Other News – Page 22 – Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

Calderdale Way Relays 2014 & The Rest of the Weekends Action

Calderdale Way Relay 2014

‘My only goal was to keep up with Spencer, a goal which was becoming a little unattainable towards the ruins overlooked by Stoodly Pike. He announced ‘I’m ‘avin one of these lads, the rest is up to you…’

As leg 1s cars pulled into The Ram Inn car park, each occupants gaze was met with the same knowing look. What were we doing at 6am in the morning outside a sodding pub – It could only mean one thing… It’s relay time!

With the members of leg 1 all cursing the captain for choosing us to take the fall for the 8am start, in reality, we were all excited by the race ahead. Arriving at the venue brought us the news that Russell had chosen not to bring his Clayton-le-Moors Harriers top, instead he rummaged through Lee’s Sports Wears ©, modelling his latest range in baseball gloves and helmets. Once bum bags were fixed, supplements supped, we were out on the start line ready to begin.

Photo Courtesy of Christopher Holdsworth

The sound of a whistle brought the race to a start, signalling a mass sprint up the embankment. The noise in the air ceased, deafness dropped and the only sound to be heard was the rustle of race numbers complimenting the passing flow of the river. Once we ushered ourselves around the early bend, the pairs from each club began to filter into the bottleneck through the woods. Only being able to achieve the same speed as the runner ahead gave the 10 mile leg a nice and steady introduction, from which we were able to build on. Reaching the field at the top of the trail was where Spencer and I began to deploy our game plan. Take it easy, real ‘em in, move on to the next. The pairs began to fall behind with only a few remaining ahead, with one in particular becoming the source for our own particular personal battle.

Having only recce’d the leg once, we were still a little unsure as to which route was correct. Not wanting to rely on the runners behind, Spencer made it our objective to stay with the runners from Tring. Eventually we caught up with them on our decent through Ripponden where the back and forth battle begun. Having just been fed a glucose sweet or two, I was on a sugar enduced high. I’m not quite sure if I sprinted the next few hills or teleported. Once we’d passed Ripponden, Spencer and I hit our stride up the continuous road to the moorland. Steadily, we began to gain a comfortable lead on the boys from Tring.

Again, navigation issues arose which allowed for our competition to retake the lead. We were around 7 miles in and my energy was now spent. My only goal was to keep up with Spencer, a goal which was becoming a little unattainable towards the ruins overlooked by Stoodly Pike. He announced ‘I’m ‘avin one of these lads, the rest is up to you’. Not wanting to be the disappointment that would take Spencer’s trademark smile, I pushed on through the hip pains and kept my place just in front of the other lagging Tring member.

All of a sudden it hit me, we had only half a mile to go and we were neck and neck. Adrenaline the like I had never felt before kicked in and I stormed past all three runners, tackling one of the most treacherous and slippy path ways I’d ever experienced. The danger didn’t matter, broken ankles didn’t matter – After this 7 mile solitary battle, we simply had to prevail. At one point I even managed to cuff my hand on barbed wire, taking my glove clean off. That glove was good and gone, I was in the zone and I wasn’t stopping for anything.

Photo Courtesy of Garry Wilkinson

Thankfully, Spencer retrieved my glove straight away, reminding me after that I might have needed it for an end of race kit check. My legs now not working properly meant I could no longer turn around bends. This made it very difficult when there was s-bend after s-bend. However, Spencer’s ‘gentle’ roar for me to go in the right direction made me do exactly that. In the end, we managed to finish our leg in 01:18:17, less than a minute and a half behind 3^rd placed Barlick.

We were greeted well by the Clayton-le-Moors welcome party. The air was warm yet the monsoon-esque weather set in. Here, we sent Dave Motley and Andrew Stubbs on their way…

‘9am and Me & Mr Stubbs are waiting for the A team to finish their leg, would they be in 1st, 2nd, 3rd? had they got lost? The suspense is all too much. Warm ups continue in the lashing rain and the leg 1 boys come through in 4th. We set off hard up the hill to the reservoir hoping to chase down or make some time up on 3rd place, but that soon went out of the window when we took a wrong turn and ended up just off course probably losing 1min or so. Next we had a strong climb up and over Stoodley Pike with me taking advantage of the descent knowing full well that Mr Stubbs flat speed would allow him to catch up.

Photo Courtesy of Christopher Holdsworth

Twists & turns through the farms, into Todmorden centre, over the train tracks and back up the hill before the long descent into the sports centre. Overall the leg went well; however I ran 4mins slower than last year with the combination of wrong turns (ensure recce next time), slight injury problems and poor boggy condition under foot possibly to blame. We came back in 4th but lost a few minutes on 3rd’ – Dave Motley

Photo Courtesy of Ryan Wilkinson

Losing ground on 3^rd meant Clayton-le-Moors Harriers would have to focus their efforts on solidating 4^th place. It was over to Garry Wilkinson and Jacob Boyle on the 3^rd leg…

‘Jacob and I set off in forth place with a chasing gap of seven and a half minutes to third. Although the young pretender Jacob (32 years his junior) forced the early pace my experience showed as we ran quicker than the 2nd and 3rd team and gained 7th fastest leg of the day. I Think this was my swan song with the seniors … but what a way to finish. Cheers Jacob’ – Garry Wilkinson

Photo Courtesy of Ryan Wilkinson

With Jacob and Garry making good pace, it was a swift hand over to Tom Brewster and Ryan Belshaw for the 4^th leg…

We set off on leg 4 in high spirits having handed off from Garry and Jacob in 4th place, after a mile or so the mood sobered as we came to terms with the task ahead of us; 10miles of boggy moor and heavy rain showers to contend with while attempting to chase down 3rd place Barlick Fell runners and keeping 5th place Todmorden far enough behind so as not to worry us!

The relentless climbing strength of the ex-marine Ryan coupled with the flat-terrain speed of Road Captain Tom proved to be a good mix as we matched each other along the entire route, maintaining 4th place after the gruelling hilly leg. Elation at the end of the leg momentarily turned to concern as blood was discovered on Toms vest, however this swiftly turned to amusement when it was revealed to be caused by improper lubrication of certain areas of the chest’ – Tom Brewster

Photo Courtesy of Ryan Wilkinson

Things were getting quite tense now. Lungs burning, nipples raw; we were on for a pivotal battle with Todmorden. Paul Shackleton and David Walker took the reigns in leg 5…

‘It was cold, wet and bleak at Wainstalls and we didn’t want to get out of the car. One of the lads said ‘you wouldn’t want to live up here would you’. No. Barlick fell runners came and went and about ten minutes later we were off in 4th place with me still wearing my jacket (You feel the cold more at my age) and with about ninety seconds lead on Todmorden Harriers and Calder Valley’s B team. We set off steadily; we didn’t have much choice as we slopped through the first couple of miles. Tod’ and CV closed in but I don’t like being passed in a relay and neither does David. We dug in and on the climbs pulled away, only to be caught again on the better ground.

With a mile to go Calder Valley dropped back and at a busy road crossing with half a mile to go Tod’ got away. We didn’t exactly do ‘Stop, Look and Listen’ but we didn’t want to get run over either and the Tod’ lads got a few yards advantage which they kept to the finish. We handed over in 5th place. 60.22, 8th fastest on the leg. Somewhere in first few miles, my car key fell out of my bumbag, which almost spoiled a great day, but not quite’ – Paul Shackleton

Hearts were now in mouths. With Todmorden now leading the way, it was up to our speedy duo Breton Holdsworth and Jonny McKenna to save the day in leg 6. The race was on…

Photo Courtesy of Christopher Holdsworth

After what seemed like forever stood there dithering in my vest, we were off chasing down Todmorden Harriers A team who had a very slight lead, we soon caught them in the woods and over took them, then Jonny took a nice sliding dive on a right hander over a bridge. Exactly the same place that Matt Lalor slipped on the same leg with me last year (I’m becoming a bit of an omen)

We were still in front and opening up a comfortable lead, then we came to a road crossing where we lost some ground waiting for an opening in the traffic. Not to worry we shot off again still in the lead, upon where we came out onto the road in Bailiff Bridge, out of nowhere Todmorden Harriers appeared on our shoulders, which then spurred us on again up the hill onto Birkhouse lane as we followed it round (as per CWR instructions) the Todmorden Harriers duo then appeared right on our shoulders again, via an unmade track? As most people know I’m not bitter about shortcuts, not that I’m accusing anyone of course. We were still keeping the lead by this point and after we turned into the field past the bungalow we didn’t see them again until, Boom they were right behind us on the canal path going through Brighouse.

It was then neck and neck all the way through the next couple of miles of climbing, which to be fair if I could’ve matched Jonny we would have been able to open up another comfortable lead. They started to pull away once we hit the tarmac, though I was pretty confident we would be able to drag some distance back. For people that aren’t accustomed to this leg, we had just spent the last couple of miles gaining just over 500ft of elevation, which then means the next mile and a half was nearly 500ft of descent down tarmac and cobbles which fairly trashed my quads resulting in jelly legs for the final flat. We still had them in our sites going along the canal and then back onto the final stretch along the road to the finish line. We put in another couple of pushes but ran out of ground (if only we had a few more miles) So we started the leg in 5th overall and finished in 5th overall just gutted we couldn’t secure 4th’ – Breton Holdsworth

Photo Courtesy of Christopher Holdsworth

And so, 4^th place wasn’t to be. Unfortunately the underdog story goes to Todmorden for their plucky effort to turn around a 15 minute deficit. Nevertheless, the effort shown from all runners across the 6 legs was monumental.

Just as it was for team 2 and the ladies. Clayton-le-Moors B finished brilliantly with an improved position on last year. Coming 26th overall, the day started with the duo of Lee Smith and Russell Clarke. Although they managed a half time extra lap, they finished their leg with a respectable time of 01:37:03. Next up were Michael O’Donnell and Paul Wale for leg 2. Quick of the blocks, they also had a fine run with a time of 01:22:00. They passed the baton to promising young superstars Jordan McDonald and George Pier. They achieved an excellent time of 00:45:44, well done boys! On the 4th leg was the top pairing of David Bagot and Neil Hardiman. Their run lasted for only 01:22:54 before they passed on to John Wilcock and Adam Shaw in the 5th leg. They managed a storming 18th position for their leg, handing over to 6th in a time of 01:06:15. The last leg consisted of the battlers Dominic Car and Richard Briscoe, bringing us home in 26th posting a time of 01:21:32, rounding of an excellent day for Clayton-le-Moors B.

But we didn’t stop there…

Our ladies were out in force too, and boy did they deliver! They managed a 61st placed finish over all and they started the day with Captain Jean Brown and Barbara Savage. They got us off to a solid start with a time of 01:52:39. They transferred the racing duties to Vicky Heys and Angela Shian, who managed a brilliant time of 01:30:24. A superb effort for this notoriously hilly leg. On the 3rd leg was Julia Rushton and Linda Lord, keeping us steady recording a time of 00:56:40. The baton was passed on to Alison Dugdale and Anna Kelly for the 4th leg. Racing home in 01:33:02, they handed over to Lisa Richardson and Rebecca Rawcliffe for the penultimate leg. Their leg ended in 01:24:45 where they handed over to Lorraine Slater and Nic McNamara for the final leg. The ladies wrapped up the day in 09:00:51 with the final duo posting a time of 01:43:21. Brilliant stuff!!

I think it is safe to say that the day can be perfectly summed up in this final shot. Take it away, Richard and Dom!

Race report by Christopher Holdsworth, with contributions from Dave Motley, Garry Wilkinson, Tom Brewster, Paul Shackleton and Breton Holdsworth. Thanks for your help! Full results can be found here.

The Rest of the Weekends Action

You’ve had a lot to read so far, 2400 words in fact.. ‘it’s a bloody essay!’ I hear you cry. I know, I’m deeply sorry. Readjust, take a break and we’ll get through this together..

Firstly! Friday night saw the second race in the Burnley & Pendle Grand Prix Calendar. The race was Pinhaw, and it happened to feature two heavy weights of the running world turn up in Tom and Mark Addison. With first and second place out of contention, the race was on for 3rd place. Sadly, a Harrier couldn’t claim it and it fell to Barlick runner Jimmy Craig. We did however manage to secure team prize through 4th place Christopher Holdsworth, 6th placed Matt Perry and 7th placed Andrew Stubbs. There were thirty of us competing overall, well done team!

On Saturday, Jean Brown decided to warm up for the Calderdale Way Relays by tackling the monster Buttermere Fell Race. I find my self writing about Jean often, as the fell captain is always out and about. No matter how many times I see here name, she still manages to surprise me with another outstanding time. She tamed the beast in just over the 2 hour mark, finishing in 45th place. I’d like to also congratulate former Clayton-le-Moors Harrier Wayne McIntosh for also having a good crack at this race. Well done both of you!

For a change of pace, we had Clayton-le-Moor Harriers compete in a 10k road race. Overall there were six Harriers competing at Blacksticks, with Dave Nuttall the first round finishing in 7th. Micheal Hogan finished in 27th, whilst Steve Biscomb finished in 33rd. There was also stellar efforts from Alan Clarkson, Brian Wildman and Ron Chappel.

Lastly, I was sent in this report from Sam Root, reporting on the Deva Junior Aquathlon Race..

‘On Sunday 27th April, Eleanor Root traveled to Christleton near Chester to compete in the Deva Junior Aquathlon. There was a mixed field of 41 competitors taking part in the Tristars 3 category. After a solid swim and transition Eleanor put in a strong performance during the run and claimed an overall position of 15th, taking 9th place in the girl’s competition. Not to be outdone, younger sister Grace competed in the Blackpool Junior Triathlon on Sunday 11th April in the Supersrpint category. Again, Grace had a solid swim then gave a strong performance on the bike and really came into her own on the run. In a mixed race of 12 competitors Grace came 4th overall but managed to get 1st place girl’- Sam Root

Thanks Sam and well done Grace! If I have missed any results I do apologise. Between racing, meetings, work and compiling the reports I’ve had little time this week. If I have missed any results out, please email me here and I’ll add them quick sharp!!

This weekend see’s Ron Hill make an appearance at the 100th Park Run, so please come and join us and run in the early morning sun!

ByPeter Booth

May Newsletter

Here is the link to the latest newsletter. This month’s edition has (most of) the answers to April’s picture quiz, along with another photograph of Clayton members of yesteryear – so old that even Don Barton & El P will struggle to remember them! On a more serious note there is an obituary for Harry Hartley and fond memories of Walt Wilkinson who died 15 years ago. Plus race reports, results, fixtures & news. May Newsletter 2014

ByChristopher Holdsworth

Pendle Fell Race 2014 & The Rest of the Weekends Action

Pendle Seniors Fell Race 2014, Saturday 5th April

‘I had unrealistically hoped of running the majority of this climb, as I had finally succeeding at doing this in a training session exactly 3 weeks ago. I had previously never thought that this was possible…’

I arrived promptly to get parked and registered after pre race warnings from the race organisers that it was likely to be busy due to the mass of people gathering in the village of Barley for the first race of the 2014 English Championships. My warm up was timed perfectly with catching the leader of the ladies race, Victoria Wilkinson of Bingley Harriers, who had a healthy lead over her competitors as she headed left off the track as part of a changed route which meant instead of the mile long fast finish, runners were sent up a final short climb around the woods next to Lower Ogden reservoir to finish in the field behind the water works. The first Clayton lady to pass me as I continued jogging along the track was Jean Brown who put in a great effort finishing 34^th in a time of 46.03. She was followed by:

69^th Wendy Dodds 50.25

85^th Alison Dugdale 53.21

105^th Linda Lord 55.54

113^th Katy Thompson 58.56

118^th Nichola Horsfall 59.52

133^rd Karin Goss 1.03.48

I returned from my warm up to a packed and buzzing start line, full of eager runner’s ready get on their way. After upping my mileage over the past few months in preparation for the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, I felt confident of being able to run hard around the 4.5ish mile course, although I was wary to save a little in the legs for final short climb just before the finish. The new race route meant that as well as English Championship points, the leading runners had added motivation of a record being up for grabs, after the previous record of 29.44 had remained unbroken since it was set back in 1984 by Jack Maitland.

We were soon set off on our way, and everyone seemed to have the same idea of making a fast start and not getting boxed in along the track and despite my best efforts I still made a slower start than I would have liked. The first mile quickly passed and after making up quite a few places along the track, we turned right and began the 1^st of 2 climbs up Pendle Hill. This climb was fairly gradual but I still struggled to get momentum going and despite losing a few places, I was spurred on by trying to stop the Clayton vest of Paul Shackleton from disappearing out eye shot into the clag that covered the top of Pendle

At the top of the climb we turned off just before the trig down a fast decent back to the foot of Pendle Hill. We then turned left just before the steps and were faced with the notorious ‘Big End’ climb up the face of Pendle Hill. I set off running the climb and gained a few places back that I had lost on the decent. I had unrealistically hoped of running the majority of this climb, as I had finally succeeding at doing this in a training session exactly 3 weeks ago. I had previously never thought this was possible but was spurred into giving it a go after been given a motivational training talk from Clayton legend Geoff Gough back at the British Fell Relays in Wales whose statement of ‘whatever you can walk, you can run” still sticks in my head when doing hill training. However I hadn’t made such a fast racing start in my training session and so soon tired on the climb, and reverted to trying to keep up a fast walk as the lactic acid burned in my legs.

The climb eventually ended and we were greeted by a large crowd who cheered us on towards the trig where we turned left and headed back down the 1^st climb. I lost a few places on this tricky decent but was kept pushing swapping places a couple of times with Clayton’s Paul Shackleton. Before we knew it we were back on the road, feeling far less fresh than before. I held my position on the flat before turning left up the final short climb. This was a real killer and I had no energy to try and cling onto the couple of runners who went past. We then turned right and passed through a few very muddy fields, before entering the final field behind the water works, where we looped around the edge before crossing the finish.

The race was superbly organised and marshalled, and there was a great turnout of supporters who provided welcome encouragement on the fell. The runners at the front put on a fantastic spectacle, with constant interchanging of positions around the route and only just over 3 minutes separating the top 10 runners. This year’s race winner was Tom Addison of Helm Hill Runners, who led home an extremely fast field in a time of 32.55. He was closely followed by Rob Hope (Pudsey and Bramley), Simon Bailey (Mercia) and Tom Adams (Ilkley) who were all less than a minute behind. The first Vet 40 was Morgan Donnelly (Borrowdale) in 5^th place, closely followed by Rob Jebb (Bingley). Youngster James Hall showed tremendous potential finishing 7^th ahead of Rhys Findlay Robinson (Dark Peak) and Tim Ellis (Calder Valley), with Bingley’s Ian Holmes rounding off the top 10.

Leading home the Clayton pack was Spencer Riley who despite his focus on long distance training for the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, was still able to put in a great effort and sneak into the top 50 with a time of 38.00. He was closely followed by the ever improving Chris Holdsworth who finished 67^th with a time of 38.53. Rounding off the top 3 for Clayton was Matt Perry who was 71^st in a time of 39.09. There were some fantastic efforts made by the many Clayton representatives, with the 2013 Pendle Aggregate Trophy winner, Peter Dugdale epitomising the true Clayton spirit completing the race the day after flying back from South Africa. The other Clayton results included:

49^th Spencer Riley 38.00

67^th Chris Holdsworth 38.53

71^st Matt Perry 39.09

113^th Andrew Stubbs 41.35

129^th David Bagot 42.15

134^th Paul Shackleton 42:26

158^th Geoff Gough 43:22

162^nd Brian Horrocks 43:29

182^nd Jack Holt 44:53

192^nd Dominic Carr 45.18

196^th Richard Briscoe 45:22

198^th Mick Dobson 45:40

233^rd Mark Nutter 47:47

241^st Peter Browning 48:34

242^nd Kieran Carr 48:38

245^th Mark Taylor 49:34

271^st Dugald McCallum 51:00

274^th Andrew Dugdale 51.14

284^th Ian Connell 52:21

301^st Peter Dugdale 53:49

307^th Andrew Firth 54.39

324^th Stephen Fish 58.10

Thanks to David Bagot for this weeks race report!

Pendle Junior Fell Races, Barley, Sunday 6th April.

‘As we walked up the field to the starting area we knew the juniors were in for a tough day with conditions under foot quite bad. The juniors got together into their age groups and set off to inspect their race routes with many returning looking like they’d already raced’

Another fantastic effort from our juniors at the Pendle Junior Fell Races with 22 brave boys and girls taking part. Welcome to Joshua McKay who was making his Clayton debut. Special mention has to go to Briony Holt, Harry Mason, Jordan McDonald and Jacob Boyle for securing top 3 positions in the Lancashire Championships.

We arrived around midday to overcast sky’s and a cool breeze but nothing compared to what was install for the older juniors in the later races. In recent year’s at the Pendle races we’ve had sunny blue sky’s, snow and today heavy rain showers with much of Pendle Hill hidden in the clouds. As we walked up the field to the starting area we knew the juniors were in for a tough day with conditions under foot quite bad. The juniors got together into their age groups and set off to inspect their race routes with many returning looking like they’d already raced.

The U8’s got us underway with a brilliant run from Finley Stubbs who was 2nd boy (1st M7) with Joshua McKay 12th boy (2nd M6).

In the U10’s Jackson McKay was 6th boy (5th M9) closely followed by Christopher Brown 9th boy (7th M9), Ella Dorrington 12th girl (7th F9), Amelia Dugdale 19th (13th F9), Grace Root 25th girl (8th F8), Eloise Clegg 26th girl (16th F9) and Lydia Wood 39th (23rd F9)

Next up was the U12’s race with Briony Holt taking 3rd girl (2nd F11), Millie Stubbs 15th girl (7th F11), Harry Mason 32nd boy (12th M11), Adam Quinn 37th (14th M11) and Daniel Bradley 44th boy (18th M11).

As the U14’s prepared themselves the weather began to change but we were still hopeful that it would keep fine. The rain began to fall on the way up to Buttock Farm making conditions under foot even worse. This did nothing to put the juniors off with them showing grit and determination. Tom Bradley was 20th boy (14th M13), Alice Pier 19th girl (5th F13) and Eleanor Root 22nd girl (16th F12).

Finally it was the turn of the U16’s and U18’s to brave the conditions, with the U18’s going all the way to the Trig point and back. In the U16’s Jordan McDonald was 11th boy (8th M15), Curtis Holt 20th boy (9th M14) and Beth Quinn 30th girl (10th F15).

A great run from Jacob Boyle saw him finish 6th boy (3rd M17), with George Pier after taking a couple of tumbles on the way finished 17th boy (12th M16).

A truly great effort again from ALL you juniors. Thank you once more to ALL the parents for your continued support and encouragement for the juniors.

Aquathlon, Salt Ayre, Lancaster, Sunday 30th March.

Grace and Eleanor Root participated in their 2nd Aquathlon at Salt Ayre in Lancaster. It was a perfect day and for once the sun was shining. Grace competed in the Supersprint event coming 9th overall and 7th girl out of a mixed field of 15. Big sister Eleanor took part in the Tristar 3 event. She had a good swim leaving the pool in 3rd place but lost a little time in transition dropping her to 5th. She did however manage to pull it back on the run coming 3rd in her wave. Her final position was 24th overall and 12th girl out of a mixed field of 34.

Well done girls.

Thank you to Jason Piers for this weeks race report!

The Rest of the Weekends Action

This week saw a high volume of weekend races taking place. Dave Motley had an emphatic personal triumph at the Greater Manchester Marathon completing the race in the sub 3 hour mark. Read about the culmination of his hard work and efforts, along with other Clayton-le-Moors Harriers, in his captivating race report here.

Roger and Andrea Brewster competed at this years Leamington Regency 10k. They both completed the course in impressive time of 0:39:21 and 1:01:19. Another 10k being contested this weekend was 3 Bridges by Steve Biscomb, Martin Brady and Kevin O’Brien. All had brilliant runs with Steve narrowly missing out on a top 20 finish. Full results found here.

Harriers Richard Stevenson and Kevin Davies played an away game this weekend, competing at the Marathon de Paris. Once again Clayton-le-Moors members proved their mettle on the marathon stage by achieving great times 3.08.49 and 03:27:23 respectively.

Down in Lincoln, Breton Holdsworth had another top 3 placed finish, this time at the Grantham Cup 10k. He finished 2nd overall, posting a time of 00:41:50, over three minutes ahead of 3rd place.

Lastly, Junior member Leon Passco had a tremendous run at Burnley Park Run, setting a new PB in 18:13. As a spectator to his 1st placed victory, his effort and pace was a sight to behold – an exciting future prospect in the ranks!

Well done to everyone who ran this week, many miles were put in over this weekend and a whole lot of effort! Keep up the good work!

ByDave Motley

Fell Captain goes tarmac crazy!!

Today saw the running of what is claimed to be the flattest, so I guess the fastest marathon course in the UK with only 50m elevation over the 26.2 course. For most, the goal is to just get around the 26.2 mile course but for club athletes its all about the time. I suppose this is the main difference between road and fell racing and because of this I think mentally its tougher; to run down Geronimo you just take your brain out and go!

My preparation like most had been a long winter on the tarmac and canal banks of Lancashire, meticulously building my weekly mileage up week-week. Long Sunday runs became the norm going from 13-22 mile over a 12 week period, always looking at my watch. Winter races all planned around preparation; 5 & 10k’s to keep up leg speed and I must say the road training helped me put down a 5kpb in just under 18 minutes. Then Blackpool half marathon for a middle distance run at speed (the wind spoiled that) and finally Trimpell 20 because you’ve got to test the marathon race pace, which I was happy at 2:10 and some seconds, although not shown on the results!

Race day is all about the preparation and the silly poncho to keep you warm on the start line (fell runner goes soft?!?). Preparation consisting of electrolytes, magnesium, protein and plenty of carbs. I think I ate my body weight in pasta in the 48hr leading up to the race!

The race kicked off at 9am with the legend Ron Hill setting off the 10,000 runners. My plan – 6min30’s for as long as I could hold on; I figured I did it for 20 at Trimpell so should be capable of holding it for 26miles? Unfortunately not. It lasted to 13miles! 13-19 mile in 6:50’s then the wall. Your mind wants you to run quick but your body screams at you at every step. My times started to slip: 7:20, 7:40, 7:50 then Paul Hesketh came breezing past me at 20 miles. I knew then it could be over; my mind telling me to keep going, my body just wanting to withdraw into a darkened room. 10k to go 48mins to do it in- surely I could manage that. Mile by mile my times got slower: 7:50; 7:55, 8:00min.Thoughts of the 3hr pacer coming past me any minute. 25miles now and Garry Wilkinson was in the crowd. He could sense I was struggling, running next to me giving me words of encouragement; the 3hr pacer closing in on me….100metrs behind, 90meters, 60meters… Garry screaming at me ‘You can do it Motley…come on!!!’. Finally Old Trafford and the finish line. A finishing time of 2:59:24 running straight into the arms of Mr Cannonball (John Lloyd) who could sense my suffering, making an offering of food, water, silly marathon blanket. Next onto to congratulate Paul Hesketh who had an absolute stormer finishing his marathon in 2:56:15.

Will I continue to run on tarmac, Yes definitely. I feel stronger and better for it and it definitely helps with fell running. Will it be me my main focus, probably not for me the Great British fells are much more fun. Will I do another marathon, not for a long long time, my hat goes off to Clayton marathon men. Good luck to all of you at London.

Out of 10,000 runners the clayton boys finished as follows:

140 – Paul Hesketh – 2:56:15

197 – Dave Motley – 2:59:24

572 – Simon Halliday – 3:15:40

1213 – Nick Roscoe – 3:32:30

ByChristopher Holdsworth

Donard Challenge 2014 & The Rest of the Weekends Action

Donard Challenge 29/3/14 – First British Championship Race of 2014

Reported distance varied from 8-10km (and probably close to 10km?) with 850m of ascent

‘It was only when finding a group of twenty or so in a huddle on the featureless bit that I got my compass out. At first I thought that there had been an accident or that it was a group of hill walkers as the ghostly silhouettes stood around in a circle ‘chuntering’’

Six veteran Clayton-le-Moors Harrier stalwarts crossed the Irish sea for this event. We arrived by various means, the leisurely having a week’s holiday (Katy T and George-who was reputed to have travelled just to fit in a different Park Race), Jack H combining this with a working visit, Barbara and Neil going the long way round via Holyhead with their ‘mobile’ home, Jean flying out after a busy working week and Wendy flying out for a 24hour appearance.

Jean and Wendy were able to join the Wharfedale ladies in a luxurious apartment, along with two MV60s from Harrogate (interesting night for Wendy, sleeping on a couch in the lounge to find a bare chested man with a duvet wrapped round his middle rapidly leaving the lounge at 6.45 having moved to the couch in the night to avoid his roommate’s snoring, BUT there were two couches! (Perhaps ‘the chase’ was still on during the race but you would need detailed knowledge of the results to find the answer!). Katy and Jack had more up market accommodation to share with their spouses.

The organiser of the NI British championship race and his large band of merry helpers always makes everyone welcome and for the second successive year fed us with home baking after the race. As has often been the case it was a newly designed course, (although previously the Slieve Donard race has been a championship counter), this year having a different approach and departure to and from the summit which proved challenging.

There was a quick few km on forest trails from Donard Park before climbing 200m into the cloud to the forest edge to the first CP. Then it was a steep 160m climb to a minor summit CP at which point compasses were VERY useful to head across a short flat featureless few 100m before the 400m climb to the highest peak in NI taking CARE to watch the compass at all times as visibility was often close to zero. (It was only when finding a group of twenty or so in a huddle on the featureless bit that I got my compass out. At first I thought that there had been an accident or that it was a group of hill walkers as the ghostly silhouettes stood around in a circle ‘chuntering’)

From the summit it was an about turn descending past the subsidiary summit cairn that we passed on the ascent, (at this point, unexpectedly seeing some fast runners ascending it was evident that there had been some interesting ‘route choice). Then it was a rough descent on another compass bearing for almost 2km, (again great care required to avoid dropping into the wrong valley as some did), until hitting the marked route almost before we could see it. This led us safely round the rim of a huge quarry to the final CP. It was then a fast muddy, winding descent through the forest for almost 2km to the finish.

Anyone finishing did well in the ‘interesting’ conditions and the full waterproof cover required for the race was sensible and for some the compulsory emergency food, unusual for a ‘short’ race, might have come in useful (and was generously supplied by the organisers).

The tales from this event will continue all year with at least one person covering 10 miles as a result of a ‘walkabout’. It illustrates the value of navigation when there is no visibility.

Results (full details on www.nimra.org.uk )

Men

1^st Allan Bogle 1-05-25 City of Derry AC

2^nd Ian Whiteside 1-05-35 Carnethy

3^rd Neil Northrop 1-05-57 DPFR

1^st U23 (19^th place) William Neill 1-11-57 Mercia FR

1^st MV40 (10^th place) Morgan Donnelly 1-06-33 Borrowdale

1^st MV50 (27^th place) Stuart Whittle 1-14-06 Carnethy

1^st MV60 James Patterson 1-28-59 Newcastle AC

Women

1^st Jackie Lee 1-24-14 Eryri Harriers

2^nd Emma Gould 1-26-42 Mercia FR

3^rd Claire Green 1-27—33 P&B

1^st FV40 Mel Price 1-29-31 Mercia FR

1^st FV50 Aly Raw 1-36-25 Bingley Harriers

1^st FV60 Wendy Dodds 1-30-59 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers Results

All returned with some points in their category (except the two FV60s for whom the rampant sexual discrimination of UKA only provides a category for MV60, despite it being the 30th anniversary of the woman’s Olympic marathon when the fairer sex were considered, for the first time (!) to be able to cope with this challenge, but obviously the older females are still considered to have their limitations!!!) Fortunately our brothers in NI, along with the organisers of British championship races from the other Celtic nations, choose to recognise this category so it can still be a competitive class.

70^th & 28^th MV40 Neil Hardiman 1-28-38

97^th & 5^th FV40 Jean Brown 1-34-20

116 & 6^th MV60 Jack Holt 1-37-11

198 & 5^th FV50 Barbara Savage 1-58-51

216 &4^th FV60 Katy Thompson 2-07-21

(and Katy Thompson would have been 2^nd FV60 had it not been on tired legs from Edale Skyline 6 days earlier as there were only 62 seconds between 2^nd and 4^th FV60)

It was great to have Barbara scoring points for our FV40 team, though my brain has difficulty computing team points so we shall have to wait for the team positions (but we may have beaten Ambleside!?).

Where were all the other Clayton-le-Moors Harrier men? Are they tough enough?

Still time to complete 3 counters for the 2014 British championships, remembering Ennerdale is a double counter (ie. Also English championship counter) and entries open 31/3/14

Thanks to Wendy Dodds for this weeks Race Report!

The Rest of the Weekends Action

This weekend saw two significant races take place. Firstly, on Saturday the Heptonstall Fell Race was undertaken by four Clayton-le-Moors Harriers. A superb race was had by V40 Garry Wilkinson finishing 18th and in a time of 2:15:42. David Baggot also had a great race, finishing 33rd overall and 2:22:54. Nigel Hodson also had a great race, finishing in 2:50:02, whilst Marion Dixon crossed the line as the 7th lady! Full results here.

Secondly, the inaugural Ron Hill Accrington 10k took place on a sunny Sunday Morning. Plenty of Harriers made their way to the streets of Accrington for what was a splendid race course. Clayton-le-Moors Harriers managed to secure the time prize through 2nd placed Christopher Holdsworth, 3rd placed Breton Holdsworth and 6th placed Nick Gaskell. We were represented well with an astounding 19 Harriers racing, one of which was Ron Hill himself who managed an excellent time of 00:59:27. Other brilliant performances came from Marion Wilkinson achieving a time of 00:57:08 and securing her categories prize, as well as V70 Ted Orrell who also secured the top prize in his category. Well done to all who ran, making this a special first race for the Ron Hill Accrington 10k, Here’s to many more!

(Keighley 10k results to follow)

ByJim Hickie

Media Manager

The Committee has appointed Christopher Holdsworth as our Media Manager, to fill the vacancy that arose due to the resignation of Wayne McIntosh.

Christopher joined Clayton in June last year, having enjoyed success in athletics at school. Christopher’s natural ability saw him finish a very creditable 18th out of 118 competitors in his first race for the club, the Worsthorne Moor Fell race. Further impressive performances led to Christopher receiving the club’s Most Promising Newcomer award for 2013.

Christopher holds a degree in Fine Art from the Leeds College of Art. He brings his interests in photography and writing to the Media Manager role. I welcome Christopher to the club’s committee and look forward to seeing our club’s many achievements being effectively publicised over the coming months.

Jim Hickie, Club Chair

ByChristopher Holdsworth

Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round 2014 + The Rest of the Weekends Action

Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round 2014

‘The further we climbed, the more the backdrop of Lancashire began to recede into a thick haze. Immediately we seemed to find ourselves in a sort of runners purgatory..’

Sitting here with bag of frozen onions on my knee, aching thighs and a sense of both achievement and defeat, I contemplate apathetically to the challenge endured. Initially only arriving to spectate and photograph the new Clayton-le-Moors Harriers vest, I took one look at the nebulous fog that nestled over Pendle and yielded, I could not deny myself the lure of the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round.

After a brief photo-shoot, runners from all clubs with an abundance of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers vests gathered on the bridge. A speedy send off sent us on our way towards the first of the hill climb challenges ahead. The ever ominous ascent to the Trig loomed, a staple Pendle fixture but not for the fainthearted. Feeling a lack of energy that would usually propel myself up the early climb was not there that day – I knew I was in for tough race, though I could not envisage how tough it would be until at the summit. Firstly however, the further we climbed, the more the backdrop of Lancashire began to recede into a thick haze. Immediately we seemed to find ourselves in a sort of runners purgatory, lost on a barren, foggy wasteland. Up ahead we began to discover waypoints in the distance, though it was difficult to distinguish whether they were marshals or mirages.

At this point I had begun running with another, with the both of us as the only reassurance that we hadn’t got lost, we decided to run together. However, our pace had considerably dropped as we navigated precariously over the first signs of the boggy mire that was soon to come. Behind us, like a sherpa from the fog, Matt Perry emerged to guide us on the correct paths. Had he not come along, the group of now five would probably still be up there.

Courtesy of Woodentops

The track ahead was like no other I had ever experienced. For all the accomplishments I’d achieved so far in my short time at Clayton-le-Moors Harriers, they fell insignificant to the endurance needed to traverse over this unimaginably difficult terrain. The recent highly placed finishes and the ascending of the ranks in the club felt like a falsehood in these moments. I simply could not keep up with these true hardy fell runners, I felt like a flash in the pan – an impostor among the fells. The gales blowing away any air you clutched in your lungs, to the deep sticky bogs pulling you down into the earth and ceasing any pace you had, this was the toughest experience I’ve had so far. I was sure to keep up with this group though through mostly in fear of going astray. Finally, we began to descend out of our ‘runners purgatory’.

With Matt successfully navigating our route, I had to make up on lost ground. Despite the loss of feeling in my legs, I had managed to catch up and re-overtake the group charging down the hilly banks to Churn Clough Reservoir. Here is where the soul sapping significant moments occurred in our 10 mile race. Every time one of our group members found ourselves in front, Matt Perry would be on hand to re-overtake with his advantageous route choices. Clambering up a hill bank? He knew a better way. Left or right side of the fence? He knew the correct way. This theme continued right until the end, where in similar fashion to Windy Hill, I charged down Ogden Dam only to miss the turning back up the hill and onto the finish. With Matt taking this route and cementing his place as the first Clayton-le-Moors Harrier, I was broken.

I slowly made my way back to the correct route having almost give in. That is until I spotted Dave Motley careering down onto the top of Ogden Dam, where my legs soon found a second wind. The final stretch of land underfoot towards the finish was simply to get back home. No energy, no strength, legs gone and all over the place, I finished in a time of 1:16.13. Matt Perry had finished 7th with an impressive time of 1:15.31 and Dave was close behind in an excellent time of 1:17.21 finishing 11th. Matt and I had a great battle taking over one another across this course and his consistency, unlike my erratic run, deserved him the win in the first Clayton-le-Moors Harriers Fell Championship in 2014. Well done Matt!!

Other top performances included newcomer Ryan Belshaw coming in a fantastic 21st place. ‘MV50’ David Bagot arrived back in at 36th place, whilst Jean Brown finished 64th overall. Full results can be found here.

It was an outstanding course, and every Clayton-le-Moors Harrier performed so well. Congratulations to all our runners who took part on one of the toughest races around!

The Rest of the Weekends Action

It was a difficult weekend for many Clayton-le-Moors Harriers as there were copious amounts of races to choose from. Firstly, at the Roddlesworth Roller Nick Gaskell had a brilliant performance achieving 5th in a time of 34:45. With his impressive performances as of late, he could be the one to beat at Ron Hill’s Accrington 10k. Also finishing 5th and across the finish in a very fast two hours was Jonny McKenna at the East Hull 20. Breton Holdsworth was the sole Harrier at Dentdale Run 2014. Although he didn’t match up to past achievements, he still managed a solid 19th placed finish in a time of 1:29:48.

Our very own Ron Hill competed at Trafford 10k this weekend, completing the race in a time of 53:59 and coming 645th overall. Well done to Spencer Riley for competing in the Lancashire Cross Country team and completing the course in 39:00 and coming in at 166th! Spencer was participating among the best of the country at in the Inter-County Championships at Birmingham this weekend.

The juniors were out in force at the Daffodil Doddle this weekend. Thomas Bradley was the first Clayton-le-Moors Harrier around the track in 8:04. Millie Stubbs, the first female around the course and 18th female overall completed the race in 9:13. Ella Dorrington, and Daniel Bradley also had excellent races for the juniors. Full results found here.

Well done to all who ran at the weekend. The weather promised us better but it didn’t deliver, unlike you and your fabulous efforts. Keep up the good work Clayton-le-Moors Harriers!

ByPeter Booth

March Newsletter

Here is the latest edition of the Harrier, including reports on a number of events and races, plus all the usual features. March Newsletter 2014

ByJason Pier

Latest Junior Results

Great turn out from the juniors last weekend braving the cold, rain and wind for the double header at Witton Park, Blackburn. First up was the Mid Lancs XC fixture with 17 juniors taking part. Great effort and determination from both Jackson McKay and Isaac Wilkinson in the U11 boys race. These two pushed each other all the way with Jackson just edging it at the end, closely followed by Christopher Brown. There were fine results and performances from all the juniors, in all the age categories, notably Briony Holt, Tom Bradley, Alice Pier and Beth Quinn who all produced top 10 finishes. Welcome to Amelia Dugdale who was making her Clayton debut in the U11 girls race.

Well done to ALL of you.

MID LANCS XC RESULTS

Next up was the Winter Warmer on Sunday. 13 brave juniors competed ever so well in horrible conditions to claim a number of awards. Beth Quinn was 1st girl overall, with Alice Pier 1st F13, Eleanor Root 1st F12, Ella Dorrington 1st F9 and RachelStevenson 1st F7. Excellent runs from Adam Quinn, Adam Stevenson, Keira Stevenson, Amelia Dugdale, Grace Root, Eloise Clegg, Lucy Stevenson and Lydia Wood. Welcome to Rachel, Eloise and Lydia who were making their Clayton debuts.

Special thanks to ALL parents for once again showing your support for the juniors.

Well done to ALL of you

WINTER WARMER RESULTS

ByDave Motley

Wadsworth Trog 2014.

Now I know why it’s called the TROG !!!

Well after I set myself the goal of running the Trog and saying it was just to get the miles in, on the day all that changed at about 17 miles. This had to be the hardest race I have ever done.

After hearing the weather against the window all night I was dreading waking up to find it had not changed and I was about to take on a 20 mile race over the open fell of Wadsworth. I was up at 7:30 and trying to get some food in before I set out, all packed up and ready to go so I jumped in the car and headed off to Hebden Bridge. As I arrived there was the always smiling face of John Lloyd to greet us and show us where to go and park (doing his bit); I think he was eyeing up the competition to be honest… The atmosphere was really good and loads of tea, coffee and biscuits on offer. I was enjoying the day already.

As we all got together about 15 minuets before the start of the race I met up with David Bagot and a few of the other Clayton runners. There were 8 of us representing our club and loads of good advice being given from some of our wiser and much more experienced fell runners.

We were off! It was a steady start down the road to find the mud. There were about 175 runners taking part of all ages and ability. We went through the woods and a couple of fields to make a small loop around the cricket club where we signed on then off to find the fell; it wasn’t long until we were in the bogs of the Trog. The wind was behind us to start for the first 3 or 4 miles which was a bonus pushing us through the bogs. The first decent down to the reservoir was steep and ended up on our back sides going down to the first checkpoint, then there was the first climb! Up we went with a spring in our step (for now) onto the top of the open fell, the wind was strong and now in our faces. It was a real treat to get to checkpoint 4 where there was a water stop and of course, biscuits. Then there was a long slog for a mile or so up a farmer’s lane then back to the grind of the bogs. The miles passed and before we knew it we had clocked up 14 miles and now the legs were feeling a little tired with a hint of cramp that was not welcome. Dave took off as he was feeling good and I was just plugging away knowing the next 6 miles were where I was going to pull a few places back, as we’re told CONSISTENCY IS KEY (John Roach). The bogs and the tufts on the fell were relentless.

As I was coming up to 18 miles, I caught up to Dave who was ready for a bit of encouragement to push on until the end. We had a few people in our sights and both got a spirit on with only 2 miles to go. Before we knew it we were past our first target and on to the next, stretching the legs out on the road at 19.5 miles on my watch thinking only half a mile to go. I gave it everything I had left but the CVFRs had a little surprise in it for us there was another checkpoint that I wasn’t expecting. I asked the marshal where the finish was and his reply was, “Up there!” and pointed to the top of another 2 fields with quite a large ascent to take on. This was the final push to the finish and back to the cricket club. There were 2 more racers in front of me coming into the cricket club for the lap around the pitch and they were 2 places which I wanted after all the hard work I had put into the race. It was a brilliant feeling crossing the line in 3:51, I was more than happy with that and David Bagot coming in at 3:52 and winning the prize for 2^nd under 23. There was also Paul Hesketh who had a storming race coming in in 20^th place doing a 3:38 and Martin Terry in 32^nd doing 3:47, Ryan Wilkinson in 38^thdoing 3:51,David Bagot in 42^nd doing 3.52, Brian Horrocks in 45^th doing 3:53, Mick Dobson in 59^th doing 4:04, Ivan Whigham in 64^th doing 4:07and Richard Bellaries in 104^th doing it in 4:38,

We also picked up 5^th in the Men’s team prize

The race was won by Simon Harding from Macclesfield, completing the race in 3:00.22. All in all we had a fantastic day out in tough conditions and all completed a really tough course, I am sure we will be back to take it on again some day. Thanks to CVFR’s for putting on a fantastic event.

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT…

Full results can be found here

Thank you to Ryan Wilkinson for this fantastic race report.

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