Other News – Page 20 – Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

ByPeter Booth

Thieveley Pike Fell Race Results

TPFR Results 2014 Amended

Report

140 runners, including 6 juniors, set off from Cliviger on a warm, cloudy morning. Mercia’s Simon Bailey led the procession out of the start field – a lead he was never to relinquish. After just under 31 minutes of racing, Simon crossed the finish line with more than 2 minutes in hand over Calder Valley’s Alex Whittem, runner up for the second year in succession. Simon’s winning time, 30.56 was only 12 seconds shy of the course record (set by Rob Hope in 2006 when the race was an English Championship counter and Rob was pushed all the way) – a superb performance, 10 years after his first victory at Thieveley. Ian Conroy (Horwich) took third place ahead of another previous winner, Todmorden’s Andrew Wrench. Jordan McDonald (Clayton) showed great potential to finish in 6^th place, first MU18.

Equally impressive was Lindsay Brindle’s 10^th place overall to win the ladies’ race by 4 minutes from Honor Thompson (Skelmersdale Border H), with Horwich team mate, Suzanne Budgett in third position. Along with Sandra Kelly (5^th lady), Lindsey and Suzanne took the ladies’ team prize for Horwich, while the Clayton men just pipped Horwich in the men’s team competition.

27 Clayton members took part in the senior race – some attempting their first fell race – and another 11 in the juniors. It was great to see the smiles, support and encouragement being given to all, around the course and at the finish. As well as Jordan’s great run, Vicki Heys (F40) and Linda Lord (F65) won their age categories, as did juniors Curtis Holt (BU16), Thomas Bradley (BU14), Eleanor Root (GU14), Natasha Olszewska (GU12), Ella Dorrington (GU10) and Milly MacCabe (GU8).

At the prize giving there was a special mention (and a bottle of wine) for Clayton’s Dug McCallum to mark the fact that Thieveley had been Dug’s first fell race – fifty years ago! Well done Dug. I wonder if any of today’s ‘first-timers’ will still be competing 50 years on.

Well done also to the team of Clayton members who volunteered to help with registration, time-keeping and marshalling. The race organiser is only as good as the support he receives. My Sunday check of the course revealed no tape – or litter!

Thanks to all.

Pete

ByChristopher Holdsworth

The Ben Nevis Race 2014 & The Rest Of The Weekend’s Action

The Ben Nevis Race

“I usually dive for this scree as I try to conserve my legs for the run in! The constant breaking action, stepping down the very steep grass, took its toll and I literally ‘fell’ into the river at the bottom with my legs pretty well done for…”

The first weekend in September once again found me in Scotland for my annual run out in The Ben Nevis Race. This was to be my 27th ‘Ben Race’. The weather was initially very good on the journey northwards on Friday but it was raining when we stopped at Hamilton for a break. This year I travelled with Jon Sharples and Steve Bury. Jon and I had booked us in at our usual B & B with Charlie and Isobel. Charlie is a fanatically barmy Celtic fan and we have only ever seen him wearing a Celtic shirt! He greeted us in the famous hooped ‘home’ strip but by Sunday he was wearing the full green ‘away’ kit!

Courtesy of Ryan Wilkinson

On Friday night we had tea a mile up the race route at The Ben Nevis Inn, washed down with beer. We dropped the car off at the B & B and then met up with other runners, friends and supporters in The Grog and Gruel in Fort William, where we consumed a couple more pints! Everyone was making the usual excuses about their injuries and lack of training etc! Steve said he hadn’t done much training and Jon was coming back to running after two operations recently.

Courtesy of Dave Burnett – Spencer Riley

Saturday dawned a little brighter but by the start of the race it felt quite cool in the increasing drizzle! There was a turnout of 24 runners from our club on the start line. Jon set off with a Tee shirt under his vest and I was far too cautious as I set off in a Helly Hansen long sleeve shirt under my vest. Steve was much tougher as he set off in just a vest, (and shorts of course!) After the first mile, passing the Ben Nevis Inn, Jon and I were both regretting donning the extra layer as the conditions became quite benign. The drizzle eased and there was virtually no breeze as we ascended the curve up to the waterfall at half way. On the steep rocky section after the waterfall I passed Mark Nutter, who was out taking some photographs and I threw my Helly shirt at him. I was climbing quite well at this point and Jon, having started steadily, was using me as a marker but was also gradually catching me too.

Courtesy of Dave Burnett – Dave Motley & Garry Wilkinson

As the faster runners descended I shouted encouragement to club team mates and I could see a real race developing for the V60 prize. Jack Holt was having another great run but Andy Robinson was working hard to keep him in his sights about 45 seconds behind. Jon immediately overtook me after the summit and started descending very well, as he usually does! Last year I climbed as well as this year but had a very poor descent. So I ran down the summit slopes fairly conservatively in order to ‘save my legs’. I was encouraged to find that I was in front of a number of team mates and other runners who I did not expect to have behind me! As we went ‘over the edge’ at about 3,300feet, into the rough scree I got going really well and I was taking every opportunity to cut corners and use the heavier scree in order to overtake people. Inevitably I had the usual slips, pirouettes and half tumbles but I was descending well and steadily passing runners. By this time Jon was out of sight!

Courtesy of Dave Burnett – Dave Motley & Garry Wilkinson

When we passed the to the left of the waterfall on to the famous ‘grassy bank’, it was very frustrating to find the way down limited by two continuous tapes set about 10 feet apart in order to prevent us from using the area of scree half way down the grass. I usually dive for this scree as I try to conserve my legs for the run in! The constant breaking action, stepping down the very steep grass, took its toll and I literally ‘fell’ into the river at the bottom with my legs pretty well done for!

Courtesy of Dave Burnett – Spencer Riley

The next mile descending the stepped path was very hard as my old legs had simply ‘Lost their Bungee!’ After the footbridges I failed to find my usual good way down the steep short cuts and came out on the lower path right next to the junction with the Youth Hostel path. I struggled to get going on the flatter running along the rocky path and realised that I had lost some of the places that I had gained on the descent, as I joined a line of runners descending in front and from my right. I tucked in behind a group of four guys and tried to keep up with them down the road but I just had to let them go with half a mile before the finish! The sun made an appearance as I ran round the field feeling heavy legged but also feeling pleased that I had completed the course 10 minutes faster than last year and with some good runners behind me! I had managed to hold it together quite well on the descent and felt quite satisfied with my performance.

Courtesy of Dave Burnett – Richard Briscoe

In the V60 race Jack Holt was 1st but he was only 10 places in front of Andy Robinson. Both lads had raced really well. First finisher from our club was Spencer Riley who had a superb run on his debut for 12th place! Well done Spencer! Dave Motley pipped Garry Wilkinson by just 2 positions with both of them easily under 2 hours! There were lots of good times achieved by club mates as seen below. I was 5th V60 which was pleasing but frustratingly, the 4th V60 was only 4 places in front me in that little group that I had ‘let run away from me’ coming down the road to the finish!

Courtesy of Ryan Wilkinson – Ryan Belshaw

Andy Firth, who had been around for the week before the race, had done his usual ‘recce runs’ and he had ‘sussed out’ a radically different new route for the descent. Richard Bellaries descended the same way. It was Andy’s 21st ‘Ben Race’ and it was indeed a brave thing to try as he needed to complete the race in order to be presented with the much coveted ”Connochie Plaque”. Both lads had good runs but it was difficult to weigh up if their route was faster than the traditional route down the tourist path. It was probably easier on the legs though!

Courtesy of Ryan Wilkinson – Andrew Firth

All three of the debutants from our club must come in for praise. So well done Spencer Riley, also well done to Ryan Wilkinson and Robin Nicholson. Robin was ecstatic in the field after the finish with a smile from ear to ear having enjoyed the race immensely!

As usual we met up in The Alexandra for a meal and some beer. Moving on later to the presentation where we gave Jack a rousing cheer as he received the trophy for 1st V60 once again. There were eight runners this year going for the Connochie Plaque for completing 21 ‘Ben Races’, including our own Andy Firth. All eight duly completed the event and we gave Andy a particularly loud cheer as he received his plaque along with the other guys. Really well done to Andy and to the other runners!

Courtesy of Ryan Wilkinson – Spencer Riley

The Connochie Plaque has now been awarded to 88 runners, 10 from our club, but all 88 of them have been male! So come on ladies, who is going to be the first to get on the list?

Most of use ‘retired’ to The Grog and Gruel in the centre of Fort William for a few more beers and chat. A great evening was had by all.

Another year and another ‘Ben Race’ completed………..hmmmmmmm………..Now, just three more races for me and I will have completed 30 races at the age of 65! …….and then?

The Ben Nevis Race 2014 – selected results:

!st 1;34;43 Finlay Wild – Lochaber AC ( 5 wins in a row!)

12 1;46;03 Spencer Riley (Debut)

57 1;56;25 Dave Motley

58 1;56;36 Lindsey Brindle – Horwich RMI AC – 1st lady

59 1;57;02 Garry Wilkinson

82 2;00;59 Neil Hardiman

134 2;08;57 Jack Holt 1st V60

144 2;10;45 Andy Robinson

179 2;16;39 Ryan Wilkinson (Debut)

209 2;19;40 Jon Sharples

247 2;25;13 Robert Mitchell

258 2;27;43 Richard Briscoe

260 2;27;58 Nicholas Roscoe

272 2;29;48 Richard Bellaries

284 2;32;02 Andy Firth – Connochie Plaque for 21 Races!

325 2;37;08 Mark Taylor

333 2;38;56 Stephen Bury

350 2;41;31 David Nield

352 2;41;44 Andrew Dugdale

358 2;42;10 Robin Nicolson (Debut)

364 2;42;58 Barbara Savage

379 2;46;10 Gary Balmer

405 2;50;14 Peter Dugdale

406 2;50;16 Nichola Horsfall

431 2;56;21 Peter Thompson

485 finishers – 24 from Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

Courtesy of Dave Burnett – Richard Briscoe

Thanks to Bob Mitchell for this weeks brilliant report. Full results can be found here.

The Rest Of The Weekend’s Action

There have been plenty of big events taking place this weekend. If Ben Nevis was the big talking point of the ‘fell runners’ world, then The Great North Run was the talk of the town for ‘road runners’. Plenty of Harriers turned up to represent the club, all of them putting in great performances. Terry O’Leary, who has fast been moving up the ranks, put in a speedy display to come 266th overall, in 01:23:56. Next through for Clayton-le-Moors was Alan Hall, who finished in 01:43:52. the third and fourth Harriers through the finish were Edward Milne and Christopher O’Brien who finished in 01:55:30 and 01:55:52 respectively. We had one lady runner in Nicola Kay this year, and even though she only just recently joined us in the summer, she had a fantastic race finishing under the 3 hour mark in 02:49:03.

Anthony Gotts, who could be seen in his Clayton-le-Moors vest on national television, performed well in the wheelchair category race, finishing 9th in 00:54:36. Well done to all who represented the club in Newcastle!

In another road race, and yet another highly popular event, Richard Stevenson was the sole Harrier taking on The Salford 10k. Like, Terry, Richard has also been showing massive improvements in his recent times, with his latest being a PB. He finished 39th out of over 2700 runners, and in 00:37:32. Well done Richard!

Lastly, although the results are not out, our ladies won the team prize at The Grisedale Horse Fell Race. Wendy Dodds was the first Harrier around the course, followed by Vicky Heys in 2nd, Angela in 3rd and Irene Roche in 4th. Although we haven’t got the results yet, I was told be Vicky that it was a ‘great event’ and that she ‘will do it again’. Great effort ladies!

ByChristopher Holdsworth

Jacob Boyle Earns England Call up! + Maesgywm Muddle Fell Race 2014 & The Rest Of The Weekend’s Action

Maesgywm Muddle Fell Race – The 4th and final British Championship fell race for 2014

“…The clue was in the title, although the race could more aptly be named the Maesgym Rollercoaster with 3800ft of climbing over 10 miles. It certainly felt like there was more up than down with large amounts of very steep ascents and rapid descents…”

Clayton ladies’ vets team were in silver medal position so it was crucial for all of us to put on our best performances!

Neil Hardiman joined the usual suspects – Wendy Dodds, Jean Brown, Katy Thompson, myself (and several others) for what turned out to be a real grueller!!

The start of the race was in Llanberis and the route went over the hills next door to Snowdon. The clue was in the title, although the race could more aptly be named the Maesgym Rollercoaster with 3800ft of climbing over 10 miles. It certainly felt like there was more up than down with large amounts of very steep ascents and rapid descents. It wasn’t a bad day weather wise with just a little cloud on the tops.

Mr Blake from Eryri, the organiser, gave a clear indication of what was in store by setting us off on a steep incline in the middle of a boggy field. This was followed by a bridle way up to Hebron station then a brutal climb up to moel Cynghonion which in the words of Wendy is like the front face of Whernside but much longer -and she wasn’t wrong!

Katy Thompson

All the height gained was soon lost with a rapid descent to join a trail which on any other day would have been pleasantly runnable, but the legs were left somewhere on the previous climb. There were three steep climbs after that ,the high point being Moel Elio which was shrouded in Welsh mist.

The long descent off Moel Elio led to a sneaky out and back to Cefn Du through boggy heather. Just to cheer us up the better runners were to be seen coming down the other side looking not so tired.

Wendy Dodds

And finally we were on our way home,over trail, bracken and Tarmac terminating in the savage climb back up to the top of the boggy field which saw many runners
collapsing on the line including our very own Wendy (see picture) who had a last minute tussle with an Eryri lady whom she pipped at the post!

Neil was the first home followed by Jean, Wendy, myself and Katy.

From Left to right:

Wendy Dodds, Jean Brown, Barbara Savage, Katy Thompson

A very tough day out in Snowdonia!

Thanks to Barbara Savage for this weeks race report! Full results can be found here.

The Rest Of The Weekend’s Action

To kick start ‘The Rest of the Weekend’s Action’, Clayton-le-Moors would like to proudly congratulate Jacob Boyle on receiving a call up to represent England at the Junior Home Internationals in Glendalough, Ireland.

Jacob Boyle (left)

This fantastic achievement comes after a superb race from Jacob at the Sedbergh MU20 Trials. He came in at 4th, with an excellent time of 00:28:11. Great effort Jacob!

This weekend, Blackpool was the stage for two running events. First was The Hilton Illuminations 10k, followed the next day by The Hilton Half Marathon. In the first of the Fylde Coast Running events, the increasingly improving Jacob Watson finished in 8th position in a very speedy 00:36:32. Next through for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers was the talented new member Jon Hanson. He managed to finish in under the 40 minute mark in 00:39:12 and returned home in 21st position. Our Harrier 10k specialist, Stephen Biscomb, was next through the finish in 00:41:32, but most importantly as the 1st V60! Lee Moore also put in a solid effort, finishing in 00:46:21, whilst Amanda Duffy flew the flag for Clayton-le-Moors ladies, completing the race in 00:49:12.

Courtesy of Fylde Coast Running – Jonny McKenna

Two Harriers returned the next day, this time in the form of Johnny McKenna and Brian Wildman. Jonny‘s recent participation in long distance races has certainly paid off, as he put in a storming effort to win the half marathon! He completed the race almost a minute ahead of 2nd place, finishing 1st in 01:15:26. Brian also had an excellent race, finishing in 01:41:57. Well done to all who ran at Blackpool this weekend!

The other major race this weekend was Cannonball’s inaugural Pendle 3 Peaks Fell Race, where a massive 20 Harriers competed, which was almost a 1/5th of the entire race attendance.

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers sure do love a race on Pendle don’t we!

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography – Ivan Whigham

There were some excellent performances from our runners on the 9 miles, 2700ft course, and as always unfortunately too many to name, but here are some individual highlights –

Mens:

Christopher Holdsworth finished in 2nd in a time of 1:26:15

Paul Hesketh secured the 2nd MV45 position in 01:32:29

Michael O’Donnell was the 2nd MV40 in 01:34:18

Christopher, Paul and Michael managed to win the Team Prize for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

Ivan Whigham scooped the 1st MV50, whilst Nicholas Olszewski was 2nd MV50

Richard Bellaries finished as the 1st MV60

Ladies:

Vicky Heys crossed the finish as the 2nd FV40

Linda Lord won the FV65 category

Linda Bostock achieved 1st in the FV55 category

Truth be told, there were amazing efforts all round on a very difficult course. All our Harriers did fantastically in all of the races this week. Lastly, we’d like to wish all of our runners good luck at The Ben Nevis Fell Race this weekend! Take plenty of photos and be sure to send them in here.

ByChristopher Holdsworth

Pendleton Fell Race 2014 & The Rest Of The Weekend’s Action

Pendleton Race Report

“Back down the fields now and every year I lose at least 3 places on them, it’s fast running – good for cross country & road runners, I look round & see a tall lad in green – No ! Not this year pal…”

I arrived at Pendleton a little late for me, 1.35pm – slight motivational issues but thought nothing “ventured nothing gained – so let’s try my luck”. A decent Clayton-le-Moors turn out & 98 race competitors in total on a surprisingly warm sunny day. A fellow Clayton runner says to me jokingly “Have I come out of retirement” – I’ve been training enough but racing? – hmm not been focused on it – We shall see…

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

We are checked into the starting field by our numbers – new this year & are all chatting mainly about what position we are going to come in the club. I’m expecting to be around 6^th or 7^thbecause some fast Clayton lads are running that race a lot more than me. I work on “you’ve got to put it in to get it out”, but I’ve turned up to represent the club so I’m happy enough.

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

We all start to line up 3, 2, 1…. we are racing! Around the field behind the Village Hall & I’m nearer the front than I expected to be, wondering if I’ve set off too fast but feel okay as I haven’t ran for two days. I trained from the Sunday to the Wednesday to the point my legs were extremely tired & achy – I figured to run this race well, I need to be really fresh.

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

We hit the main street & it’s a slight incline, time to work only being a 5m race. I push myself hard from the start, no taking it steady yet. Having done the race before I am well aware that the hard part is keeping going when it starts to climb steep; that is yet to come. As we go through the gate on to the fields, I’m aware of one or two of my Clayton club mates jostling with me for position, so I push harder and a Dark Peak lady runner, who is really strong & determined, was on my shoulder.

Courtesy of Dave Potter

The first little descent was down Swardean Clough. Through the fern & up the other side, this is where the race starts for me, as it’s keeping going when your legs are telling you “I want to walk”. We are heading up to the road & one of my mates is walking. He’s over-trained – he would usually run me into the ground. I decide to give him some words of encouragement even at the risk of losing a place but I like to play nice so why not?

Courtesy of Dave Potter

We keep climbing, and I’m aware of the Dark Peak Lady runner behind me – she’s not losing ground on me but I won’t let her gain any either – she will have to earn it.

Courtesy of Dave Potter

We cross the road & gets lots of support off other Clayton members watching, but to be honest, I’m just aware of not wanting to walk and get to the top of the hill. The climb drags up & I can see the leaders in front reaching Apronful Hill – the first climb but still know my Dark Peak “friend” is right behind me, my head drops and I make a conscious effort to lift it up again & “dig in”.

Courtesy of Dave Potter

We turn to go down to Ashendean Clough, I should be able to make a gap now between me & Dark Peak but as we cross the Howcroft Brook she’s just behind me.

Courtesy of Richard Taylor

I’m making my way through the fern to find the path up to the climb to the “memorial“ cairn and my new dark peak “friend” puts a few little runs in when I’m walking & comes past me. I’m trying to get my legs moving again & I decide to follow her lead, I’m not letting her beat me quite so easily, so every time she runs I do too.

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

I turn at the cairn, take a look to see runners coming up the hill – there is good gap – but I’m aware I always lose a few race places on the way back as it gets faster, but I’ve been doing a Monday night speed session so hope it’s going to pay off. I’m trying to catch the Dark Peak runner as we run down the long descent, which gets steeper down to cross Howcroft Brook again. The gaps closing but not as much as I wanted, but by the time we cross the Brook I know I can get past her with the support of fellow Clayton members as we cross the road.

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

As I run past her I give her some encouragement, as she dragged me up to the cairn, & say to her in a few words I don’t mind her beating me but I don’t want anyone else coming past me now. We are running the race in reverse so back down and out of Swardean Clough – this is the moment “my wheels” may not go quick enough. Back down the fields now and every year I lose at least 3 places on them, it’s fast running – good for cross country & road runners, I look round & see a tall lad in green – No ! Not this year pal.

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

I dig in. My thought is, “If I’m wanting to slow down so is everyone else” but tell myself “half a mile to go”.

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

As I’m about to go through the gate onto the main road I turn round again, the tall runner in the green vest has gained on the Dark Peak runner & as it happens, goes past her, I tell myself quarter of a mile to go and “push, dig” – a little mantra I say to myself over and over when I want to stop as I run down the road, getting nearer to the finish. I try & sprint, daring not to look round as I know the tall lad in green is not far behind me. I turn to the finish, my lungs feel like they want to explode but I’m very happy.

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

My race position was much better than expected, and happier still that my Monday evening road speed training paid off and no one came past me on the run back in.

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

Pendleton is a superb short race and I’m very pleased I made the effort to get myself to the start as I knew I would be if I did.

Thanks to Michael O’Donnell for this week’s excellent race report! Full results can be found here.

The Rest of the Weekend’s Action

Plenty of races to discuss this week. We’ll start at The Burnsall Classic Fell Race, where we three Clayton-le-Moors Harriers competed. The first of our runners through the finish had an excellent race. Andrew Robinson completed the fell race in 20:55 and was also the 1st V60 too! The next two men across the finish should also be highly praised, as both of them went on to race at Pendleton a few hours later. Ivan Whigham completed his race in 22:37, whilst Mick Dobson finished home in 22:50. Well done all three men!

Lot’s of Harriers putting in double shifts this weekend! Like Mick and Ivan, Martin Brady also competed at another fell race besides Pendleton. He competed at The Tour of Noorland Moor Fell Race, and completed the second race of his weekend in 51:50. Another Harrier took to Noorland Moors in Chris Funnel, who also had an excellent race finishing in 46:30.

More double duties to discuss yet… Jacob Boyle competed in 2/3 of the fantastic Cannonball Events that were held this weekend. The first of which was the Watergrove Trail Race in Shore, Littleborough. Competing against some of the top runners in the country, he managed to finish in 6th place, in a time of 18:48. The day after, he race at the final Cannonball Event Sheep Fell Over Fell Race, again having a great race, finishing a place higher than the day before in 5th, and in 18:48. Also in this race to compete twice this weekend was Christopher Holdsworth. Also one of the many Harriers to take to the hills of Pendleton, he achieved a 3rd placed finish in 18:02. The 3rd Harrier through the finish, and securing team prize for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers was Garry Wilkinson in 7th and under the 20 minute mark in 19:43. This happened to be Garry’s first win in the V50 category, though he was also the 1st Vet across the finish. Well done!!

In this race, Adam Hamer competed in his first ever fell race. He had a tremendous race, finish not far off his 5k pb (not bad for a hilly course) in 32:05. Expect to see his name cropping up more often on the results for fell races soon! Jack Mcguire put in a stirling effort as always, bringing home the Clayton men in 38:03. Well done everyone!

ByChristopher Holdsworth

Sierre-Zinal 2014‏ & The Rest Of The Weekend’s Action

Sierre-Zinal 2014‏

‘Throughout the race there was enthusiastic spectator support; brass bands, alpine horns and children offering sponges, drinks and food. We all received medals, certificates and a timely massage at the finish’

A small band of claytoners and friends traveled to Zinal a small village, a typical alpine village, in the Swiss Alps for the famous Sierre-Zinal Mountain race; known as the 5 4000m peaks (views). We caught the 0730 bus down to Sierre for the start at 9:30.This was preceded by 2000 walkers covering the same route starting at 0500 and a junior race (from Chandolin) at 0915.

All 1500 runners set off to the first checkpoint after 5 miles and 4300 ft of continuous climbing. After this checkpoint the course flattened out and the route was on forest roads to Chandolin, the route undulated on mountain paths to top of the course at Nava (alt: 8000 ft) then a short descent to Zinal through forests. Throughout the race there was enthusiastic spectator support; brass bands, alpine horns and children offering sponges, drinks and food. We all received medals, certificates and a timely massage at the finish.

Race: 19 miles / 7200 ftWeather: 18(deg) / cloudy but good visibility

Results:

Killian Journet (Spain)2:31first male

Stevie Kremer (USA)3:03first female

Rob Simpson (GB)2:35 (5th overall) first GB male

Victoria Wilkinson (GS)3:19 (9th overall lady) first GB female

Mick Dobson 4:08

Ivan Whigham 4:18

Andrew Firth 4:51

Pete Thompson 5:33

Robin Nicolson 5:41

Pete Dugdale 6:25

Mick Dobson had a superb run, Ivan Whigham suffered from cramp, Andrew Firth had a storming run, Pete Thompson was his first race after major surgery (on his big toe), Robin Nicolson treated this as a training run for his first “ben” whilst Peter Dugdale (King of Pendle) suffered from altitude & dehydration

Thanks to Ivan Whigham for this week’s race report!

The Rest of the Weekend’s Action

The harrowing realisation of how tough Sedbergh Hills Fell Race has swept the Harrier camp this week. There have been several cries and declarations that it was the toughest race of their lives, and with over 6000ft climb overall, it’s easy to understand why!

10498704_10152428723813248_6047581364293180617_o

We had nine Harriers complete the race, who are all very fragile in the days after (especially Ryan Wilkinson). A fantastic effort by Spencer Riley led our runners home, when he finished in 15th place, with a time of 02:19:11. He finished only 1 place behind Rob Hope and 2 places in front of Mark Mcgoldrick, highlighting what a super effort this really was!

10628693_10152428736748248_6686500868531300468_o

David Bagot was our next Harrier home in 02:49:07, whilst bruised and battered Ryan was home in just under the 3 hour mark in 02:58:46. Next over the finish was Jean Brown 03:02:38, shortly followed by Kieran Carr in 03:04:27. Wendy Dodds put in another stellar effort, finishing home in 03:07:32, and Katy Thompson finished in 03:50:01. Both ladies were the only F60s to compete at the race! Richard Briscoe ended his torturous adventure around the fells in 03:24:50, whilst John Russius brought the men home in 03:43:21. Great performances from all!

10535675_10152428730783248_2049578057947043169_o

ByDave Motley

Worsthorne Moor Fell Race & the rest of the weekends action.

Worsthorne Moor Fell Race

I heard a voice from afar ‘stop running like you’re dancing!’ I turned round to see a sprightly young gentleman (you can pay me later John) running towards me, who I have now come to know as John Roche

How my journey began……..

Just over a year ago I was running along(well a leisurely trot might be more apt!) Red Lees Road, Cliviger, in my own little world, when I heard a voice from afar ‘stop running like you’re dancing!’ I turned round to see a sprightly young gentleman (you can pay me later John) running towards me, who I have now come to know as John Roche. After criticising my running style, the cheeky beggar was going to run straight past me but I insisted he gave me a mini session on my technique there and then-elbows in, knees up! John told me about his beginners training at Towneley and after a lot of blood, sweat and feeling sick I was moved up to his more advanced group before Christmas. Irene Roche encouraged me to join Clayton, I would never have had the confidence to do this without Irene’s encouragement and confidence in me. The support and encouragement I have received from Clayton has been amazing and I have made some great friends.

Courtesy of Steve Bateson

Race Day

Today I did the Worsthorne Moor trail race. It was tough, especially the long uphill start, but John’s training sessions have improved my stamina and Irene’s wise words to ‘tip tap’ up the steeper bits came in very useful. Every time I wanted to relax a bit I could hear John’s voice ‘have a word!’. The ice cold beer I had at the end with Michelle Butchok in the Billet made it all worthwhile. Just Boulsworth fell race to conquer now, with support from Jean Knightley(you can’t back out now Jean!) then I’ll have achieved my goal of 9 Grandprix runs!! I can’t thank you enough John for telling me to stop running like I’m dancing. That chance meeting really has changed my life for the better

Courtesy of Steve Bateson

28 of our members took part in the penultimate race of the Burnley & Pendle Grandprix. The race a tough 6.5 mile route starts with a tough climb up Gorple Rd before swinging out to Gorple & Hurstwood reservoir and returning to the start in Worsthorne. First Clayton member to pass the post, with a monster hangover, was Mr Orange himself Breton Holdsworth (6^th), Phil Hall proved he’s still one of the best around taking the V50 prize with skipper, Dave Motley in 13^th.

Courtesy of Steve Bateson

Full Clayton Results:

6. Breton Holdsworth 43:15

7.Phil Hall 44.19

13.Dave Motley 45:00

17.Paul Brannon 45:51

25.Dave Bagot 48:10

26.Richard Stevenson 48:37

28.Alan Life 49:09

29.Carl Helliwell 49:29

35.Chris Funnell 50:32

44.Richard Briscoe 52:49

45.John Wilcock 52.54

53.Andy Quinn 53:53

54.Peter Browning 54:05

60.Stephen White 55:23

67.Dave Naughton 56:40

70.Alex Braysford 56:48

72.Dave Scott 57:15

76.Martin Griffin 58:48

78.Stephen Ainsworth 59:07

85.Jean Knightley 1:00:40

88.Tanya Bunkham 1:02:38

96.Sarah Helliwell 1:04:34

97.Rachel Todd 1:05:13

98.Ron Chappell 1:05:54

100.Ted Orrell 1:06:53

104.Michelle Butschok 1:10:23

107.Stuart Barker 1:14:46

108.Christine Leathley 1:18:20

Full results can be found here

Thanks to Rachel Todd for this fantastic report

The rest of the weekends racing

Friday night saw the third running of the Padiham 5 Mile. The route from memorial park goes up & down the Padiham greenway to the canal and back. Clayton were out in force with a number of members taking part. Terry O’leary continued his recent impressive form finishing 1^st Clayton back in 5^th place. Jordan McDonald was 1^st junior back in 10^th and there were other outstanding junior performances from Kenan, Thomas, Ryan & Edward.

On Saturday in the picturesque village of Hellifield, two of our members took part in the annual gala race. 3^rd back overall with a really strong performance was Jacob Boyle, with the other ever present Clayton runner finishing in 20^th, Richard Briscoe.

Also on Saturday in really tough conditions 9 of our members took part in one of the Lakeland Classics, Borrowdale Fell Race. This epic race covers 16.5mile and 6500’ of climbing taking Bessyboot, Esk Hause, Great Gable and also the highest point in England, Scafell. As some of you are aware from media reports, there was an incident in which one runner suffered a fall from Scafell, I believe the runner was rescued and is now in a stable condition in hospital. However this shows the importance of carrying full kit, recceing courses and being able to read maps on these tough routes.

Spencer Riley was our 1^st member back in 24^th Place. Our Lakeland specialist Dave Nuttall finished in 82^nd with Andy Robinson not far behind in 96^th. Fell legend Wendy Dodds finished 1^st V60 in 150^th with fantastic runs from Nicholas Olszewski, Barbara Savage, John Rusius and Paul Wale.

24. Spencer Riley – 3:40.03

82. Dave Nuttall – 4:09:48

96. Andrew Robinson – 4:14:46

150. Wendy Dodds – 4:37:23

200. Nicholas Olszewski – 4:55:06

213. Barbara Savage – 4:59:57

226. John Rusius – 5:11:25

254. Paul Wale – 5:33:27

Terry O’Leary had a busy weekend and was one of two members out in Preston for the Wagon & Horses 10mile. Terry finished 14^th in a time of 62:53, with ever present road expert Steve Biscomb running 10miles in 73:10.

ByPeter Booth

August Newsletter

The brand new edition of the Harrier is here! On time! Follow the link to catch up on loads of recent results for junior and seniors. There’s a report from Mike Wallis about the Saunders Mountain Marathon and an update on the Summer Series. Not forgetting all the usual features: Run of the Month, Covering Old Ground, Milestones & Training info.

Ring 18th September in your diary – it’s the club AGM & 5000 metre track race – details on p4. August Newsletter 2014

ByChristopher Holdsworth

Trawden 7 Trail Race & The Rest of the Weekends Action

Trawden 7 Trail Race

‘Pushing hard trying to catch the runner in front I slipped coming down one of the descents and ended upside down at the side of the path. After picking myself up it was nice to hear my fellow runners asking if I was ok as they moved past me taking advantage of my fall…’

Sunday saw the 10^th race of the Pendle & Burnley Grand Prix Series with the Trawden 7 Trail, we arrived earlier as my kids wanted to take part in the junior races which had been scheduled before the main race. The 2 junior races attracted over 50 children with 6 of our very own Clayton-le-Moors Juniors participating. Well done to all 6 with special mention to Finlay Stubbs for a great sprint finish in the U11 race and to Tom Bradley with 1^st place in the Over 11’s.

Courtesy of Deborah Stevenson

With the junior races done and prizes handed out it was time for a quick warm up before the main race. I lined up alongside the other 150+ runners and off we went around the edge of the Trawden recreational ground and onto the road. The runners had already started to spread out and I settled into a steady pace hoping that I hadn’t set off to fast.

Courtesy of Trawden 7 Trail Race

The course left the main road onto a track that dropped steeply down towards Hollin Hall; we rounded the corner to the road where we started the long climb up towards the Pendle Way. It was one of them hills that just when you thought you were near the top, it turned a corner and climbed again.

Courtesy of Trawden 7 Trail Race

As we reached the top the course moved onto an undulating section of tracks which makes for great trail running but this was to prove my downfall, pushing hard trying to catch the runner in front I slipped coming down one of the descents and ended upside down at the side of the path. After picking myself up it was nice to hear my fellow runners asking if I was ok as they moved past me taking advantage of my fall.

It took a minute or two for me to get back into my stride and I was glad to see the water station up in front of me, passing through there the course dropped down and headed for Wycoller village, it was here that I was joined by fellow Harriers Dave Motley and Russell Clarke.

Courtesy of Trawden 7 Trail Race

The 3 of us stayed together through the village and across the stone bridge; from there we started the last climb up the main road heading for the finish. By now I had got my breath back and sensing that some of the runners in front were slowing I pushed on up the hill.

This last section certainly seemed longer than I remember after visiting Wycoller only a few weeks ago with my family. After passing a couple of runners on the climb I reached the recreation ground and could see the finish in the far corner, luckily I had no one chasing me too hard as I didn’t fancy a sprint finish around the field.

Courtesy of Trawden 7 Trail Race

I finished in 23^rd place overall with a time of 45:22, apart from taking a tumble I really enjoyed the race it’s a good trail running course with plenty of climbs and nice scenery.

Well done to all 30 Clayton-le-Moors runners who competed and thanks to Trawden AC for the bottle of Trawden Trail ale, homemade cakes and for organising a great morning of running which the whole family enjoyed.

Courtesy of Rachel Todd

Full results:

Pos Time

10 Thomas Brewster M 43.31

12 Kevin Davies M50 44.14

18 Paul Hesketh M45 44.43

21 Paul Brannon M55 45.06

23 Richard Stevenson M 45.22

25 Dave Motley M 45.26

28 Ruessell Clarke M 45.55

32 alan Life M45 47.08

34 RogerBrewster M55 47.2

47 Nick Roscoe M40 49.05

49 Nicholas Olszewski M50 49.29

55 Stephen Biscomb M60 50.07

59 Sean Clare M45 50.42

61 Andy Bradley M45 50.52

62 Gordon Barrett M50 51.05

68 Stephen White M55 52.23

69 Richard Briscoe M 52.38

81 MartinBrady M50 53.24

88 David Scott M70 54.28

92 DawnTerry F50 55.2

107 MartinGriffin M50 58.44

120 Jean Knightly F55 60.34

122 SarahHelliwell F 61.32

127 Rachel Todd F40 62.41

134 Robert Hirst M60 64.57

135 HelenBurnett F40 65

139 Michelle Butsgot F40 66.36

140 Richard Lawson M70 67.06

141 Adrienne Olszewska F45 67.3

149 Christine Leathley F65 77.51

Thanks to Richard Stevenson for this weeks race report! Full results can be found here.

The Rest of the Weekends Action

It would seem that this weekend, if you wasn’t at the Trawden 7 Trail Race, you were at this years Wasdale Fell Race 2014! A total of 8 Harriers made the trip to the Lake Districts. Spencer Riley (feels good to write that name again) was the first back, finishing 6th in his age category, and 29th overall. The next male through was Martin Terry, who also finished 6th in his age category, shortly behind in 32nd. 3rd Harrier through the finish was Mick Dobson, scraping in under the hour mark in 5:55:40 and in 66th over. One place behind him, and only 8 seconds too was Ivan Whigham in 67th. Lastly, John Russius and Andrew Firth completed the fell race in 06:01:16 and 06:30:43 respectively.

There was only one lady and the race, and she outdid herself once again. Not only was she the the 6th lady to finish, she also finished as the 1st FV60 – finishing in front of four of the men too!!

Our solo runner of the week comes from our top road runner, Johnny McKenna. He raced at the Eccup 10 Road Race, finishing 7th out of 167 runners, in 00:57:47. Well done Johnny!

Unless I have missed a race, it would seem our attentions were split between Trawden and Wasdale! Well done to everyone who ran!

ByPeter Booth

July Newsletter

The July Harrier is here – sorry for the late arrival; I’ve been a bit busy! The Newsletter includes El P’s report on the Boulder 10K, Tom Brewster’s on Hendon Brook Half Marathon and mine about my Challenge, as well as the usual features, fixtures and a bumper list of results. July Newsletter 2014

ByChristopher Holdsworth

Witton Park Relays & The Rest of the Weekend’s Action

Witton Park Relays 2014

Report to follow, full results here.

The Rest of the Weekend’s Action

The fell running ladies of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers took on their third British Championship race this weekend. The hardy contingent traveled to Scotland to compete at the 2014 Dollar Hill Fell Race. Jean Brown was the 1st Harrier lady around the course in 01:42:35, finishing 8th in her heavily contended age category overall. The next of our ladies through the finish was Wendy Dodds, who once again manages to astound us all by finishing as the 1st in the FV60+ Category. Next up was Barbara Savage, who ran the course in 01:55:45 and achieving an 11th placed finish in her category. Rounding off the day was Katy Thompson, who also put in a great effort and finished 3rd in her age category. Great effort ladies!

This week, instead of solo runners we seem to have packs of fours! as Alan Life, Chris Funnell, Andrew Dugdale and Nicholm Horsfall all made their way over to The Settle Hills Fell Race 2014. In recent weeks Alan Life has certainly been making his presence known, with this weekend being his biggest statement yet. He managed a 4th placed finish in 01:00:43 and the 1st in the MV40 age category. Brilliant stuff! Our second runner through was Chris Funnell, who finished home in 01:10:14 and in 32nd place overall. Next was consistent fell runner Andrew Dugdale who finished the race in 01:20:04. We also had a Nicholm running for the ladies, who squeezed in under the century mark in 99th place, as well as finishing as the 3rd in her age category. Well done all!

Oh, what do we have here? Four more Harriers competing at a race! This time it was for a flat Sotos 10k Road Race in Fleetwood. Mike O’Hara, our first Harrier through the finish, managed a speedy time of 00:47:28. Next was Brian Wildman just 7 seconds behind in 00:47:35. The third Harrier through the finish was Christine Egerton who was the 67th female around the course, as well as the 3rd in the V60 age category. Finishing off the day was Kevin O’Brien managing to complete the race under the sub hour mark in 00:59:34 – a great effort from the V70!!

Lastly, it wasn’t four runners, but almost 10x that number as 39 Harriers took to shortened course at the Burnley Boys 5k 2014. Christopher Holdsworth and Tom Brewster revived their Grand Prix battle and pushed each other further than ever before. After a tough battle, the hungover Holdsworth ran back in 3rd in a time of 00:16:32, with Tom shortly behind in 00:16:41. The ever increasingly impressive Lee Smith ran home as the third Clayton-le-Moors Harrier, scoring a PB time of 00:17:41. For the ladies, junior Alice Pier had a spectacular race by finishing in a time of 00:21:06 – which was of course also the 1st in here age category. Irene Roche was the next lady through in 00:22:14 and also finished as the 2nd F55. The third Lady Harrier through was the 2nd FJ, Bethany Quinn in 24:09. What a great effort from veteran and junior ladies alike!

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

As there are 39 runners overall, I’m sorry I can’t mention you all. Special mention has to go once again to junior Jordan McDonald, who by this point is completely dominating most of the seniors – a fact proven by his 11th placed finish. What a talented set of juniors we have!

Well done to all who ran this week!

Category Archive Other News