Welcome to the March Roundup.

As ever, if I’ve missed anything out, please let me know so I can make corrections. Race reports are desperately needed – you can email these to me – roundup@claytonlemoors.org.uk.

It’s been a busy month with the end of the Cross Country Season, and hardly time to pause for breath before the start of the Fell Season. Later in the Roundup you’ll find details of the senior fell training sessions, courtesy of Mark Nutter.

The Club’s Junior and Senior Awards Presentation evening was held on 22nd March at Burnley Football Club. Marion Wilkinson and John Roche were our comperes for the evening, announcing the winners of the awards, which were presented by Club President Dave Scott, with David Belshaw taking photographs.

Winners at the Awards Presentation (l-r) Richard Briscoe, Tara Robb, Carl Helliwell, Michelle Abbott, Donna Airey. Photo by David Belshaw

Juniors at the Awards Presentation, with junior compere Marion Wilkinson and the other junior coaches. Photo by David Belshaw

Multiple Award winner, Irene Roche, with senior compere (and husband!) John, and Club President Dave Scott. Photo by David Belshaw

All the prize winners are listed in the programme – Awards Evening 2019.

More photos from the evening can be seen on David Belshaw’s running photos page.

Fell Training News – Mark Nutter

Senior Summer Fell Training – Every Tuesday at 6.30pm

Now that Summer is coming, from April fell training now moves each month to various venues. There are usually 15-20 runners out each week but we can cater for more. Everyone is welcome, no matter what ability. Everyone stays together and no-one gets left behind (not usually anyway!). If we have sufficient numbers we can split into groups of similar ability – that way everyone gets a good run.

The runs take place on exposed fells so you will need to bring with you a bum bag containing waterproof jacket and trousers, hat and gloves. Most runs are about 90 minutes in duration, so a drink and an energy bar might be a good idea too. Post-run refreshments are always enjoyed at a nearby pub. There’s no need to ‘book’ a place – just simply turn up at the venue and be ready to run at 6.30pm.

The monthly venues are listed below and on the Clayton website, but if you need further details contact Mark Nutter on 07899 995181.

• * Note that the Summer Series Races are held on 23rd April, 21st May, 30th July and 13th August at these venues.

 Summer Series of Fell Races – Races with a Difference – Predict Your Time!

If you haven’t tried the Summer Series of races then you’re in for a treat! The 2019 Summer Series consists of five Tuesday evening races for members of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers only, with a minimum age of 16 years. As well as the usual prizes, there are prizes in each race for the closest pre-race predicted time to the actual time taken. Watches are only allowed if the time is not visible! A runner’s best three races will count for the overall series prizes.

Prizes in each race are usually alcohol or chocolate, with the overall series having printed T-shirts as prizes too.

Entry is just £4 per race (£4 for two races on 30th July) and is on the day only.

The first race on 23 April from Sabden is the original route of the Witches Clough fell race that was organized by Linda and Peter Lord in the late 1980’s. It featured on ITV’s ‘Treasure Hunt’ where Anneka Rice (in her helicopter) had to find and chase Linda dressed as a witch.  This route has not been used since so it promises to be a good start to the Summer Series.

As with the Summer Training, there’s no need to book a place – just simply turn up and be ready to run at 6.30pm.

Details of the races are listed below (along with a link to the maps) and on the Clayton website, but if you need further details contact Mark Nutter on 07899 995181.

Team Managers’ Reports

Road Report – Richard Stevenson

Men’s 12 Stage Road Relays

The Northern Athletics 12 stage Road Relay championships were held on Sunday 24th March at a bright and blustery Birkenhead Park. I was last at these relays 2 years ago in Blackpool but this year was my first as Team Captain, the event doesn’t disappoint and is a great experience with a chance to test yourself against some of the best road runners in the north of England. The event consists of 4 x long legs (approx. 8K) and 8 x short legs (approx. 4K).

Ryan Bradshaw got us off to a good start on the tough first long leg where it’s very easy to start too fast amongst the mass start. Craig, Matt, Iain and Danny all then put a great shift in on their legs to maintain our position before Jason, James, Gary and Andrew F managed to pick off a couple of teams to move us forward. By now the runners were very well spread out so it can be a lonely run on your leg but Dom and Briscoe managed this to maintain our position and handover to Andy Webster fresh from the Howarth Hobble a couple of weeks back he’d had a long wait for his leg to start but he powered around and picked off another team to finish in 46th place.

Today was all about the experience as a majority of the team were either new club members or new to relay racing so I’d like to thank them for stepping out of their comfort zones (some a long way) and put their names forward to have a go, hopefully they all enjoyed the experience and will be there at the NA Autumn Relays in September alongside more team mates who fancy giving it a go. Don’t be shy fellas!

46 Clayton-Le-Moors Harriers 3:53:32; 1 Ryan Bradshaw (49) 27:03; 2 Craig Nicholls (54) 15:05; 3 Matthew Duckworth (54); 28:14 4 Iain Wilkinson (53) 14:35; 5 Daniel Fleming (49) 27:43; 6 Jason Pier (47) 1:15:21; 10 Dominic Clayton (49) 15:30; 11 Richard Briscoe (48) 15:15; 12 Andrew Webster (47) 14:58

Cross Country Report – Donna Airey

The last XC was held at Cuerden Valley early March. What a great turn out for our seniors. The Ladies team battling for silver and bronze placing and the men to stay up in Division 1.

Cassie was our first lady back followed closely by Michelle who showed team spirit running in Rachel from Burnley AC who was struggling. Myself, coming in 3^rd Clayton lady to make up our A team which finished 5^th. Our B team, Lisa Ellis/Irene Roche/Rececca Bradshaw finished a good 16^th place.

Our V35 team finished 2^nd overall, V45 – 8^th and V55 – 4^th

 Ladies Final results

League 1 team -Silver, F35 – Bronze, F55 – Bronze. (no pressure next season ladies!)

The men had a battle of relegation on their hands. Ryan Bradshaw being our first counter back. The men’s team finished a fantastic 3^rd overall. Thank you to those who turned up and ran to help keep our men’s team in league 1!!!!

The Mid Lancs season overall has been fantastic. As always there has been blood, sweat, tears (from the men), cheers and cake.

A special mention to Helen Harrison, who had never done XC before, improved so much as the season went on. Completed 9 Palladium races and competed (finishing in our A team) at the National XC Champs.

Also, Jane Hyland, Sue Allen, Christine Leathley and James Dunderdale who completed all in the Palladium and Tara and Mark our XC Club Champ’s.

I really hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did!

Junior Report – Alan Dorrington

Cuerden Mid Lancs XC

There were team places and individual series medals up for grabs at the last round of the Mid Lancs Cros-country series at Cuerden at the beginning of the month. It’s a challenging course at Cuerden with lots of short sharp elevation changes meaning the racing is far from flat and fast.

Helana White used her climbing legs to good effect to take 2^nd in the U13G, and followed up by Amelia Halstead, Sianna Smith and Eleanor Edwards our U13G took a fine 2^nd place team on the day which clinched their 3^rd place team in the series overall. Coming back from injury, Robbie Smedley continued to build his fitness and took 7^th in the U13B.

Our U15G team of Ella Dorrington, Imogen Ferguson, Hannah Eccles and Beth Wheatcroft had raced hard all season and were rewarded with 3^rd place team in the series after a strong outing at Cuerden.

Jackson McKay was 7^th in U15B and Nicola Moynihan continued to race well with 4^th in U17G followed by Briony Holt in 5^th.

An individual Mid Lancs series win after a long hard-fought season went to Helana White in U13G whilst Jackson McKay was 5^th U15B in the series.

Well done to all our Juniors who raced all season long in this, and the Red Rose series – some great team spirit kept the results coming.

Clough Head Junior FRA Champs

The English Junior Fell Championships series started this month in the Lakes at a fantastic new venue for fell racing, Clough Head above Threlkeld. This was a proper fell course featuring plenty of steep climbing and for the U17 and U19 runners a tough and technical in places descent from high up on the fell.

Sadly there were no Clayton Juniors running in the U9 to U13 categories, but Robbie Smedley (10^th boy) and Helana White (3^rd girl) both had great runs in their first year at U15 level. Christopher Brown was 18^th in U15B with Guy Whalley getting stuck into Lakeland fell racing for the first time in 35^th. Hannah Eccles was 22^nd in the U15G.

In the U17s, William Nicholl was 24^th boy and Ella Dorrington 14^th girl both stepping up to courses that were considerably harder than what they would have run at U15 level.

Briony Holt climbed fantastically well on the U19 climb that went on and on and descended well too to take 4^th in U19G, whilst Charlie Parkinson also had a fine run against some really quick lads to take 9^th.

A special mention goes to the four Clayton Juniors who were selected to represent Lancashire in the Inter Counties XC Championships – Helana White, Jackson McKay, Nicola Moynihan and Briony Holt. Helana, Nicola and Briony were also selected for the Lancashire Schools team for the English Schools Championships this month – well done to all of them on their well-deserved selection.

Race Reports

Inter Counties Cross Country

Report by Rachael White

It was a busy March for the Inter-Counties athletes.

March 9th Inter-Counties Competition – Loughborough 

4 Clayton Junior athletes were selected to represent Lancashire, Briony Holt, Nicola Moynihan, Jackson Mackay and Helana White. We arrived to find the club tents were situated outside the main event field, which was disappointing as this left those in the tent feeling left out, and we were less able to cheer team mates on, whilst getting changed but this was outside Lancashire’s control.

Clayton Juniors representing Lancashire Schools (l-r Jackson Mackay, Nicola Moynihan, Briony Holt, Helana White). Photo by Rachae White

The day was a complete mixed bag of weather, from dry to very windy with rain thrown in. (Vicky McKay can testify to the wind after coming off worst when a flying tent flattened her, but that is a whole different story). The course is undulating and unforgiving, although it was not the mud bath of the previous year. All 4 athletes had great races, and had great results for Lancashire.

Jackson Mackay. Photo by Rachael White

Jackson’s race was first up, and he powered round in 71st (3rd Lancashire Counter).

Next was Nicola & Briony’s race, and they luckily avoided the mass fall at the start just behind them. Nicola was 99th (3rd Lancashire Counter), Briony, who is only just coming back from injury at Christmas was 173rd.

Helana was the last of the Clayton Juniors to race, and came in 16th (1st Lancashire Counter).

What stands out for me from this day is the team spirit that Clayton Juniors have. Everyone was checking on each other when they were spotted, yelling for their club mates around the course, running to take photos of each other and congratulating each other at the end. – This teamwork is what makes it such a great club.

Results

March 16th English Schools Inter-Counties Competition – Leeds

The following week-end was the English Schools Inter-Counties at Leeds, and this time we had two athletes, Helana and Nicola make the team and get on the team bus on the Friday night. This time the race was at Temple Newsam Park, Leeds. Nicola and Helana stayed with the team the night before the race, leaving us parents to travel on our own to watch them on the Saturday.

It was a VERY wet day, with more or less constant rain. – The course is great for spectators as it is looped, so you can stand still and see the athletes in several parts of their race.

Helana White. Photo by Dave Woodhead

First up was Helana, who had to start at the back of the pen as she qualified in 8th position. This is the first time she was old enough for this race, the team coach told her (and another Year 8 girl), to aim for top 200. – The course suited her, and with typical determination, and wanting to justify her place, she fought her way through to the front of the field, to come in 38th and 3rd Lancashire Counter. This helped the Lancashire Junior Girls team to get 2nd place overall.

Nicola Moynihan. Photo by Dave Woodhead

Nicola had to wait a little longer for her race (more rain and cold ensued). The seniorgirls had a long hard race, with the field now completely churned up, slippy and muddy. Nicola will say that she does not really like mud, and prefers road –but I am not so sure, as she had a cracking race against some top athletes and finished 134th place and 5th Lancashire Counter.

Both girls were at the bottom end of this age group – so will stay in the same age groups next year, when others go up.

Jason Pier’s March

After doing very little in terms of racing in 2018 due to one reason or another, I decided something had to change. January saw me go the whole month without a alcohol. (Something I’ve never managed before). I upped my training include a long run on Sunday’s, followed by treadmill sessions on Monday’s and Friday’s along with my usual training with the SoS group and Clayton Juniors. With the no alcohol rule and more sensible eating I soon shed some of the extra weight I’d gained with my inactivity. I felt much fitter and training became more enjoyable. Next was to choose a couple of races to focus on.

First up was the Podium 5k. Sat. 2nd March.

I arrived at a very wet and windy Steven Burke track hoping that my training would pay off and a new 5k pb would come my way. I’ve never managed to run under 20.57mins before so I entered the B race and after a good warm I was off. The first mile went great 6.00mins dead (slow down you fool or you’ll blow up). Next mile was more like it 6.30mins. With the wind getting stronger and more encouragement from Marion I tucked in behind another runner and gave it my all until the finish line. Quick glance at the clock and 19.41mins. Got to be happy with that after only 6 weeks training. Still room for improvement.

Results

Jason battling at a very wet Podium 5k. Photo by David Belshaw

Next up the Irwell Valley 20 miler. Sat. 10th March.

Along with my good friend and training partner Gary Moore we booked on the Irwell Valley 20 mile off road race. With both of us never running that kind of distance before this was definitely going to test us. Training went well with our first long run session being 12 miles. We upped the distance by a mile each week until we reached 18 miles. This seemed to work really well for us both. It also gave us the opportunity to find new training routes.

Race day came and the weather conditions were pretty awful with heavy rain, sleet and snow showers. After a slight delay we were off along with fellow Clayton runners Donna Airey, Robert Morrison and Colin White. Race pace over the first few miles was much quicker than I’d planned, but surprisingly I felt good, helped by Donna’s company for the first 12 miles, before she moved ahead of me. Miles 15, 16 and 17 saw my pace drop a little as I began to doubt I could finish the race. I managed to get back to my race pace for the last 2 miles all the time telling myself you can do this. 20 miles came and no finish line in sight, (few choice words came out). The course was actually 20.3 miles long. So I gave it everything I had for the last third of a mile to come over the line in 2hrs 44mins 57 secs. Absolutely buzzing to have finished 50th out of 338.

Thanks to Donna for helping me through the first half. Well done to Robert and Colin on your runs.

You can almost feel the pain…

Special thanks to Gary who’s been such a great training partner.

For anyone wanting a 20 mile race as part of their marathon training I can highly recommend this race. Very well organised with great marshals encouraging and cheering you along. Plenty of goodies at the end too.
Results

Results Roundup

2nd March – Cuerden Valley (Mid Lancs Cross Country League) – Results

2nd U13G – Helana White;2nd U13G Team (Helana White, Amelia Halstead, Sianna Smith); 3rd U15G Team (Ella Dorrington-Levy, Imogen Ferguson, Hannah Eccles); 2nd Ladies Over 35 Team (Cassie Darling-Smedley, Michelle Abbott, Donna Airey); 3rd Senior Men’s Team (Ryan Bradshaw, Matthew Duckworth, Daniel Fleming, James Dunderdale, Alan Dorrington, Andrew Holt); 3rd V60 Man – Brian Horrocks.

• Mid Lancs Series – Results

1st= U13G – Helana White

2nd March – Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round – Results

2nd MS – Andy Laycock; 1st M70 – Jack Holt; 3rd M70 – Kieran Carr; 1st F60 – Katy Thompson.

2nd March – Podium 5k – A Race Results – B Race Results

2nd in B Race – Peter Stevens.

3rd March – Ron Hill Accrington 10k – Results

1st Senior W60 – Irene Roche; 1st Senior M60 – John Roche.

10th March – Trafford 10K – Results

1st V40M – David Edmondson; 1st V35W – Laura Hesketh

10th March – Irwell Valley 20 Miles – Results

10th March – Roddlesworth Roller – Results

17th March – Thirsk 10 Mile Road Race – Results

17th March – Trimpell 20, Lancaster – Results

24th March – Birkenhead (Northern Athletics U15 & U17 5k Road Championships) – Results

24th March – Birkenhead (Northern Athletics Women’s 6 Stage Road Relay Championships) – Results

24th March – Birkenhead (Northern Athletics Men’s 12 Stage Road Relay Championships) – Results

24th March – Garstang Gallop 10k – Results

27th March – Brenda and Colin Robinson’s 5k Cowm Race – Results

Upcoming Races

Fell Races

Road races

Sun 14th Apr – Flat Caps 10k (Sowerby Bridge Snails)
Sun 14th Apr – 3 Bridges 10K, Lancaster
Wed 17th Apr – Billy Knox Cowm 5k Race
Fri 19th Apr – Salford 10K
Fri 19th Apr – Caldervale County 10 or 4 mile race (Hilly road race)
Wed 24th Apr – Roger Colson Cowm Reservoir 5k
Sat 27th Apr – Wray Scarecrow 10K
Tue 30th Apr – Geoff Doggett Memorial 5k
Or if you fancy a bit of off road running:Sun 7th Apr – Rivington 10 mile Trail Race (Mad Bull Events)

Sat 13th Apr – Burnsall Trail Half marathon (Due North Events)
Sun 14th Apr – Radcliffe Trail 10K (Radcliffe AC)Information about most of the above races can be found at: https://www.ukresults.net/2019cal.html

Parkrun Roundup

Junior Parkrun Roundup

It appears to have been a quiet month, race-wise. Don’t be fooled though – some of our veteran ladies and gents have been leading the way in the Kendal Winter League, with a special mention to Jean Brown (who seems to be amazing at evey discipline), Wendy Dodds (two 1sts), Linda Lord (a 1st at Giggleswick AND 2 Parkrun PBs), Katy Thompson, and Jack Holt. VM75 David Scott was also victorious at Lancashire Cross Country Championships – see his race report further down.

As a special feature, I asked David Edmondson, who recently won an England vest for 10K, to write about how he has managed to improve his form over recent years. I hope you find this interesting and useful.

As ever, many thanks to all our contributors for helping make the roundup possible. Cheers!

The Long Road Back: From Injury to an England Vest

by David Edmondson

I have been running competitively for over 40 years, to a moderate level of success. Frequently plagued by injury; like most. Especially over the last few years, maybe it’s inevitable? Since 2013 I’ve never felt like I was running well.

Now my wife Tracy who has been teaching Pilates for 14 years has been pointing out areas of improvement for some time, in particular to do with posture and dynamic posture: running gait in other words.

My problems included:
• Hyper extending knees
• Head too far forward
• Pelvis hiking
• Shoulders too far forward
• Week core
• Glutes not firing

You can see some of the faults in the cross country picture.

Cross Country

Over the last few years something has clicked, maybe my engineering background helped. We are very much design to run so why do we frequently get injured? I put months of thought and analysis into the problems a couple of years ago. In fact I enjoyed that so much I eventually resigned form my teaching career to join Tracy teaching Pilates. Some of my classes specialising in Running.

What did I find was the solution to my problems? A real concentration on getting that posture right, improving stability, running gait and crucially, ensuring my glutes are not only strong but firing properly. I’ve slowly altered my running gait, minimum necessary change each time. Much of these gains made through Pilates with some work that I’ve called Pilates Plus; the same principles but with weights or resistance. The picture form Telford 10K perhaps demonstrates some of these improvements; still with some gains to be made.

Telford 10K

How have I improved? I returned to road running last summer after perhaps 3 or 4 races since 2009. My 4th road race of 2018 I ran 10 miles in just over 63 minutes to grab the V50 Lancashire 10 Mile Champs and a few weeks later ran just over 37 minutes at the Telford 10K to get an England selection. Not stunning times but over the last 12 months I’ve only averaged 25 miles a week; my lowest average for some years! Now I have the correct movement patterns, stability and strength I can begin building the mileage up again and we’ll see what I can do?

I’m running for England V50 10K team in May and then hope to focus on an Autumn marathon; aiming for an England vest at that distance.

Lancashire Cross Country Championship 2019

Dave Scott, Lancashire Cross Country VM75 Champion. Photo: Donna Airey

Ladies’ Cross Country Report

by Donna Airey

Back to back XC races during October, November and December. It weird when your hit with the 4 weeks break. I, and I’m sure others too, was happy when it was back to putting the spike on.

First up (feels like ages ago now) was the Lancashire XC Championships at Witton Park. A fantastic course, drier than previous years but still good fun. Great turn out from the seniors with the ladies team finishing 5th overall. Everyone did fantastic, well done!
Our ladies Vet team finished an impressive 3rd and bagged themselves a bronze medal
Also impressive performances by Julia Rushton (2nd V55), Karen Goss (1st V65 and 1st V70) and Christine Leathley (2nd V65) who all finish on the Podium.

Some of the Ladies’ Team at the Lancashire Cross Country Championships. Photo: David Belshaw

Week after we were back to Mid Lancs League. Held on our turf, we once again had a good number of ladies taking part. Well organised by Trawden, results were up before I’d even got my spikes out the bag. Being able to hear when Burnley (well Fulham) scored was also a bonus!

We had good results and currently ladies stand in the league joint 2nd place in Division 1. V35 – 3rd. V45 3rd. V55 3rd. We need as many as you as possible for the 2 remaining fixtures, please!

5th “A”— 22 Tara Robb 25, Jean Brown, 29 Rebecca Rimmington
11th ‘B’ 118 — 36 CDarling-Smedley, 39 Michelle Abbott, 43 Donna Airey
F35 – 3rd— 13 Jean Brown, 16 Rebecca Rimmington,19 C Darling-Smedley
F45 – 4th— 9 Jean Brown, 26 Irene Roche, 28 Julia Rushton
F55 -4th — 4 Irene Roche, 29 Susan Allen, 30 Christine Leathley

The last January fixture was the Northern Athletics XC Championships held at Pontefract. Thank you to all that put their name forward to represent the club, especially after the committee decided to affiliate to NA so our members could take part in these big events.

My 4th year doing the Northerns and a different venue each time. There’s just something special about taking part in this big event, the atmosphere, the talent, the challenge of a longer course. Well done to those who ran and hope you all had a good day out and we see more of you put your name forward next year!

Junior Report

by Alan Dorrington

The first race of the month was one that many of our Juniors had been targeting all season – the Lancashire XC Championships. Witton Park can be very muddy at this time of year but conditions were surprisingly firm and even the infamous Saucer descent was relatively mud-free.

Helana White powering to the finish to become Lancashire Cross Country U13G Champion. Photo: David Belshaw

Helana White led the U13G race from early on with her usual focus and took a comfortable win to become Lancashire Champion and achieve her second County vest. Backing up her win with great runs also, her team mates Sianna Smith (13^th), Amelia Halstead (15^th) and Eleanor Edwards (23^rd) helped the girls to 2^nd Team.

U13 Girls’ Team (L-R Amelia Halstead, Helana White, Sianna Smith, Eleanor Edwards). Photo : David Belshaw

In the U11B, Charlie Fee continued to progress in 17^th  place and Fraser Anforth was 56^th. We had 5 girls running in the U11G race, with Eliena Lusty tantalisingly close to the top 10 in 11^th, Emily Nicholls 26^th, Lottie Smith 35^th, Phoebe Jackson 49^th and Ellisia Smedley 54^th.

U11 Girls’ Team (L-R Lottie Smith, Emily Nicholls, Phoebe Jackson, Ellisia Smedley, Eliena Lusty). Photo: David Belshaw

By comparison, unfortunately we had no boys running in the U13B race, for the first time coaches can remember – here’s hoping the boys bounce back and we can field a good team in future races.

Jackson Mackay finishing strongly to earn (hopefully) a Lancashire Vest. Photo: David Belshaw

Jackson McKay just missed out on automatic selection for the County team with 7^th in U15B so fingers crossed he still gets another vest, whilst Will Nicholls was 27^th, Lennon Jackson 42^nd and Will Barlow 43^rd.

U15 Boys (L-R Jackson Mackay, Will Nicholls, William Barlow). Photo: David Belshaw

Ella Dorrington led our U15G home in 18^th, closely followed by Imogen Ferguson (23^rd), Sophie Ashworth (27^th), Hannah Eccles (34^th) and Beth Wheatcroft (45^th).

U15 Girls’ Team (L-R Sophie Ashworth, Ella Dorrington-Levy, Bethany Wheatcroft, Hannah Eccles, Imogen Ferguson). Photo: David Belshaw

The U17B attacked the race with their usual commitment in a really strong field with Nick Hennessey 17^th, Charlie Parkinson 18^th, Michael Stevens 24^th and Peter Stevens 27^th and finally Caleb Thornber 31^st. Nicola Moynihan was our sole representative in the U17G race with a fine 9^th place.

U17s (L-R Charlie Parkinson, Caleb Thornber, Peter Stevens, Nick Hennessey, Michael Stevens, Nicola Moynihan). Photo: David Belshaw

The following week, our cross country Juniors returned to the local fixture in Towneley Park, as part of the Mid Lancs series. There were top 20 performances in the U11 from Eliena Lusty and Charlie Fee, and Helana White took a gritty second in the U13G with Amelia Halstead, Sianna Smith and Eleanor Edwards helping the girls to 3^rd team.

Jackson Mckay was just pipped into 2^nd after a close race in the U15B and with William Nicholls and Lennon Jackson, the boys took 3^rd team.

Our U17B team was on fire at their home fixture and with Nick Hennessey (4^th), Michael and Peter Stevens (9^th and 10^th) and Charlie Parkinson (11^th) they won the team prize. Fantastic work lads!

The Kendal Winter League is a well established series of races that can best be described as cross-country on steroids or fell racing-lite. Either way, they are a great way of keeping some fell fitness and experience going over the winter months and fell devotees Ella Dorrington and Christopher Brown attended several during this month. Ella placed  2^nd U17G at Giggleswick and 3^rd at Whitestones in Cumbria, whilst Christopher was 10^th in U15B at Scout Scar, 11^th at Giggleswick, and 7^th at Whitestones.

Finally, a sizeable team made their way across to Pontefract racecourse for the Northern Athletics Cross Country Champs, a high quality race with large fields. All our Juniors raced well against the best runners in the region, on a fast but draggy course round the infield of the racecourse.

1st January – New Year’s Day Awakener, Whitworth – Results

1st F55 – Yvonne Wickham; 2nd M50 – David McMullan.

5th January – Lancashire Cross Country Championship – Results

1st U13G – Helana White; 2nd U13G Team (Helana White, Sianna Smith, Amelia Halstead, Eleanor Edwards); 3rd Ladies (Vets) Team (Jean Brown, Michelle Abbott, Cassie Darling-Smedley); 1st VM75 – David Scott.

6th January – Scout Scar Fell Race (Kendal Winter League) – Results

1st LV60 – Wendy Dodds; 2nd LV50 – Jean Brown; 1st MV70 – Jack Holt;

13th January – East Lancs Hospice 10K – Results

1st M50 – David Edmondson; 1st M60 – John Roche; 2nd M45 – Robert Morrison.

12th January – Towneley Park – Mid Lancs Cross Country – Results

2nd U13 Girl – Helana White; 3rd U13 Girls Team (Helana White, Sianna Smith, Amelia Halstead); 2nd U15 Boy – Jackson Mackay; 3rd U15 Boys Team (Jackson Mackay, William Nicholls, Lennon Jackson); 1st U17 Mens Team (Nick Hennessey, Michael Stevens, Peter Stevens);3rd Ladies Over 35 Team (Jean Brown, Rebecca Rimmington, Cassie Darling-Smedley); 1st Vet 70 Men – David Scott; 3rd Vet 70 Men – Richard Lawson; 2 Ladies Over 50 – Carol Life; 3rd Mens over 45 – Craig Eccles.

13th January – Giggleswick School (Kendal Winter League) – Results

1st LV70 – Linda Lord; 1st LV60 – Wendy Dodds; 2nd LV60 – Katy Thompson; 2nd LV50 – Jean Brown.

19th January – Inskip Half Marathon – Results

1st V55M – Kevin Davies; 3rd V60M – Alan Clarkson; 1st V55W – Avril Duckworth.

20th January – Whitestone (Kendal Winter League) – Results

26th January – Northern Athletics Cross Country Championships, Pontefract – Results

27th January – Birkrigg Common (Kendal Winter League) – Results

1st LV60 – Katy Thompson; 1st LV50 – Jean Brown.

Parkrun Roundup

Junior Parkrun Roundup

Well dear readers, after three years of compiling the weekly roundup, the time has come to hang up my editorial hat and move on. Did you know that over 70 individuals have submitted race reports in that time which is a fantastic achievement and testament to the enthusiasm and commitment of so many of our members. Those words have really made this roundup write itself and come alive. Thank you.

WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER

ROGER WHITE COWM RESERVOIR 5K RACE

A quartet of Clayton runners took part in this midweek race. Junior runner Matthew Jackson finished in 5^th place overall and 2^nd JM. Michelle Abbot was our only lady runner and she finished in 18^th place and 1^st LV35. Jack McGuire and Ron Chappell completed the Clayton team.

Full Results

SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER

GREAT WHERNSIDE FELL RACE

Five ladies and half a dozen men competed in the Great Whernside Fell Race. Both ladies and men’s teams finished in 9th place

Ladies Results

Five Clayton ladies ran with supervet Wendy Dodds our first finisher and 1st LV65.

Linda Lord and Sarah Helliwell at the Great Whernside Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Full Results

Men’s Results

Chris Holdsworth was our first finisher in the mens race, finishing in 5th place overall.

Chris Holdsworth at the Great Whernside Fell Race

Full Results

ORTON FELL RACE

Alan and Carol Life ran in this 6.2 mile race with 846ft of climbing. Alan finished in 15th place and was 1st V50. Carol was 52nd and 2nd V50 lady.

Full Results

ROC MOUNTAIN MARATHON

Report from Colin Woolford

Confidence was high approaching this Mountain Marathon. Following the (still) amazing result at the OMM Lite two weeks ago, I was well up for the ROC, formerly the RAB. What attracts me to this event is that you can compete as a solo. Most MM’s are aimed at teams of two, so this one is a real novelty.  This would be my 6th RAB/ROC.

Since the OMM Lite, I had kept my running to a minimum, wanting to be rested for the ROC and had decided that my regular Tuesday CleM runs (about 10-13km per evening) and one other 10km run the weekend between would be enough to ‘turn my legs over’. The Tuesday before the weekend I went off for the usual session (this month from Barrowford) BUT with new Mudclaws on.  Fresh out of the box, I wanted to bring these in to circulation as the RAB previously has finished shoes off – and I mean absolutely trashed them, so I thought I would be ahead of the curve and get some km’s on some new shoes, leaving my regular pair ready for the weekend.

So that was mistake number one!  I have worn classic Innov-8 Mudclaw 300’s for the past x many years, I have had well over ten pairs, same brand, model and for the last three pairs same colour and probably even the same batch as I bought a job lot from Pete Bland Sports in a sale.  This was the last pair from that batch – why would they be any different?  Clearly they were and for whatever reason, this pair gave me a hot spot on my left heel two km’s in to the run and by km three I knew I had a blister…  I stopped, had a look and thought with a bit of re lacing I could get back to the van/pub at a slow trot.  Wrong. Within 500m I had bent the back of the heel down and was running gingerly as I was now wearing the equivalent of fell running crocs…. (a gap in the market maybe?)  I left the group and made my way back to the pub.

Ouch!

I am pretty good at managing and treating blisters, learnt over many years walking, first aiding and reading many articles/books etc, particularly “Fixing Your Feet” by Jon Vonhof (well worth purchasing for any runner) so I was confident I could get to a point where I could trot round the ROC, I may not get the good result I was hoping for, but still, I would be there.

The ROC arrived, or rather I arrived in South West Cumbria, in the shadow of Black Combe, near Millom and I was ready to start and collect my map and control sheet. This is the premise behind a “score” event. you have a time (6 hours day one, 5 hours day two) to find as many controls as you can over a given area. You get the details at the start line and it is part of the challenge to formulate a plan/route that allows you to collect as many controls on your dibber as you can and get back to where you need to be – in this event an overnight camp- before the time runs out and you start to lose points by way of penalties.  I have lost all my day one points before on these events… gutting to say the least!

Mistake number 2 then was a real school boy error. Somehow in my haste I marked up the map incorrectly and gave a control a points value when it wasn’t in fact live that day – or indeed in use at any point over the weekend!  This tipped my route choice into a direction I otherwise wouldn’t have taken.  I realised my error as I was charging along to what I thought was the first control. I reached for the control description, expecting to see something like “stream source” or “spring” looking at how the map was marked but what I found was nothing. Control 210 wasn’t even on the live list, so why and how I had given it a value of 10 points was beyond me.  I quickly checked the others I had marked…. all fine. Phew!  Not for the mad house yet then… but that all took up more precious time. Oh well, I will carry on, I will lose even more time if I head back and take an alternative route from the start, the next control about a km away, was in my plan anyway.

It was at this point that the cloud came in.

Typical Lakeland View

The weather forecast for Saturday was clear, overcast, but not raining and clear visibility on the tops.  By 10.30 am the cloud base was down to about 400 m, it was very damp in the air and any chance at a view was lost.

Now I am a good navigator and back myself in poor conditions like this, but with a scrambled brain from trying to understand why I had made a control up, sore heel and still cursing myself for starting so poorly my relocation took longer than it should have, with the added pressure being against the clock brings I was getting decidedly cranky! Several expletives may well have passed my lips, much to the amusement of the ever present Herdwick Sheep on Black Combe. Rumours I asked ‘lost’ fell runners from the 2016 championships on this hill for directions are unfounded!

I got there in the end- the next control a 20 point one loomed out of the mist.  The game was on!  I tore off north east following a trod heading gently down I was certain about my location and where to head next and the terrain was very runnable.  This would still rank as my worst start ever – 2 hours in and only 20 points!  I then came across three other competitors, a solo male and a male pair, all studying their maps and with compass in hand. They didn’t know where they were with any great conviction, so I advised them accordingly. “We’re here mate”, much gratitude was expressed and the pair carried on their way, the solo – a chap named Dan on his first MM asked to team up for a while.  Sure, with no view, conversation would be good for the next few km’s!

“OS Trig Pillar” control description with control.

Dan was clearly a better runner than I and as we got lower down and the visibility improved he sped off to follow his own plan.

From here on in I was navigating to my usual standard and hitting controls exactly where I expected them to be.  I still get a massive buzz from that, but essentially the damage was done.  The poor tactics, dodgy heel and slower going in the clagg meant I was in damage limitation mode and the main objective was to get back to camp without incurring penalties, which I was able to do and got back in with a meagre 200 points and four minutes to spare.  My plan had seen me get somewhere between 270 and 300 which would have left me comfortably mid table at half way, instead I was languishing in the bottom 20 or so 92^nd from 113 ish.

But tomorrow was another day!

Day two and the weather was much improved.

Sunrise Day 2

Feeling good and less achy than I usually feel on day two of these things and with a heel blister that hadn’t got any worse I was raring to go and at 8.13 am I dibbed out of camp to head back via as many controls as I could in a bid to make amends for the previous days woes.

And oh what a day.  Stunning conditions, runnable, although wet ground and with clear visibility.  It was like running a different event, my route choice saw me tackle some controls I had visited the previous day (all correctly marked up this time!) and a whole heap of new ones.  The views were stunning, with Eskdale and the Scafell Massif to the north and the Irish Sea and coast to the south and west it was a vista to inspire whenever your head was up.

The going was good and I was pleased with my lines and nav to the controls.  By two hours in from the five I had I had about 120 points… a much better haul!

My Day two total was 300, which placed me 53^rd on the day from the 113 that started  which is where I usually am, mid pack, but because of day one’s error and conditions I finished in a disappointing 75^th. The heel is now healing nicely and although somewhere between uncomfortable and painful did not get any worse which was pleasing. I almost wish I was competing at this year’s OMM I’m gonna have to wait till 2018 for my next Mountain Marathon.

SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

ENGLISH SCHOOLS FELL RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIP

Report from Alan Dorrington

This was the Championships that nearly wasn’t. After the original hosting school pulled out, a fairly last minute but very welcome intervention by Giggleswick School meant the fell champs could go ahead and the junior fell racing scene made its way to Settle for a full programme of racing.

The courses were long, as per normal for the English Schools but didn’t contain as much climbing as usual. However with steep initial climbs followed by fast running over undulating tracks, they were still challenging courses and tested the runners considerably. Our Clayton Juniors were there to represent their respective schools and all had good runs on a lovely later summer day.

Robbie Smedley (no 8) at the English Schools Fell Running Championship. Photo by Alan Dorrington

Robbie Smedley was pushing very hard from the off in the Year 7 race, and produced a great run for 7th despite falling hard AND losing a shoe. What might have been if he had had a clean run? Behind him, Helana White was battling hard to take a fantastic 5th place in the Girls race. Jenson Bentham was struggling with injury and didn’t quite manage to perform as he would have wanted to, with a still creditable 23rd.

In the combined Yr 8 and 9 race field of 178, Jackson McKay (Yr9) had his usual calm, collected performance for a great 5th place, and Ella Dorrington (Yr8) beat many older girls to take 10th in the Girls. She was backed up by a smiling and bouncy Sophie Ashworth (Yr9) in 29th.

Ella Dorrington at the English Schools Fell Running Championship. Photo by Alan Dorrington

Finally in the Yr 10 and 11 race Michael (Yr10) and Peter Stevens (Yr10) ran a tough 7km around the Settle Hills in another large and very experienced field containing international runners, to take 44th and 53rd respectively.

This event pretty much wrapped up the fell season for our Juniors, and they now turn their attention to the cross-country season where no doubt they will be to the fore again.

LOCH NESS MARATHON

Paul Foster has kicked started a holiday around the west coast of Scotland by running in the Loch Ness Marathon. He finished in 671st place with u 3:55:13.

Report from Paul Foster

Paul Foster after his successful Loch Ness Marathon.

This is a brilliant event in a great location. My target for this, my 1st Marathon, was to go under 4 hours so really pleased with my time of 3:55:13. Followed a training plan and John’s Tuesday and Thursday sessions definitely helped me. I managed to stick to the pace I’d set myself and finished strongly over the last 6 miles. The route follows the south west shore of Loch Ness and finishes in Inverness

Full Results

ROSSENDALE 50^TH MMM (Mini Mountain Marathon)

This combined event was staged by Rossendale Harriers for their 50th birthday, and was planned by PFO and SELOC members with orienteering controls and SI timing. It was a Mini Mountain Marathon score event run over 3 hours. The competition area was covering approximately 20 sq km, comprising Cowpe Moor, Lee Quarry and Stubbylee Parks.

Three club members took part

Full Results

RUN PRESTON 5K

Junior runners, Matthew and Lennon Jackson, ran in the Run Preston 5K race. Matthew was 7th and Lennon was 15th. Great results as usual for the Jackson boys.

RUN PRESTON 10K

Eight seniors ran in the Run Preston 10K. Matthew Duckworth was our first finisher in 17th place and with a time of 36:46. Michelle Abbot was our first lady finisher in 170th with a time of 46:09Full Res

Full Results

PARKRUN LINKS

This week’s parkrun results for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

This week’s Burnley junior parkrun results

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It’s a whopping double edition this week! You’d think there wouldn’t be much going on this time of year, but as usual our club members have been out there racing and competing all over the place.  You have been doing ultra-long distance events, representing the England Team, winning races, reaching important milestones, and raising money for charity. You’ve been out on the high fells, the boggy moorlands, the rugged coast, the parks, roads, tracks and trails.

THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER

DEREK CLUTTERBUCK AND GRAHAM WRIGHT HADES HILL RACE

5 Clayton Runners took part in this 5 mile race. This was a particularly significant race for Martin Brady

Report by Martin Brady

Last night I reached a personal milestone – I completed my 500th race since my mechanical aortic heart valve replacement (AVR) 7 years ago. The races ranged from 33 mile fell races down to 5K road races and open water swims (5K down to 1 mile). The first few months after my AVR I did not think I would get back to running again as I had several problems which made it difficult to run. I eventually overcame these problems and got back to racing – initially with open water swimming. Last nights race was a 5 mile fell race in very wet and windy conditions. It was very muddy but it was probably the most enjoyable race I have done recently. With the weather conditions last night I did not really fancy running but I am glad I did now.

Full Results

SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER

HODDER VALLEY SHOW FELL RACE

A dozen Clayton Harriers turned out for the latest race in the club fell championship. Ryan Wilkinson was our first finisher in 9^th place. Jack Holt was 1^st V60 and 13^th overall.  Barbara Savage was our first lady finisher in 25^th place and 1^st LV50 and Linda Lord was 1^st LV60.

Report from Sarah Helliwell

It was a sunny day as we lined up in the show ground. The ground was saturated from the weeks worth of rain. After a quick start the runners started to spread up the track and up the climb at Mellor Knoll. Unfortunately the ground was absolutely rutted from the cows between the climb and this is where I went over on my ankle….. .
I carried on hobbling/running and started the climb up Totteridge and hung onto 3 runners as my ankle got its movement back. I cheered on the Clayton runners coming back down the climb. Think Ryan Wilkinson was the first of them followed by Mr Orr, Nutter & Wigham.

Once at the top it as tussocks and heather and around the trig. I started to ignore my ankle and thought right it’s time to pass the 3 runners in front of me as we started the long decent. I got the last one climbing back over Mellor Knoll before the big dipper field to the finish.

It is one of my favourite races, in a stunning area.

Barbara Savage had a great day with first Vet and 1st vet 50. Linda Lord was 1st Vet60 and then myself included we won the ladies team for Clayton. Well done all.

Full Results

LOTHERSDALE SHOW

Two Clayton Harriers ran in the Lothersdale Show fell race. Alan Life was our first finisher in 7th place and Scott Baistow was 12th.

Full Results

PERIS HORSESHOE

Report By Ralph Baines

It’s never a large entry for this race, there is a Half Peris taking in Elidir Fawr, Y Garn and Glyder Fawr and finishing at the car park at Pen y Pass which is about two and a half hours with 4500ft of climbing. Altenatively the Full Peris does the same route at the beginning then continues on the Miner’s track before doing Lliwedd, Snowdon and Moel Cynghorion totalling 8500ft. Andrew Priory and I raced it for a second successive time, last year was glorious weather, this time not so, but we were familiar with the route and knew what was to come. The rocks were very slippery all the way round the course and also coming of the Glyders down to Pen Y Pass was particularly boggy, a good pair of shoes made quite a difference.

Ralph Baines at the Peris Horseshoe fell race. Photo by Beau Dog Photography

We ran a chunk of the middle section with Tim Laney who was a member of Clayton many years ago and now lives in Bath. The Descent off Lliwedd was very technical and the climb up Snowdon by the Watkin Path was a long drag, never sure how far off the top we were. I knew it was about an hour from the top to Llanberis and wasn’t too tired this year so we had a good run off and finished in the sunshine in 5:08 hr. The day was completed with sausage, egg and chips at Pete’s Eats and a long drive home.It’s never a large entry for this race, there is a Half Peris taking in Elidir Fawr, Y Garn and Glyder Fawr and finishing at the car park at Pen y Pass which is about two and a half hours with 4500ft of climbing. Altenatively the Full Peris does the same route at the beginning then continues on the Miner’s track before doing Lliwedd, Snowdon and Moel Cynghorion totalling 8500ft.

Andrew Priory at the Peris Horseshoe fell race. Photo by Beau Dog Photography

Andrew Priory and I raced it for a second successive time, last year was glorious weather, this time not so, but we were familiar with the route and knew what was to come. The rocks were very slippery all the way round the course and also coming of the Glyders down to Pen Y Pass was particularly boggy, a good pair of shoes made quite a difference. We ran a chunk of the middle section with Tim Laney who was a member of Clayton many years ago and now lives in Bath. The Descent off Lliwedd was very technical and the climb up Snowdon by the Watkin Path was a long drag, never sure how far off the top we were. I knew it was about an hour from the top to Llanberis and wasn’t too tired this year so we had a good run off and finished in the sunshine in 5:08 hr. The day was completed with sausage, egg and chips at Pete’s Eats and a long drive home.

OMM LITE YORKSHIRE DALES

Report By Colin Woolford

The OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) is just that – originally launched as test of team work, mountain skill and running ability the The OMM has long been the bench mark of multi day navigation based events in the fell running/orienteering community.  The OMM Lite is a more recent idea, developed as an entry point to multi day running events, it is on trails and rights of way rather than open fell/mountain with the navigation being less daunting. The checkpoints are at path junctions or significant features rather than on some tiny contour feature in the middle of nowhere!

Colin Woolford and Paul at the OMM lite

The other key difference is that the the competitors in teams of two, don’t need to carry their overnight kit like on the full OMM, you return to a central point to refuel, recover and sleep.  The OMM also want to encourage families to attend so family tents, partners and children  are welcome to make use of the event cafe and bar!  This would be my second OMM Lite (and 10th Mountain Marathon) and the plan was that  last years team mate – Graeme from Scotland would run with me whilst our wives and children would amuse themselves around the Yorkshire Dales for the 7 hours on the Saturday and the 5 hours on the Sunday of the “Long Score” format.  We would be charging around the Hawes area finding red and whie flags and collecting points.

Well, that was the plan.

On Wednesday before the Friday night drive to Hawes Graeme rang to say his wife had been quite poorly and that the weekend was in doubt… They would know more after a Thursday morning doctors visit.  By 10.00 am Thursday morning, the weekend was off! With Jenny ordered to bed rest, Graeme clearly wasn’t going to abandon her with their 6 year old to come and charge around boggy bits of Yorkshire with me.  Gutted!  So a quick scan of the website and OMM rules and a brief exchange of emails and text messages with the organisers and it became clear I could turn up and run solo, but be ‘non competitive’ for the weekend having been judged to have had enough experience to do so -or find a partner and transfer the entry, which we could do right up till the start on Saturday morning.

By the time I was able to start reaching out to people I thought might be up for it it was Thursday evening!  No joy with the ‘usual suspects’ so I thought it was time for drastic measures and a post on the Team Clayton FB page – someone must be up for it and available!  But no… desperation kicked in, the idea of being non competitive just did not appeal – those that know me, know I am never going to win these things – but I am damn well going to put a shift in and the idea of getting a “good score” but it meaning nothing was too frustrating to consider.  Time for a post on the FRA FB page.  BINGO!  Within thirty minutes I had some potential partners, with one looking promising, he had done the OMM before, completed the Spine Challenger race (110 miles up the Pennine Way) and could get a pass for the weekend.

We arranged to speak Friday lunch time and by then the show was back on the road. so Paul, and I met at registration on Saturday morning in Hawes at 8.30 am and by 9.45 were running the OMM together.

And what a weekend it was! The weather was wet to say the least, torrential rain had caused many of the rivers to be in spate,  so several fords were now marked as out of bounds and a few checkpoints were dropped for competitor safety, but the two of us seemed to find an even stride. When you have 7 hours to fill on the hill with a complete stranger, you talk about a lot of stuff!  It turns out we were both “mid table” in our results. I’ve always said top 50% is a good result for me, top 75% is more common!  SO what happened that Saturday was just bizarre… We came in after 6 hours 45 minutes, 41 km and a score of 500 points to find ourselves in 9th!!!  9th!!! I’ve never been that high up a leader board in my life!  A celebratory beer was in order!  We were both gob smacked that we clicked the way we did and were keen to put in a good performance to see what we could do on the Sunday..could we improve our lot? would we slip down the field? – we had met the teams in 7th and 12th and seen several of the other teams around us earlier on the hill – competition was going to be strong.

Sunday came and the forecast was shocking – heavy rain due in from mid morning and a stronger wind for the rest of the day. We were going to have to dig deep to battle the elements and see if we would hold on. Neither Paul or I had ever finished in the top ten before… we kinda liked the view!

Sunday we set off at 8.40 at a gentle pace to allow ourselves a gradual warm up. It was a tough day and much more traditional OMM terrain, with greater distance between the check points to boot.  the high ground was particularly tough in the wind, but we both felt we had enough in the tank to push for the higher value checkpoints – the risk with these events is always that you can push too far and end up burnt out and miles away from the finish line which leads to penalty deductions if you are late back. I have on several occasions made this mistake and lost most of my points by being 30 minutes and later back to base!  We were both keen to avoid such a mistake today.

We nailed it. 4 hours 56 minutes and 30km on our feet we came back knowing we couldn’t have done any better or given anymore.  Cold, wet and keen to get the results we sat down to eat the finishers meal and waited for the course to close and results to come in….7th!!!  7th!!!  We’d gained places!  My highest finish ever in a race, never mind a mountain marathon – with a complete stranger by my side!  Astonished didn’t begin to describe the expression on our faces. We knew we had run well, but 7th!

Paul was every bit as amazed as I was, 7th was his best ever result also. To top it all we were 3rd in age category.  3rd!!!

All in all we had plucked triumph from the jaws of my despair – on Thursday evening I wasn’t sure if I was even going to be there at all. To then place in the top ten is still, a few days later… quite astonishing.  I am sure there is a message in there somewhere.  I am still to chuffed to work out what it is though.

Roll on the ROC Mountain Marathon in two weeks time.

Full Results

ONE FOOT IN THE GARGRAVE

Report By Adrienne Olszewska

This is a low key challenge event organised by the LDWA (Long Distance Walkers Association). It’s a 23 mile route around Malhamdale along trails, paths and county lanes and is the perfect event for any runner wanting to try out longer distances. The route is very runnable with only one steep climb up the side of Gordale Scar.

This event was a bit of a confidence booster as I had entered a longer event the following week. I needed to make sure I could still do the time on my feet as I’ve been a bit scant on training over the last couple of months. I managed to joggle round merrily and had a good time as well. The weather was kind despite a wet start and the conditions underfoot weren’t too bad despite a week of continuous rain beforehand.

I finished in 26^th place overall with a time of 5 hours and 33 minutes.

Full Results

SUNDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

LAKE DISTRICT MOUNTAIN TRIALS

Report From Katy Thompson

Wendy Dodds and I took part in the Lake District Mountain Trial from Gatescarth Farm, Buttermere last Sunday. I was doing the Medium course as usual but Wendy had dropped down to the short due to breaking her fibula a couple of months ago.

Runners set off at minute intervals and at my start time of 8.54 the rain was fairly light and in the valley bottom we were sheltered from the wind. However, conditions deteriorated and we were battling into the wind along Hindscarth Edge and down to Honister. Quite a lot of runners called it a day here and ran back down the road to Gatescarth.  After a slow start I was just getting going so carried on over the side of Grey Knotts to Checkpoint 4 on Seathwaite Fell above Sty Head tarn. Here we learnt that the Medium and Classic courses were being abandoned due to the deteriorating conditions and we were sent down to Seathwaite where we were ferried back to the finish. I think I felt disappointment and relief in equal measure. I had been out nearly 4 hours and would probably have been out another 3.

Of 58 starters, ten runners – either very fast or very early starters – did complete the Medium, with a further 15 reaching Checkpoint 4, and prizes were awarded accordingly. The Short course  was completed by 47 out of the 60 starters, including Wendy who had climbed well but found the descents more testing on her injured leg.

I think this is the first time the event has had to be abandoned mid-race, but the organisation was excellent and everybody was accounted for and ferried back to the event centre with little fuss.

Although the courses seemed rather longer than usual, and would have been testing even in good conditions, they offered lots of route choice and the Mountain Trial is a great navigation exercise. The short course can now be tackled in pairs – an ideal introduction to this event.

Full Results

RIBBLE WAY RUN HALF MARATHON

Alison Smith was our only runner in this inaugural trail half marathon. The race takes place along the scenic banks of the River Ribble following the Ribble Way. Alison finished in 74^th place coping admirably with mud, puddles, cows and soggy fields.

Alison Smith at the Ribble Way Half Marathon.

Full Results

THE GREAT NORTH RUN

Report from Lynsey Birtwistle

Sunday 10th sept saw me take on my third great north run. The weather was a bit damp when we got to the start and quite chilly but perfect for running really. We met up with team Clayton Karen, Anita, helen and mark and then everyone went into their pens for warm up. This was my first race back since breaking my toe and I hadn’t run anywhere near half marathon distance since may so I was feeling the pressure. I set off too quick (which is quite normal for me!) but managed to find a comfortable pace around the 8 minute mile mark and stuck at it. The support of the crowds is amazing and really spurs you on. I began to struggle around 9 miles which I knew I would through lack of training and I had to really grit my teeth and dig in. When I came down onto the sea front in South Shields I knew I was in with a chance of sub 1:45 which I secretly wanted to get. I gave it everything down that final mile and crossed the line in 1:44:59!!! I don’t half make it difficult for myself sometimes. This is a 5 minute pb so definitely gave me a confidence boost and I got to meet the legend steve cram who asked me about my race!!! Well done team Clayton great day out

Team Clayton at the Great North Run

Report from Colin White

Despite protests of injury and not expecting a great time before the race he managed to come home in his fastest GNR time of 1:40:52 for his best position of 3069th.

Full Results

THE YORKSHIREMAN

There were Clayton runners in all three categories in this year’s Yorkshireman off road marathon. Congratulation to Christopher Holdsworth on his win in the half marathon despite a navigational error at the beginning of the race!

Marathon Solo Runners

Alex Cran was our first finisher in 39th place with a time of 4:28. Three Clayton ladies also ran finishing in 94th, 96th and 115th place.

L-R Vicky Heys, Angela Shian and Irene Roche. Photos by Woodentops

Marathon Pairs Runners

Dave Motley won the pairs even running with former Claytoner Ian Livesey. Martin Terry and Dawn Terry were 10th overall in the pairs race.

Martin and Dawn Terry at the Yorkshireman Off Road Marathon. Photo by Woodentops

Half Marathon Runners

Christopher Holdsworth at the Yorkshireman Half Marathon. Photo by Woodentops

Full Results

WWRS MANCHESTER

The WRRS was held in Wythenshawe Park on 10 September for a second year. One of the most exciting and varied courses in the race series, the route takes place largely over trails, including grassy parkland and dirt paths and starts and finishes on a local athletics track, situated within the park.

Report from Michelle Abbott

The women’s Manchester 10 k was a 2 lap course starting then finishing with a full lap of the track. The course though was more of a xc and trail, with a bit of ducking through trees kind of run. I wasn’t on set for a race just a nice steady away run so was surprised I came in in 9^th place overall.  It was well organised with lots of support on route

Full Results

SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

HARDMOORS 60

The Hardmoors 60 route follows the Cleveland Way from Guisborough to Filey passing through coastal resorts and fishing villages such as Saltburn, Staithes, Robin Hoods Bay, Ravenscar, Scarborough and Filey while following cliff tops for the main duration of the race. Competitors will have 18 hours to complete the 62 miles.

Ultra-runner Martin Terry who was 1st V50 at the Hardmoors 60

Awaiting official results but congratulations to Clayton runner Martin Terry who was 1st V50 in this year’s event.

JUNIOR HOME INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN RACES

Congratuations to Briony Holt who after earning an England vest went on to finish in 4^th place in this event and 3^rd England counter.England won in both age categories U17s and U20s in boys and girls. A great debut performance for Briony.

Briony Holt running for England at the Junior Home International Mountain Running event. Photo by Woodentops

Report from Briony Holt

After three weeks of waiting for the weekend of the Junior home international, it was finally here. We travelled up to Scotland on the Friday to be greeted with an outdoor adventure centre, where some of my England team mates were. The first part of the weekend was basically just a meet and greet session, putting bags in the dorms and getting ready to check out the course. It was also a chance to get some food before driving to Peebles as we were all starving!

When we first saw what we were running up, everyone was surprised by how flat it was, not the type of route I’m used to – these thoughts were soon changed on the day of the race! It started on a gradual uphill that lead to a funnel to get through a gate in the wall. Then the hill got a little steeper which followed by a gradual downhill section leading us to the next ‘climb’. We contoured around the hill for a little bit before being hit by the steepest section of the course about half way round. I’d say that this part was the only real hill in it! Then the undulating downhill started which lasted for basically the rest of the course. From the races I’d been used to running, it was a lot flatter and this added to the nerves that were already there. I knew I would find it hard! After an early start, it was race day. The face paint and glitter were ready to be applied and our England kits were all lined up along the dormitory floor. The atmosphere was surprisingly calm but I think everyone was quietly nervous!

Briony Holt (2nd from left) with her England Team Mates. Photo by Woodentops

We arrived at Peebles High School where Dave and Eileen Woodhead were ready for pre race photos with the England team. He had a stash of GB flags including a Yorkshire flag (his home ground)! Everyone was kept there for a good 10 minutes which helped calm the nerves as they took our minds off the actual race. Considering how small the pens were, I knew that I wouldn’t get a good start. However, I soon caught up with a good uphill to the first section of downhill. I was in 5th place for most of the race until the downhill section where I managed to make ground on the girl in front which secured me fourth position and third England counter. For my first international race, I was over the moon as I wasn’t expecting anything above 6th place! We won the team as well which is always a bonus! I loved the experience as it was a chance to race against some of the top athletes in Britain, but most importantly, it was an opportunity to get to know some of my fellow competitors better. Thankyou to all of the coaches and team mates who have helped me achieve my goal, and to my parents for being the weekend taxi!

NORTHERN ATHLETICS ROAD RELAY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Men

The men ran six stages and the club entered 4 teams. Team A were 30th with a combined time of 2:13:21, Team C were 91st with a combined time of 2:39:15, Team D were 101st with a combined time of 2:56:25. Unfortunately, Team B were disqualified but ran an excellent combined time of 2:22:58.

Full Results

Ladies

The ladies ran four stages and the club entered 2 teams. Team A finished in 18th place with Laura Hesketh winning the first leg. She ran the 3rd fastest leg in the ladies competition. Team B finished in 51st place with a combined time of 1:50:34

Clayton Ladies at the Northern Athletic Road Relay Championships

Report from Angela Shian

We went to Sports City on Saturday with 2 ladies teams: these types of events always get the butterflies going when you’re on start line, crowded in with top sprinters..!! In an overwhelming stadium, (loudest cheers of encouragement coming from team orange of course.!) team A was Laura Hesketh, Claire vincent, Amanda Duffy & Donna Airey. All 4 ran fantastic legs. Coming a very respectful 18th position overall. We nearly burst with excitement as Laura came sprinting into the Stadium in first position on leg 1, she had an outstanding run, and achieved 3rd over all on fastest leg. Team 2: Michelle abbot headed out in leg 1, Lyndsay Birtwistle (made her relay debut leg 2) Vicky heys was on leg 3 and myself on leg 4, our overall position was 51, out of 86 teams (quite a few dq) A big thank you to both teams to the ladies that ran, we to make sure we continue to compete in these prestigious events and of course, cheer the loudest..!!

Full Results

Juniors

The club entered 8 junior teams.

Clayton Juniors at the Northern Athletics Road Relay Championships

U13 Girls finished in 18th place. U13 Boys A Team finished in 12th place and U13 Boys B Team were 19th. U15 Girls A Team finished in 27th place and U15 Girls B Team were 36th. U15 Boys Team A Finished in 26th place and U15 Boys B Team were 41st. U17 Mens Team were 27th.

Full Results

RED ROSE 50

Report from Adrienne Olszewska

Adrienne Olszewska and Nicholas Olszewski took part in the inaugural Red Rose 50, a 50 mile (well actually 52 mile) challenge event organised by the LDWA. The route starts and finishes at Jumbles Sailing Club taking competitors up and over Winter Hill, on to Rivington, Brinscall, Houghton, Mellor Brook, Witton Park, Tockholes, Darwen Tower, Entwistle Reservoir and Holcombe Tower.

In typical LDWA style entrants were provided a detailed route description and looked after superbly at 8 checkpoints groaning with goodies to keep you going. The recent rainy weather made the going especially boggy on the various moorland sections and I managed to fall over quite a lot almost from the start. So much so, that at the first checkpoint I was asked if I had enjoyed the spa treatments! The conditions underfoot made for slow going at times but that was countered by some nice, easy flattish bits where I was able to trot along and get in front of the speedy walkers that kept passing me on the climbs. Even as a veteran of LDWA events, I am still constantly amazed and impressed by the speed that some of those walkers can maintain.

I was hoping to finish at midnight and to get to the checkpoint at Entwistle reservoir before it got dark enough for a head torch. As I was running around the reservoir in almost total darkness, I missed the steps up to the top carpark and found myself at the damn. So I headed up the road to get to it the other way and saw car lights. With a cheery hello I appeared out of the darkness full of mud to see some people and some cars who were most definitely NOT an LDWA checkpoint. Awkward! I beat a hasty retreat and headed back, fortunately a couple of people were just heading up the steps and I finally found the checkpoint.

The final section in the dark was the tricky navigation around the back of Bull Hill skirting the MOD firing range. It’s boggy and tricky even in the daylight so it was a welcome relief to have teamed up with a speedy walker who knew the route and to find a set of red lights marking the route like a runway strip!

Didn’t quite hit the midnight target but only over by 25 minutes. I am happy with 16 hours 25 minutes and 47th place,considering my lack of serious training and the conditions underfoot. There were 166 starters and 25 retirements.

Nick has been plagued with injuries for much of the year so this event was ideal to tackle as a test of his recovery. He had a fantastic run with no navigational errors and was at the front of the event in a group of four or five runners from start to finish. He finished in 4^th place with a time of 11 hours and 15 minutes. A great return to form.

Full Results

THREE SHIRES FELL RACE

A baker’s dozen of Clayton Harriers were on the entry list for this race and several orange hoops have been spotted on the photos. Still awaiting results.

Report from Alan Dorrington

The shire counties of Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire may have long changed themselves, but the Three Shires boundary stone still lies at the top of the Wrynose Pass road and forms the central point of the race which is named after it. Starting and finishing in Little Langdale, at the eponymously named pub, the Three Shires race is a classic AL Lakeland race, which whilst just scraping a “Long” classification, certainly deserves its A category. A nice easy start rolling along to Greenburn is abruptly replaced by a brutal and very long climb up Birk Fell and then up onto Wetherlam. It’s tough mentally as you can see exactly where you are headed as the race stretches out above you and tough physically as the route gains around 1700ft in1 mile of distance.

Clayton Runners at the Three Shires Fell Race. Photo by Steve Wilson

Thankfully once Wetherlam summit is reached it becomes much more runnable, down off the back of Black Sails with only the rocky path up Prison Band to Swirl How to break things up. Clear conditions on the day meant the runners had fantastic views all around the Coniston Fells and over to Bowfell and Scafell. The route then drops pretty much in a straight line down sometimes boggy slopes toward the Three Shires Stone on the Wrynose road. Just under half distance and so far so good. But the hardest part of the race is to come, up and over Pike ‘O’ Blisco before a long and at times taxing descent down Wrynose Fell to Blea Tarn.

The final part of the race up and over Lingmoor Fell is a real test of resolve. The climb is long, at times steep, often boggy and with a couple of false summits. If you had anything in reserve at that point, it’s soon used up and it’s a real battle to keep moving well, up and over Mart Crag and onto a long run into the finish back at the pub. I had my usual inability to move well downhill later on in the race, and so struggled in somewhat slower than I had hoped, but the tea and pasty at the finish soon took care of that and the satisfaction of completing one of the longstanding classic Lakeland races in great weather soon replaced any grumpiness about times and the like.

Report from Carl Helliwell

AWAITING RESULTS

SUNDAY 17 SEPTEMBER

ASDA FOUNDATION BURY 10K

Top ten finishes for Danny Collinge and Calum Holmes at the Asda Foundation Bury 10K.

Team Clayton at the Asda Foundation Bury 10K

Full Results

BURNLEY LEISURE 10K

Report from Luke Turner

I do the course a lot on training runs so despite doing the road relays yesterday I decided to still have a go at racing it. The conditions were good, dry and not too cold. I went out in the leading pack of 3 and sat on the shoulders of the other two comfortably for the first 4 miles. Unfortunately going into the 5th mile yesterday’s relays caught up with me and my legs started to tire and I fell off pace a little. I managed to come home in 3rd which I’m really happy with having ran the race on very fragile legs. It’s one of my favourite courses and I’ll definitely be back next year hopefully for the win

Happy Harriers at the Burnley Leisure 10K

Full Results

EMBSAY FELL RACE

Richard Briscoe was our sole runner in Embsay Fell Race organised by BOFRA.

Full Results

YARROW RIVER SPLASH 10K

A scenic one lap race in and around woodland, following the River Yarrow, starting and finishing in the Yarrow Valley Country Park, Chorley. This course takes in the crossing of the River Yarrow. Deborah Greenwood and Bianca ran in the race.

Deborah Greenwood and Bianca Bennett after the Yarrow Splash

Report from Bianca Bennett

Muddy fun with a scenic route. The course was well signposted and marshalled. I haven’t raced in a while and I was glad I picked this race. It has blown the cobwebs off and given me my mojo back. Great XC prep too!

Full Results

PARKRUN RESULTS

Latest parkrun results for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

Latest Burnley junior parkrun results

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