:07
66	Mark Nutter	MV50	00:46:23
69	Orlaith O’Mahony	LSEN	00:46:56
70	Chris Paul	MSEN	00:46:58
88	Angela Shian	LSEN	00:49:29
92	Colin Woolford	MV40	00:50:11
97	Wendy Dodds	LV65	00:51:55
102	James Hickie	MV55	00:53:32
104	Martin Brady	MV50	00:54:17
108	David Nield	MV55	00:54:32
109	David Naylor	MV60	00:54:39
115	Stephen Fish	MV60	00:55:58
139	Michelle Butschok	LV40	01:05:54
140	Rachel Todd	LV40	01:06:25

Full Results

Junior Liver Hill Races

Well done to the three intrepid juniors that took part in the junior races at the Pete Hartley Memorial Fell Race. In diabolical conditions Jenson Bentham finished 2nd in the U10 race with a time of 11:38, and Helana White was 5th place and first girl with a time of 12:39. Claudia Bentham ran in the U14 race and finished in 16th place with a time of 25:38.

Wednesday 30 March

Colin & Brenda Robinson 5K Cowm Race

206 runners took part in this midweek race of 2 laps of Cowm reservoir with proceeds going to Wythenshaw Hospital Sports transplants funds. Julie Toman was our sole representative in this race finishing in 156^th place with a time of 26:34

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
156	Julie Toman	F45	00:26:34

Full Results

Saturday 2 April

Eskdale Elevation

Edited version of Race OrganiserDave Jones’s report

After three days of awful weather the inaugural Eskdale Elevation took place in constant rain and mist and involved a relatively small but thoroughly competent field of 43 runners – I suspect that with better weather this might have been a somewhat larger field but the race proved to be very competitive and needed not just speed but sound route choice and navigational accuracy. There were plenty of alternative choices utilised, some better than others, but Rhys Findlay-Robinson, despite having a rapidly disintegrating map from Scafell onwards, clearly made some good decisions and came home a clear winner from Richard McGrath , with Muir Morton taking a very clever line off Scafell which gained him five places and put him in third place.

The Ladies’ race was very close indeed, with the Keswick pair of Catherine Evans and Jo Gillyon crossing the line together to claim joint first place a mere four seconds in front of Sue Richmond in third.

As far as the Vets’ categories were concerned all four of the male places were, to my intense delight, taken by Pennine runners, as was the Men’s Team, so unashamedly biased congratulations to Muir, Ian, Dave Bowen, Roger and Dave Ward.

For the Ladies, Jo Gillyon claimed the FV40 as well as joint first place; Kathleen Aubrey got the FV50 and the irrepressible Wendy Dodds got the FV60, while Helm Hill won the Ladies’ Team.

Full Report and Results

Pendle Fell Races

37 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers senior runners took part in this popular early season fell race organised by the club. A field of 172 runners took part overall. The race was won by Rossendale Harriers’ Sam Tosh in a time of 33:46. First Clayton runner home was Matt Perry who had a tremendous run and was 8^th overall with a time of 37:45. Matthew Duckworth also had a good run, knocking nearly 6 minutes off last year’s time despite the boggy conditions.

First four Harrier. L-R Carl Helliwell, Peter Coates, Matt Perry and Andrew Laycock. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

The ladies race was won by Georgia Tindley of Hunters Bog Trotters.First Clayton lady finisher was Louisa Powell-Smith who in her very first fell race was 3^rd lady overall in the race with a time of 43:22. A fantastic run for Louisa who pulled off a great result despite having to stop at the trig point with severe cramp!

Louisa Powell-Smith at the Pendle Fell Race. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

There were top twenty finishes for Andrew Laycock and Peter Coates. Our senior vets also did well with Jack Holt 1^st V60 male, Kieron Carr 1^st V70 male, and Linda Lord 1^st V60 lady.

Congratulations to Andy Bradley who as the new race organiser pulled off a cracking event for all, as did Colin Woolford at the Stan Bradshaw race in March.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
8	Matt Perry	M	00:37:45
11	Andrew Laycock	M	00:38:35
18	Peter Coates	M	00:39:57
21	Carl Helliwell	M40	00:40:23
32	Alan Life	M	00:42:41
35	Matthew Duckworth	M	00:43:06
38	Louisa Powell-Smith	F	00:43:22
41	Sean Clare	M50	00:43:42
43	Andrew Priory	M40	00:44:13
47	Geoffrey Paul Gough	M50	00:44:37
57	Richard Briscoe	M	00:45:19
59	Brian Horrocks	M50	00:45:40
63	Ivan Whigham	M50	00:46:05
66	Jack Holt	M60	00:46:20
74	Mark Nutter	M50	00:47:32
82	Jeffrey Pickup	M60	00:49:03
86	Kieran Carr	M70	00:49:17
90	Mark Taylor	M	00:50:26
91	Peter Dugdale	M50	00:50:52
93	Martin Brady	M50	00:51:15
94	Vicky Heys	F40	00:51:21
96	Andrew Dugdale	M50	00:51:24
100	Peter Browning	M50	00:52:09
104	Angela Shion	F	00:52:46
115	David Naylor	M60	00:53:36
117	Colin Woolford	M40	00:54:03
123	Andrew Firth	M50	00:54:55
126	David M. Horrocks	M50	00:55:15
131	Irene Roche	F50	00:55:22
132	Andrew Walmsley	M60	00:55:34
133	Linda Lord	F60	00:55:40
153	Rachel Todd	F40	01:01:25
155	Michael Frost	M60	01:02:14
156	Bianca Bennett	F	01:02:44
158	Helen Burnett	F40	01:03:04
163	Doug Munroe	M60	01:06:00
168	Karin Goss	F60	01:09:00

Full Results

Pendle Junior Fell Races

Well done to our 24 juniors runners that took part in the Pendle Fell Races. In total, 124 junior runners took part in over the age groups this year. Conditions were pretty grim as the races got under way with drizzle and a cold wind to contend with on an extremely slippery and muddy course. The U8 & U10 runners ran together as did the U16 & U18 but results are supplied separately.

U8 Race

Felix Thompson was our youngest runner of the day and took part in the U8 race in field of 20 runners. He was 9^th overall and the 6^th boy to finish. A good run in pretty unpleasant conditions.

Felix Thompson in the U8 Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
9	Felix Thompson	M	00:03:59

U10 Race

There were 8 Clayton juniors in the U10 race. Finley Stubbs was our first finisher and was 4^th overall in the race. Helana White was our second finisher in 12^th place overall. Some gutsy running from our juniors in tough conditions.

Millie MacCabe in the U10 Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
4	Finley C Stubbs	M	(004/016)	00:05:13
12	Helena White	F	(004/011)	00:05:59
15	Matthew Jackson	M	(011/016)	00:06:04
16	Joshua McKay	M	(012/016)	00:06:10
20	Jake Anforth	M	(014/016)	00:06:29
22	Kady Thompson	F	(007/011)	00:06:33
27	Milly Su MacCabe	F	(011/011)	00:08:12

U12 Race

Again there were 8 Clayton juniors in the U12 Race. This was a longer course than the previous race with a route on the higher and more exposed fell side. Jackson McKay was our first finisher and second overall. Chasing down a couple of Horwich runners, and pulling off a dramatic last minute overtake, Dexta Thompson was 4^th.

Dexta Thompson literally leaping past his Horwich opponent. Photo by David Belshaw

Ella Dorrington was our first girl battling all the way to the finish to be pipped at the post by Ella Pendlebury of Horwich RMI and settling for 3^rd girl in the race.

Ella Dorrington battling to the finish. Photo by David Belshaw

Special mention for Bronia for the most spectacular full body slide on the home straight; she got up and finished with a smile on her face.

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
2	Jackson McKay	M	(002/016)	00:14:42
4	Dexta Thompson	M	(004/016)	00:15:29
7	Robbie M Smedley	M	(006/016)	00:16:24
9	Ella Dorrington	F	(003/021)	00:16:29
16	William M Nicholls	M	(011/016)	00:19:08
19	Summer J Hargreaves	F	(007/021)	00:19:52
29	Grace Root	F	(016/021)	00:21:11
35	Bronia Olszewska	F	(019/021)	00:26:33

U14 Race

Briony Holt was our first finisher, 3^rd overall and 1^st girl in the U14 race. Lennon Jackson was the first boy for the club in 19^th place overall.

Briony Holt storming to the finish in the U14 race. Photo by David Belshaw

Once again our juniors ran their socks off despite the grim weather and tricky ground underfoot.

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
3	Briony Holt	F	(001/012)	00:22:25
17	Millie Eve Stubbs	F	(007/012)	00:25:35
19	Lennon Jackson	M	(012/012)	00:26:57
20	Sophie Ashworth	F	(008/012)	00:28:17
23	Natasha Olszewska	F	(011/012)	00:30:26

U16 Race

Simon Wilshaw was our first finisher in the U16 race and 7^th overall. Hot on his heels was Nicholas Hennessey in his debut for the club.

L-R Simon Wilshaw and Nick Hennessey in the U16 race. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

Eleanor Root was our only girl in the race and 2^nd girl overall.

Eleanor Root in the U16 race. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
7	Simon Wilshaw	M	(007/009)	00:26:55
8	Nicholas Hennessey	M	(008/009)	00:26:57
11	Eleanor Root	F	(002/004)	00:32:41

Full Results

Sunday 3 April

Burnley Youth Theatre 5K & Fun Run

Julie Dawes was our sole senior runner in the 5K finishing in 13^th place with a time of 24:29.

Julie Dawes at the Burnley Youth Theatre 5K. Photo by David Belshaw

Junior Matthew Jackson and Helana White ran in the fun run taking 1^st and 2^nd places respectively. Well done to all that took part to help fundraise for this fantastic local theatre group.

Matthew Jackson and Helana White winners of the Burnley Youth Theatre charity fun run. Photo by David Belshaw

Results

Darwen Heritage Half Marathon

17 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers took to the roads of Darwen for the Heritage Half marathon organised by Darwen Dashers. The race is part of this year’s club road championship.

Team Clayton at the Darwen Heritage Half Marathon. Photo by George S Davies

Report from Jacob Watson

Jacob Watson at the Darwen Heritage Half Marathon. Photo by George S Davies

As my first Half Marathon since I fractured my foot running Hendon Brook in Summer last year, I was a little apprehensive about this challenging, hilly half marathon. There is a reason it has been labelled ‘Darwen Rollercoaster Half Marathon’ which became apparent right from the start. The course itself contains 3 steep climbs, all of which are about 2 miles long, the first one being the longest drag. There certainly seemed to be more uphills than downhills, although the last 2 miles were brilliant fun, especially after I realised there was no more climbing!

Leaving the house, I wasn’t sure what to expect weather wise as it looked pretty miserable, however shortly after the race started the sun came out which really highlighted the scenery, not that there was much of an opportunity to take it in, mind! Most of the route takes place on country roads and through villages, another similarity it has with Hendon Brook (it’s bigger, scarier brother!)

I was fortunate enough to be running in a group of 4 for the first 6 miles, however after a bit of trouble taking on water and getting stitch I couldn’t help but watch as the 3 other runners went off into the distance. Once my stomach had sorted itself out I just focussed on keeping them in my sight and not dropping back any further. Crossing the line, I knew I’d given it my all and was very happy to get under 85 minutes (a faster time than I would have predicted given the hills). Happy days!

All in all, a great, challenging route and I’m very glad it was added to our road championship. I’m hoping it will be good training for Hendon Brook!

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
10	Jacob Watson	M	01:24:48
27	Dave Motley	M	01:29:31
83	Richard Briscoe	M	01:39:40
108	James Boult	M	01:42:32
120	Andrew Webster	M45	01:44:02
128	Robert Morrison	M40	01:45:16
142	Elizabeth Mullan	F	01:47:23
152	Amanda Duffy	F	01:48:52
161	Martin Brady	M50	01:50:16
191	Colin White	M40	01:54:04
200	Angela Shian	F	01:54:35
201	Vicky Heys	F45	01:54:35
202	Nerina Gill	F45	01:54:54
212	Geoff Smith	M40	01:55:57
217	Julia Rushton	F50	01:56:55
283	Lee Moore	M	02:08:16
360	Mr Naylor	M	02:24:47

Full Results

Padiham Aquathlon

Fresh from a storming run at the Pendle Fell Race, Matthew Duckworth took part in the Padiham Aquathlon finishing in 9th place with an overall time of 32:03. Natasha Newell and Tony Pilling competed as a relay and finished in 11th place with an overall time of 33:49.

It was a super Sunday for Team Stevenson! After lots of hard work in the pool over the last few months Keira blitzed her previous swim times at Padiham Aquathlon. Rachel was persuaded to have a go by Keira, worked her socks off and swam beautifully and confidently. Adam decided to throw everything at the run, a tactic that well paid off. Great results for all 3 of them!

Team Stevenson. L-R Adam, Keira and Rachel with their mum Deborah at the Padiham Aquathlon

Results not yet available

Wilmslow Half Marathon

Richard Stevenson ran in the Wilmslow Half Marathon finishing in 83rd place with a time of 1:20:28 smashing his PB. A result of lots of hard work put into training. Well done Richard

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

A busy week for our parkrunners with some parkrun tourism thrown into the mix. Clayton-le-Moors Harriers have been spotted in Scotland and Australia this week.

Imogen and Tillie Ferguson at the Helix junior parkrun in Edinburgh.

Bolton parkrun – A total of 244 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
71	Katy THOMPSON	25:39	VW60-64

Burnley parkrun – A total of 246 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Jonathan PYE	18:23	SM25-29
2	Jordan MCDONALD	18:33	SM18-19
5	Chris SNELL	19:22	VM35-39
9	Adam SHAW	20:37	SM30-34
12	John WILCOCK	21:08	VM50-54
19	Richard STEVENSON	22:03	VM40-44
20	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	22:11	JM15-17
21	Donna RILEY	22:16	VW50-54
27	Martin BRADY	22:41	VM50-54
33	James HICKIE	23:26	VM55-59
43	Ian HARGREAVES	24:10	VM50-54
45	Charlie BIRTWISTLE	24:13	JM10
54	Julie DAWES	24:37	VW45-49
61	Toby BIRTWISTLE	25:06	JM10
62	Justin BIRTWISTLE	25:07	VM40-44
65	Andrew TAYLOR	25:32	VM55-59
85	Aaron LUNDIE	26:35	JM11-14
102	Ron CHAPPELL	27:44	VM65-69
105	Julie TOMAN	27:57	VW45-49
129	Donna SCOTT	29:24	VW50-54
139	Carl CAREY	29:49	VM45-49
146	Robert HIRST	30:14	VM65-69
150	Jack MCGUIRE	30:30	VM60-64
151	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	30:39	VW65-69
164	Karen CLARKIN	31:22	VW40-44
181	Judith CAREY	32:17	VW35-39
227	Valerie LAWSON	36:45	VW70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 152 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
152	Eileen JONES	57:12	VW60-64

Helix Junior parkrun – A total of 63 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
15	Imogen FERGUSON	8:57	JW10	First Timer!
27	Tillie FERGUSON	10:32	JW10	First Timer!

Lincoln parkrun – A total of 331 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Breton HOLDSWORTH	17:22	VM40-44

Pendle parkrun – A total of 73 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
3	Paul BRANNON	20:39	VM55-59
4	John HARTLEY	20:51	VM55-59
5	Paul HESKETH	21:03	VM50-54
6	Richard BRISCOE	21:22	VM35-39
12	Susan BURNS	22:27	VW55-59

Penrith Lakes parkrun- A total of 220 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
162	Robin PRICE	37:50	VM70-74	First Timer!

Queen’s Park junior parkrun – A total of 77 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Dexta THOMPSON	7:35	JM10	First Timer!
7	Liberty THOMPSON	9:23	JW11-14	First Timer!
11	Kady THOMPSON	10:15	JW10	First Timer!
12	Felix THOMPSON	10:18	JM10	First Timer!

Skipton parkrun – A total of 171 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
151	Christine LEATHLEY	34:01	VW65-69	First Timer!

Witton parkrun – A total of 75 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
72	Julia RUSHTON	1:00	VW50-54

Woodbank parkrun – A total of 128 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
107	Ron HILL	32:59	VM75-79

ByAdrienne Olszewska

A Champion Weekend

Easter is here and you have been out on the hunt for championships, wins, great finishes and PBs all over the place. The Lancashire Fell Championships was awash with Clayton successes and you have been making your presence felt on the roads, fells, lakesides and parks.

Happening this week

Your captains have a few reminders for you this week; a couple of club championship races and the Mid Lancs presentation evening

In the Fell championship it’s the Pete Hartley Memorial Liver Hill race at 18:45 on Tuesday 29^th March.
In the Road Championship it’s the Darwen Heritage Half Marathon on Sunday 3^rd April.
Mid Lancs Presentation Evening. Clayton Juniors, Ladies and Men: Come and join in with celebrating all our achievements this season! You can order tickets in advance or pay on the door.Friday 8th April at 8pm, Bamber Bridge CCM Club. Senior tickets £7, Junior tickets £5. Full details are at http://www.midlancs.org.uk/XC/buytickets16.pdf

Friday 25 March

Caldervale Country 10

Second place for Breton Holdsworth, our sole Clayton runner in this 10 mile race over undulating, quiet country roads.

Breton Holdsworth at the Calder Vale 10 Mile Race.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
2	Breton Holdsworth	MV40	1:00:05

Full Results

Caldervale Fun Run

Well done to Helana White who was second in this race. A great result for her after her 3^rd place in Burnley Schools Cross Country last week. Fellow junior club mates Roanna and Finan Holdsworth took top twenty positions accompanied by senior runners Colin White and Jack Maguire.

Finan and Roanna Holdsworth and Helana White at the Calder Vale fun run

Pos	Name	Time
2	Helana White	27:43
5	Colin White	29:22
10	Roanna Holdsworth	34:34
16	Finan Holdsworth	37:35
20	Jack Maguire	38:11

Full Results

Salford 10K

A dynamic duo of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers took to the roads of Salford in a field of 573 runners for this popular and fast paced 10k road race. Stephen Biscomb was our first finisher in 200^th place overall, with a time of42:16 and 3^rd Vet60 in the race. Representing the ladies was Vicky Heys wo was 327^th with a time of 48:066.

Pos	Forename	Cat	Time
200	Stephen Biscomb	M60	00:42:16
327	Vicky Heys	F45	00:48:06

Full Results

Saturday 26 March

Rivington Pike Fell Race

Report from James Boult

It was heading on for 2 in the afternoon before I decided to make the trip over to Bolton to join the ten other Harriers taking part in the 3pm Rivington Pike fell race. The 5km event started from close to The Queens Head pub, and headed up to the courses namesake before a fast descent took us back to the start finish point. 264 competitors, among them Ron Hill – there to compete in his 40th and final Rivington Pike event – took part in what was a fast paced affair, taking in some lovely scenery and a testing climb.

Ron Hill and James Boult at the Rivington Pike Fell Race

Danny Collinge was the first Clayton home in 7th place, with Jacob Boyle in 9th. Richard Briscoe and myself made up the top four for Clayton – giving us 5th place in the team results. Ron Hill crossed the finish in a very respectable 38:43 to complete an incredible milestone at Rivington Pike.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
7	Danny Collinge	MU23	19:12
9	Jacob Boyle	MU23	19:36
97	Richard Briscoe	M	23:59
107	James Boult	M	24:31
144	Stephen Breckell	MV65	26:22
173	Peter Browning	MV55	27:59
191	Geoff Smith	MV40	28:52
209	Stephen Fish	MV60	29:30
211	Andrew Walmsley	MV60	29:36
261	John Francis	MV70	38:43
262	Ron Hill	MV75	38:43

Full Results

Sunday 27 March

Guiseley Gallop

Well done Julie Toman who was our sole representative at the Guiseley Gallop, a popular 10K event on tracks, trails, canal bank, towpath and roads . She finished in 325^th place with a time of 01:03:33 There were 432 runners in the race.

Julie Toman Reports

Julie Toman at the Guisley Gallop. Photo by Wooden tops

It’s the third year I’ve done the Guiseley Gallop now and this year it was a new route due to a bridge being washed away. I thought it was a much better route as it was almost all woodland trail, with very little road and with it being mostly dry recently, was quite firm under foot. Good route, bottle of beer/wine for every finisher, all good!

Full Results

Monday 28 March

Hollingworth Lake 5K

Nine Clayton-le-Moors Harriers took part in this fast, flat and scenic 5K run around Hollingworth Lake. Jacob Watson was our first finisher in 13^th place with a time of 17:37. He was joined in the top twenty finishers by Jonathan Pye who was 18^th with a time of 17:46. Julie Dawes was our first lady finisher in 127^th place with a time of 23:11.

Report from Judith Carey

L-R Julie Dawes, Hayley Copeman , Judith Carey, Carl Carey and Ian Hargreaves

As a new runner, the Hollingworth Lake 5k race in 2015 was my first ever race. I had only been running approximately 6 months, mainly park run events. So 12 months on from last years race and JR’s winter training I was very keen to see my progress today!

We did a recce dog walk of the route on Saturday as the course had changed slightly from last years race and it helped me know what to expect from the race today and how far the final stretch was to the finish.

I was hoping the weather would be as per the brochure with the sun shining and an ice cream van…well almost!! The rain held off, it was cloudy and very breezy on one half of the lake, but as we ran round it became nice and sheltered!

I really enjoyed the new route, it’s a good flat course with a fast downhill start, I got carried away with the other runners at first and then slowed my pace down so I didn’t burnout. Around 4K my lace became unfastened and I wished I’d remembered to tuck them in my laces lol! I didn’t stop to fasten it because I knew it would affect my time so I was distracted from the pain of running my last 1k thinking about whether I would fall over in my sprint finish! With an incline to the finish line, increased pace, avoiding the pot holes on final stretch and watching my lace flapping I crossed the line knocking 3:47 mins off last years time and a 5k PB.

As usual I was nervous at the start and I finished thinking I felt I could go faster…so I know I’ve more speed to come!

It was great to run with other Claytoners and I always appreciate the support and cheering me to finish line! Well done everyone who ran today, some great results and PB’s .

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
13	Jacob Watson	M	17:37.7
18	Jonathan Pye	M	17:46.0
23	Carl Carey	M45	22:47.9
42	Michael Clarke	M40	19:05.6
77	Stephen Biscomb	M60	20:46.6
111	Lee Moore	M	22:37.9
127	Julie Dawes	W40	23:11.6
138	Ian Hargreaves	M50	23:41.7
202	Judith Carey	W35	30:37.6

Full Results

Hollingworth Lake Golden Mile Fun Run

Three juniors and one senior took part in this traffic free race. Liberty Thompson was the first finisher in 3^rd place overall with her sister Kady in 14^th place and brother Felix in 21^st. Jack Maguire was our senior runner and he finished in 18^th place.

Pos	Name	Time
3	Liberty Thompson	5:14.7
14	Kady Thompson	6:02.7
18	Jack Maguire	6:15.5
21	Felix Thompson	6:27.5

Full Results

Lancashire Fell Championships

Plenty of Clayton Harriers took part in the Lancashire Fell Championships in Sabden on Easter Monday. With the event taking part on our doorstep on familiar stomping ground, it’s no surprise that Team Clayton took plenty of prizes at this event.

Our Juniors did very well winning the U12 Champion title for both boys and girls, Jackson McKay and Ella Dorrington. In the Under 14 race, Briony Holt had a great run finishing in second place and first girl becoming Lancashire Champion. They also took team awards.

Our Junior Lancashire Fell Champions

Our senior runners were out in force with Chris Holdsworth our first finisher and second place overall with Danny Collinge in third and Jacob Boyle taking fifth place gaining a team award as well.

Start of the senior race at the Lancashire Fell Championships. Photo by David Belshaw

Awaiting Full Results

Parkrun roundup

Burnley parkrun – A total of 338 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Jacob WATSON	18:24	SM30-34
5	Jonathan PYE	19:00	SM25-29
6	Richard STEVENSON	19:12	VM40-44
7	Matthew DUCKWORTH	19:28	SM25-29
9	Chris SNELL	19:44	VM35-39
11	Dave MOTLEY	20:02	SM30-34
15	Michael CLARKE	20:27	VM40-44
19	Simon WILSHAW	20:43	JM15-17
21	Nicholas HENNESSEY	20:58	JM11-14
24	Robbie SMEDLEY	21:18	JM10	New PB!
32	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	22:08	JM15-17
33	Adam QUINN	22:09	JM11-14
41	Helana WHITE	22:26	JW10	New PB!
42	Robert MORRISON	22:27	VM40-44
43	Donna RILEY	22:29	VW50-54
52	Andrew WEBSTER	23:07	VM45-49
54	Stuart PROCTOR	23:20	VM35-39
64	Sophie ASHWORTH	23:44	JW11-14
65	Lee MOORE	23:46	VM35-39
72	Charlie BIRTWISTLE	24:05	JM10
74	David NIELD	24:14	VM55-59	New PB!
85	Julie DAWES	24:36	VW45-49
86	Ian HARGREAVES	24:38	VM50-54
90	Colin WHITE	24:50	VM40-44
107	Jenson BENTHAM	25:32	JM10
108	Donna SCOTT	25:33	VW50-54
110	Beth QUINN	25:42	JW15-17
111	Andy QUINN	25:43	VM40-44
123	John WILCOCK	26:25	VM50-54
125	Annabel WILCOCK	26:27	JW15-17
126	Toby BIRTWISTLE	26:27	JM10
127	Justin BIRTWISTLE	26:28	VM40-44
146	Danny PILKINGTON	27:20	VM35-39	New PB!
152	Kady THOMPSON	27:29	JW10
156	Philip NAYLOR	27:34	VM35-39
167	Stuart BARKER	27:54	VM45-49
172	Ron CHAPPELL	28:01	VM65-69
182	Julie TOMAN	28:33	VW45-49
209	Robert HIRST	29:30	VM65-69

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 103 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
100	Robin PRICE	36:26	VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 207 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
63	Wendy DODDS	24:05	VW65-69
90	Jude ASHWORTH	26:11	VW55-59	First Timer!

Keswick parkrun – A total of 158 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
48	Martin BRADY	25:45	VM50-54	First Timer!

Lyme Park parkrun – A total of 141 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
101	Martin TERRY	32:39	VM55-59	First Timer!

Pendle parkrun – A total of 125 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
3	John HARTLEY	19:57	VM55-59
4	Paul BRANNON	20:33	VM55-59
5	Jackson MCKAY	20:37	JM11-14
38	Lennon JACKSON	24:53	JM11-14
47	Matthew JACKSON	26:05	JM10
52	Natasha OLSZEWSKA	27:39	JW11-14
60	Joshua MCKAY	28:55	JM10
74	Adrienne OLSZEWSKA	30:37	VW45-49
83	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	32:15	VW65-69
88	Adam STEVENSON	32:56	JM11-14
89	Lucy STEVENSON	33:07	JW11-14
91	Bronia OLSZEWSKA	34:08	JW11-14

Witton parkrun – A total of 101 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
41	Julia RUSHTON	28:01	VW50-54

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Springing into action!

Spring is definitely in the air, I can hardly keep up with what you have all been up to this weekend with some great results on the fells, trail and roads for the club. As well as running there’s also been duathlon action and some track events for our junior members who also compete for Burnley AC. And, of course, you have been doing your bit for Sport Relief at Towneley Park.

Messages from the captains

Dave Motley (Fell Captain) – don’t forget the next Club Fell Championship race is coming up. It’s the Pete Hartley Memorial Liver Hill Race organised by Rossendale Harriers at 6.45pm on Tuesday 29^th March from Marl Pits Sports Centre Rawtenstall. 5 miles (7km) 800ft.

Also there is the Lancashire Fell Running Championships at Sabden on Easter Monday (28^th March) with races for senior and junior runners. http://www.lancsaa.co.uk/fell.html

Sounds like an eggs-cellent way to burn off all your Easter chocolate to me!

Sport Relief Events

Team Clayton out in force at the Burnley Sport Relief Event. Photo by David Belshaw

Well done to all of the Clayton Harriers that took part in a Sports Relief event over the weekend whether it was running, walking, swimming or cycling. Plenty of you were at Towneley Park on Sunday for the 1mile and 6mile runs with some fabulous photos of the event taken by our great friend David Belshaw.

Clayton Juniors at the Burnley Sport Relief event. Photo by David Belshaw

Events were also taking place in Clitheroe and Nelson as well as at schools all around the area. Well done to everyone that took part!

Aaron Lundie at the Burnley Sport Relief Event. Photo by David Belshaw

Saturday 19 March

Boulsworth Bog

Five Clayton Harriers took part in this local race. After a battle with Barlick Fell Runners’ Shaun Chew, Danny Collinge took first place. Carl Helliwell was next in 7^th place despite taking a tumble on the way back to the finish. Jack Holt was 1^st MV65, and Helen Burnett and Michelle Butschok decided to test their mettle on this challenging course. Well done to all of you.

Report from Danny Collinge

Danny Collinge battling with Barlick Fell Runner Shaun Chew at the Boulsworth Hill Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Boulsworth wasn’t really a race that I had pencilled in. However, after a message from Helen asking if I was doing it, she soon changed my mind and I decided I would give it a crack. When we arrived there and got ourselves registered my legs were feeling good but not perfect as I could still feel them from the races I had done the weekend before. Anyway, after lining up at the start and getting instructions on the course and health and safety precautions, the race was started and off we went.

I had a really quick start and found myself out in front for most of the way until Shaun Chew of Barlick Fell Runners came past me on the climb up to the trig. At the top of the climb it flattened out and that is when the real work came with having to work your way through the bogs on the top of the hill. We then hit the trig of Boulsworth Hill and it was then I knew I had to work hard to catch Shaun after he worked a bit of a lead on the climb and along the top of the hill, however, I used my road pace to catch him when we hit the concrete parts of the course and left him with about 400m to go.

Me and Shaun had a really good battle in the latter stages of the race and we both had to work hard for our results. The rest of the orange army had a great run as well from what I heard from them after the race. Well done Team Clayton, another good day at the office!

Report from Carl Helliwell

Carl Helliwell at the Boulsworth Hill Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

I decided to do Boulsworth and as usual I was on the last minute and had 5 minutes to spare when I got there! Luckily for me the start and registration were right next to each other. It is a good race with a mix of everything varying from trail, footpath, rocky paths, grassy sections and plenty of bog up at the top. Once the race started to climb, the positions of the front runners didn’t alter much at all. I could see that Danny Collinge was leading for most of the way up. I had a little battle as I tried to catch up with a Todmorden Harrier runner. It was all in vain as on the last bit of the course (and the easiest section) I decked it doing a stunt man roll through the forest! I was happy with my time of around 54 minutes and came 7^th. Danny had a cracking run to come first battling all the way back with Shaun Chew from Barlick Fell Runners.

Report from Helen Burnett

Helen Burnett and Michelle Butschok at the Boulsworth Fell Race.

Michelle and myself decided to do the race at the last minute as it was our “long run” day. We treated it as a fell training run and ran the route together for experience. It’s a great local fell race (I can see Boulsworth Hill from my window at home), friendly, well organised and although it’s a challenging run, it’s an easy to follow, straightforward course.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
1	Danny Collinge	MU23	50:21
7	Carl Helliwell	M	54:41
31	Jack Holt	MV65	63:34
77	Helen Burnett	WV40	90:36
78	Michelle Butschok	WV40	90:37

Full Results

Causey Pike

A quartet of club members took part in this Lakeland fell race organised by Keswick AC. It is a 4.5 mile race with 1781ft of ascent.

Mark Taylor at the Causey Pike Fell Race. Photo by Annabel Callis Holmes

Mark Taylor was the first Clayton finisher in 43^rd place with a time of 55:04, closely followed by Peter Dugdale in 44^th place. Linda Lord was our sole lady representative finishing in 55^th place overall.

Linda Lord at the Causey Pike Fell Race. Photo by Annabel Callis Holmes

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
43	TAYLOR, Mark	Msen	00:55:04
44	DUGDALE, Peter	MV50	00:55:10
55	LORD, Linda	FV60	01:00:17
58	DUGDALE, Andrew	MV50	01:03:12

Full Results

Coniston 14

The Coniston 14 Road Race was established in 1982 and is a 14 mile road race around Coniston Water. It is claimed to be one of the most picturesque courses in Britain. A group of five Clayton Harriers took part in this tough race to celebrate Roger Brewster’s 60^th birthday and also Tom Brewster’s 30^th.

Tom Brewster Reports

This has got to be one of the hardest races I’ve ever done. I was running in 12^th and felt good until about mile 9 then I just seemed to fall apart. My legs went then about a mile later my head went as well and I dropped to about 35^th by the end. It was tough but looking at my time (1:29 for 14 miles) and breaking it down it was the fasted I’ve run for the distance and I knocked 5 minutes off my half marathon time so that’s a positive to take! I felt much better after some food and enjoyed sitting at the side of the race in the sun with a beer cheering the rest of the field. Overall it’s an excellently organised race and definitely one to have another go at but maybe with a bit more training next time.

Dave Motley Reports

I decided to do this race to celebrate the club legend that is Roger Brewster’s 60^th. I was promised an undulating, scenic and tough course and I wasn’t disappointed. I was a little disappointed with my performance, but the course was great. Having suffered for that last 4-6 weeks with niggles, I’d not managed to get the mileage in for 14 miles at pace. I set off steady but by mile 6 I was fading with the field slowly coming past me with little response from my chunky legs. I finished the race in 60^th place in a time of 1:33:42 with my legs in bits from a tough course. Well organised event and the beer in the sun helped make the event even better. Would I go back? Yes but with more training. Definitely a race to put in the diary for you tarmac lovers.

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat Pos	Time
35	Thomas Brewster	M	21	01:29:01
47	John Hartley	MV55	2	01:31:12
60	Dave Motley	M	28	01:33:42
149	Roger Brewster	MV60	3	01:40:31
1086	Graham Kissack	MV65	28	03:04:08

Full Results

Lakeland Trails Cartmel

Starting and finishing at Cartmel Racecourse, the 18km Cartmel Trail Race, takes runners on an off-road journey through some of the most scenic and varied countryside in the Lake District, along a ‘Beauty and Beast’ of a course. The trails are mainly along waymarked and marshalled footpaths and bridleways, giving panoramic views of both Morecambe Bay and the surrounding peaks. Underfoot conditions are variable with a bit of everything. Good fast sections, but it can be very sticky in places, especially if wet!

L-R Lee Smith, Breton Holdsworth, Chris Holdsworth and Richard Stevenson. Lakeland Trail Races at Cartmel. Photo by Deborah Stevenson

Six Clayton-le-Moors Harriers took part in the 18km race with top ten finishes galore.

Richard Stevenson reports

This was my first time at a Lakeland Trails event and it lived up to the hype that certain club members had given it. A great friendly atmosphere at the event and a tough little course for the race. All very runnable with a few short, sharp climbs thrown in.

Well done to the other Clayton runners who’d made the trip up to Cartmel; always good to see familiar faces on the start line.

Rachel Todd at the Lakeland Trails Cartmel 18km race. Photo by Lakeland Trails

I’m looking forward to the next race at Hawkshead and hopefully Clayton can have another good showing there too.

Pos		Cat	Gun
3	Christopher Holdsworth	M	01:08:11
5	Breton Holdsworth	MV40	01:13:07
8	Richard Stevenson	MV40	01:17:07
9	Lee Smith	M	01:17:45
30	Chris Snell	M	01:26:55
173	Rachel Todd	LV40	01:58:44

Full Results

Sunday 20 March

Garstang Gallop 7 Mile Road Race

Four Harriers took part in this 7 mile road race with a course that covers and undulating and scenic one lap route in a field of 114 runners. Brian Wildman was the first Clayton finisher in 44th place and a time of 54 minutes. Danny Pilkington continues to improve his results with a new PB. Julie Toman was our sole lady runner in 83rd place and Ron Chappell was 95th.

Danny Pilkington at the Garstang Gallop

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
44	Brian Wildman	MV50	00:54:00
71	Danny Pilkington	MV35	00:59:46
83	Julie Toman	FV45	01:04:20
95	Ron Chappell	MV65	01:05:52

Full Results

Grizedale Duathlon

The Grizedale Duathlon is a multisport event based in the stunning setting of Grizedale Forest Park, in the southern Lake District. With stunning views over the Coniston fells and an extensive network of forest tracks and purpose built bike trails, this is a spectacular location for trail running and mountain biking.

Andy Laycock at the Grizedale duathlon. Photo by Stephen Wilson www.granddayoutphotography.co.uk

There were 69 individual competitors in this event with our new club member, Andy Laycock taking 2^nd place with an overall time of 2:25:24. The duathlon includes a 24km Mountain Bike ride sandwiched between two 6km trail runs in the stunning setting of Grizedale Forest. The trail races climb up to Carron Crag which is the highest point in the forest, a testing route with 255m of ascent. The mountain bike route is a 24km circuit incorporating the full North Face trail with additional sections of undulating forest roads and flowing singletrack.

Full Results

Helm Hill

A couple of familiar vests have been spotted on the photos for this race which forms part of the Kendal Winter League series organised by Helm Hill Runners.

Wendy Dodds at the Helm Fell Race. Photo by Andrew Slattery

On a glorious day, Alan Life and Wendy Dodds took part. As yet no results are available so there is no news on positions or times as we go live.

Alan Life at the Helm Fell Race. Photo by Andrew Slattery

Awaiting results

Heptonstall Fell Race

The Heptonstall Fell Race is a category BL race across the best of the local landscape around Heptonstall in the upper Calder Valley. The 25 kilometres of route takes in a mixture of steep-sided wooded valleys, upland pasture and pathless moorland.

Runners receiving a blessing at the start line at the Heptonstall Fell Race. Photo by Stephen Grimley

After a blessing from the local vicar, runners hurtle down grassy slopes, struggle across stretches of bog, scramble up through thick heather, dodge through dense woodland and – most of all – race over some wild open countryside. If you get the chance to look around, you’ll see for miles across some of the most beautiful and remote scenery in the South Pennines.

Report from Martin Brady

The route this year was a bit drier than in previous years. It almost felt like summer with many running in just vests. The course has good running sections with a few short steep hills, bogs and a river crossing. A few miles from the end, the course markers had been tampered with sending runners on a long diversion up a hill. There were some good performances by Clayton runners especially Avril Duckworth who was the first V50 lady breaking the LV50 course record by 13 minutes, and Dave Bagot being the first Clayton home in 16^th position. The race is well worth considering for next year for those who want an introduction to long fell races. It was only £6 to enter with tea, soup and fantastic flapjack at the finish

Heptonstall Fell Race. Photo by Stephen Grimley

Report by Darren Rushton

This race is an absolute bargain for a long fell race. There is some good running on good ground and if you could order weather like we had, it does not come any better – it was perfect. There are some tasty climbs and the last climb was lovely! I fell victim to the tampered with flags and managed to baptise myself in the river; a lady spectator said I was the best one so far and gave me a ten! I really enjoyed this race. It’s a bit more testing that some of our shorter local fell races but enjoyable in the right conditions.

Position	Name	Cat	Time
16	David Bagot	M	02:08:37
28	Kurt Livesey	V40	02:17:26
29	Peter Coates	M	02:18:23
50	Neil Hardiman	V40	02:23:51
78	Avril Duckworth	LV50*	02:31:40
104	Andrew Bradley	V50	02:44:07
126	Chris Whiteoak	M	02:47:52
154	Darren Rushton	V40	02:53:22
158	Martin Brady	V50	02:58:28
188	Sean Clare	V50	03:03:25

Full Results

Rivock Edge Fell Race

Report from James Boult

“There are people shooting up on the tops…” is perhaps not the best way to introduce a race.

Four Harriers, in Chris Paul, Orlaith O’Mahony, Richard Briscoe and myself made the trip over to Silsden for the Rivock Edge Fell Race on Sunday – a 7-mile event taking in the surroundings of Keighley and Silsden under beautiful clear blue skies. 57 entrants made the event quite a cosy affair, with prizes for the winners being donated to Sports Relief after a unanimous decision by the competitors. Signs beforehand said it was cold, but iceless, on the tops but the weather was mild and with little to no clouds the decision was made to run in just vests and shorts – a wise decision, it later turned out, when we longed for even the briefest of breezes.

L-R James Boult, Chris Paul and Orlaith O’ Mahony at the Rivock Edge Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Starting close to Silsden Sports Centre, we headed off towards a mile stretch of canal running before heading off to one of the courses rather steep climbs up into the Alder Carr wood. After taking us through the Alder Carr and Spring Cragg woods we headed down a Bridleway towards farmland and another, larger climb towards the trig point.

With the sun turning out for the event the trig point opened out a stunning vista over Keighley, Cowling and the surrounding areas and newfound energy after a difficult start, aided by fast descents and a photographer (which saw Orlaith extend her lead of overtaking me just as they take the picture to 2-0), saw us start to pick up the pace for the return leg. Chris Paul, flying through the descents, made considerable ground on Richard Briscoe (back at Rivock Edge after tackling the event a few years before), who was leading the Clayton foursome, as they exchanged positions as the finish neared.

Richard Briscoe at the Rivock Edge Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

It was Richard Briscoe who was the first Clayton home (20th in 1:07:13), with Chris (21st) just 3 seconds behind in 1:07:16. Orliath and I finished about a minute or so later, in 24th (1:08:02) and 26th place (1:08:11) respectively (Orlaith finishing as 5th lady after a brilliant run), in what was a lovely morning of racing across the border.

AWAITING OFFICIAL RESULTS

Trimpell 20

Report from Jon Cleaver

This was my first time doing this race and it was a beauty. The weather was perfect and the scenery was spot on for a great race. I came over with Dan Plant and we met Paul Hesketh at the start for a warm up. The start/finish location had been changed to the castle, I didn’t know the significance of this until mile 19!

Jon Cleaver at the Trimpbell 20

The race itself is very flat, not much more elevation than the Burnley Park Run so it’s great for pushing your pace ready for a spring marathon. The route is mainly on cycle ways which is good to keep you away from traffic and pot holes!

There was a dash at the start to get some room due to it being very narrow and lots of people converging. That soon sorted itself out and we were underway in just over 700 people.

It was all plain sailing to 13 miles and then it’s a bit of a drag for the next 3/4 back on yourself towards the castle, when there was any lumpy bits you really felt the pain. Personally I started to fade a bit from 17.5 onwards after trying to stick with a 06:30 pace and seen as I had earned a bit of slack I decided to use it. The final half mile was a bit of a nightmare up a very steep climb for the finish at the castle, struggled to do more than walking pace!

Very pleased I signed up for it and well done to the rest of the Clayton team who put in some really good efforts.

Dan Plant at the Trimpbell 20

Pos	Time	Race No	Surname	First Name	Category
34	02:12:20	424	Cleaver	Jonathan	M
61	02:18:20	588	Hesketh	Paul	MV50
67	02:19:04	956	Thompson	Paul	MV40
117	02:26:39	816	Plant	Daniel	M

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

Burnley parkrun – A total of 298 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Jonathan PYE	18:30	SM25-29
5	Nicholas HENNESSEY	19:20	JM11-14	New PB!
9	Simon WILSHAW	20:07	JM15-17
18	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	20:48	JM15-17	New PB!
27	James BOULT	21:27	SM20-24
29	Robert MORRISON	21:31	VM40-44	New PB!
30	Andy QUINN	21:33	VM40-44
31	Andrew WEBSTER	21:34	VM45-49
56	Charlie BIRTWISTLE	23:13	JM10	New PB!
63	Julie DAWES	23:30	VW45-49
64	Ian HARGREAVES	23:33	VM50-54	New PB!
69	Brian WILDMAN	23:44	VM50-54
72	Cassandra Darling SMEDLEY	23:58	VW35-39	New PB!
77	Lennon JACKSON	24:05	JM11-14
81	Sophie ASHWORTH	24:17	JW11-14
91	Toby BIRTWISTLE	24:51	JM10	New PB!
93	Justin BIRTWISTLE	24:52	VM40-44	New PB!
94	Lisa JOHNSON	24:56	VW40-44
98	David NIELD	25:03	VM55-59	First Timer!
107	Annabel WILCOCK	25:51	JW15-17
108	John WILCOCK	25:54	VM50-54
111	Matthew JACKSON	26:01	JM10
112	Jake ANFORTH	26:01	JM10
116	Philip NAYLOR	26:16	VM35-39
133	Julie TOMAN	26:57	VW45-49
136	Ron CHAPPELL	27:03	VM65-69
151	Aaron LUNDIE	27:37	JM11-14
154	Stuart BARKER	27:40	VM45-49
197	Karen CLARKIN	29:33	VW40-44
210	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	30:09	VW65-69
246	Christine LEATHLEY	33:34	VW65-69
279	Daniel PLANT	36:39	SM30-34

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 97 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
87	Robin PRICE	34:42	VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 127 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
23	Wendy DODDS	23:46	VW65-69

Pendle parkrun – A total of 63 runners took part.

Note: Natasha Olszewska missing from results. She was in 29^th position and shows as unknown on the official results.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
3	Paul BRANNON	20:31	VM55-59
11	Paul HESKETH	22:13	VM50-54
30	Dawn TERRY	27:21	VW50-54
36	Adrienne OLSZEWSKA	29:31	VW45-49
55	Bronia OLSZEWSKA	33:05	JW11-14

Witton parkrun – A total of 81 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
9	Adam SHAW	21:35	SM30-34
35	Julia RUSHTON	26:14	VW50-54
37	Katy THOMPSON	26:45	VW60-64
39	Jude ASHWORTH	27:23	VW55-59
63	Eileen JONES	34:03	VW60-64	First Timer!

Woodbank parkrun – A total of 150 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
122	Ron HILL	32:10	VM75-79

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Has Spring Sprung?

It may well be the start of meteorological spring but the weather has been a little confused and behind the times lately. On a somewhat snowy weekend at times, our hardy Harriers have braved it all to get out there and stretch their legs. A great set of results this week at the Podium 5K, Ron Hill 10K and on the fells.

Saturday 5 March

New Balance English Schools’ Cross Country Championship 2016

Well done to junior runner Briony Holt who came 117/339 at the weekend, an improvement from only a month ago from 5th to 3rd Lancashire runner and from 35 to 7 seconds behind the first Lancashire counter.

Briony Holt with her Lancashire team mates at the English Schools Cross Country Championships

Briony Holt (second from right) with her Lancashire team mates at the English Schools Cross Country Championships

Podium 5k

This super-fast 5k race continues to grow in popularity attracting an excellent calibre of runners. The A race attracted 40 runners all with a range of times from 14:49 to 19:21. Three Clayton Harriers tested their legs in the B race in a field of 44 runners. Dave Bagot had an excellent race finishing in 1^st place with a fantastic time of 16:39. In 5^th place was Jonathan Pye in 17:11 and Phil Hall completed our trio in 17^th place with a time of 17:55.

A happy Jonathan Pye at the super fast Podium 5K

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
1	David Bagot	M	(001/013)	00:16:39
5	Jonathan Pye	M	(002/013)	00:17:11
17	Phil Hall	M50	(002/005)	00:17:55

Full Results

Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round

After a late surge of wintery weather, the forecast was favourable and the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round went ahead under the direction of new race organiser Colin Woolford. 17 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers took part in a field of 205 finishers. The race was won by Jack Wood of Ilkley Harriers with Accrington Road Runners’ Deborah Gowens taking the ladies race.

Carl Helliwell was our first Clayton finisher in 22^nd postion with a time of 1:23:33. Mike Wallis was 2^nd M50, Jack Holt was 2^nd M60. Linda Bostock was our first Clayton lady finisher and was also 2^nd F50. Karin Goss was 1^st F60.

Linda Bostock at the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round. Photo by Woodentops

Report from Carl Helliwell

I wanted to do the Stan Bradshaw, however I had decided to do the cross country. So when the cross country was cancelled I knew I had no excuse…

Carl Helliwell at the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round. Photo by David Belshaw

It was a cool start as we set off up past the reservoirs and the front runners started to break away. I knew I had to take advantage of the climb up onto Pendle. As we reached the top the sun started to shine and reflect off the snow. I found the section across the top quite tricky as the snow hid many of the ruts and mounds as I twisted my ankles a few times, but managed to keep my position.

As we started to leave Churn Clough reservoir I learnt a lesson in navigation….. “Don’t always follow the runner in front!”… I soon realised we had gone wrong when I saw another couple of runners out of the corner of my eye. I changed course and got back on track but had lost a few places. It was then the run back down past Ogden and I will be honest. Tarmac and me don’t mix well. It was hard and draining on the legs

I really enjoyed the race, it was well organised and marshalled. Well done to Colin Woolford and the rest of the Clayton organisers, runners and helpers. It is one I’ll definitely do again.

Report from Peter Coates

Great race on Saturday. Second time I have done the Stan Bradshaw and it’s a cracking race. Fantastic fell running conditions but extremely cold on the top and a good layer of snow underfoot which was tough going but great fun. The sun came out as we reached the summit and the views were amazing when I could look up.

Peter Coates at the Stan Bradshaw Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

The finish was altered from last year due to the recent bad weather and finished with the run down the tarmac path to the finish in Barley which is always leg sapping. Finished just behind Carl Helliwell. All in all a great days running. Thanks to the marshals and all involved

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
22	Carl Helliwell	M40	(010/062)	01:23:33
24	Peter Coates	M	(014/045)	01:23:52
26	Mike Wallis	M50	(002/053)	01:24:20
55	Sean Clare	M50	(007/053)	01:30:07
58	Mark Nutter	M50	(008/053)	01:30:19
69	Ivan Whigham	M50	(013/053)	01:32:42
71	Jack Holt	M60	(002/012)	01:32:47
76	Chris Whiteoak	M	(028/045)	01:33:52
86	Alex Braysford	M40	(033/062)	01:35:35
133	Peter Dugdale	M50	(032/053)	01:43:42
139	Paul Wale	M40	(050/062)	01:45:33
156	Linda Bostock	F50	(002/008)	01:48:44
167	Martin Brady	M50	(046/053)	01:51:20
171	Barbara Savage	F50	(004/008)	01:51:58
173	Geoff Smith	M40	(056/062)	01:52:15
197	Graham Schofield	M60	(012/012)	02:08:21
201	Karin Goss	F60	(001/001)	02:22:13

Full Results

Sunday 6 March

Dewsbury 10K

John Hartley was our sole representative at the Dewsbury 10K. In a large field of 1081 runners he finished in 158^th position with a time of 39:32 and was 4^th Vet50.

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat Pos	Time
158	John Hartley	M55	4	39:32

Full Results

Haweswater Half Marathon

Kevin Davies and Richard John took part in the Haweswater Half Marathon in a field of 407 runners. The hilly course follows an out and back route from Brampton village and passes along the shores of Haweswater in a remote and dramatic Cumbrian mountain valley.

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
44	Kevin Davies	M50	(004/044)	01:27:58
154	Richard John	M	(056/077)	01:42:19

Full Results

Ian Roberts Memorial Fell Race

Report by Ryan Wilkinson

Ryan Belshaw at the Ian Roberts Memorial Fell Race. Photo by Norman Berry

I decided it was time to just have a word & get back racing!

After quite some time off racing having given myself a nasty knee injury DANCING…& with Black Combe only next week I decided it was about time I got a race under my belt.

I set off over to the Ian Roberts Memorial fell race hosted by Holmfirth Harriers with the attitude of just set off and enjoy it…next thing we were off & I was back in the mix and flying down a snowy hillside just about staying upright! Through a freezing stream and then into a tough little climb. Yep, it didn’t take long & I was loving it again. I had a really good battle with Darren Fishwick all the way around and was quite pleased with how I felt throughout the whole race.

Glad I bit the bullet and decided to go over & take part. It’s a cracking little race. Now a little happier going into next weekend & definitely feel like I want to race again. The result wasn’t bad as I finished 14^th overall and was quite close time-wise to a top 10 finish. Onwards & upwards I say

Awaiting Official Results

Ron Hill 1 Mile Fun Run

Stars of the future. Clayton Juniors at the Ron Hill 1 mile race with coach Marion Wilkinson. Photo by David Belshaw

66 runners, 52 of which were junior runners took part in the 1 mile fun run. Dexta Thompson won the race outright as well as placing first in his age group. Jenson Benthan finished in 5^th place overall and was also first in his age group.

Dexta Thompson leading the way in the 1 Mile Ron Hill Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Liberty Thompson was our first girl and was 6^th overall 3^rd girl and 2^nd in her age category. Helana White took the first position in her age category and was 10^th overall. Summer Hargreaves and Kady Thompson were both 2^nd in their age categories. A brilliant set of results from our juniors.

Our youngest competitor, Emily Johnson, at the 1 Mile Ron Hill Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Jack Maguire was our only senior runner finishing in 27^th place with a time of 8:23.5

66 Runners

Pos	Name	AG	AgePos	Time
1	Dexta Thompson	MU12	1	05:45.2
5	Jenson Bentham	MU10	1	06:33.1
6	Liberty Thompson	FU14	2	06:35.6
10	Helana White	FU10	1	06:51.3
11	Summer Hargreaves	FU12	2	06:52.2
17	Jake Anforth	MU10	4	07:35.0
19	Kady Thompson	FU10	2	07:38.2
20	Felix Thompson	MU10	8	07:51.5
27	Jack McGuire	M60	1	08:23.5
45	Emily Johnson	FU10	16	10:14.2

Full Results

Ron Hill 10K

408 Runners took to the roads and paths of Accrington for the Ron Hill 10K. Ron Hill himself was there to inspire the runners. The race was won by Blackburn Harrier Ben Fish in 32:42 with Glossopdale Harrier Kirsty Johnson taking the ladies race in 41:42. Danny Collinge had a great run finishing second overall and first Clayton male in a time of 33:54.

Matthew Duckworth giving it his all at the finish in the Ron Hill 10. Photo by David Belshaw

Helen O’Rourke was our first lady finisher in 77^th place in a time of 46:51. Together with Amanda Duffy and Linsey Birtwistle our ladies took the 2^nd ladies team prize as well.

Our prize winning ladies team at the Ron Hill 10K. L-R Helen O’Rourke, Amanda Duffy and Lindsey Birtwistle

A good set of results for the club. Well done to all that ran.

Pos	Bib	Name	Cat	Time
2	596	Danny Collinge	MU23	33:54.7
17	148	Matthew Duckworth	M	40:04.7
65	91	Andrew Webster	M45	45:42.3
77	604	Helen O’Rourke	W	46:51.2
85	240	Amanda Duffy	W35	47:09.0
86	221	Robert Morrison	M40	47:13.9
88	52	Colin White	M40	47:22.9
121	341	Lynsey Birtwistle	W35	49:27.5
124	252	Lee Moore	Men	49:38.8
156	220	Jane Ryan	W35	51:18.0
157	568	Julie Dawes	W45	51:25.1
170	76	Ian Hargreaves	M50	52:09.4
171	104	Justin Birtwistle	M40	52:14.2
176	183	Leanne Cottam	W35	52:33.6
231	368	Julie Toman	W45	56:48.6
243	36	Deborah Greenwood	W45	57:59.8
245	582	Ron Chappell	M65	58:02.1
271	564	Philip Naylor	M	59:45.9

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

Cuerden Valley parkrun – A total of 161 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
8	Dexta THOMPSON	21:19	JM10	First Timer!
9	Alan DORRINGTON	21:20	VM45-49	First Timer!
31	Ella DORRINGTON-LEVY	24:27	JW11-14	First Timer!

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 77 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
70	Robin PRICE	37:04	VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 92 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
55	Eileen JONES	32:28	VW60-64

Gorleston Cliffs parkrun – A total of 195 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
5	John HARTLEY	19:26	VM55-59

Pendle parkrun – A total of 72 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
5	Paul HESKETH	21:31	VM50-54
9	Simon WILSHAW	22:44	JM15-17	New PB!
21	Martin BRADY	25:24	VM50-54

Skipton parkrun – A total of 155 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
86	Yvonne WICKHAM	28:11	VW50-54

Witton parkrun – A total of 66 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
2	Jonathan CLEAVER	20:11	VM35-39	First Timer!
5	Chris SNELL	20:56	VM35-39	First Timer!
66	Julia RUSHTON	50:41	VW50-54

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 427 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
14	Colin SHUTTLEWORTH	18:53	VM55-59	New PB!

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Hitting the Mark

Another action packed roundup for you this week! A win at the Bolton Abbey Trail Half Marathon for Richard Stevenson, great placings for Chris Holdsworth and Amanda Duffy and PBs all over the place. A sign of even greater things to come for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers this year.

Saturday 27 February

Blackpool Stanley Park 10K

Four Clayton-le-Moors Harriers took part in the first of two 10K races in Stanley Park Blackpool over the weekend. Christopher Holdsworth held up for a 3rd place finish despite struggling with a calf niggle over the last couple of weeks. He said that the weather was pretty perfect with a slight cool breeze and was delighted to see some fast times posted over this, at times, tricky two lap course.

Report from Dan Plant

After last week’s weather at the Great North Western Half Marathon, all week I was wondering which way the weather would go on this one. This was my first ever race 3 years ago to the day and has been an ever-present since then. As we got to Blackpool, the weather seemed perfect.

Dan Plant at the Blackpool Stanley Park 10K

The race had a very fast start in my standards and I really wanted the PB I have been chasing for so long. As we got halfway round I took a glance at the big timer and really thought it was achievable so I gave it everything I had. I smashed the PB by half a minute. Just so happy it was this course!

Report from Carl Carey

Perfect weather, although slightly windy on the long straights, coupled with beautiful scenery and a great atmosphere to run in. Together with Chris, Donna and Dan, we were the sole Clayton representatives today as people would be doing it tomorrow instead no doubt. This would be my only second 10k race since the Pennine 10k last year, and went to Stanley Park with one goal: to beat my previous PB of 53 minutes!

Please with his result, Carl Carey at the Blackpool Stanley Park 10K

At the start, we were informed not to trust the clock tower for the time as it was 2 minutes out, and then we were off. Getting caught in a crowd of slower runners meant I had to go round the outside and speed up which didn’t help but I then tried to stay in a steady rhythm, which was difficult with the speedy Donna Airey in front of me. Strangely the mile and km markers didn’t match up with my Garmin but I wasn’t going to argue so ran to the finish, gratefully appreciating the water and banana at the end! A great race, with a great atmosphere. The only disappointment was that it wasn’t chip timing but let’s not take it away from the organisers. Oh, and I got my new PB of 48:58, so a successful day!

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
3	Christopher Holdsworth	M	32:30.4
23	Daniel Plant	M	39:29.5
83	Donna Airey	LV35	47:38.7
96	Carl Carey	MV45	48:58.0

Full Results

Bolton Abbey Trail Half Marathon

Report From Richard Stevenson

Richard Stevenson winner of the Bolton Abbey Trail Half Marathon. Photo by Deborah Stevenson

On Saturday I headed over to Bolton Abbey for a trail half marathon but wasn’t sure what to expect it was organised by a company called It’s Grim Up North Running and this was it’s first ever event, what I found was a nice little very relaxed race set in a beautiful area.

After a quick brew in the cafe amongst the dozens of cyclists who had stopped off here it was time to get ready and head to start. There was only about 75 of us at the start which was the race limit and it was easy to see why when a lot of the course was on narrow paths with long drops to river on one side.

The course was mainly out and back up and down either side of the river with a lap or 2 around the priory. I set off steadily and soon found myself out in front leading the race which meant I had to negotiate the many obstacles of the general public who were using the paths as well.

By the time I was on the second lap, my feet were taking a battering on the hard trails and the legs were beginning to tire but I knew I had a good lead over the guy in 2nd place so I kept pushing on through to the finish to take the win.

On finishing I was given a goody bag with a medal, chocolate and a bottle of beer all for the entry price of £14 which I thought was great value, I’d definitely look at doing some of their other races that they have planned later this year.

High Cup Nick Fell Race

Report from Martin Brady

High Cup Nick Fell Race 9.3 mile 1600 feet climbing (I measured it at 1800 feet)

I decided to have a run at the High Cup Nick Fell Race after the Pendle Parkun on Saturday. I found the race challenging but well worth the effort.

There is a bit of a climb to begin with along a road\track, then the majestic view of High Cup Gill opens up before you . The race runs at the bottom of the gill leading up to High Cup Nick. There is a steep climb out at the top end where the views are stunning. Then there is the four mile descent to the finish at Dufton. It almost felt like it was an English championship race with the top quality field assembled. I think they were all getting ready for the championship race at Black Coomb in two weeks time. Unfortunately I was the only Clayton runner there which really surprised me as it is such a brilliant race (too far to travel from home???).

PS My time was about 1 hour 39 (approx.)

Awaiting Official Results

Midgley Moor Fell Race

Report from Chris Paul

Chris Paul at the Midgley Moor Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Having a rare Saturday morning off work I decided to increase my fell running experience and compete in the Midgley Moor fell race. Being the only Clayton member there felt quite intimidating when surrounded by a lot of entries from Barlick and Calder Valley but everyone was friendly and I chatted to a few as we got ready at the start.

The race itself was short and sweet but had a bit of everything. A steady climb from the start and over a few styles led us to the first trig point and a nice run across through some heather to the second trig point. Then a nice fast decent where I managed to gain some places back led to the bottom of “that field”. This is where I was met with another climb, so with John Roche’s voice in my head I kept going to the top and of course making sure I was actually running this time when Woodentops were taking pictures! I managed to get a few a more places back as we started the decent back down through the heather where we then headed back to field where we started.

I finished 50th overall out of 104 but I really enjoyed it and will certainly be entering as many fell races like this as I can in the future….hopefully with a few more Clayton members to keep me company!

Full Results

Sunday 28 February

Asics Oulton Park 10K

Report From Amanda Duffy

We had an early start on Sunday morning to set off for the Asics oulton park 10k. We certainly had the weather on our side this weekend! It was a 3 lap course of the race track which was a little undulating in places although it was perfect to run on.

Amanda Duffy on the podium as 3rd lady in the Oulton Park 10K

Very well organised race and we received a nice medal and t shirt at the finish plus Lee got his sub 50 and I had the bonus of finishing 3rd lady.

Lee Moore and Amanda Duffy at the Oulton Park 10K

A perfect end to the week

Pos	Name	Time	Cat	Time
46	Amanda DUFFY	00:45:40	V35	00:45:36
88	Lee MOORE	00:49:16	V35	00:49:11

Full Results

Blackpool Stanley Park 10K

A trio of club members took part in the second of the weekend’s 10K races at Stanley park in Blackpool. Matthew Duckworth was first Clayton finisher and 11th place overall with a time of 38:22. Brian Wildman finished next in 47:10 with Bianca Bennett out first lady in 64th place overall and a time of 48:03. Bianca said it was a beautiful day for a fast 10K in a lovely park with a great atmosphere topped off with a PB!

Pos	Name	Category	Time
11	Matthew Duckworth	M	38:22.0
53	Brian Wildman	MV50	47:10.2
64	Bianca Bennett	L	48:03.3

Full Results

Harewood House Half Marathon

Report from Phil Michael

As part of Mrs Naylor’s marathon training we signed up for the Harewood House half marathon . Set in the grounds of the beautiful country house dating back to the 1700s , the run was a combination of trails and cross country . Parts of the estate looked very familiar on the way round and I was told its used as the setting for Emmerdales village in the popular soap. The weather was kind on the day and the freezing temperatures lifted by the sun shining down on us .

Harewood House Half Marathon

The course was undulating with some climbs and some fantastic fell like descents where we free wheeled happily through the fields . As the relative beginner , I managed to take 5 minutes off my previous half marathon best and recorded 2 25 . Much more work to do to get to my 2 05 target for the year but I’m keeping working ! Thanks to all involved for a friendly , brilliantly organised event.

Phil Naylor at the Harwood House Half Marathon

Well done Philip on completing the 2016 BHF Harewood House Half in a time of 2:25:35

Full Results

Malta Half Marathon

Report from James Boult

James Boult crossing the finish line at the Malta Half Marathon

On the afternoon of April 9th 1942, during the middle of the Second World War, an SC500 kg Luftwaffe bomb pierced the roof of the Mosta Rotunda during an afternoon air raid and fell among a congregation of over 300 people awaiting evening mass. After bouncing down the isle of the church, it came to rest. The bomb did not explode. At the back of this church a replica of that bomb is now on display under the words Il-Miraklu tal-Bomba. The Bomb Miracle.

Looking on at that Rotunda from the bastions of the walled city of Mdina at the start of the 2016 Malta Half Marathon, I paused to remember that story, told to me by many people during my visits to this place. I am not religious in the slightest, but this island is watched over by someone not of human hand and is blessed beyond comprehension. As a Maltese man said to me the other day, “there’s no place quite like Malta,” and he is right.

Running, I guess, is part enjoyment, part desire and part madness. You have to enjoy what you’re doing otherwise it’s pointless, right? And you have to be mad enough to brave the elements in the first place. After all, who in their right mind decides to run a half marathon, his first half marathon too, 2,000 miles away in a country with temperatures exceeding 25 Celsius in February?

I suppose, though, with the event being 2,000 miles away from home I was under no pressure to do anything other than finish. I was alone, and just had to enjoy it. I had John Roche’s words in my head as the countdown to the start ensued, “take the first 10k easy and then go for it.” But by the end I was not alone, having the absolute honour of finishing the race alongside two of the finest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. We called ourselves ‘Team Maria’, and the girls I met at the start were also running their first half marathon. Maria, a Maltese girl, and her friend Emily, an Oxford ex-pat studying Medicine at the University of Malta, were as innocent to the half marathon as I was, not knowing what to expect. They, though, had the added advantage of being accustomed to the Mediterranean climate. We talked, introduced and shared our trepidation. I echoed John’s words to them, and passed on some of my own (albeit limited) advice and we set off, alongside 4,000 strong competitors from both the Half and the Walkathon dead on 9:15am. From outside the bastions of Malta’s old capital, the walled city of Mdina we headed on through the main road of Rabat, down through Nigret and onto the Mtarfa by-pass to get to 6km mark in Ta’Qali.

Vodaphone (the sponsors of the Marathon) were live streaming all photographs taken throughout the event using a 4G service, which automatically logged the runners race number and uploaded the pictures to their Facebook account, creating a digital archive of the event. And with Powerade giving free drinks at stations throughout the event, it was more of a let’s get to the next station, thought process at times, as temperatures soared to high twenties and strong headwinds battered us when they could.

As we passed water stations and powerade stations and sponge stations for the small relief of coolness they provided, we carried on, Emily driving us on when Maria and I struggled. Cloudless and warm, visually stunning and sometimes breathless, we reached the 10km mark.

James Boult at the Malta Half Marathon

With Emily and Maria keeping me going as we battled beyond 10km, the route took us through Attard and the Mriehel Industrial Estate, before we joined the Mriehel bypass and the Hamrun/Marsa bypass heading into Marsa, and then Blata L-Bajda. The last 5km of the route passes along the Sa’ Maison, Pieta, Msida, Ta’ Xbiex and Gzira waterfronts up to the finish in Sliema. With tired legs, knees wanting to stop and heat battering us at every available chance, we plodded on towards Floriana and the final 4km.

I had recced the final 4km on Thursday after I had landed, and had found it to be the most visually stunning run I’d ever done, along the seafront marinas of Malta’s hidden treasures. But the second time, with Team Maria for company, it was beyond description. Bodies aching, we made the final 4km spot and battled through. We passed bodies lying on the curbs, with medics working on those who had foregone water stations and been hit by dehydration. And then, as we passed through Ta’ Xbiex and made the corner towards Sliema, with my honorary Clayton Harriers, Emily and Maria, in tow the view opened out and Valletta – the capital city described by Benjamin Disraeli in 1830 as “a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen,” and which “equals in its noble architecture, if it does not excel, any capital in Europe” – opened out as our backdrop as we neared the finish.

We started as a team and we finished as a team, never leaving anyone behind, and as we crossed the finish line hand-in-hand, the three strong team clocked a debut time of 2:17:37 and no thesaurus in the world would be enough to find superlatives that could accurately describe this event. Madness? Absolutely. Desire? Unquestioning. Enjoyment? If I ever leave cloud 9 then maybe I’ll be able to tell you.

Today I haven’t just run a half marathon. Today I’ve met, befriended and ran alongside the two most incredible runners, seen things people only dream of seeing, ran through a country that, to me, is home from home and today I’ve finally understood why that man said about this place, “there’s nowhere quite like Malta.”

To Emily and Maria I say this; thank you. For your friendliness and your unbelievable running and never giving up, even when it got tough. You should be so very proud of your achievements, and so very proud of yourself. And thank you for without your pushing and tireless running I may not have finished either.

To see a country is one thing, but no sightseeing tours in the world can show you better a place than you can see running through it. The streets filled with locals cheering you on, people leaving cars abandoned on the closed roads to support and cheer and watch, the sun beating down in endless, perennial golden rays and the friendliness of a country to be able to show itself off like this.

For any Clayton Harrier, whether you’re fell only or looking for a first marathon or half marathon to run, try the Malta marathon. You will end it speechless, breathless and you’ll be provided with vistas that make this special, blessed little place possibly the most beautiful country in the world. I challenge you, no, I dare you, to find an event more incredible and more beautiful than this one. Thank you, Team Maria. Thank you, Valletta. Thank you, Malta.

Full Results

Terry Nortley Radcliffe 10 Mile

Stephen Biscomb was our sole representative at this challenging 10 mile multi-terrain race taking in a semi-rural route from Radcliffe through the route of the Manchester, Bury and Rossendale railway line and through Philips Park.

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
78	Stephen Biscomb	M60	(005/009)	01:19:26

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

53 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers parkrunning this weekend with some excellent finishing at Burnley where the sheer number of PBs in the top ten implies a bit of a racing battle going on there. Great results also at Pendle and Witton Parkrun. Some first time visits at Witton and Pendle an a whole host of PBs.

Bolton parkrun – A total of 263 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
77	Katy THOMPSON	25:57	VW60-64

Burnley parkrun – A total of 284 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
3	Jonathan PYE	17:44	SM25-29	New PB!
4	Andy LAYCOCK	17:52	SM20-24	New PB!
10	Gareth BERRY	19:13	VM35-39	New PB!
12	Jackson MCKAY	19:36	JM11-14
15	Simon WILSHAW	20:18	JM15-17
17	Kevin DAVIES	20:22	VM50-54
26	Richard BRISCOE	20:53	VM35-39
30	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	21:11	JM15-17	New PB!
34	Matthew DUCKWORTH	21:27	SM25-29
41	Robert MORRISON	21:49	VM40-44	New PB!
44	Donna RILEY	22:04	VW50-54
47	Robbie SMEDLEY	22:17	JM10
48	Lennon JACKSON	22:19	JM11-14
63	Sophie ASHWORTH	23:00	JW11-14
65	Julie DAWES	23:26	VW45-49
76	James HICKIE	24:02	VM55-59
79	Brian WILDMAN	24:07	VM50-54
82	Bianca BENNETT	24:15	SW25-29	New PB!
84	Ian HARGREAVES	24:19	VM50-54
91	Donna SCOTT	24:40	VW50-54
99	Lisa JOHNSON	25:17	VW40-44
100	Matthew JACKSON	25:23	JM10
108	Richard LAWSON	25:42	VM75-79
110	Annabel WILCOCK	25:46	JW15-17
111	John WILCOCK	25:48	VM50-54
115	Toby BIRTWISTLE	25:55	JM10	New PB!
116	Justin BIRTWISTLE	25:55	VM40-44	New PB!
132	Andrew WEBSTER	26:28	VM45-49
138	Ron CHAPPELL	26:41	VM65-69
157	Aaron LUNDIE	27:27	JM11-14
189	Stuart BARKER	29:05	VM45-49
204	Robert HIRST	29:58	VM65-69
223	Alan DORRINGTON	31:26	VM45-49
239	Nicola KAY	32:44	SW30-34
263	Valerie LAWSON	35:48	VW70-74
266	Philip NAYLOR	36:01	VM35-39

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 106 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
101	Robin PRICE	38:07	VM70-74

Pendle parkrun – A total of 74 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Andrew STUBBS	18:23	VM45-49	First Timer!
5	John HARTLEY	21:03	VM55-59
16	Martin BRADY	23:55	VM50-54
17	Finley STUBBS	24:01	JM10
21	Barry MITCHELL	24:17	VM70-74
30	Millie STUBBS	25:59	JW11-14
41	Natasha OLSZEWSKA	28:17	JW11-14
46	Adrienne OLSZEWSKA	29:16	VW45-49	New PB!
57	Bronia OLSZEWSKA	32:15	JW11-14	First Timer!
61	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	33:25	VW65-69

Witton parkrun – A total of 93 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
2	Carl HELLIWELL	19:43	VM40-44	First Timer!
10	Michael CLARKE	21:46	VM40-44
47	Jude ASHWORTH	28:24	VW55-59

Woodbank parkrun – A total of 155 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
120	Ron HILL	33:12	VM75-79

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 426 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
15	Colin SHUTTLEWORTH	18:54	VM55-59	New PB!

ByAdrienne Olszewska

It’s Character Building

Even with the most testing and extreme weather conditions you hardy Harriers have been out racing with gusto. There have been night time forays around the Darwen moorlands, fell racing in near biblical conditions, trail running on muddy tracks, and dodging monstrous waves in a coastal half marathon. Character building stuff indeed.

Friday 19 February

Mr Sparkle’s Dark ‘Un

Mr Sparkle’s Dark ‘Un is a night time fell race using head torches. It also includes a free chip butty at The Royal after! Runners can expect a couple of stiff climbs, open moorland, mud and a dash down to the finish.

Runners at Mr Sparkle’s Dark ‘Un. Photo by Sue Eastham

A trio of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers took part in this night time race organised by Darwen Dashers

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
38	Geoff Smith	M40	00:52:16
42	Nerina Gill	F40	00:52:32
55	Marion Dixon	F40	00:59:44

Full Results

Saturday 20 February

Bleasdale Circle Fell Race

Report from Sarah Helliwell

I decided it was time to get back on the fells after completing a few XCs and Ralph now being 6 months old! Bleasdale Circle looked a good circular fell race with a good amount of climbing (381m) within its 5 miles. It was a very wet and windy Saturday with bad weather warnings. The organisers had taken extra precautions and had added extra markers around the course which was greatly need as visibility up on Parlick was no more than a few meters. We held a minute’s silence before we set off as unfortunately one of Bowland Fell Runners’ young members, Joe Smith, was killed up in Glencoe in January.

Runners paying their respects at the start of the Bleasdale Circle Fell Race. Photo by Carl Helliwell

There were a good number of Clayton runners on the start line. My aim was to get round in one piece as Carl and the kids cheered us off. It was wet, boggy and leg sapping as we crossed the fields to the foot of Fair Snape Fell. As the climbing intensified so did the weather, wet and windy was an understatement! Comments for the conditions varied from “the weather was Biblical”, “character building”, “you could hardly stand” and that was “brilliant”.

After descending Parlick you made your way back over farmland to Bleasdale School where runners were greeted with hot soup and roll, and lots of cake.

Results are not out yet, however Peter Coates was the first male Clayton runner back, others included Ralph Baines, Mark Nutter, Ivan Whigham, Pete Browning, Doug Monroe and others!

We had three ladies with Katy Thompson first Clayton lady and winning the V60 prize with a 1:06, myself 1:08 and Karin Goss with a 1:13 to win the ladies team.

It’s definitely one I would do again but hopefully with better weather as the views are pretty impressive from Parlick.

Awaiting official results

Standish Hall Trail Race

Organised by Wigan Phoenix Running Club this approximately 10k trail race is completely off road on bridle paths and woodland trail. It was also the first race in our inaugural trail race series.

L-R Martin Brady, Dave Motley, Daniel Isherwood, Paul Wale, Chris Paul and James Hickie at the Standish Hall trail race. Photo by Kath Brady

Report from Dave Motley

Looking at my annual planner for 2016 (geeky I know!) I knew I had to compete at Standish Trail race in order to complete 4 from 7 in the Clayton club trail championship. So myself and Paul Wale set off from Burnley for the 45 minute drive to Standish which actually took longer as we missed the junction on the M6 due to nattering like old women. Good job navigation would not be needed on this race. We signed up and bumped into a few Clayton members on the start line; a few being the word which was a little disappointing for the first race in this new series.

2.30pm came and we were off! The course effectively a large figure of 8, two lap course through wide trails in fields and a large section through woods, the main feature due to the recent bad weather being mud, mud and more mud. On a personal note, I felt I had an OK race finishing in 6^th overall and 1^st Clayton, although I was a bit disappointed with not getting sub 40 on this fast 10K trail course, must have been the mud.

Trail running good or bad? Having never really competed on the trails before, I really enjoyed the terrain. A real mix of fast runnable tracks which would be perfect for road runners wanting to get dirty and technical parts of the course which would suit the fell runners in the club. Hopefully next trail race we will see a few more competing.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
6	Dave Motley	M	00:41:43
18	Daniel Isherwood	M	00:44:22
57	Chris Paul	M	00:48:26
76	Paul Wale	M45	00:50:45
83	Martin Brady	M50	00:51:41
93	J S Hickie	M55	00:52:16

Full Results

Sunday 21 February

Cunswick Scar Fell Race

Well done to the 6 hardy Harriers who took part on a wet and windy day with tough and muddy conditions underfoot.

Just over 5 miles for the seniors with around 600′ of climbing. A fast undulating course across grassy Cunswick scar. The senior race starts with a small climb across fields, over the bypass and up to the large cairn on the Scar, over the top and along the edge. Follow the flags until you get to a sharp turn through a kissing gate to the right. Down a steep little path and through the woods…….out across the fields and back into more woods.

Senior Race

Wendy Dodds was our only senior race in this fell race. She finished in 94^th place overall and was 1^st LV60. 137 runners took part.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
94	Wendy Dodds	LV60	48:40

Junior Races

Five junior members took part. Briony was our first finisher in the U14 race with Liberty Thompson in 18^th place. Dexta finished in 4^th place in the U12 race with Helena White and Kady Thomson in 37^th and 44^th place. A special well done to Helena who completed the course with one shoe missing.

Briony Holt at the Cunswick Scar fell race.

Under 14 Race

Pos	Name	Time
6	Briony Holt	16:44
18	Liberty Thompson	19:30

Under 12 Race

Helena White ready for her first fell race. Dad Colin is ready for the Great North West Half Marathon. Photo by Rachael White

Pos	Name	Time
4	Dexta Thompson	9:17
37	Helena White	12:12
44	Kady Thompson	12:43

Full Results

Flower Scar Fell Race

Report from Sarah Helliwell

It was Carl’s turn to race on Sunday as he made his way to Todmorden. This was a first for him as well. Thankfully the weather was kinder on the Sunday with it being blustery on the tops but little rain. It started with a quick dash to some hay bales, to then scale a wall before climbing up onto the fells. Unfortunately, Carl got stuck in the scramble and had to slowly pick his way through the runners. He was happy with his run as he eventually finished 13^th out of 120 runners with a time of 64:28 and a second V40. A number of other Clayton runners were spotted with Alan life sporting a fetching trenchcoat 😉 who were all rewarded with chili and rice at the end.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
13	Carl Helliwell	M40	64:29
20	Peter Coates	M	68:15
50	Alan Life	M50	74:59
57	Chris Whiteoak	M	76:56
97	Andrew Foster	M	92:20

Awaiting Official Results

Great North West Half Marathon

Jon Cleaver reports on the wind and waves at the Great North West Half Marathon in Blackpool this weekend.

Jon Cleaver at the Great North West Half Marathon

There was quite a crowd all huddled together underneath the promenade trying to keep from the elements before the start.

The first couple of short loops revealed what we had in store when were head on into the north westerly wind. On the flat heading north there were 20ft waves crashing against the sea wall and soaking anyone unlucky enough to get caught underneath. It was like you’d been on the log flume on the Pleasure Beach!

It was a fast pace to the northernmost turning point and then you got hammered by the wind for 2.5 miles on the way back. It was like having one foot on the accelerator and one on the brake; probably adding minimum of a minute a mile.

The turning point at 8 miles was heaven sent, you could get your pace up again and try and dodge the overhead crashing waves. And then the dreaded southern run into that headwind, the second seemed to get worse until you peeled off feeling sorry for those that still had another loop to do and onto the final push down the promenade. The wind didn’t let up all the way to the finish line.

I jogged back up to find Dan Plant who’d run really well taking out 2 people right at the line. Great finish!

Decent medal, shame there wasn’t the promised chip timing. Overall great prep for marathon training in character building conditions!

L-R Dan Plant, Jon Cleaver and Paul Hesketh at the Great North West Half Marathon

Pos	Name	Category	Time
33	Jonathan Cleaver	M	1:27:28.4
52	John Hartley	MV55	1:30:17.6
55	Paul Hesketh	MV50	1:30:53.0
67	Daniel Plant	M	1:32:41.1
308	Robert Morrison	MV40	1:48:12.4
310	Colin White	MV40	1:48:37.3
385	Lynsey Birtwistle	LV35	1:52:38.1
502	Ian Hargreaves	MV50	1:57:53.9
584	Justin Birtwistle	MV40	2:01:11.2
1085	Phil Naylor	M	2:29:46.5

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

A bit of poor weather doesn’t stop our dedicated parkrunners who were out in force on Saturday at a range of events.

Clayton junior runner Kady Thompson flying to a new PB at Burnley parkrun. Photo by Dave Belshaw

Bolton parkrun – A total of 230 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
45	Nerina GILL	24:46	VW45-49

Burnley parkrun – A total of 230 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
3	Jacob WATSON	18:23	SM30-34
5	Richard STEVENSON	18:41	VM40-44
6	Jonathan PYE	18:55	SM25-29
9	Jackson MCKAY	19:44	JM11-14
11	Alan DORRINGTON	19:58	VM45-49
13	Matthew DUCKWORTH	20:26	SM25-29
14	Gareth BERRY	20:27	VM35-39
17	Stephen AINSWORTH	21:11	VM55-59
19	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	21:58	JM15-17
21	James BOULT	22:05	SM20-24
33	Simon WILSHAW	23:29	JM15-17
34	Sophie ASHWORTH	23:30	JW11-14
44	Julie DAWES	24:03	VW45-49
49	Lee MOORE	24:26	VM35-39
51	Carl CAREY	24:32	VM45-49
53	Charlie BIRTWISTLE	24:39	JM10
60	Jean KNIGHTLEY	25:19	VW55-59
62	Andrew WEBSTER	25:31	VM45-49
65	Lisa JOHNSON	25:35	VW40-44
72	Andrew TAYLOR	26:00	VM55-59
76	Annabel WILCOCK	26:19	JW15-17
77	John WILCOCK	26:22	VM50-54
92	Kady THOMPSON	27:05	JW10	New PB!
106	Ron CHAPPELL	27:34	VM65-69
117	Richard LAWSON	28:00	VM75-79
119	Philip NAYLOR	28:02	VM35-39
133	Donna SCOTT	28:51	VW50-54
135	Stuart BARKER	28:52	VM45-49
176	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	31:28	VW65-69
184	Judith CAREY	32:50	VW35-39
228	Diane ORRELL	41:55	SW30-34

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 158 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
154	Robin PRICE	39:07	VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 83 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
66	Eileen JONES	32:12	VW60-64

Pendle parkrun – A total of 61 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
5	John HARTLEY	21:54	VM55-59
6	Paul HESKETH	22:05	VM50-54
20	Martin BRADY	25:22	VM50-54
27	Finley STUBBS	25:38	JM10	New PB!
34	Dawn TERRY	28:02	VW50-54
40	Millie STUBBS	29:28	JW11-14

Rockingham (Australia) parkrun – A total of 253 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
14	Kieran CARR	22:25	VM70-74	New PB!

Skipton parkrun – A total of 142 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Tom BREWSTER	17:41	SM25-29

Witton parkrun – A total of 61 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
45	Julie TOMAN	31:49	VW45-49

Woodbank parkrun – A total of 179 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
152	Ron HILL	33:27	VM75-79

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 423 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
3	David BAGOT	17:37	SM20-24
14	Colin SHUTTLEWORTH	19:07	VM55-59	New PB!

Author Archive Adrienne Olszewska