Category Archive Seniors

Summer runnin’, had me a blast! Yes dear readers, summer is here and you lot are busy racing here, there and everywhere. Even slipping in a sneaky race or parkrun whilst on holidays at times. It’s been yet another action-packed week with superb turnouts at local events and great performances on show across the board from juniors to supervets.

TUESDAY 30 MAY

OGDEN VALLEY ROUND

The Ogden Valley Round is the first race in our club summer series. The series is extended to members of Trawden AC and three of their runners also took part. There was a great turnout of 39 runners with plenty of first timers in the Club summer series.

Danny Collinge was the first man over the finish in under an hour. Cassandra Smedley was the first lady finisher. An additional element to racing is added as each runner predicts the time they think they will achieve in the race with a handicap position being given to the closest estimate. Andy Dugdale had the best estimated time with a difference of only 14 seconds.

Report from Teresa de Curtis

Tuesday night saw a group of Clayton members completing the 6 mile Ogden Round fell race organised by Paul Healey. No watches were allowed and the runners had to estimate their finishing times in order to be in for a chance to win a prize.

Teresa de Curtis at the Ogden Valley Round. Photo by David Belshaw

Report from Cassie Smedley

Cassie Smedley and Wayne McIntosh racing at the Ogden Valley Round race. Photo by David Belshaw

I decided to do the Ogden and Pendle summer series race on Tuesday night. Turning into Barley I started worrying about the cloud cover over Pendle, but whilst signing up was told I would be OK, and wouldn’t get lost and had lots of encouragement by others signing up. So glad that I did. The climbs were tough, the descents were so much fun, and I absolutely loved it. Thanks to all for all your positivity pre race, as I’m sure I would have backed out otherwise.

Report from Lucy Scott

Tuesday evening is usually JR’s summer training, me and James had missed the previous couple of weeks so we were looking forward to a social run out with the team.

We turned up to Barley Car Park in the drizzle and met with other team members for a quick chat about what was actually happening that evening… the next thing I remember is walking out of the pub with my bib number, it turns out we were running the Clayton Summer Series!

Lucy Scott and James Dunderdale at the Ogden Valley Round. Photo by David Belshaw

I had no idea about the course or where the start was so we followed the crowd and made our way to the start line. The race began and the weather was getting gradually worse as we made our way up Pendle Hill;  visibility wasn’t great either.
As a team we ran up the hills, down the hills, back and forth over a stream and thoroughly enjoyed it all! The sun even came out for the last mile!

The time that I had guessed to finish at was way off but I shall have a better idea next time I think. Me and James are looking forward to doing the next one at the end of June in Worsthorne. Highly recommended

Full Results

WEDNESDAY 31 MAY

BADGER STONES RELAY

Report from Racheal White

Clayton Juniors Helana White and Jenson Bentham wanted to take part in the Badger Stone Fell Relay Race so, with a last minute shout for a third junior, back came a familiar face, Dexta Thompson, to make the team up. It was lovely to hear the ribbing of the different teams whilst driving over and I am convinced that it took longer for them to come up with their team name “Jammy Dodgers” than it did to actually run the race.

L-R Dexta Thompson, Helana White and Jenson Bentham aka Team “Jammy Dodger”

Looking at last year’s results there were lots of teams taking part so we were really surprised to discover there were only 4 junior teams (2 Boys teams, 1 mixed and 1 female) and only a small number of adult teams for the fell relay race who turned up for this year. Jenson went first and put the team in a good position of 2nd place. He handed over to Helana who was slowly making ground up on 1st place until the 3rd place team runner turned wrongly before the second hill climb and took a big chunk off their run, by cutting their distance short – putting team Jammy Dodgers in 3rd.  Dexta went last and tried to close down the place, but the advantage the other team had was too much. However, as the only mixed Junior team they were 1st place in this class.

Helana was given the trophy for fastest female on the night after beating all the girls team. (The team that messed their route up were given sweets for the most “inventive route”, which was a nice way to handle it) A fun night out, with lots of laughing, giggling & running from the “old” team.  This would be even better with more teams and would make a great relay race for next year.

AWAITING RESULTS

OTLEY CHEVIN

Dave Bagot was our only runner in this 2.8 mile mid-week fell race. Organised by Skyrac AC the race has 689ft of ascent as runners head to the top of the Chevin and back.

Dave Bagot at the Otley Chevin fell race. Photo by Woodentops

Full Results

THURSDAY 1 JUNE

HEBDEN BRIDGE FELL RACE

James Williamson was our sole runner in this 6 mile fell race run over trail and open moorland from in Hebden Bridge, with a steep climb up to Stoodley Pike and back. He finished in 17^th place with a time of 50:04 in a field of 85 runners.

Report from James Williamson

A last minute decision saw me making the short journey over the border to Hebden Bridge as the sole representative for Clayton in this low key fell race. After a disappointing outing at Weets English Champs race, I was hoping the legs had woken up after a few ‘easier’ days training….. Short fells aren’t my strong point, so I’ve planned to race a few more mid-weekers this summer to help me sharpen up.

The race is 6.2 miles, 1400ft ascent & sets off from the track adjacent to Calder Holmes Park, taking you on a steep ascent to Stoodley Pike monument before some fast running over open moorland as you descend back to the park via dense woodland. I set off nice & bonny to the Pike sitting towards the top 3rd of the field, once I’d touched the monument i knew i could make good ground on the group in front, i opened my stride and enjoyed a comfortable descent back to the finish taking several places on the way. 17th place in around 50 mins & a slightly better outing than Weets – a plus point was knocking 15 minutes off my previous time in this race from 2015!

Full Results

HENDERSON’S END

94 runners entered Hendersons End fell race to run a tough course that starts at the upper barn at Rivington and climbs to the Pigeon Tower, Pike, 2 Lads and the Trig Point before returning back almost the same way to finish back at the barn. This course is approx. 6.8 miles with 1200 ft. of ascent and is a good testing run.

Andrew Howarth was our sole runner finishing in 57^th place.

Full Results

INGLETON SCENERY

A trio of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers took the trip across the border to Yorkshire for the Ingleton Scenery Race. This is a 4.7 mile route around the beautiful Ingleton Falls with 886ft of ascent. Richard Briscoe was our first finisher in 34^th place with Andrew Dugdale in 47^th and Peter Dugdale in 51^st was also 1^st V60. A total of 68 runners took part.

Report from Richard Briscoe

What a cracking race! A scenic trail race round the wonderful Ingleton Waterfalls. If you like running up steps and stone slabs this is for you. Last Thursday night there were three different races on but I wanted something different. For four pounds you get race entry and a bottle of beer, you can’t complain.

Full Results

SATURDAY 3 JUNE

ABERSOCH 10K

Even a holiday is a reason to race. Jane Hylands took advantage of a local race while she was on holiday in Wales.

Report from Jane Hylands

DUDDON VALLEY

Andy Laycock and Dave Bagot took part in this classic Lakeland fell race covering 18 miles around the head of the Duddon Valley with 6000ft of climb over Harter, Hardknott, Little Stand, Swirl How, Dow Crag, White Pike and Caw.

Report from Andy Laycock

I’ve fancied doing one of the classic Lakeland fell races for a while so with a favorable weather forecast I thought I’d give Duddon a go. There was just Dave Bagot and me in Clayton vests in small but strong field of runners lined up in Seathwaite. With the majority of the climbing in the first half of the route, I tried to take it steady until Three Shires Stone and keep something in the tank for the long drag up to Swirl How.

Andy Laycock at the Duddon Valley race. Photo by Granddayout Photography.

Thankfully conditions were pretty near perfect, clear skies made for easy navigating and a light breeze kept the heat in check. At the top of Swirl How I managed to get myself into a small group with some local runners, they knew the best lines and I was happy to follow for as long as I could keep up. After a tricky descent off White Pike there was just one small climb left, but what looks small and insignificant on the map feels very different 17 miles in. Relieved to see the flagged descent, I headed down off Caw and over the line in 3:12:20, utterly exhausted but a brilliant day on the fells.

AWAITING RESULTS

GRASMERE GALLOP

The Grasmere Gallop 17km Trail Race takes in some of the most beautiful and iconic landscape in the Lake District; Loughrigg Terrace, Loughrigg Fell and Loughrigg Tarn, then returning to the village via the jewels of Rydal Water and Grasmere lake.

Breton Holdsworth at the Grasmere Gallop

Breton Holdsworth took part in the 17K Grasmere Gallop trail race. He finished in 2^nd place with a time of 1:11:54. A total of 172 runners took part.

Full Results

KELBROOK

Over 50 Clayton Harriers ran in the latest race of the popular and local Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix series. Jordan McDonald was the first Clayton finisher in 5th place overall with Tom Brester and Luke Turner hot on his heels in 6th and 7th. There were strong performances from our young runners Nick Hennessey and Michael Stevens who were 1st and 2nd MU18 respectively. Irene Roche was our first Clayton in 70th place and 3rd lady.  Jane Ryan was 1st W40, Nerina Gill was 1st W45 and Irene Roche was 1st W55.

Report from Irene Roche

Jordan McDonald and Luke Turner at the Kelbrook race. Photo by David Belshaw

Another warm, sunny day once again for this short, yet challenging, Kellbrook fell race. Quite a good turnout for the 5th race of the Pendle and Burnley Grandprix, to say lots of other races choices were on offer for the weekend. The terrain was dry which helped with faster running this year.

Clayton Ladies out in force at the Kelbrook race. Photo by David Belshaw

Clayton ladies won the team prize with other Clem prizes awarded too. Have to say it was good to see so much tangerine about, including relative newcomers to the club giving the race a go.

Irene Roche, with Carl Carey chasing, at the Kelbrook race. Photo by David Belshaw

Well done everyone, with the usual thanks to all who make it happen, including spectators.

Full Results

PENYGHENT

There were nine Clayton vests at the Penyghent fell race. Peter Coates was our first Clayton man in 15th place overall.  Jo Perry was our first Clayton Lady. Super vet Keiran Carr was 69th overall and 1st V70.

A weekend of 2 “Pen’s” – Part One (Sarah Helliwell)

With Kelbrook and Penyghent fell races clashing, Sarah decided to have a go at something new. She took me up on my recommendation and told me she was doing Penyghent . I was on kids duty at the “Gala” as Sarah & Jo Perry set of through Horton with the other 140-ish runners plus a decent turn out from Clayton.

Sarah Helliwell at the Penyghent fell race. Photo by James Williamson

Once of the road it was tough going up the climb with the sun shining as runners were grateful for the breeze near the top. Jo had the stronger legs early on, however it was after my usual 30 mins before I got going and started to slowly pick of runners on the steeper section near the top. On the way back down I had a good tussle with about 4 runners before the last climb back over to Horton and the show field. Peter Coates was the first Clayton runner back with his usual solid run. Legend Kieran Carr won Vet 70 and me and Jo were the lasses holding up the rear. This is a great race as it has got a bit of everything – road, track, good tough steep climb and good decent and lots of grassy stuff in between!

Race report from Peter Coates

Penyghent fell race on Saturday is a 5.5 mile fell race with 1650 foot of ascent that is part of the Horton in Ribblesdale gala. Good turnout from Clayton Harriers to enjoy a great race in a fantastic location. The race leaves the gala field and follows the road through the village towards Brackenbottom before beginning the climb up to Penyghent. The climb gets increasingly steep up to the final bit of the climb which is a bit of a scramble up the rocks to the summit.

Peter Coates at the Penyghent fell race. Photo by James Williamson

There was a slight route change at the summit from previous years due to the path reconstruction which added a bit of extra distance. I managed to pass a couple of runners on the fast descent before the final sting in the tail with the climb up to Whitber Hill from which I managed to hold my position on the run back towards the cart track and back down into Horton. A great family day out was enjoyed and happy with a finish of 15th overall.

Full Results

WHARFEDALE TRAIL HALF MARATHON

This was the 15th year of the running of the Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon and it was held in perfect conditions with runners greeted by warm sunshine, a slight breeze and very dry underfoot conditions with many runners opting to race in light weight road shoes. 418 runners took part on the day.

Chris Snell at the Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon. Photo by Woodentops

Three Clayton Harriers took part with Chris Snell finishing first for the club in 38^th place, Chris Funnell Was 88^th and Jeffery Pickup was 140^th.

Report from Chris Funnell

I really enjoyed Saturday’s trail race. Starting from Wharfedale Rugby Club in Grassington. Had a quick catch up with Chris Snell and Jeff Pickup before the off. It’s the first time I’d done the race and Jeff said the climb up to Mastile goes on (and on….).

Chris Funnell at the Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon. Photo by Woodentops

It was a beautiful clear day and the long climbs ahead were clearly visible. The route took in some spectacular scenery and craggy views and it felt really good to be racing back in this neck of the woods.

Jeff Pickup at the Wharfedale Half Marathon

Full Results

SUNDAY 4 JUNE

BURNLEY 10K

Now in its fifth year, Burnley 10K runners took on the new course that was announced last year.

Like waiting for a bus – all of a sudden three arrive at once! Photo by David Belshaw

The new route begins and finishes in Towneley Park, in the shadow of the majestic Towneley Hall, the jewel in Burnley’s historic crown.

Helen Welsh and Melanie Hirst. Happy Burnley 10K finishers. Photo by Neil Welsh

Runners have a flat and fast start and run along the bottom of the Park’s Events Triangle before heading along Hall Road and turning right after the Stables Café. They then follow the tree-lined causeway out of the park for a long downhill section along Todmorden Road.

Junior runner Aaron Lundi at the Burnley 10K. Photo by David Belshaw

The route then levels out to cross Harry Potts Way at Turf Moor, and follows Belvedere Road to the fire station before turning left into Thompson Park. The course follows the picturesque paths taking in the beautiful Boating Lake and Italian Gardens.

Runners leave Thompson Park at Queen Victoria Road then head up Queens Park Road, taking in further parkland then down Ormerod Road to meet Belvedere Road again and the flat and triumphant return to Towneley Park.

Report from Amanda Duffy

Amanda Duffy racing to the finish with club mate Paul Foster. Photo by David Belshaw

It was an early start for one of my favourite races of the year the Burnley 10k. The new route starts and finishes in Townley Park. After having a bad run last year I had a bone to pick with that course!

The support all around the course was amazing as always and it really does help.

The toughest part of the course for me was the quarry, but it was nice to see Richard Lawson at the top cheering us on! I felt good on the rest of the course and finished 7th female.

It was a great well organised event with lots of excellent performances from team Clayton.

Full Results

KETTLEWELL

Kettlewell fell race is the latest race in the BOFRA championship. A trio of Clayton Harriers took part.

Report from Andy Holt

This was my Second attempt at the BOFRA Kettlewell fell race; one and a half miles of lung busting ascents, scree runs and tussocks on a lovely summer’s afternoon.

Again I’d have my eyes on the clock trying to emulate my daughter, who runs the same route as an U17.

Andy Holt at the Kettlewell fell race. Photo by Woodentops

I remembered waiting at the bottleneck at the top of the first climb last so worked hard up the hill gaining a dozen or so places, and for the first time I could see the front of the race in front of me.

Trying to run again here was difficult but I managed to potter along, losing places on the runnable bits but catching up and overtaking the group around me on the inclines. The run down for me is pure survival, three ledges starting at a near vertical incline then bottoming  out for several hundred yards until the next one. The last ridge finishes in a scree run which is made worse by the speed you carry into it from the decent above.

I survived, tried and failed miserably overtaking the group of runners in front of me and finished with more cake a dip in the nearby stream.

The times aren’t out yet but some nifty stalking on Strava gives me a rough time of a minute quicker than last year and 10 places higher at 17th. Classic BOFRA fell race, well worth the drive and effort.

Richard Briscoe(67^th), Briony(1^st)and Jenson (15^th)are the three other hoops on show representing clayton today.

U17 Race

Briony Holt was our only runner in the U17 race. She finished 12th overall and 1st girl.

Briony Holt at the presentation for the Kettlewell U17 Race. Photo by Woodentops

U12 RACE

Jenson Bentham having put in a strong performance to finish in 18th place in the U12 race

Full Results

PENDLE CLOUGHS

Newly taken over by our club member, Mark Nutter, this is a low-key, cracker of a race. A perfect run for anyone put off by the inclement weather often faced at the Stan Bradshaw or Full Tour of Pendle. The route is open to interpretation as long as all checkpoints are visited and there’s plenty of climbing and good running to be had. A race that you should definitely have on your ‘to do’ list.

And they’re off! Runners setting off on the Pendle Cloughs fell race. Photo by Andy Firth

A weekend of 2 “Pen’s” – Part 2 (Carl Helliwell)

With my 3 Peaks mileage in my legs I thought I should be doing myself justice and doing a few more longer races, plus with Ralph Baines BG next weekend I had to make sure I am fit enough to help on leg 3! So I decided to do “Pendle Cloughs”, which meant I would give Peter Coates a break at Penyghent (he told me he was bored and missed me), however it meant I had Dave Motley to put up with!

My aim was to turn up, have a go and have a nice day out on our local hill. The race starts at the picturesque village of Downham, as 30 runners mingled in the sunshine with maps in hand. It roughly took me 3 minutes before I forget my mantra and thought right “where’s Motley”? I realised this was a bad mistake as he told me he’d been out the night before, was struggling to keep upright and we both took a bad line to CP1. It was then evident to me that Motley wasn’t the challenge of the day. Que “Alan Life” who knew the route (unlike me – when I studied it for 10mins at midnight the night before).

Carl Helliwell at the Pendle Cloughs Fell Race. Photo by Andy Laycock

This was my next error as CP2 was not on the wall as I thought and I saw quite a few runners out of the corner of my eye now running to CP3 and coming past me. It took me until the trig to regain my losses and I decided it was now “operation Alan” and I was going to use his knowledge and experience. I also felt that Alan help me enjoy the race and route at a more sensible pace and attitude than I had with my “headless chicken” moments for the first few miles. Alan was definitely the stronger of us 2, as he picked good route options and it was good see what he chose as I studied the map on the way round. He then started to pull away from me as we headed back towards the trig, CP8 and the decent back to Downham. As my guide had disappeared and left me! It was at CP8 I lost 4 places and had to retrace back up the well, which was “well annoying”. This was because I took the top path and not the lower path – idiot!

With tired legs and brain (plus the dreaded cramp looming in my calves) I decided to go back to my mantra and enjoy the last few miles of the race. I was glad to see the finish of what was an eventful day.

I would honestly say that this is a “belting race” and it is great hearing all the tales afterwards of who went where and how the positions where jostled from start to finish, this makes it an enjoyable and fun race. More so than in a normal fell race. This is a great race to take you to different areas of Pendle, to build confidence and gain navigational skills. Many people ran it in pairs, which was good to see. It’s a shame Alan didn’t let me – only joking!

Well done to all Clayton runners, marshals, and Mark Nutter for organising the event. I am sure it will grow in popularity. I will definitely be back as I have unfinished business with a few of them checkpoints…

Full Results

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

As always our club members have been out and about at a range of parkruns in a range of locations. This week saw a visit to Bushy parkrun, the very first parkrun location, a 5th birthday celebration with fancy dress and cake at Towneley Park in Burnley and a new course record at Pendle parkrun for Chris Holdsworth.

Abingdon parkrun – A total of 382 runners took part.

Blackpool parkrun – A total of 220 runners took part.

Burnley parkrun – A total of 406 runners took part.

Happy 5th Birthday Burnley parkrun!

Clayton junior runners ready for the birthday parkrun at Towneley. Photo by David Belshaw

Bushy parkrun – A total of 1242 runners took part.

Cuerden Valley parkrun – A total of 179 runners took part.

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 114 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun – A total of 80 runners took part.

Congratulations to Chris Holdsworth for his new course record at Pendle parkrun.

Chris Holdsworth taking the course record at Pendle parkrun