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
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 10th 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 1st 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 23rd 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!
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
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!
Pennine Lancashire 10k
‘Wherever you were on the winding roads though, there was always a group of people cheering you on as the residents of Burnley came out in full force to support the runners’
The sun rose on another morning as runners assembled once again in the heart of Burnley. Not only in the heart but also in the heat as at the start line, many were glancing up nervously, water in hand, correctly guessing that it was going to be a very warm Pennine Lancashire 10k. Clearly a day for running with a fridge attached to your back.
Courtesy of Christopher Holdsworth
The route, which takes in a surprising amount of Burnley, is a tricky one, with plenty of uphill and downhill. The initial burst through the Town Centre gives way to a gradual incline to Queen’s Park before weaving round to Rowley Lake. Journeying up one side the course lands you at the top of Brunshaw with a welcome downhill stretch into the leafy surroundings of Towneley Park with a final 2K back past Turf Moor to finish where you started. Wherever you were on the winding roads though, there was always a group of people cheering you on as the residents of Burnley came out in full force to support the runners.
Courtesy of Christopher Holdsworth
After a quick start the front pack began to spread out, with it being obvious that Matt Lalor and Christopher Holdsworth were vying for first position. With no last-minute arrivals from Salford (for those of us who remember last year) to spoil the party, Matt, who came second last year, ran a superb race, clinching victory with a time of 34 minutes dead. However, for Clayton, all the plaudits must go to Christopher, who came in second with a time of 35:13. Not only did Chris clinch silver, he also knocked 5 minutes off his time last year. It was an excellent run and Chris should be proud of a super performance.
Courtesy of Christopher Holdsworth
Not to be undone, other Harriers were out in full force. Following Chris there were some great performances from Terry O’Leary (39:06), Jordan McDonald (39:44) with myself (Jonathan Pye) not far behind on 40:42, not to mention Steve Bicsomb who just snuck into the top 50.
Courtesy of Christopher Holdsworth
Richard Briscoe, Kenan Eti and Alan Clarkson also put in strong performances to round off a good day for the club with the orange stripe flashing regularly in the morning sunshine. Four Ladies also had a good showing with Jackie Kershaw leading home the ladies in 54:24. Amanda Duffy followed next in 56:51, with Marion Wilkinson and Sophie McIntosh following in 59:24 and 1:04:22
Courtesy of Christopher Holdsworth
The event itself is gaining popularity; the hushed whispers that over 2500 people might be turning out was a bit of an exaggeration but the overall attendance 1660 people shows that The Pennine 10k is very much here to stay.
Courtesy of Christopher Holdsworth
The future’s bright…
Thanks to Jonathan Pye for this weeks race report! Full results here.
The Rest Of The Weekends Action
Lots of results this week.. Only seven days after taking on the 2014 Hendon Brook, Johnny McKenna raced at another half marathon – this time Freckleton. Carrying on his excellent result from last week, he finished the race in 01:17:11 and achieved 6th place. Roger Brewster also competed, finishing in a brilliant time of 01:29:36.
There was three soloists this week. Of course, there is the one man band Breton Holdsworth, this time taking on the 3 Lakes Classic Race. The next runner was Stephen Breckell, racing at The Great Hill Fell Race in Brinscall. Lastly, Richard Stevenson ventured over the border to compete at the Wales Trail Marathon 2014. It was well worth the travel as Richard finished 63rd out of over 300 runners, in a time of 04:13:03. At The Great Hill Fell Race, Stephen finished as the 3rd VM60 with a time of 00:51:23, whilst Breton increased on last weeks rankings by one place, finishing 6th in the multi-terrain 15 mile race.
David Bagot had a storming race over at Buckden Pike Fell Race, finishing as the 1st Clayton-le-Moors Harrier in 00:47:34. Ian Robinson also had a brilliant race finishing as the 2nd MV60 and in 00:48:48. Nigel Weaver and Mark Taylor were next across the finish line, in 00:48:57 and 00:52:12. Andrew and Peter Dugdale brought in the men in 00:52:31 and 00:57:41. For the ladies, Linda Bostock completed the race as the 2nd LV50 in 00:56:05, whilst Nichola Horsfall was the 3rd LV50 in 01:02:23.
The short and sharp Brown Wardle Fell Race took place this weekend. Rick Moore finished in 7th and as 2nd V50 in 00:22:55. The second Harrier across the finish was Stephen Fish, who also finished 2nd in his age category, with a time of 00:24:14. As the only lady entrant, Yvonne Wickham fought for her gender’s corner, finishing in under the 30 minute mark at 00:29:29.
Three Clayton-le-Moors Harriers competed at the Timothy Taylor’s Tom Tittiman Fell Race. Alan Life continued his strong run of form, finishing 20th overall. Geoff Smith was next to complete the route in 00:42:54, and Geoff Laycock finished in 00:46:15. The three Harriers also managed to finish at the 5th mens team. Well done!
There were some terrific performances from the ladies over at Reservoir Bogs this weekend. Not only did Vicky Heys finish as the 1st Clayton-le-Moors Lady, she finished 1st in her age category as well as the 1st Harrier overall! She was followed by Angela Shian, following through the finish just 2 seconds behind in 01:32:08. Adrienne Olszewska also had a cracking run, scraping in under the 2 hour mark at 01:59:52. This time, Geoff Smith fights alone in his genders corner, completing the race in 45th position and 01:33:26.
There was also a Junior Reservior Bogs Race, where there were some fantastic performances! 18 juniors turned up in total, which once again is an outstanding turnout.
Some stand out performances were:
– Finlay Stubbs setting a new course record and finishing in 1st in the U8 race
– Jackson McKay finishing in 4th for the U10’s race
– Millie Stubbs finishing as the 1st girl and 2nd overall for the U12’s race
– Ryan Clarke was the 1st boy, whilst Alice Pier was the 1st girl in the u14’s category
– Beth Quinn finished the course in 39:26 in the U16’s category
– George Pier finished in 33:03 in the U18’s category
Sorry I can’t mention you all! All your times were spectacularly fast. Keep up the good work!
Lastly, congratulations to Katy Thompson on completing her Joss Naylor challenge in 16:13:00, well inside her allowed time of 18 hours. Well done Katy!
Well done again to everyone who ran this weekend. Next weeks race report will be from Candice Heys, detailing our exploits at the Witton Park Relays. See you all there!!
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RIP Ken Heaton
Ken Heaton (right)
Clayton-le-Moors Harriers are sad to learn of the passing of former member and 24h Lakeland Record holder Ken Heaton. Service will be held at Burnley Crematorium this Wednesday on the 25th, 11.20am
Ken Heaton (left)
Holcombe 2 Towers Fell Race Results – 11th June 2014
Six Claton-le-Moors Harriers made the midweek trip to the Holcombe 2 Towers Fell Race. Russell Clarke finished the race just outside the 40 minute mark, leading the Harriers home in 22nd place. Ivan Whigham finished as the 2nd Clayton-le-Moors Harrier and was also the 3rd MV50 around the course.
Senior Results:
1 Russell Clarke M 00:40:17
2 Ivan Whigham MV50 00:41:51
3 Mark Nutter MV50 00:42:55
4 Mark Taylor M 00:46:08
5 Andrew Dugdale MV50 00:47:48
6 Peter Dugdale MV55 00:51:31
*Clayton-le-Moors Harriers are going to begin writing up short reports on midweek races from henceforth. We will try to feature every race that doesn’t make it to the weekend report. Should you notice a race be missed off the website, please contact the media manager to notify him of his ignorance immediately. If you also have any photography of our runners at any races, he’d be very happy if you could send them into him too. Thank you!*
Worsthorne 5 Mile Trail Race 2014
The 2014 Summer Series began with Christopher Holdsworth claiming 1st place over Joshua Boyle of Hyndburn AC, whilst Jordan McDonald also made great strides by finishing as the 2nd Clayton-Le-Moors Harrier across the Finish. Alison Dugdale finished as the first Harrier lady around the 1000ft climb course.
In the junior race Ryan Clarke finished in 1st place, closely followed by Eleanor Root in 2nd and Millie Stubbs in 3rd.
Senior Results:
1 Christopher Holdsworth M 00:36:08
2 Jordan McDonald J16 00:39:29
3 Richard Stevenson M 00:40:24
4 Paul Hesketh V40 00:41:22
5 Ivan Whigham V50 00:43:51
6 Tom Bradley J13 00:44:31
7 Nick Olszewski V50 00:45:23
8 Mark Wightman V50 00:46:21
9 Kenan Eti J15 00:46:57
10 George Pier J16 00:47:55
11 Alison Dugdale FV40 00:48:04
12 Andrew Howarth V50 00:48:17
13 Martin Brady V50 00:49:51
14 David Scott V70 00:51:26
15 Steve Bury V50 00:52:30
16 Colin Woolford M 00:54:03
17 Michael Frost V50 00:58:17
18 Geoff Laycock V60 00:58:55
Junior Results:
1 Ryan Clarke 00:18:55
2 Eleanor Root 00:19:42
3 Millie Stubbs 00:20:05
4 Simon Wilshaw 00:20:12
5 Alice Pier 00:20:24
6 Adam Quinn 00:20:47
7 Harry Mason 00:21:16
8 Adam Stevenson 00:21:57
9 Daniel Bradley 00:23:06
10 Zac Jordan 00:25:07
*Clayton-le-Moors Harriers are going to begin writing up short reports on midweek races from henceforth. We will try to feature every race that doesn’t make it to the weekend report. Should you notice a race be missed off the website, please contact the media manager to notify him of his ignorance immediately. If you also have any photography of our runners at any races, he’d be very happy if you could send them into him too. Thank you!*
Ennerdale Fell Race 2014
‘Within half an hour however the mood at registration was very different – the sky had darkened, clouds thickened and thunder was forecast…’
Arriving early at the race after staying over at nearby Lamplugh campsite, I met up with Ryan Belshaw and Spencer Riley and we had a wander along to check out the start and get some photos of the lake. At this point the skies were clear and the mountains surrounding the lake looked a very enticing challenge, we could understand exactly why this was regarded as a Lakeland classic. Within half an hour however the mood at registration was very different – the sky had darkened, clouds thickened and thunder was forecast.
This left the race organiser with little option but to change the route, and so within half an hour of this being announced, a new route had been mapped out and runners crowded round to edit where the new checkpoints were on their maps. This seemed the sensible decision, although initially many were disappointed, especially as many hours had been spent recce’ing the route and training for the climbs, as this English and British Championship counter was a significant date in many a runner’s season.
Thanks to Racing Snakes for the photo.
Before long we were underway.The pace was very fast along the flat gravel path that took us around the bottom edge of Ennerdale lake and it seemed some runners had let some of the disgruntled murmurings such as ‘this is a trail race’ and ‘its flat’ go to their head. I hung back and paced my first mile alongside Neil Hardiman, who had wisely pointed out at the start that the route still involved around 20 miles and a significant chunk of climbs.
Instead of climbing Great Borne and along the ridges that surrounded Ennerdale, we were took on gradual climb over Floutern Pass and dropped down into the next valley. We then had a long flat section that took us alongside Crummock Water and Buttermere. We then climbed over Scarth Gap Pass, before dropping back into the Ennerdale Valley by Black Sail Hut.
Thanks to Racing Snakes for the photo.
The route immediately took us on another gradual climb before circling below Great Gable and Kirk Fell. We then headed on a steep decent back down to the foot of the valley and after dibbing in at checkpoint 7, manned by the legendary Joss Naylor, we were left with a long flat run back to the finish. I made good pace and managed to stick to a 6.30-7 minute mile pace as I gradually reeled in other competitors.
We then circled left around the lake, on a very tricky path. The concentration required to not to trip distracted me from my tiring legs, and glancing up every now and then I could see I was closing in on Ryan Belshaw. I pushed on hoping to claim my first victory over Ryan, and despite catching the majority of the runners in the pack just behind him, Ryan’s strength and power won through as he pulled away again in the final mile.
Unfortunately I haven’t seen the race results yet although Spencer Riley was the first Clayton-le-Moors Harrier back, followed by Ryan Belshaw and then myself, with Neil Hardiman and Jean Brown not far behind. Jean did manage to secure the 2nd LV45, Whilst Wendy Dodds finished as the 1st LV60. Katy Thomson also had a great performance, managing to finish as the 2nd LV60. At the finish line there were many comments on how tough the changed route was and although it had less than a third of the climbing of the original route and was slightly shorter, the large amount of runable sections had created a fast paced race and meant many runners had pushed hard all the way round.
At the finish the rain was powering down and it now definitely seemed right to do have done an alternative route, that had still provided some stunning Lake District views and challenging running.
Thanks to David Bagot for this weeks race report! Full Ennerdale Fell Race 2014 results found through the link.
The Rest of the Weekends Action
Another Saturday 2 o’clock start brought us midway through the Pendle & Burnley Grand Prix calendar, with a massive twenty two Clayton-le-Moors Harriers attending Weets Fell Race 2014. Conditions were torrential before the race, though it marginally brightened up once the race got underway.
Thanks to Andy Holden for the photo.
The race was tough, but it brought out a lot of impressive performances from our runners, with Christopher Holdsworth securing 2nd place ahead of 3rd placed Harrogate Harrier Chris Miller. Tom Brewster was the next through with another mighty performance finishing in 7th – and even managing to pip fell captain Dave Motley! Who also had a solid effort, finishing in 10th and as the 3rd Clayton-le-Moors Harrier through the finish. Elsewhere in the race, Jeffery Pickup managed to collect the 1st V60 prize, whilst Ron Chappell came through as the second V65.
Thanks to Andy Holden for the photo.
Over in Yorkshire, five Harriers took to the Penyghent Fell Race 2014. Mark Nutter lead the way, finishing in 01:02:59. Club mascot Richard Briscoe also had a fantastic race, coming through the finish as the second Harrier, in a time of 01:04:16. The third harrier to conquer the mountain was Mark Taylor in 01:11:36. Rounding off the day were Andre and Peter Dugdale in 77th and 87th respectively.
At the Morecambe 10k 2014 race, Michael Hogan represented Clayton-le-Moors Harriers achieving an excellent result, finishing the course in 00:41:16. Another sole representative of the Harrier flag, a man who often attends 10k races, was Stephen Biscomb at the Fleetwood Rotary 2014 10k. Once again he put in an excellent shift on the road, finishing the race in 9th place with a time of 00:42:13.
Don’t forget to attend our training sessions to improve those times! Senior training times can be found here, whilst junior training times can be found here. See you all there!
Racing Snakes Photography: www.racingsnakes.com
Andy Holden Photography: www.flickr.com/photos/wharfee
Kelbrook Fell Race 2014
‘The early leaders were not the Grand Prix leaders, but John LLoyd and junior Jordan McDonald of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers. They held this lead until numpty here got giddy and went full steam ahead. I was eventually joined by the two Grand Prix table toppers, Jimmy Craig and Marc Hartley, where we stayed in our pack up the windy road towards the first descent before we tackled the summit’
Spending the week mulling over my last minute defeat to Tom Brewster at the Burnley Boys 10k had me in the sort of mood almost every runner finds themselves in. Toys were thrown so far my crib was but a distant blur. I was in quite the foul mood… ‘I don’t enjoy these Burnley & Pendle Grand Prix Races’ I half heartedly muttered under my breath to everyone anyone willing to listen. ‘They’re just too predictable’ I whined, ‘I shan’t be doing anymore!’
After a 20 minute sulk, I pulled it together and dragged myself to the Kelbrook Fell Race 2014.
Photo by Christopher Holdsworth
I arrived to the usual Grand Prix faces. My head was down, warm ups short and steady as I focussed on the race ahead. The runners gathered at the start line, all eager to get the race underway. A quick introduction to the health and safety, followed by a 3,2,1 got us all on our way, up the track and onto our first climb.
Photo by Christopher Holdsworth
The early leaders were not the Grand Prix regulars, but John Loyd and junior Jordan McDonald of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers. They held this lead until numpty here got giddy and went full steam ahead. I was eventually joined by the two Grand Prix table toppers, Jimmy Craig and Marc Hartley, where we stayed in our pack up the windy road towards the first descent before we tackled the summit.
Photo by Christopher Holdsworth
The first descent brought us to a stream, where Jimmy first took 1st position. This was short lived before Marc and I rejoined the forefront of the race. A sharp hill brought us back on ourselves where I was able to take a glimpse of the following heard. My Grand Prix nemesis Tom Brewster had shortened the gap between the front 3 and was steadily closing in. Jordan, while no longer at the front, was still putting in a monumental effort and keeping up in the second pack.
I knew I had to up my game, if ‘road’ is Tom’s thing, then ‘fell’, or at least ‘hills’ was surely mine..
As we hit the crevice before the notorious Kelbrook ‘hands on knees’ climb, I was confident that I could keep up with the two either side of me. ‘They’re just road runners’ I thought, ‘I’ve definitely got them here’.
Photo by Christopher Holdsworth
Nope. The usual gusto that greets me when my legs arrive at a hill were not there that day. So I walked. Luckily, I think pride got the better of the other two and they attempted to run the whole hill. This at times had me walking quicker than they could run.
Photo by Christopher Holdsworth
It mattered not – although we all arrived at the summit at the same time, they’re speed was my undoing. A race back to the finish allowed Jimmy Craig to finish over a minute in front, whereas I finished in 00:22:29. They’re won’t be any tantrums this week however, as I managed to finish over a minute in front of 4th placed Andy Buttery.
Photo by Christopher Holdsworth
I’m happy with my race, but there really were some brilliant efforts from Clayton-le-Moors Harriers throughout. To say Tom doesn’t usually race on fells, he had a stalwart effort that any ‘fell’ runner would be proud of, finishing in 6th with a time of 00:23:44. Alan Life also had a brilliant race, narrowly missing out on a top 10 position in 11th. Garry Wilkinson, who was recently quoted as saying ‘I think this is my bow with the seniors’ proved that there was still life in the old dog yet. He finished in 18th with an excellent time of 00:24:50.
Photo by Christopher Holdsworth
The performance of the day has to go to Jordan McDonald though. Not only did he finish as the first U18, he also bested over 100 seniors, finishing just over the 25 minute mark in 00:25:12.
Photo by Christopher Holdsworth
This weeks Race Report was by Christopher Holdsworth, full results found here.
The Rest of the Weekends Action
One of the other big races of the weekend brings us to Duddon Valley 2014, where eight Clayton-le-Moors Harriers competed. First around the course was David Naughton, speeding to the finish in 03:34:00. Next through the finish line was Mick Dobson in 04:04:32, closely followed by Ivan Whigam in 04:11:29. There was also great runs from Ralph Baines in 77th, John Russius in 83rd, Andrew Firth in 97th and David Nalor in 101st. Well done men!
Over at Edenfield, another eight Harriers competed in this fell race, with David Naughton racing once again. This time he finished as the 2nd Clayton-le-Moors Harrier, in a time of 00:54:40. This was narrowly behind the 1st Harrier home, Geoffrey Gough in 00:54:24. Mark Taylor was next through the finish in 01:05:03, who was then followed home by Andrew Dugdale and Stephen Fish for the men. There were also two ladies who had excellent races. Linda Bostock and Nichola Jane Horsfall put in brilliant performances, finishing in 01:09:27 and 01:13:28 respectively.
Competing at The Lakeland Trails in Stavely, Breton Holdsworth took on the 17km Kentmere Trail Race. Getting miles in the tank was more of a priority for Breton, though he still put in an excellent effort finishing in 11th with a time of 01:21:14.
Another solo Harrier ran at the BOFRA Coniston race, this time in the form of junior Briony Holt. Not only did she finish as the 1st girl, she managed a 4th placed finish overall! Brilliant effort!
Over in Preston, the inaugural Crazy Cow 10k took place. Three Clayton-le-Moors Harriers attended the race on a very hot Sunday Morning. Christopher Holdsworth managed to scoop 1st place, winning in 00:35:07 – a new PB for him. Another PB breaker was Clayton-le-Moors new boy Adam Hamer, in his first 10k for the club, finishing with a brilliant time of 00:59:26. Another great performance by Sophie McIntosh finishing the course in 01:05:59, rounded of a great weekend of results for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers!
Don’t forget to get involved with our training sessions.Visit our training section to find out all the details for the next coming months.
BMAF Road Relays 2014
‘Old Michael took the early spoils and took advantage of the first climb and fast flat section to pull out the early lead on his namesake. However, for a change young Michael seemed to have his ‘mature head on’ and just kept a sensible distance behind’
Brilliant sunshine and some very well toned runners greeted us as we arrived at Birmingham for the road relays. I must admit to some trepidation in the week preceding the event, worrying that we would make fools of ourselves in front of the best in the country. But coach Roche put my mind at rest and I quickly got myself in the right frame of mind for the race.
These races are always fun and this did not disappoint. From the moment we all met at the Dunkenhalgh for the trip down the banter started, particularly from Mickey Hogan who seemed to have it in for me. All in good spirit though.
After John had asked for the 100th time ‘Are we nearly there yet dad’ we arrived at Sutton Park. Some of the events had already got underway so we quickly unpacked the pavilion and set ourselves up opposite Salford so we could have a bit of banter during the day.
We watched the women show us how it was meant to be done and very quickly our start time approached. John was a true captain and even polished my head to help me go faster.
First up were the two Michael’s. Motor mouth himself Michael O’Donnell running for the V35 team and Mickey Hogan running for the V45 team. This was always going to be a hard fought battle and did not disappoint. Old Michael took the early spoils and took advantage of the first climb and fast flat section to pull out the early lead on his namesake. However, for a change young Michael seemed to have his ‘mature head on’ and just kept a sensible distance behind. There is a nice little uphill finish on this course and the young man took advantage of this to pull away and come in with a very respectable time of 18:37 with Mr.Hogan just behind in 18:53.
I was 2nd up for the V35 and was surprised to see Forest coming in quite so quickly and I had quite a battle with the organisers to get out to the start line. John Wilcock was chomping at the bit on the start line behind me. In my usual style I put too much effort into the first climb so had to try and regroup myself on the flat section. When I came to the turn-around I saw John behind me so knew I had to try and up the pace. I was hurting by the final climb but running past the Clayton-le-Moors masses on the finishing straight encouraged me and I managed to finish in a time of 18:36 (sorry Forest). John came in close behind me in a time of 19:34.
Leg 3 saw Nick Roscoe running for the V35 against Gary ‘Wilki’ Wilkinson running for the V45. Nick ran a strong leg to keep off the evergreen Wilki, with a time of 19:49. Gary, with yet another performance defying his years ran 18:50 to put the old men just 15 seconds behind the youths.
It was time for the last leg of the V45 race, with still another 3 to go for the V35. Up for the V35 was our brummie Paul ‘Shack’ Shackleton. This was a rare experience for Shack as this race was virtually on his doorstep compared to his usual trek to Lancashire. Running for the V35 was David Hogan sporting his streamline beard.
Shack had the run of the day finishing in 18:09 to take the honors for the V45 over the V35. Well done the old men who finished in 24th place in their category! David ran a strong leg in a time of 21:41, a real gutsy performance from him.
Whilst the V45’s could tuck into their double cheeseburgers there were still two more legs for the V35’s. Paul Wale had the honors and took over from Hoggie. Like David, Paul ran his heart out. I think it is always more difficult for the later runners than the early runners but Paul still ran a strong leg in 21:29.
Last up was the captain himself Mr. Roche. Despite carrying his aches and pains John ran a strong leg in 20:23 to bring the V35 team home in 33rd place. John had said to me at the start of the week we would be somewhere near 30th overall. I didn’t believe him thinking there was no way we would get anywhere near that. But am happy to be proved wrong.
Overall winners were Altrincham & District AC, followed by Les Croupiers and Salford Harriers. The V45 category was won by Leicester Corithanian with Salford second and Thames Hare & hounds in third. Mickey Hogan summed the day up when he said it was fantastic. We had a really good team spirit with some fun thrown in, which is what running in a club is all about. Everyone gave 100% and more. Its days like this that make you really proud and happy to run for a club like Clayton-le-Moors Harriers. Well done to everyone who took part and thank you for making it a memorable day. I personally can’t wait for the next event.
Thanks to Alex Cran for this weeks race report!
The Rest of the Weekends Action
The weekends events started with the 100th Burnley Parkrun, attended by Clayton-le-Moors Harriers very own Ron Hill. On a perfect morning of sunshine, the performances certainly reflected it with PB’s being broken in all directions. Exemplary to this fact were Clayton-le-Moors Harriers Christopher Holdsworth and Tom Brewster. After a gruelling battle for first place, Christopher Holdsworth managed to emerge victorious in his first ever win for the club. Both men pushed each other more than they knew, as when they finished, they realised that they’d both smashed their previous Burnley Parkrun PB’s. Jordan McDonald also had a brilliant run, pushing for a top 3 finish with a time of 18:04. An amazing turn out of 54 Harriers in total took to the Towneley based 5k, with with debutants Adam Hamer, Adrienne Olszewska and Natasha Olzewska all making their bow for the club. However, the star of the day goes to 10 year old Jackson McKay for his outstanding time of 20:57. Well done to all that ran!
Over at the Farfield Horseshoe, over 3000ft was climbed in the 9 mile race, which was attended by twelve Clayton-le-Moors Harriers. David Nuttall was the first Harrier back with an excellent time of 01:35:15. Next through the finish line was Neil Hardiman, finishing in 40th overall. There was also great runs from Ivan Whigam, Dominic Carr and Kieran Carr, rounding off a great day at the Farfield Horshoe 2014.
On Sunday 18th of May, three Clayton-le-Moors Harriers made the trip to Worden Park 10k. As the first Clayton round, Richard Stevenson had a storming run finishing in 11th over all in a time of 00:39:22. Next through the finish is the ever reliable road 10k runner Steve Biscomb, who finished in a time of 00:42:52. The third harrier round the scorching course was Alan Clarkson, finishing in a time of 00:44:44.
Well done to all that ran this weekend, there were great runs from many!