Category Archive Seniors

ByJim Hickie

Moorhouse’s sponsorship

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers are delighted to announce that Moorhouse’s Brewery are proud sponsors of our Pendle Fell Races and Club Fell Competitions for 2019.

Moorhouses Clayton BannerAll adult finishers in the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round, Pendle Fell Race, Pendle Cloughs Fell Race, Mearley Clough Fell Race and Pendleton Fell Race will receive a bottle of Moorhouse’s beer. And Clayton-le-Moors Blonde ABV 3.9% will provide much needed refreshment for tired runners in the local pub after each race.

Moorhouse’s prizes will be awarded to members successful in our 2018 and 2019 Club Fell Championship, Pendle Aggregrate Trophy Competitions, and John North Trophy competitions. Clayton-le-Moors Blonde ABV 3.9% will enhance the celebrations at our annual Awards Evening held on 22nd March at Turf Moor.

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers are not only passionate for fell running but also for the mystical landscape of Pendle Hill, famous for its long-told myths and legends. We look forward to sharing some of Pendle’s secrets with Moorhouse’s during 2019.

ByAlan Dorrington

From snowdrifts to snowdrops – the March and April Roundup

3 March – Mid Lancs XC League Round 6

This was the cross-country final that nearly wasn’t. Whilst the Beast from the East did it’s best to snowdrift the country into a complete standstill, the M6 northwards and western fringes of the Lake District were strangely replete of snow, allowing the Mid Lancs XC crowd to head north for this new fixture up in Ulverston, at the Glaxo site on the very edge of Morecombe Bay.

A bone hard and undulating course, with a somewhat coolish breeze coming off the Bay greeted the runners, with trail and fell shoes being the preferred option for most runners.

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Helana White to the fore. Photo:

Juniors

Amelia Halstead capped off a breakthrough xc season with a fine 4th place in the U11G, not far behind the winner and putting her into a series 4th overall. Her regular team mates Ellisia Smedley, Emily Nicholls and Joni Higgins helped the Clayton girls to 10th overall.

Charlie Barnes led the U11B home in 28th, and with Fraser Anforth and Josh McKay the boys took 12th palce in the team competition.

Helana White continued to blaze a trail at the front of the U13G with a fine 3rd, with Ella Dorrington in 9th and the fast improving Imogen Ferguson in 22nd. A few tense hours waiting for final results confirmed the U13G team in 3rd place overall just behind Blackburn and just ahead of Trawden, a great result for them after a full season of working hard toward that team prize.

Robbie Smedley in 3rd was followed by William Nicholls 13th, and Matthew Jackson 14th and this allowed them to claim  3rd place in the U13B team prize by one point.

Only Sophie Ashworth ran in the U15G race to14th, with the last minute start line addition of her race number!

Jackson McKay went out hard in the U15B race in an attempt to stamp his authority on the front group and it nearly paid off as he came in a hard fought 4th, with Michael Stevens 10th and brother Peter 13th. Lennon Jackson and Theo Burfield battled away for 22nd  25th. With Harrison Codd who ran in earlier races, the boys came 5th overall.

Josh Hall was our sole U17B in 7th whilst Brinoy Holt in U17G took a fine 2nd place overall in the series.

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Imogen Ferguson was flying in Ulverston. Photo: Cassie Smedley

Seniors

Donna Airey capped off a great season with 13th to give an overall season placing of 16th Senior Lady (8th Vet), whilst Tom Brewster took 15th to give and overall senior Men 9th place.

David Edmondson had a consistent season and took 2nd overall in the Vet 50 competition (7th Vet overall), Andy Holt a top ten in V40 with Calum Holmes 6th in U20 Men. Dave Scott was first in the V70 Men.

Gold Team Prizes (and promotion to Division 1) were awarded for the season to the Division 2 Ladies and V65 Ladies teams, with Silver for our Division 1 Senior Men, and Bronze for the V55 Ladies and V40 Men.

Donna Airey reports:

“Ulverston was the final fixture in the mid Lancs League, A new venue and it didn’t disappoint. In fact, personally one of my favourite’s. Cold, windy, and undulating. Just missing some mud! Great turn out considering the snow around Burnley and hour and half drive up the M6. With the XC season now over, many thanks those who have taken part. Special thanks to Jason for everything he does and those who have helped with the tent. We’ve had plenty of seniors turn up to most fixtures even with some being over an hour’s drive away. We’ve seen some newcomer’s taking part, hope you have all enjoyed it and we will see you again next season. Well Done everyone, here are some of our overall performances”

And that, as they say, was a wrap for cross-country 2017/18

 

10 March – Inter Counties XC

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Briony, Ella, Helana, Josh, Robbie and training partner Jack Villiers with their vests. Photo: Rachael White

There’s mud, and then there is MUD. The 5 Clayton Juniors selected to run for Lancashire had probably never run in worse conditions underfoot and probably never want to again. However, it didn’t deter Helana White, Ella Dorrington, Robbie Smedley, Briony Holt and Josh Hall from donning their shiny white and red Lancashire vests and getting stuck in. All of them did their Club and County proud and we expect to see more of them, and their teammates in Lancashire colours.

Robbie Smedley. And some mud. Photo: Woodentops

Robbie Smedley. And some mud.
Photo: Woodentops

 

10 March – Stan Bradshaw Round

Andrew Holt on his way to a cracking 27th. Photo: David Belshaw

Andrew Holt on his way to a cracking 27th. Photo: David Belshaw

As if one wasn’t enough… Beast from the East 2 arrived in time to threaten loads of fell races this particular and the Stan Bradshaw Round on our beloved Pendle Hill was no exception. However, a judicious course alteration from organiser Colin Woolford and some heroic marshalling meant the race avoided the cancellation that befell many other races in the region.

The now shortened course followed the normal start route to CP1, CP2 then left along the next wall to Ogden Clough, down to upper Ogden Dam and what was CP5, then up to Fell Wood to an amended CP6 giving roughly 12k in all. And a thoroughly testing day out with cold winds, frozen turf in places and deep drifts to wade through in others.

There were  21 Clayton runners led home by Chris Holdsworth in 3rd overall. Tara Robb was 1st Clayton Lady home (5th Lady overall).

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Michelle Butschok, wrapped up against the cold. Photo: David Belshaw

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Chris Holdsworth, moving quick enough not to need tights! Photo: David Belshaw

Full Results

 

25 March – FRA English Junior Championships

It was the usual late March start for the FRA English Junior Championships series, and like 2 years ago, Todd Crag in Ambleside was the setting for the first race of the season. The snow had gone, the sun shone and the racing was fast but technical on a rough and steep Lakeland course.

Jenson Bentham was 12th in the U13B with Helana White chasing hard for 3rd place in the U13G.

Jackson McKay took 5th and Ella Dorrington 16th in the U15B and G races, whilst Peter Stevens got the better, just ahead of brother Michael in the U17B race, taking 22nd and 23rd respectively. Briony Holt was 5th U17G.

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Jenson Bentham. Photo: Dave Rylance

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Ella Dorrington. Photo: Dave Rylance

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Briony Holt. Photo:

Full Results

7 April – Pendle Fell Races

Wet and claggy weather was booked for Pendle again this year, to celebrate the incorporation of the Lancashire Fell Running Championships into this long-running club fixture. Two new organisers also took over this year, Mark Nutter (Senior race) and Alan Dorrington (Junior races).

Juniors

Jackson McKay - U15B Lancashire Fell Champion

Jackson McKay – U15B Lancashire Fell Champion. Photo: Woodentops

In the Juniors there were Lancashire medals for Jackson McKay who was Lancashire Champion in U15B, Helana White with silver in the U13G and Ella Dorrington with silver in the U15G. Many of our other Juniors also took part in the races, with several top ten performances from the likes of Jenson Bentham (7th) and Matthew Jackson (8th) in U13B, Robbie Smedley (6th) and William Nicholls (7th) in U15B and Imogen Ferguson 7th in U15G.

Peter Stevens also impressed in the U17B, narrowly missing out on a medal in 4th, with Josh Hall in 6th. Sophie Ashworth was 5th in U17G with a very muddy and shoeless Millie Stubbs in 7th and Beth Wheatcroft returning from injury in 8th.

Helana White - a silver medal in the U13G. Photo: Woodentops

Helana White – a silver medal in the U13G. Photo: Woodentops

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Ella Dorrington – also a silver medal in the U15G. Photo: Woodentops

Peter Stevens just missed out on a Lancashire medal in 4th. Photo: Woodentops

Peter Stevens just missed out on a Lancashire medal in 4th. Photo: Woodentops

Junior Results

Seniors

Jim Hickie wonders if his watch has started after all. Photo: Woodentops

Jim Hickie wonders how his new watch is supposed to work, while Mr Go Pro man behind captures it all for Youtube. Photo: Woodentops

In the Under 19 Men’s race, held as part of the Senior race won by evergreen V40 Rob Hope, Nick Hennessey had a fantastic run to become Lancashire Champion.

There were top ten places in the Senior Men’s race for Matt Perry and Andy Laycock (9th and 10th) and a fine 6th place overall and 2nd U23 Lady for Rhiannon Whickam. Peter Coates took a bronze Lancashire medal in the V40s, and Geoff Gough a silver medal in the V60 Men.

Irene Roche was a silver medallist in the Ladies V50, Karin Goss Lancashire V60 Champ and Linda Lord Lancashire V70 Champ.

Senior Results

 

14 April – FRA English Junior Championships

There was a new (to FRA Junior Champs) venue for the 2nd round of the FRA English Junior Championships with Trawden AC taking the race to Blacko and the hills surrounding the iconic Tower. The sun shone, the barbecue was pretty tasty and there was some great racing over traditional grassy Pennine hills (and bogs).

Helana White bagged her first ever win in the Junior FRA series with a powerful performance to see off her closest rival, based upon disappearing up the hill at a vast rate of knots to put in some distance between them. Her strategy paid off and she was a clear winner in the U13G race (and 8th overall), a fantastic achievement at this level.

I got this - Helana White in determined mood at the start of her U13G race. Photo: David Belshaw

I got this – Helana White in determined mood at the start of her U13 race. Photo: David Belshaw

Ella Dorrington improved on her last FRA outing with 8th in the U15G and Briony Holt had a solid run for 6th in U17G.

Emily Nicholls celebreates her Birthday in style in the U11 race. All was well afterwards. Photo: David Belshaw.

Emily Nicholls celebrates her Birthday in style in the U11 race. All was well afterwards. Photo: David Belshaw.

Full Results

 

22 April – Ron Hill 10k

Clayton Ladies Claire Vincent and Michelle Abbott were age group winners in the Senior Ladies and W35 Ladies categories respectively at this popular local 10k, whilst Calum Holmes took the U23 Mens win and 6th overall.

Calum Holmes sets off quick with Nick Hennessey.

Calum Holmes sets off quick with Nick Hennessey.

Full Results

 

28 April – 3 Peaks Fell Race

Is it a fell race, a trail race or a marathon with mountains? That all depends on your perspective but what it clear is that it is a classic, and a hard one to pace, to boot.

David Bagot led home the usual large Clayton contingent in 3 hours 27 mins.

Photo: Chris Holdsworth.

Photo: Chris Holdsworth.

Andrew Webster took on the 3 Peaks for the first time this year – here is his report:

“I had never done this race before and was a bit nervous as I had struggled on the recce a few weeks ago on the back 2 peaks but I had had lots of good advice off people before race day.

I got there in plenty of time and caught up with several other Clayton runners before we lined up in our expected time orders. I had a stroke of luck and set off with Simon Stansfield who had given me advice about pacing and leaving a little for descent off Ingleborough. I had set myself 2 race goals – avoid the bus and walk the hills and run everything else so I made cutofffs. It was pleasant trotting on with Simon to the base of Pen y Ghent and Ii think I paced it ok – Igot up in just under 48 minutes. The descent off was nice and there was a temptation to tear off on the good running to Ribblehead but I managed to contain myself and kept a consistent pace. At Ribblehead I was heartened to see Andy Bradley in front of me him being the 1st other club member I had seen since Pen y Ghent. I was prepared for Whernside being tough but not the biblical bog at the bottom – I actually saw 1 bloke go in almost to his waist.  Swerve that 1 I thought! I managed to get to the summit of Whernside only feeling like chucking up a little and on the plus side my calves where that sore they had actually gone past pain and were just numb ( a blessed relief!!). I managed to gain a little speed coming down and didn’t knock any walkers over thankfully and before I realised it I was at the Hill Inn and oh joy inside cut offs!! Only by about 18 minutes but I do admit I was relieved! at this point. I really knew I would finish the race and gathered myself for the looming bulk of Ingleborough.

Two fields in I saw Richard Briscoe and again this raised my spirits to see a fellow club member and managed to stagger past him. Just before starting the climb it hailed for just 2.5 seconds but I thought my world was going to end as I wasn’t feeling quite myself at this point and though this is all i need! The climb didn’t seem as bad this time and I was lifted to see Steve Berry near the top shouting encouragement and giving me a drink of water. He said ” Andy’s just a minute in front of you – he’s yours to take!” I replied that all I wanted taking was a me in a helicopter from the summit but he just laughed ( I was deadly serious but he’d thought I was joking!). On my way to the trig I saw Andy Foster coming down and we said hello.

This was the bit I was most bothered about now as I was tired and it is horrible on that limestone coming back ( in fact on our recce Alex ended up with 3 stitches in his knee falling along the route back). But I remembered Simon’s advice about the race really starting from here and luckily I had paced it so that I steadily overtook quite a few on the way down including Andy who had a bad cramp attack and was slowing rapidly. Even more unusually I didn’t fall. These Yorkshire folk must like value for money in a race, as several times on the way in people shouted just a mile and a half to go  when it was more like 4. Even so I managed to gain a few more places till the finish took me by surprise popping out from that tunnel straight onto the field!!

It was a great event and a fantastic experience I will definitely do again.  I was very pleased with my time as I had reckoned around 5 hours to 5 and a half mark but got in in 4:45. My thanks to the organisers, marshalls and support on this race – it truly is a classic and I’d recommend it to every club member wholeheartedly.

Martin Brady (2nd from L) and Andrew Orr (R)receiving their trophies for 21 3 Peaks completions. Photo: Andrew Firth.

Martin Brady (2nd from L) and Andrew Orr (R)receiving their trophies for 21 3 Peaks completions. Photo: Andrew Firth.

Full Results

 

28 April – Fellsman

Fellsman regular Andy Armstrong and first timer Alan Dorrington set about this classic old-school ultra in the Dales, finishing together at the end of its 61 mile route with over 11,000ft of climb in just over 18 and a half hours.

For Alan it was a step into the unknown, given he hadn’t run more than 6 hours before but a combination of frequent refuelling with sausage rolls, pasta, hotdogs and flapjack and Andy’s experienced pacing and grit when he was unable to eat any of the above mentioned buffet for the last part of the race, saw them both round in good order. A great, if slightly lengthy day out over the many of the highest parts of the Dales.

Andy Armstrong and Alan Dorrington not taking things too seriously at the Fellsman. Photo: SportSunday

Andy Armstrong and Alan Dorrington not taking things too seriously at the Fellsman. Photo: SportSunday

 

ByAlan Dorrington

Winter’s not over till it’s over…

No let up in the winter weather this month with gales, snow, ice and then a proper cold snap heading toward the UK at the end of month. Of course none of that deterred the Clayton runners from hitting muddy fields, wintry fells, snowy mountains and the roads in between.

3 February – Lancashire Schools Cross Country

Helana White waiting for the B of the Bang...

Helana White (609) waiting for the B of the Bang… Photo: Rachael White

Clayton Juniors were to the fore at the recent Lancashire Schools Cross-Country Championships. There were fine age group wins for Helana White and Briony Holt, top 10 places for Harry Cole, Ella Dorrington and Jackson McKay and a host of fine supporting performances as our Juniors ran for their individual District teams.

Year 7 Girls – Helana White 1st, Rachel Stevenson 59th

Year 7 Boys – Harry Cole 8th, Jenson Bentham 24th, Finley Stubbs 31st

Junior Girls (Yr 8 and 9) – Ella Dorrington 10th, Sophie Ashworth 26th, Imogen Ferguson 59th, Keira Stevenson 64th

Junior Boys – Jackson McKay 9th, William Nicholls 20th, Lennon Jackson 39th

Inter Boys – Nick Henessey 20th, Michael Stevens 22nd, Peter Stevens 26th,

Inter Girls – Briony Holt 1st, Millie Stubbs 8th, Caitlin Welsh 31st.

Apologies to anyone I have missed – as our Juniors were running for their District teams it is harder to spot them in the results.

Full Results

4 February – Blackburn Winter Warmer

Jon Cleaver reports from this popular event:

A very strong field lined up for the 2018 Winter Warmer at Witton Park on a chilly Sunday morning with the sun on our backs which made for very good racing. The course itself is a toughie and from past performances one which normally sees you at least 2 minutes short of your PB.  It starts with a climb of around 450ft climbing out of the park and then most of the work is out of the way. I managed to hold on to a pack holding the top 5 until the descent which found me lacking a bit for speed to keep with them. There is a little kicker of a hill at mile 4 before you start on your way back through the park which again is flat or descending until you see the track. I’d managed to gain a couple of places back but was starting to get a bit concerned when I looked behind and saw a lad from Salford starting to make some distance on me.  Not to be deterred I held on and pushed for the last lap around the track for a top 10 finish.

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Nick Hennessey. Photo: David Belshaw

There were some outstanding runs from the younger Clayton lads picking out a couple of exceptional results from Nick Hennessy 38:11, Ryan Bradshaw 37:22 & Josh Hall 42:30.

Great start to the road championship for 2018 and well done all whom turned out to run and cheer us on.

Editors update: Clayton took the 2nd team prize behind the winners, Blackburn Harriers

Full Results

4 February – Kong Mini Mountain Marathon Series Rd 1

Sparkling condtions over to the Carneddau at the Kong mini Mtn Marathon. Photo: Alan Dorrington

Sparkling condtions over to the Carneddau at the Kong Mini Mtn Marathon. Photo: Alan Dorrington

Alan Dorrington headed over to North Wales for the 1st round of this 4 hr score event series, held out of Bethesda on sunny day with low temperatures and with significant snowfall higher up to spice things up..

“With 4 hours to find as many controls of varying point value and heavy penalties if late back to the finish, this type of event requires a systematic plan that can be varied according to the conditions underfoot, and according to any mistakes that may or may not be made in finding well hidden controls over a wide area. My initial plan to pick off higher scoring controls with some ridge running over Carnedd Gwenllian was abandoned due to tough running in wind-slabbed snow, so I opted to target controls at lower elevations for the next 2 1/2 hours. A bit of a wobble with some poor map interpretation meant a panic to get back over some fairly big climbs and back to the finish in time to avoid penalties, as well as losing out on some controls on the homeward sweep. All in all, the Kong events are a great way to see some areas that you wouldn’t normally visit, as well as sharpen up on navigation for some of the longer, harder fell races.”

10 February – Windy Hill fell race 9 miles and 1280ft

Jon Cleaver enjoying a windy Windy Hill

Jon Cleaver enjoying a windy Windy Hill. Photo: Cannonball Events

A new-ish fixture on the fell calendar, this 9 mile B category race visits the hills around Hollingworth Lake. No that the runners would have seen much of the great scenery around there this year…

Report from Jon Cleaver:

Well this race certainly lived up to its name! On a very wet & cold day I layered up well with 2 hats, 2 pairs of gloves and 4 tops to ensure I kept warm and braved the moors around Littleborough & Blackstone Edge.

Starting out at the Rugby Club near Hollingsworth Lake you climb up over the M62 and onto the moors about 3 miles in there is a climb which goes on for a mile and climbs around 900ft. Once you got to the top you got hit with a wall of wind and rain. The path followed the old Roman road for quite a bit which was treacherous due to ice. This lost me a bit of ground on the top 10 due to lack of grip in my mudclaws. On the way in you have about 2 miles of really good trail and finally some good old fashioned 2 foot deep mud making it quite a quick run in!

Even though the elements were against us I really enjoyed it and could have been caught with the occasional smile on my face (hard to believe I know!). Overall I came 11th in 01:08:53 (8.8miles 1565ft).

Full Results

11 February – Barbondale fell race

Briony Holt digs in at Barbondale.

Briony Holt digs in at Barbondale.

Hail hill and hurt – Andrew Holt reports:

2nd of five races of Kendal Winter League for myself and Briony and one we’ve been wanting to do for a couple of years as it’s well known as the steepest of the series. The location is nestled in the hills behind whernside linking the dales  to the howgills, not that we could see much due to the snow and cloud

After a struggle parking we arrived with time to shred our calf’s walking the route – for Briony 300m of ascent then a 200m run to the top and for myself the same 300m ascent in 800m followed another 800m runnable but uphill at the top. Then straight down for the both of us

The ground was slippy, wet, sprinkled with ice at the top but nothing of value on the way up or down. The weather cleared at the top for a while and I decided to wear a top and gloves as it was completely different to the conditions in the valley below. And the views,when the weather cleared  were more than worth the effort.

And we’re off – 13 minutes eyeball popping power walking followed by 5 minutes running to the trig. I did my usual grind it out start and pulled myself into 40th or so at the top (it was nice to be on the flat near the top before the front runners passed us on the way down) and gained another 4-5 places overtaking just before the hill steepens and thankfully staying upright into the finish

The awesome Wendy Dodds and Katy Thompson took a 1/2 in their respective categories with Briony a brilliant 2nd overall and I squeezed in a top ten finish for my age. A brilliant series that’s well worth a look

17 February – Mid Lancs XC League Round 5

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Team warm up for the U11 Girls. Photo: David Belshaw

u11 boys

Charlie Barnes and Fraser Anforth. Photo: David Belshaw

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Helana White giving it 110% for a fine 3rd place. Photo: David Belshaw

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Millie Stubbs. Photo: David Belshaw

A new venue up the M6 for the penultimate round of the Mid Lancs XC series saw the Clayton tent pitched in the middle of Ryelands Park, Lancaster.

The U11 Girls team of Amelia Halstead, Ellisia Smedley and Joni Higgins were straight into warm up and off round the grassy course which had a few twists and turns rather than lots of straights. Amelia continued her good form and took 7th, with Ellisia and Joni in 57th and 61st. In the U11 Boys, Charlie Barnes was 45th and Joshua McKay 62nd.

Helana White scored her best performance of the Mid Lancs series so far, with a really gutsy run to 3rd place in the U13 Girls, with Ella Dorrington in 8th and the ever-improving Imogen Ferguson in 40th. The girls also took 3rd in the team competition, setting them up nicely for a possible series team placing.

William Nicholls also had a great run for 16th in the U13 Boys, with Robbie Smedley, Finley Stubbs and Matthew Jackson supporting.

Millie Stubbs was the sole U15 Girl in 12th, whilst Jackson McKay also came in 12th in the Boys race, closely followed by Harrison Codd in 13th and Lennon Jackson in 23rd.

Briony Holt took 3rd in the U17 Girls race, despite suffering the after effects of a tough England Mountain Running Team training camp earlier in the week.

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Clayton Ladies looking chirpy before the race. Photo: David Belshaw

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Deborah Greenwood looking slightly less chirpy… Photo: David Belshaw

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Tom Brewster. Photo: David Belshaw

Donna Airey led the Ladies home in 25th, as well as the Ladies Over 35 team to a fine 2nd place backed up by Michelle Abbott and Cassie Smedley.

Another consistent improver, U20 Calum Holmes was the first Clayton man back to the finish in 18th, leading the Men’s team of Tom Brewster, Thomas Walker, Andrew Holt, Mark Aspinal and Chris Funnel to 2nd in the team competition. With the addition of John Wilcock, the Vet men took 3rd Over 40 and 2nd Over 50 team also.

Full Results

25 February – Hoppits’ Hill fell races

Ella Dorrington descending at Hoppits. Photo: Alan Dorrington

Ella Dorrington descending at Hoppits. Photo: Alan Dorrington

Organised by fell running royalty in the form of Nicky Spinks, this low key local race around the hills near Dewsbury incorporates relaxed Junior races and is a lovely warm up for Juniors looking ahead to the fell season starting in the Spring months. Not that it was that warm with the Best from the East on the way, though the snow was yet to arrive.

Ella Dorrington was the sole Clayton runner there amongst the Juniors but made up for that by coming 2nd overall in the U15 race, as well as 1st girl in the combined U15 and U17 race. Chocolate prizes presented by Nicky capped off a lovely day out.

 

 

 

 

 

ByAlan Dorrington

Kicking off 2018 with a (X) Country flavour!

It’s been (mostly) about cross-country during this otherwise quiet month, with the Lancashire Championships, and Mid Lancs League as well as some other mud-based action further afield. Worthy of special mention, is the club’s Junior section who continued training hard right through the Christmas break, with both the younger and older Juniors putting in the time despite the weather. This led to both individual and team awards for their efforts, with ALL the Juniors being part of the success that is Team Clayton.

We also learnt this month that Danny Collinge, one of the Junior section’s big inspirations and role models as well as ambassador for Clayton overall is soon moving on to pasture’s new. Danny’s fantastic exploits have graced this report many, many times over the years and behind the scenes his help, support and encouragement for Juniors (and Seniors too) has been hugely valued and much appreciated by so many in the Clayton family. In common with all of us at the Club, I would like to thank Danny and wish him the all the very best for his running in the future – thank you.

 

7 January – Lancashire Cross-Country Championships, Witton Park

Our U11 Girls team charges off the line! Photo: David Belshaw

Our U11 Girls team charges off the line! Photo: David Belshaw

We’ll start with our Clayton Juniors as they came away from the Championships with a fantastic medal haul and a good collection of Lancashire vests earned for the Inter Counties race in March.

Amelia Halstead (in blue headband above) pulled off a stunning victory in the U11 Girls with a finely judged run from behind to overhaul all but one of the hard-charging front runners on the second lap, and all finished off with a gutsy sprint to the line to take the win. Amelia had been moving up the placings in Red Rose and Mid Lancs league races so her Championship win was not unexpected but richly deserved nonetheless. Ellisia Smedley, Emily Nicholls and Joni Higgins all battled hard and made up the Clayton team finishers.

In the U11 Boys race, Charlie Barnes (in 31st) led home Brayden Clarkson, Joshua McKay and Fraser Anforth for a team finish.

All eyes were on Robbie Smedley, Matthew Jackson, William Nicholls, Finley Stubbs, and Jenson Bentham in the U13 Boys race for both individual results and the team prize. Robbie Smedley had a fine run to take the Bronze and with it Lancashire selection whilst Matthew Jackson also placed in top ten (and reserve for the County team) and with the others, secured 2nd place in the team competition.

Helana White and Ella Dorrington were both aiming for Lancashire vests in the U13 Girls race and after one of their customary big battles with each other, as well as the rest of the field, both secured their vests with Helana 6th (in her first year in the age cat)and Ella 5th. Behind them, Imogen Ferguson and Rachel Stevenson brought their lovely smiles and cheery demeanour to our U13G team.

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Robbie Smedley clinched 3rd place. Photo: David Belshaw

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Ella Dorrington. Photo: David Belshaw

Helana White pushes to the line. Photo: David Belshaw

Helana White pushes to the line. Photo: David Belshaw

In the U15 Boys race, Jackson McKay finished 12th, Michael Stevens 17th, twin brother Peter 24th and Adam Stevenson 29th. The normally fast Lennon Jackson also ran but appeared to not particularly enjoy the experience and finished a little behind the others…

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Briony Holt. Photo: David Belshaw

Millie Stubbs, Kaliska Clarke, Beth Wheatcroft and Keira Stevenson all ran in the U15 Girls with Millie 13th after chasing hard for a top ten place.

Briony Holt secured Lancashire selection with a strong 4th place in her first year in the U17 Girls age group, whilst Josh Hall and Nick Hennessey were 10th and 16th respectively in the U17 Boys race.

Danny Collinge came home 11th in the Senior race and earned a reserve place on the Lancashire team.

Finally, in the Vets race, our  team of David Edmondson, Richard Stevenson, Andrew Holt and Michael Toms were 3rd, with Tara Robb leading the Clayton Ladies in (26th), and Donna Airey the Vet Ladies (16th).

Full Results

12- 14 January – The Montane Spine Challenger

Nicholas Olszewski, Andrew Armstrong and Andrew Morley lined themselves up for this epic challenge, 108 miles along the Pennine Way to Hardraw in the Yorkshire Dales. Freezing temperatures, torrential rain and biting winds did nothing to deter their resolve and they all finished close together in 39 hours. Yes, 39 hours of non-stop running, walking and general forward movement. There are photos circulating of discolated fingers, trench foot and the like but it’s probably safer to show some of the photos I took whilst encouraging them near Malham Cove. Special mention too to Adrienne Olszweska who was probably as sleep deprived as them travelling around supporting on the road stops.

Our Spine Challenger racers near Malham. Photo: Alan Dorrington

Our Spine Challenger racers near Malham. Photo: Alan Dorrington

2

 

13 January – Mid Lancs Cross-Country League Towneley Park

Should be a prize for smiling - here's your winner Rachel Stevenson. Photo: David Belshaw

If there was a prize for smiling whilst racing, here’s your winner Rachel Stevenson. Photo: David Belshaw

With barely enough time to clean off dirty spikes from the weekend before, our Clayton athletes were back in action on home turf at the 4th Mid Lancs League round in Towneley Park. Conditions were surprisingly fast and firm leading to some quicker racing than in the heavy going at Witton Park the week before, though a cold wind in the finish straight made fast finishes tough going..

Amelia Halstead built on her win at the Lancashire Championships the week before with a great 2nd place in the U11 Girls, whilst in the U13 Girls Ella Dorrington produced her best Mid Lancs performance this season in 3rd, backed up by Helana White in 6th. With Imogen Ferguson they took 3rd place in the team competition.

Robbie Smedley, William Nicholls and Matthew Jackson worked well to take 3rd team in the U11 Boys race, and Briony Holt placed 2nd in the U17 Girls race.

The leading Clayton runners in Senior Ladies and Mens were Tara Robb (30th) and Tom Brewster (27th) whilst the Senior Men (Tom Brewster, David Bagot, Calum Holmes, David Edmondson, Richard Stevenson and Thomas Walker) took 3rd team and the Vet 40s also secured 3rd team (David Edmondson, Richard Stevenson, Andrew Holt and Michael Toms).

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Josh McKay. Photo: David Belshaw

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Jackson McKay and Michael Stevens chase a local rival. Photo: David Belshaw

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Nerina Gill. Photo: David Belshaw

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Kaliska Clarke showing good form at the finish. Photo: David Belshaw

Full Results

14 January – East Lancs Hospice 10k and 2k

Your winner! Danny Collinge. Photo: David Belshaw

Your winner! Danny Collinge. Photo: David Belshaw

Road racing is a bit thin on the ground this time of year but this traditional New Year fundraiser for the Hospice always attracts a good field including those wanting to test their legs a bit before the season starts properly in the Spring.

In one of his final appearances for the club before moving on to pastures new, Danny Collinge took a very convincing victory by well over a minute from Matt Nuttall of Blackburn Harriers with a very impressive time of 33:50. Callum James was next in for Clayton in a great 9th overall and 1st Junior with Nick Hennessey 2nd Junior and 16th overall.

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Cassie and Michelle. Pairs race winners… Photo: David Belshaw

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A fine run from Callum James. Photo: David Belshaw

The inseperable duo of Cassandra Smedley and Michelle Abott were 4th and 5th women, and Joanne Motley 8th. Angela Shian and Vickey Heys were 6th and 7th in the women’s V40 and V45 cats respectively with Charlie Clutterbuck 4th in Mens V70+.

There were plenty of Clayton Juniors in the 2k race held alongside the main race, with Matthew Jackson back on his preferred tarmac surface placing 2nd overall and 1st U13B, chased in by Helana White in 3rd overall and 1st U13G.

They're off! Photo: David Belshaw

They’re off! Photo: David Belshaw

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Toby Birtwhistle eyes up the finish line. Photo: David Belshaw

 

28 January – Kendal Winter League Whitestones

Andrew and Briony Holt risked forever changing the interior of their car (for the worse) at this renowned uber-mudfest, part of the super tough Kendal Winter League where fell races masquerade as cross-country races, the sheep wear Inov8s on the fell and, well you get the drift… they’re quite hard.

Andrew reports:

After promising myself I’d do as many of these races as I can this year life and work have conspired against me making this one-the fourth in the series-my first.Todays race wasn’t particularly promising either- a heavy cold since Thursday and awful conditions when we awoke.

Briony was excited to be back on the fells however, and once we passed Settle on the way up the rain eased off.I’ve watched this race but not ran it yet and it’s steep at the start, technical, and with this years extra dose of mud more than challenging along the top of the course.The distance is just over four miles with 250m of ascent, a challenging run.

We started and it’s a mad rush to get the 300 or so yards to the single track ascent to the top of the first hill. I misjudged it and found myself scrambling through the gorse next to the path trying to keep momentum up the hill. On top the course flattens for a mile or so, and is cross crossed with bogs and tussocks sapping our legs.

Unlike the recent cross country races I was faster than the people around me on the flat-hard ground and anything technical or boggy I would fall back a couple of places. We ran around the top of the valley into the strong wind to the summit of the next peak adjacent to where we start.

I counted twenty or so people in front of me, and I was neither gaining nor being overtaken so in kind of a run-come-bog trot traversed around the head of the valley to the descent. I managed to drag maybe three people in on the final hill prior to dropping onto the finish, but was reminded again these are fell runners as they came past me downhill like I was stood still!

I finished 20th overall, v happy and looking forward to the Fell season starting proper.

Briony came 2nd in her first fell race this year, and despite dragging herself up the first hill with a combination of eyeballs and willpower finished with her usual smile enjoyed it immensely.

Stephen Fish and Chris Brown were the other orange hoops on show and looked strong in their respective races

Andrew Holt at the Farleton Knott fell race. Photo by Geoff Thompson

Andrew Holt not in the mud at Whitestones but in warner times at the Farleton Knott fell race. Photo by Geoff Thompson

Full results

 

ByAlan Dorrington

December’s Festive Roundup

Into December and on toward Christmas and the New Year, the cross-country season rolls on with guest appearances from the fell and road runners around the festive break.

To round off the year, there have been Junior wins, Senior wins, some dodgy fancy dress and a mass takeover of Pendle Hill. Grab a brew and the last of those mince pies and review the final month of the year, hopefully emerging inspired to take on 2018 in similar style.

Right, see if you can stand still without being blown off your feet!  Photo: Deborah Stevenson

Right, see if you can stand still without being blown off your feet! Photo: Deborah Stevenson

26 November – Lee Mill Relays

The running around the quarries and moors above Bacup is surprisingly tough and this year’s Lee Mill Relays, a recent and popular fixture on the calendar were made even tougher by proper wintry weather conditions. Clayton fielded 3 teams and Sarah Helliwell reports:

It was a cold and overcast morning as 3 Clayton teams made their way to Stubbylee Park near Bacup. As we parked up, it was obvious it was going to be snowy, frosty and boggy if you ‘stepped or fell’ into the wrong place!

We had 2 ladies teams who braved the conditions and 1 men’s team. The leg 1 runners had a tough start as they had to forge their route through thick snow, hidden tussocks and freezing cold bogs that many of the runners got stuck in! With the odd rain, sleet or snow shower depending what altitude you were running at, creating wintery conditions for the majority of the runners over the 6 mile course. Very tough and definitely character building.

The men can 5th overall with a time of 4.00.58, the team consisting of Carl Helliwell, Luke Turner, Russell Clarke and Chris Snell. Well done lads on some tough conditions.

Both ladies teams put in sterling efforts, with some of the ladies doing the event for the first time. The A team included Tara Robb, Rhiannon Wickham, Alison Dugdale and Jean Brown, with all of them having good runs and coming home as 3rd ladies team with a time of 4:50:37. The B team was a vet 40 team consisting of Angela Shian, Julia Rushton, Teresa De Curtis and Katy Thompson with a time of  6:00:11. A massive well done to all who ran and represented Team Clayton on a very demanding day.

Carl Helliwell blazes a trail on Leg 1. Photo: mick Fryer

Carl Helliwell blazes a trail on Leg 1. Photo: mick Fryer

Full Results

2 December – Red Rose Cross Country League Round 4

Marl Pits. Like Marmite. Some love it, some hate it. Either way there will be always be weapons grade mud at the final Red Rose League fixture and this year didn’t disappoint.

Jenson Bentham supplements his diet with Marl Pits mud. Photo: David Belshaw

Jenson Bentham supplements his diet with Marl Pits mud. Photo: David Belshaw

Junior Races

Highlight of the day was Ella Dorrington’s win in the U13G. Using her fell running strength on the hilly and muddy course, she tracked the 3 early leaders, put in the quickest final muddy descent of all of them and outsprinted the final two on the line. Helana White was close behind in 10th.

Robbie Smedley had his usual battle royal with former teammate Dexta Thompson and secured 2nd on the day with teammates Will Nicholls and Finley Stubbs securing 2nd team prize also.

In the U11s Charlie Barnes led the boys home in 27th and Amelia Halstead was 11th in the girls race.

Harrison Codd was first Clayton U15B in 12th and Millie Stubbs led our U15G girls home in 6th. Special mention to Sophie Ashworth who fell and tore ligaments in her ankle – we wish her a speedy recovery.

The U17B were led home by Josh Hall in 7th with Briony Holt our only U17G in 3rd place.

Our Juniors won several awards in the overall 4 race series:

2nd= U13B Robbie Smedley

3rd= U13G Ella Dorrington

3rd U17G Briony Holt

2nd U13B Team

 

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Ella Dorrington on her way to her first League XC win. Photo: David Belshaw

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Another race goes down to the wire. Season long rivals Robbie Smedley, Dexta Thompson and Joe Ormerod. Photo: David Belshaw

Briony Holt revelling in the conditions. Photo: David Belshaw

Briony Holt looking very relaxed on the slick descents. Photo: David Belshaw

Seniors

Danny Collinge beat the Bog of Doom in the woods to secure a classy win in the Senior race, and backed up by Dave Motley, Tom Brewster, Peter Coates, Matthew Duckworth and Carl Helliwell took 2nd place in the Team race. Our Vet Men performed well too, also taking 2nd Team with Peter Coates, Carl Helliwell, Andrew Holt and Andrew Orr.

In the Ladies, Cassie Darling was 26th (15th Vet too) and with Michelle Abbott and Irene Roche the Vet Women took 6th place in the Team race.

Here’s a report from Vet Andrew Holt:

“Having watched my kids run there, and listening to the more experienced runners at CLEM I knew that the annual Marl Pits mud fest would be to my liking, it was just a case of waiting for my shifts to line up at work.

Following a reasonable night shift on Friday, and with four XC events in my legs already this year I felt I’d be able to do myself justice running it. It felt warmer than before, but was still boggy and the course was cutting up nicely following the earlier kids runs.

I’d half an hour when I arrived, so the choice was either a recce of the course, or a 50p coffee as mine was cooling nicely on the kitchen table where I’d left it. The coffee won!

A quick warm up, pep talk from Briony (grind the hill, walk the bog and ur gonna love it!!) and we were under starters orders. For the first time this season I felt the field pull away from me on the opening lap. I wasn’t concerned as I hadn’t ran this week and didn’t want to blow up later, but was the lack of sleep/training gonna take its toll? The first lap was manic, lots of slipping and sliding, up until the bog where the gaps started appearing and we settled into our running.

I was able to hold the runners around me on the ascents, and gain ground on the downhills and through the numerous hazards. The cheering at the bottom of the hill was excellent, demanding commitment,  and I had the misfortune of a couple of pals from the mountain rescue giving me loads next to the wooden bridge, and any thought of resting was scuppered by coach Phil loitering in the field above the hill. The hills/bridges/bogs took care of themselves, and before I knew it I was on the last lap descending into the finish. I nearly got mugged on the line by one of the BOFRA runners I know (thanks Sarah for the warning) and ran in for my highest position so far this season.

I’m gonna plug my lad Curtis too for finishing this hard hard course despite barely no training and no doubt a hangover. I’m in front of him at the moment but I doubt that’s gonna last very long!

Superb running from everyone, baptism of fire for many. Now onto the flatter courses, starting at Leigh.”

The overall series results for Seniors/Vets included:

4th Vet Women 35-39 Cassie Darling

2nd Vet Women 65-69 Christine Egerton

3rd Vet Women 65-69 Christine Leathley

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Michelle Abbott loves mud. No really. Photo: David Belshaw

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Sarah Helliwell. Photo: David Belshaw

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Kirstie Higgins getting stuck in. Photo: David Belshaw

Marl Pits Results

Final Series Results

9 December  – Mid Lancs Cross Country League Round 3

The cross-country season returned to Leigh Village for the 2nd time this season, this time for the 3rd Mid Lancs counter.

Junior action saw Amelia Halstead have a great run in U11G for 6th, Robbie Smedley 6th in U13B, Helana White 13th in U13G, Michael Stevens 14th in U15B and Briony Holt 2nd in U17G. The U13B team were 2nd with Matthew Jackson and Will Nicholls scoring points.

Tara Robb led the Women home in 20th with Tom Brewster 37th in the Senior Men. Calum Holmes had a good run for 4th in the U20 Men and Richard Lawson was 3rd in V70 Men.

Our Vets teams were 3rd in V40 and 2nd in V50.

Full Results

16 December – Hurst Green Turkey Trot

A fancy dress competition masquerading as a race, the Turkey Trot is always a firm favourite at this time of year. Whilst the fancy dress makes identifying individuals difficult, the results show that Andrew Payne was first Clayton home in 6th and Tara Robb was 7th Lady. It’s hard to do justice to all the fabulous fancy dress efforts that day but Michelle Abbott and Cassie Darling made it ‘Mario-Time!’ with their outfit, backed up by Lennon in his own inimitable style…

It's-a-Me!! Guess who? Photo: David Belshaw

It’s-a-Me!! Guess who? Photo: David Belshaw

Jenson Bentham kept it rubber side down this time, to chase Helana White. Photo: David Belshaw

Jenson Bentham kept it rubber side down this time, to chase Helana White. Photo: David Belshaw

Full Results

24 December – Christmas Eve social up Pendle Hill

Strong winds and clag on the tops didn’t deter a large group of Juniors and Seniors from trekking up Pendle Hill to temporarily claim the trig platform as their own. Our own super-photographer David Belshaw also displayed his amazing time-travelling ability to almost be in two places at once with photos from the fell gate and then photos back in the car park as many of the runners returned. Personally, I think we should get him a vest and get him out racing..

Everybody look at me! Photo: David Belshaw

Everybody look at me! Photo: David Belshaw

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I’d hold onto those Santa hats if I were you. Photo: David Belshaw

26 December – Whinberry Naze Fell Race

More fancy dress on show here for the fellrunner’s traditional hangover cure on Boxing Day. With a race distance of less than 4 miles but with over 750ft of climb, it’s always a bit of a rude awakening for the slightly befuddled, climbing steeply from the start before a correspondingly fast descent back down. Not before passing the trig and collecting a packet of Smarties from Santa though. Bonus points for those that can eat them on the way down without choking.

Fancy dress winner Shrek aka Julia Hartley and her movice co-stars. Photo: Kath Brady

Fancy dress winner Shrek aka Julia Hartley and her movie co-stars. Photo: Kath Brady

Full Results

31 December Ribble Valley 10k

Incorporating the North of England Championships this race always attracts a quality field with Olympians Jonny Brownlee and Laura Weightman amongst the star runners this year.

Jacob Watson claimed the honour of fastest Clayton runner in 71st and 35:10, whilst Richard Stevenson was quickest Vet with 37:39.

Claire Vincent was quickest Clayton woman in 43:17 and Lisa Johnson our fastest Vet woman in 52:56. Super Coach Marion Wilkinson won the V75 category overall with a predictive time for the following New Years Day of 01:01:01.

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The amazing Marion Wilkinson. Photo: David Belshaw

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Richard Stevenson chases Dave Motley. Photo: David Belshaw

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Calum Holmes digs in. Photo: David Belshaw

Full Results

 

ByAlan Dorrington

Remember, remember, the Roundup in November

As we head through Autumn and toward Winter proper, the mud has been building and the cross-country races coming thick and fast. Two Red Rose fixtures and the expanded Mid Lancs fixture at the Liverpool National Cross Series have kept our runners and teams busy this month. There’s been a season’s swansong too for the fell runners at our very own classic, the Tour of Pendle.

11 November – Red Rose Cross Country League Round 2

Astley Park, Chorley was the venue for the 2nd round of this popular series with it’s course mix of fast flowing grassland, woodland trails and ankle eating bogs.

Juniors

Amelia Halstead had a great run in U11G for her first top ten placing this season, and Helana White also produced a stormer for 4th in U13G in her first season in this age group. Robbie Smedley (also in his first year in the age group) continued his good run of form in U13B with a 3rd place and was backed up by Finlay Stubbs and William Nicholls with the boys taking 2nd in the team competition. Josh Hall took 5th in the U17B and Briony Holt 3rd in U17G.

Amelia Halstead on her way to 10th. Photo: David Belshaw.

Amelia Halstead on her way to 10th. Photo: David Belshaw.

Helana White on her way to 4th in U13G. Photo: David Belshaw

Helana White on her way to 4th in U13G. Photo: David Belshaw

Matthew Jackson getting stuck in. Photo: David Belshaw

Matthew Jackson getting stuck in. Photo: David Belshaw

Kaliska Clarke. Photo: David Belshaw.

Kaliska Clarke. Photo: David Belshaw.

Seniors

Danny Collinge led the Senior men home for 10th place, with Tara Robb the first lady home in 20th. The Men’s team were 4th overall and the Ladies 6th with some great individual performances to secure those team positions.

Report from Ladies XC Team Manager, Donna Airey:

We had a fantastic 20 ladies take part in the 2nd Red Rose Fixture. Weather was great, a bit chilly but fine at least and there was plenty of mud for our ladies to enjoy.

Tara Robb was our first lady finisher in 20th Place

Team Results

6th Place, Tara Robb/Liz Mullan/Cassie Smedley

Ladies Vets

10th Place, Cassie Smedley/Michelle Abbot/Irene Roche

Cassie Smedley. Photo: David Belshaw.

Cassie Smedley. Photo: David Belshaw.

Chorley Bog. Photo: David Belshaw

Chorley Bog. Photo: David Belshaw

Julia Rushton. Photo: David Belshaw

Julia Rushton. Photo: David Belshaw

Full Results

18 November – Red Rose Cross Country League Round 3

Hot on the heels of Round 2, it was off to Leverhulme Park, Bolton and the familiar mixed grass and hills course for the 3rd round of the League.

Juniors

In the Juniors, Robbie Smedley finally pulled off a fantastic win in the U13B, something he had been working hard toward for a while. A mixture of good racecraft and guts saw him beat perennial rival and friend Dexta Thompson, formerly of Clayton. The U13B team (with William Nicholls and Matthew Jackson) picked up a strong 2nd place as a result. Briony Holt also went one place better than in previous round for 2nd in the U17G.

Seniors

In the Seniors, Tom Brewster led the men home in 27th, whilst the U20 men of Callum Holmes, Reece Lawrence and Simon Wilshaw were 1st team. Andrew Holt has continued to get faster and faster this season and took 16th in the Vets.

Report from Ladies XC Team Manager Donna Airey:

We had 12 ladies take part in the 3rd fixture in the Red Rose league

Our first lady finisher was Cassie Smedley in 21st place who described the course as wet, muddy, hills and grass but was a good race and enjoyed it.

Team Results

7th Place, Cassie Smedley/Michelle Abbot/Jean Knightley

Full Results

18 November – Tour of Pendle

Chris Holdsworth. Photo: David Belshaw

Chris Holdsworth on his way to victory. Photo: David Belshaw

At the same time as the Red Rose League was taking place in Bolton, the club’s keen fell runners were battling their way round the classic Tour of Pendle route. A clear and relatively benign day eased most of the navigational and weather challenges, but there was still plenty of water in the bogs to entertain and keep things appropriately ‘Pendle’. Our own Chris Holdsworth capped a fantastic season of fell and mountain running and proved his fell credentials yet again with a storming victory over the 17 mile course in 2:19:16. Hot on his heels, and in 3rd place (overall!) was Victoria Wilkinson who smashed Angela Mudge’s long standing womens record with a truly outstanding run for 2:23:25!

Dave Motley down Geronimo. Photo: David Belshaw

Dave Motley down Geronimo. Photo: David Belshaw

Matthew Duckworth gets it a bit sideways... Photo: David Belshaw

Matthew Duckworth gets it a bit sideways… Photo: David Belshaw

First timer Andrew Howarth reports:

This was my 1st time doing the Tour of Pendle after sort of being talked into it by Ste Ainsworth, Chris Funnell and Andy Foster on our Sunday runs and during Tuesday training. Ste and my main aim was to support Andy round so he could get his points for 3 Peaks as he had been injured for a short period and we were just going to have a go “for a laugh”.

We did a recce of the first half a few weeks before as foolishly I was most concerned about the CP4 cut off time – how daft that was!!! Race day was a bit cloudy to start but we knew it would soon clear and got registered numbers etc before a quick brew and double check of kit and maps then joined the throng for the start. Our intention was to start steady and hopefully finish steady having heard grim tales of grown men weeping on the Big End. We set off sort of mid pack-ish and followed the path of muddy prints up onto Buttock and the 1st bit of the climb before seeing David Belshaw. His shout of “glad I’m not running” had me thinking ‘how the hell did he get from Burnley Parkrun to his photo position so quick – I wish I could move that fast’.

It was great to get to the trig and see so many people about encouraging runners, and we fell into a nice comfy rhythm that carried us over the stile and through the mud. Before we knew it seemed we were descending Geronimo to CP4 with a good 25 minutes to spare. We stuck to our plan and stopped for 2 minutes to water and fuel up as we knew the worst was to come. We set off up the trail back over to the Nick and the climb to the memorial before the drop to Mearley which did surprise me and not in a good way!! I managed to only slip the once climbing into the Clough before the ascent and this was the toughest for me as my calves were on fire and I felt like I was literally crawling and getting nowhere. In fact half way up, I considered throwing myself down the hill to be carried back to Barley by Mountain Rescue or doing a Laurel and Hardy with some feathers and getting a St Bernard to rescue me with a barrel of brandy but Ste’s encouragement from behind pushed me on and we summited by the cairn. Andy was a short way behind having cramped a bit so we sorted ourselves out with some excellent peanut butter fudge and set off for the last challenge of the Big End.

I found this easier as I knew it was the last climb but Andy said he was hallucinating about a shimmering pint at the top that got no closer! After that it was good to not be on a 90 degree surface and we set a decent pace back off from the trig, down Ogden to the finish, managing a strong finish and passing a few more knackered people on the way in (hill reps pay it seems for a finish). After managing to get dressed without the aid of our fingers or hips it appeared, we retired to the Pendle Inn to discuss the event and had decided before any alcohol that we would do it again next year. This was one of the best organized and marshalled events I have done locally and would like to thank the organizers and volunteers for a grand day out.

Tour of Pendle outtakes…

Suboptimal for shorts longevity, Mr Motley... Photo: David Belshaw

Sub-optimal for shorts longevity, Mr Motley… Photo: David Belshaw

Definitely a 'special' line down Geronimo, Andy Bradley! Photo: David Belshaw

Definitely a ‘special’ line down Geronimo, Andy Bradley! Photo: David Belshaw

Full Results

25 November – Mid Lancs XC League Round 2

The Mid Lancs League incorporates itself once a year in the much bigger National Cross Challenge Series round held at Sefton Park. Whilst competing in the Mid Lancs League for points, this also gives athletes the chance to race in a large national standard field against some of the very best cross-country runners in the country.

On a cold but dry morning in Liverpool and in the midst of top-flyte national standard opposition for the National Cross Challenge race, our Clayton Juniors all acquitted themselves really well with a particular mention to Amelia Halstead coming 20th in the U11G, Robbie Smedley 27th in U13B,  and Ella Dorrington 28th in U13G.

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Robbie Smedley. Photo: David Belshaw

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Imogen Ferguson. Photo: David Belshaw

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Will Nicholls. Photo: David Belshaw

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Briony Holt. Photo: David Belshaw

Ladies XC Team Manager Donna Airey reports:

After traffic delays on nearly every motorway to Liverpool, 13 ladies managed to get there in time before the gun went off. Sefton Park was cold, wet, sunny and extremely muddy.
Our first lady finisher was Liz Mullan followed closely by Amanda Duffy who missed the start due to gassing!
Team Results
19th Place, Elizabeth Mullan/Amanda Duffy/Irene Roche
Over 35
11th Place, Amanda Duffy/Irene Roche/Julia Rushton
Over 45
6th Place, Irene Roche/Julia Rushton/Nerina Gill

Full Results for the National Cross Challenge

Full Results for Mid Lancs League

 

ByAlan Dorrington

It’s Autumn, it’s October and the Roundup is back!

Robbie Smedley at Red Rose Round 1. Photo David Belshaw.

Robbie Smedley at Red Rose Round 1. Photo David Belshaw.

Welcome to the first of the new-look Clayton-le-Moors Harriers Roundups. As many of you will know, Adrienne Olszewska has stepped down as your Roundup editor having completed an incredible run of weekly Roundups over the past few years. Having deputised on occasion for Adrienne when she has been away ultra-running, I can confirm the huge commitment she made for each weekly Roundup and along, with many others, wish to thank her once again for all her witty, insightful and entertaining writing and reporting over that time.

In a shift away from the previous pattern of Roundups, your regular digest of all-things Clayton on the racing front will now come to you on a monthly basis, and will feature selected events off the Clayton calendar, including those where significant numbers of Clayton runners compete, team events and club championship races.

Races and events that will be featured in the monthly Roundup will be publicised in advance and this is where you all come in. To keep the Roundup fresh and topical, it needs your input and insight in the form of your race reports and pictures. To send your reports for inclusion, simply use the ‘Contact the Roundup Editor’ form on the website or message through the Team Clayton FB page.

This months Roundup is a little sparse as we transition to the new format but will hopefully build, with your input, into a bigger and more informative report on all things Clayton. Thank you in advance for your submissions.

1 October

Thieveley Pike Fell Races – 4.3m, 1310ft

A long standing fixture on the fell calendar which saw some epic battles in the 80s and 90s, this local AS category race is currently organised by Pete Booth and is still a stern test of climbing ability with a very steep pull out of the valley before a longer more gradual climb to the trig point. Though the route has changed over the years, there is a still an exhilarating blast back to the finish field and the welcome sight of the pub.

Junior Races
First Clayton boys and girls home were Charlie Barnes 1st in the U9 race and Ellisia Smedley 7th, Robbie Smedley 2nd in the U11 race and Helana White 8th, with William Nicholls 4th in the U13 race.  Josh Hall was 1st in the U15 race (13th overall) and Sophie Ashworth 7th, both running the full race distance. Special mention too to Peter Stevens who had a great race to take 2nd behind Josh, having only run a handful of fell races previously.
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Helana White

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William Nicholls

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Peter Stevens

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SPRINT! Lennon Jackson and Sophie Ashworth

All photos David Belshaw

Senior Race

The full distance senior race was won by Andrew Worster of Todmorden Harriers in 36:33 and George Pier found some form of old and had a cracking run to take 8th and the honour of first Clayton runner home.

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George Pier looking determined. Photo David Belshaw.

Junior Results

Senior Results

Hodgson Brothers Mountain Relays

The ‘Hodgson Brothers Mountain Relay’ started life as the ‘Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay’ and takes place in the heart of the Lake District Fells. Usually around 70 teams from across the country compete in what is the longest-running mountain relay in the country.

The race is a tough one, with 4 legs each throwing up their separate challenges, including hard climbs and steep descents on difficult terrain. The route requires careful navigation, especially in bad weather. Which the 2017 edition had in abundance, with significant route changes at the last minute affecting all legs in order to minimise the risk from gales and heavy rain on the tops throughout the event.

Clayton sent 3 full teams, an Open team, a Vets and a Ladies team.The Senior Team were 23rd out of 69 teams, the Vets 25th and 6th Vet team, and the Ladies 64th and 7th Ladies team.

Sarah Helliwell reports here on how the Ladies team got on:

It was a wet windy day as the team made its way to Patterdale. The course had been shorten and changed due to the weather with all 4 routes staying on the east side of the valley. The main changes were that leg 2 was shorten with the major climb up to High Street taken out and leg 3 and 4 were 2 and 1 in reverse..
Leg 1 was led out by Wendy Dodds (9 weeks after breaking her ankle) & Anna Kelly as they left the field from Patterdale in the only bit of dry weather that day! This soon changed as they hit the fells and the heavens opened. Both ladies made good ground over the tops and gave the team a good start as they dropped down into Hartsop to pass the baton onto Alison Dugdale and Tara Robb for leg 2.
As Alison and Tara made their way up to Kirkstone Pass the visibility became poor as they carried on with a good pace. They made good choices to find the checkpoints before descending out of the mist to pass onto Jean Brown and Claire Vincent waiting in the pouring rain at Kirkstone.
Good route choices again by Jean and Claire as the found the reverse checkpoints in atrocious weather. Before the tricky decent back down to Hartsop and the cloud line before passing the baton onto Linda Bostock and Katy Thompson. Linda and Katy climbed back over Angle Tarn before retracing the route back to Patterdale.
All the ladies did really well in tough conditions, poor visibility and sudden alternative route changes. A big thank you to all who ran and well done. On an impressive note Wendy Dodds has completed a total of 30 Hodgson Relays and in the words of Anna Kelly “she is a machine”, hopefully there will be many more to come. A great achievement.

Full Results

14 October

Red Rose Cross Country League – Round 1

Photo David Belshaw

Photo David Belshaw

A clash of fixtures with the first Mid Lancs Series race saw the Clayton Juniors starting their cross-country season en masse at the first Red Rose race at Leigh Sports Village. A mixture of more experienced runners and some Juniors new to cross-country saw Clayton pack out the placings with great runs from all the Juniors in almost unseasonally warm conditions.

Charlie Barnes. Photo David Belshaw.

Charlie Barnes. Photo David Belshaw.

Harrison Codd. Photo David Belshaw.

Harrison Codd. Photo David Belshaw.

Millie Stubbs. Photo David Belshaw.

Millie Stubbs. Photo David Belshaw.

A handful of Seniors also ran at Leigh whilst the bulk of the Senior/Vets and Ladies were over at Cuerden for the Mid Lancs racing.

Full Results

Mid Lancs Cross Country League – Round 1

The Clayton Senior cross country runners, supported by a few Juniors made their way over to Cuerden Country Park for Round 1, and in contrast to Leigh looked they instantly found some good mud.

Photo Tina Holt

Reece Lawrence, Curtis Holt and Simon Wilshaw. Photo Tina Holt

Performances of note included Briony Holt taking 2nd place in the U17G race, the Ladies teams taking 6th overall, 4th in the O45 and 2nd in the O55 team competitions. The Senior Mens team was 5th and the U20s were 2nd with the Vets O40 team 3rd and O50 team 2nd overall.

Full Results

15th October

British Fell Relay Championships

Chris Holdsworth. Photo Paul Shackleton

Chris Holdsworth. Photo Paul Shackleton

With somewhat kinder weather than for the Hodgson Relays a couple of weeks previous, Clayton sent 3 teams down to Llanberis for the British Relay Champs. The Relays were won by Dark Peak Fell Runners with 176 teams competing. Our A Team of Chris Holdsworth, Matt Perry, Andrew Laycock, Andrew Payne, Dave Walker, and Dave Motley as16th, the B Team of David Bagot, Carl Helliwell, Peter Coates, Russell Clarke, George Pier, and Chris Snell was 68th and the Ladies team of Claire Vincent, Tara Robb, Jean Brown, Wendy Dodds, Katy Thompson and Sarah Helliwell were 137th and 20th overall in their class.

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Sarah Helliwell

Jean Brown and Tara Robb (SH)

Jean Brown and Tara Robb. Photo Sarah Helliwell.

Full Results

 

ByAlan Dorrington

Run it fast, run it long, run it any which way!

This week you’ve recorded times from 4 mins 45 seconds to 33 hours 56 minutes and lots more in between with some short and snappy runs, some really loong ones and some pretty soggy ones too. And there’s been racing action abroad too with more Ironman competition. In other words, the usual spectacular celebration of running (and swimming and cycling) exploits from the Clayton membership. Fantastic stuff.

Wednesday

Padiham Greenway

Organising his first senior race, Junior Coach Jason Pier did a super job with this popular fixture on the Burnley and Pendle Grand Prix series, which ran like clockwork and attracted a record 180 seniors to race on a warm, balmy mid week night.

Fast Wharfedale Senior James Hall blazed into the finish in under 16 minutes with 15:44, followed by our own Danny Collinge in 16:29. From then on, the flood of Clayton runners was pretty constant, with many PBs and course bests peppering the results.

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PB for George Pier. Photo: David Belshaw

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Donna Airey. Photo: David Belshaw

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‘What do you mean I didn’t run quick enough?!’ Nick Hennessey was 1st Junior home in a speedy sub 18 minutes. Photo: David Belshaw

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Thank. Goodness. That’s. Over… Lucy Stevenson. Photo: David Belshaw

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Christine Leathley brings it home. Photo: David Belshaw

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Bit more work needed on the double thumbs up Cassie Smedley? Photo: David Belshaw

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos Time
2 Danny Collinge MS (002/031) 00:16:29
8 Luke Turner MS (005/031) 00:17:16
9 Matthew Duckworth MS (006/031) 00:17:26
14 Nicholas Hennessey MJ (001/003) 00:17:49
17 Jonathan Pye MS (010/031) 00:18:06
19 George Pier MS (012/031) 00:18:21
27 Kevin Davies M55 (001/012) 00:18:49
33 Paul Hesketh M50 (002/016) 00:19:22
34 James Boult MS (018/031) 00:19:29
35 Gareth Berry M40 (006/026) 00:19:29
40 Mick Hughes M40 (008/026) 00:19:41
42 David Moynihan M50 (003/016) 00:19:52
43 James Dunderdale MS (021/031) 00:19:54
45 Reece Lawrence MJ (002/003) 00:20:01
46 John Roche M55 (003/012) 00:20:05
48 Michael Clarke M40 (011/026) 00:20:13
51 Sean Clare M50 (004/016) 00:20:19
52 Andy Bradley M50 (005/016) 00:20:21
53 Paul Foster M45 (006/012) 00:20:27
54 Craig Nicholls M40 (012/026) 00:20:34
56 Adam Stephenson MS (023/031) 00:20:38
59 Elizabeth Mullan FS (001/012) 00:20:53
67 Cassandra Smedley F35 (003/018) 00:21:24
72 Robert Morrison M45 (008/012) 00:21:46
73 Donna Airey F35 (004/018) 00:21:54
75 Chris Lawrence M50 (010/016) 00:22:07
78 Colin White M40 (013/026) 00:22:23
82 Jeffrey Pickup M65 (001/004) 00:22:31
84 James Hickie M55 (005/012) 00:22:40
86 Carl Carey M45 (010/012) 00:22:46
87 Michelle Abbott F35 (005/018) 00:22:49
99 Aaron Lundie MJ (003/003) 00:23:45
102 Nina Kewin F35 (006/018) 00:24:03
103 Nerina Gill F45 (002/007) 00:24:05
106 Julia Rushton F50 (003/008) 00:24:11
108 J Pollard F45 (003/007) 00:24:15
109 Ian Hargreaves M50 (014/016) 00:24:18
112 Lisa Ellis F35 (008/018) 00:24:28
117 David I. Scott M70 (002/002) 00:24:38
119 Jane Ryan F40 (003/008) 00:24:41
122 Bryn Barnes M65 (003/004) 00:24:52
124 Colin Woolford M40 (020/026) 00:24:55
125 Andrew Taylor M55 (009/012) 00:24:55
130 Lucy Scott FS (008/012) 00:25:12
133 Richard Lawson M75 (001/001) 00:25:29
134 Mark R. Knowles M40 (022/026) 00:25:32
141 Michelle Butschok F40 (004/008) 00:26:14
144 Rebecca Bradshaw FS (011/012) 00:26:38
145 Jane Hylands F45 (004/007) 00:26:42
148 Deborah Greenwood F45 (005/007) 00:27:06
152 Helen Burnett F45 (006/007) 00:27:30
156 Julia Taylor F55 (001/004) 00:28:39
163 Judith Carey F35 (016/018) 00:29:24
166 Geraldine Varley F55 (004/004) 00:30:03
167 Christine Egerton F65 (001/002) 00:30:06
171 Ron Chappell M65 (004/004) 00:30:44
172 Jack McGuire M60 (008/008) 00:30:53
174 Lucy Stevenson FJ (002/002) 00:31:18
175 Sharon Wilson F40 (008/008) 00:31:30
176 Anita Jones F60 (003/004) 00:32:07
177 Christine Leathley F65 (002/002) 00:32:09

Full Results Seniors

Junior races

There was also a record turnout of 83 juniors for these races, a large section of whom were Clayton Juniors. There were age group wins for Freya Birtwistle (U9G), Helena White (U13G), Tom Holden (U17B) and Millie Stubbs (U17G). Podium places were also occupied by Robbie Smedley (U13B), Finley Stubbs (U13B), Michael Stevens (U15B), Adam Stephenson (U15B), Ella Dorrington (U15G), Jay Bowman (U17B), Kaliska Clarke (U17G) and Alfie White (U17B). All our Juniors ran brilliantly and were smiling at one point or another during the proceedings.

Emily Johnson looking good and heading to the finish. Photo: David Belshaw

Emily Johnson looking good and heading to the finish. Photo: David Belshaw

U7/U9

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos Time
13 Charlie Plant M9 (007/008) 00:04:45
15 Ruby Cleaver F9 (005/008) 00:05:01
16 Freya Birtwistle F7 (001/001) 00:05:08
21 Olly Plant M9 (008/008) 00:05:27
22 Emily Johnson F9 (008/008) 00:05:30

U11/U13

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos Time
2 Robbie Smedley M13 (002/009) 00:06:46
3 Finley Stubbs M13 (003/009) 00:07:12
5 Matthew Jackson M13 (005/009) 00:07:16
9 Helana White F13 (001/006) 00:07:25
14 Nathan Kewin M13 (007/009) 00:07:56
19 Charlie Barnes M11 (006/015) 00:08:09
26 Toby Birtwistle M11 (011/015) 00:08:30
28 Imogen Ferguson F13 (005/006) 00:08:41
36 Fraser Anforth M11 (015/015) 00:09:37
38 Emily Nicholls F11 (008/010) 00:09:45
39 Ellisia Smedley F11 (009/010) 00:10:14
40 Joni Higgins F11 (010/010) 00:10:57
Michael Stevens chased winner Jack Villiers hard in the U15 race. Photo: David Belshaw

Michael Stevens chased winner Jack Villiers hard in the U15 race. Photo: David Belshaw

Beth Wheatcroft and Kaliska in the U15G race. Photo: David Belshaw

Beth Wheatcroft and Kaliska Clarke in the U15G race. Photo: David Belshaw

U15/U17

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos Time
2 Michael Stevens M15 (002/006) 00:10:58
3 Adam Stevenson M15 (003/006) 00:11:33
4 Lennon Jackson M15 (004/006) 00:11:40
5 Tom Holden M17 (001/003) 00:11:58
6 Harrison L. Codd M15 (005/006) 00:11:59
7 Jay Bowman M17 (002/003) 00:12:00
9 Ella Dorrington F15 (002/009) 00:12:13
10 Millie Stubbs F17 (001/002) 00:12:29
11 William Nicholls M15 (006/006) 00:12:52
13 Kaliska Clarke F17 (002/002) 00:13:18
14 Bethany Wheatcroft F15 (004/009) 00:13:23
15 Alfie White M17 (003/003) 00:13:37
17 Natasha Olszewska F15 (006/009) 00:13:52
18 Heidi Kewin F15 (007/009) 00:14:08
19 Keira Stevenson F15 (008/009) 00:15:33
20 Bronia Olszewska F15 (009/009) 00:15:58

Full Results Juniors

Lee Mill Fell Race

This midweek Rossendale Harriers fixture over 6 miles takes competitors on an industrial fell-tour of some of Rossendale’s largest stoneworking sites, past and present, with some good old fashioned moorland running thrown in too. Won by Phil Marsden from Horwich RMI, Chris Snell was the first Clayton runner home in 7th, with Alan Life in 11th and Stephen Fish in 47th.

Full Results

Thursday

Heart of the Lakes Rydal Round

Along with the Guides races, the Rydal Round makes up the fell running attractions at Ambleside Sports. This longstanding AM race is held over 9 miles and 300ft of climb. Matt Perry was 12th in a fast time of 1:31:33 behind winner Simon Bailey (Mercia) in 1:23:37, Richard Briscoe was 63nd in 1:57:30 and Alan Dorrington 72nd in 2:03:32. 144 runners started.

Alan Dorrington reports:

“Chasing Briscoes in the mist… that was the theme for this Fairfield Horseshoe by another name. Following pretty much the same course, save for the initial climb up Nab Scar and a little bit of contouring around rather than over intermediate peaks, the weather during the round deteriorated reasonably decisively as a heavy rain shower and strong winds blew in over Fairfield summit. Depending on where you were in the field, this meant being buffeted and drenched at some point, some escaping the worst and others like myself being battered by the weather over the rougher rocky sections over Fairfield and down to Link Hause.

It had started innocuously enough, as I found myself pacing the long initial climb up to Heron Pike, only for Richard Briscoe to stride past at the bottom of the climb. Assuming he had been out clubbing till 4am the night before/raced for 3 days previously/was severly dehydrated* (*delete as applicable), I happily let him go and marvelled instead at the sight of Simon Bailey running the top section of the climb, some considerable way above me. I resolved to catch Richard later in the race for sure.

Except I didn’t, and he remained, tantalisingly, a short distance in front all the way over toward Fairfield and as the mist came in. The rain and wind and clag did for the vision through my glasses and reduced my pace to an embarassingly slow crawl over the rocky sections to Hart Crag till lower ground was gained, it stopped blowing a hooly and I could see again. Except there was no sign of Richard. He’d had a good run over the back side of the course and finished well on the now sodden descent back through Brock Crags and along to the sports field. Next time…

Alan Dorrington makes his way through the rain and clag on Fairfield. Photo: Stephen Wilson/GrandDayOut

Alan Dorrington makes his way through the rain and clag on Fairfield. Photo: Stephen Wilson/GrandDayOut

Full Results

Ambleside Sports Guides Races – BOFRA

Along with Grasmere, this is one of the oldest and more prestigious Guides Races in the country, following the usual ‘stupid steep up and then down’ format of Guides Races over the years.

Briony Holt revels in this kind of flat out racing up and down 45 degree slopes and took 2nd place in the U17G race by a clear margin behind perpetual rival, Rosie Woodhams. Her time over the same course as the Senior race would have placed her as 2nd Lady in that race too…

Briony Holt in full flight. Photo: Woodentops

Briony Holt in full flight. Photo: Woodentops

In the Senior race won by Rob Hope in 14:15, a plucky Richard Briscoe decided to see just how wrecked his legs might be from the Rydal Round a couple of hours before but still managed a respectable 21:39 and 59th with Andrew Firth in 72nd. Chapeau!

Here’s Richard’s report:

“On Thursday I decided to do the Rydal Round and the short Bofra race at Ambleside Sports. I had to to the Bofra race to try and get 8 championship races in. The main race is the Rydal round a cracking race was a good turn out. Three Clayton runners did the long race Matt Perry, Alan Dorrington, and myself. I started very well behind Matt but in front of Alan. I saw him behind me so I had to improve my game to stop him. The weather wasn’t good especially on top of Fairfield so had to be quick to get round. I managed the race and was faster than previous times. I felt good so I did the 2nd race as well the short Bofra race. Andy Firth and myself did it.”

Richard Briscoe feelsthe pain of 2fast race finishes in about as many hours. Photo: Woodentops

Richard Briscoe feels the pain of 2 fast race finishes in about as many hours. Photo: Woodentops

Andrew Firth on his way to the finish at Ambleside Sports. Photo: Woodentops

Andrew Firth on his way to the finish at Ambleside Sports. Photo: Woodentops

Full Results

Friday

Lakeland 100

Grim, overwhelming, stomach churning and unforgettable. That was just the portable toilets at this years Lakeland 100/50 event, never mind the tough, iconic ultra distance courses and traditional Lakeland ‘weather’ on offer to hardy ultra runners this weekend.

The M*A*S*H themed support station at Dalemain. Photo: Adrienne Olszewska

The M*A*S*H themed support station at Dalemain. Photo: Adrienne Olszewska

Put simply, Martin Terry had a knockout performance in the Lakeland 100. He ran consistently well throughout the race and was looking happy and strong at Dalemain checkpoint. He continued to race steadily and, despite a temporary period of tiredness in the later stages, managed to pick off a few runners to finish in 17th place overall with a time of 26:09:03. There are no age categories in the race but that position would have been 1st V50.

Andrew Armstrong finished in 113th place with a time of 33:56:30 despite suffering from sickness and struggling to refuel throughout, opting for a liquid diet of flat Coke and a single cup of soup between miles 25 and 75. Andy does like to keep things simple and minimal, but we’re not sure that nutrition strategy will fully catch on in the ultra world. Nor will the acquisition of trench foot due to the wet conditions that battered the 223 finishers in the 100 race for much of the weekend.

Congratulations to both on a truly mammoth accomplishment. Trench foot pictures withheld due to upsetting content.

Also a special mention to Clayton Juniors Natasha and Bronia Olszewska who worked really hard all weekend at the Dalemain checkpoint, looking after the 100 mile runners brilliantly.

Bronia and Natasha - experienced ultra helpers. Photo: SportSunday

Bronia and Natasha – experienced ultra helpers. Photo: SportSunday

Full Results to follow

Saturday

Lakeland 50

Andy Laycock had a fantastic run in the 50 mile event, starting on Saturday. He was in first position for the first half of the race until he was overtaken by Casper Kaars Sijpesteijn who then went on to break the course record. Andy finished in 07:51:42.

Full Results to follow

Pilling 10k

Laura Hesketh had a fantastic run here, placing 1st Lady in 35:23 (a PB), and 7th overall. This continues her super run of form in recent races including last weeks Sale Sizzler 5k (16:44) and which has seen her place 16th overall in the UK rankings, the highest position ever for a Clayton senior lady.

Full Results

Turnslack Fell Race

This 8 mile race with 2001ft of climb starts out of Calderbrook near Littelborough and heads out over Hades Hill to Ramsden Clough before returning over Shore Moor. The race was won by Mike Fanning from Holmfirth in 1:10:52 and Paul Hesketh, Jack Holt and Jeffrey Pickup ran coming in 17th, 30th and 48th respectively.

Full Results

Cowling Gala Fell Race – BOFRA

Helana White popped across the border to this local gala fell race with its stone wall obstacled finish and came back with a 3rd place in the U12G race. And probably an ice cream.

Whoosh! Helana White getting those arms in the air. Photo: Woodentops

Whoosh! Helana White getting those arms in the air. Photo: Woodentops

Full Results

Sunday

Sabden Fell Race

This English Hill Runners fixture takes in a 5.25 mile loop from Sabden over the quieter end of Pendle with some nice contouring running amongst a couple of stiff climbs giving around 1500ft of climbing. Dave Motley got his race face on as well as the bit between his teeth, and took a fine second place behind winner Grant Cunliffe of Rossendale Harriers with support from Chris Snell in 8th, Rick Moore in 31st and Peter Dugdale in 44th.

'You looking at me?' Dave Motley leading a group up onto Pendle. Photo: David Belshaw

‘You looking at me?’ Dave Motley leading the chasing group up onto Pendle with Chris Snell in close attendance. Photo: David Belshaw

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos Time
2 Dave Motley MS (002/008) 00:43:22
8 Christopher Snell MS (006/008) 00:46:19
31 Rick Moore M50 (013/016) 00:59:47
44 Peter Dugdale M60 (005/005) 01:18:11

Full Results

Ironman Switzerland

After Jon Cleaver’s recent efforts at Ironman UK, Vicky Heys has earned the right now to a very specific tattoo with a successful completion of Ironman Switzerland. Or Schweize/Suisse/Svizzera/Svizra depending on your language preference. Despite the multiple language options in Switzerland, the Ironman format remains the same: a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.2-mile (42.16 km) run. A long way in other words…

Angela Shian sent us this report as presumably Vicky is putting her feet up somewhere and refuelling with cheese and chocolate:

“Vicky Heys is an Ironman!!!

Vicky is mostly known for racing the fells, being noisy at cross country….!! And has ran the odd road relay for us (with a little persuasion!). However this year her Inov8s have had to take a back seat. Vicky has always competed very well in local triathlons, but it seems that this is not enough of a challenge for her! Vicky and Julia Hartley booked to take part in the Switzerland Ironman, 2.4mile open water swim, 112 bike, then finish off with a full marathon, all this in hot and humid conditions. The hard training of 2017 paid off, she ran over the finishing line in 13hrs 40, in 17th position in her age category. Congratulations on the mammoth achievement, Vicky can now have a well earned rest, well until Yorkshireman marathon next month anyway….!!!”

Congratulations from all of us too!

Parkrun

Burnley parkrun – a total of 356 runners took part.

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
1 Tom BREWSTER 17:25 SM30-34
2 Nicholas HENNESSEY 18:13 JM15-17 New PB!
3 Jonathan PYE 18:28 SM25-29
7 Michael STEVENS 19:20 JM11-14
18 Mick HUGHES 20:54 VM40-44
38 Chris LAWRENCE 22:35 VM50-54
43 Charlie BARNES 22:44 JM10
49 Cassandra Darling SMEDLEY 22:51 VW35-39
50 Michelle ABBOTT 22:53 VW35-39
53 Sarah ANGELONE 23:10 SW30-34
56 Colin WHITE 23:14 VM40-44
74 David Ian SCOTT 23:57 VM70-74
76 Robbie SMEDLEY 24:05 JM11-14
78 Nina KEWIN 24:11 VW35-39
90 Bryn BARNES 24:59 VM65-69
97 Toby BIRTWISTLE 25:13 JM10
98 Charlie BIRTWISTLE 25:14 JM11-14
115 Lynsey BIRTWISTLE 25:57 VW35-39
117 Justin BIRTWISTLE 26:01 VM40-44
139 Heidi KEWIN 26:49 JW11-14
230 Judith CAREY 30:34 VW35-39
232 Marion WILKINSON 30:52 VW75-79
234 Stuart BARKER 30:59 VM50-54
240 Ella DORRINGTON-LEVY 31:06 JW11-14
242 Robert HIRST 31:08 VM65-69
246 Ron CHAPPELL 31:12 VM65-69
253 Ellisia SMEDLEY 31:52 JW10

Rugby parkrun – a total of 171 runners took part.

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
9 Sean CLARE 20:32 VM50-54

Harrogate parkrun – a total of 373 runners took part.

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
275 Emily JOHNSON 31:15 JW10
276 Lisa JOHNSON 31:16 VW45-49

Sewerby parkrun – a total of 234 runners took part.

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
71 Sophie ASHWORTH 24:53 JW11-14
94 Thomas ASHWORTH 27:00 JM10

Lyme Park parkrun – a total of 126 runners took part.

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
55 Katy THOMPSON 28:00 VW60-64
67 Paul THOMPSON 28:49 VM45-49

Pendle parkrun – a total of 81 runners took part.

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
5 Paul BRANNON 20:58 VM55-59
20 Eleanor Betty ROOT 25:04 JW15-17
24 Dawn TERRY 25:56 VW50-54
25 Barry MITCHELL  26:09 VM70-74
58 Yvonne WICKHAM  32:12 VW50-54
64 Grace Georgina ROOT  33:21 JW11-14
81 John HARTLEY  53:55 VM60-64

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – a total of 241 runners took part.

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
140 Eileen JONES 00:29:27 VW65-69

Witton parkrun – a total of 62 runners took part.

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
24 Stephen FISH 27:47 VM60-64
62 Julia RUSHTON 48:47 VW50-54

Lytham Hall parkrun – a total of 150 runners took part.

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
36 Philip NAYLOR 23:42 VM40-44

Lancaster parkrun – a total of 218 runners took part.

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
130 Doug MUNROE 31:42 VM70-74

Blackpool parkrun – a total of 173 runners took part.

Pos Parkrunner Time Cat Note
92 Christine Jennifer EGERTON 29:43 VW65-69
120 Christine LEATHLEY 32:06 VW65-69

 

 

ByAlan Dorrington

Hills, hills and more hills!

With a few notable exceptions who went looong, you’ve been hitting the hills this week. Welsh hills, Lakeland hills and our very own local hills. Those gruesome hill rep sessions seem to have been paying off as there have been outstanding individual performances, some great team camaraderie and a lot of miles covered by you all. Belt up for a roller coaster ride this week!

Tuesday

Ian Terry Memorial 5k

Jane Hylands FV45 was Clayton’s sole representative in this midweek 5k won by M. O’Malley in 16:20. Jane came in 38th in 25:46.

Full Results

Friday

Sedbergh Sports fell race

Short and steep, this AS race packs in 1300ft of climb in its short 3.5m length. Won by Josh Boyle MU23 in 25:37, Wendy Dodds FV60 was 31st in 38:49 and Stephen Fish MV60 36th in 43:00. Stephen sent this report in:

“Always keen to try a race I’ve not previously done I headed up the M6 for the Friday evening event held just outside Sedbergh, in a field next to Buckbank Lane, just off the A683.

Sedbergh Sports is a typical Cumbrian local show with plenty of novelty events for children and adults, comprising of 3 legged, sack, potato, tyre rolling, sprint, ½ mile handicap, 1 mile handicap races, plus the fell races for U7s upwards.

The senior route took us out, after a lap of the show field, along Buckbank Lane before the steep ascent of Knott. On the initial part of the climb I managed to eventually pass Wendy Dodds and was amazed to look up and see the eventual race winner, Josh Boyle, actually running the climb. Wendy and I were in walking mode at this point and it wasn’t long before she came past me again and it stayed that way for the remainder of the race. Once Knott was conquered the ascent up onto Sickers Fell ensued, followed by a fast, exhilarating, descent into the show field. Despite having what I thought was a decent run, I only finished 36 out of 38 runners.

A very good ‘BOFRA’ style race, which had a bit of everything. One I would recommend, certainly justifying its category ‘A’ status, despite the tarmac portion at the beginning.”

Full Results

Saturday

Snowdon Race

The big fixture of the weekend was the Snowdon Race. Held since 1976, its 10 miles up and down format on Wales’ highest mountain has led to its classic status on the mountain running calendar. Incidentally the male record for this race has stood since 1985, being one of Kenny Stuart’s enduring times from that golden era of fell/mountain running – an amazing 1:02:29.

A large contingent of Clayton runners made their way to the top bit of Snowdonia for the start in Llanberis. Quickest up and down in somewhat claggy conditions, and with the added cachet of wearing an England vest for the second time was Chris Holdsworth. He came a stunning 4th place in 1:09:17, 1 second off 3rd place and 3rd English counter behind the Italian winner Magnini in 1:06:42.

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Chris Holdsworth pushing hard on the descent. Photo: Deborah Stevenson

Behind a cast of, well maybe not thousands but 10s of Clayton vests supported him with special mention going to Richard Stevenson who managed to rip the skin off not one but both heels during the descent. Ouch.

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Dave Motley working on his way up the claggy climb.

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That’ll be Wayne McIntosh.

Look away now... Selfie: Richard Stevenson

Look away now… Selfie: Richard Stevenson

Full results to follow when available.

 

Pendle Running Festival half marathon and 10k

A few hardy (foolhardy?) souls decided they hadn’t had enough of hilly half marathons the week after Hendon Brook and so opted to run the half distance at the Pendle Running Festival, an event growing in popularity owing to its relaxed atmosphere, additional family activities and scenic location in Barley.

With over 2000ft of climb in the half, and over 800ft in the 10k the routes were accurately described as challenging.Tom Brewster SEN was first Clayton runner home in the 10k in 3rd place and 40:05 whilst James Boult MU23 led the way in the Half in 1:39:18.

A trio of Clayton runners still nursing Hendon Brook legs formed a pact before the half marathon to sing, cajole and support each other round the hilly course.

Here’s their tripartite perspective ‘The Team Works!’:

Report by Cassie Smedley

“Well, to say that I was nervous entering another HM 6 days after completing the tough Hendon Brook HM was an understatement, but to be told that the Pendle HM was as tough wasn’t making me feel any better. We were set off with the 10k race, and needed to make sure we didn’t get carried away and set off too fast. It was great to run with Michelle but we also had Mick Hughes for support and encouragement, and the odd sing song from him to keep us entertained. We had a great run, kept each other going at a good pace, and Mick went to stretch his legs out with about 3k to go. Me and Michelle found our legs again and kicked into the finish. Came in strong to the finish line, hand in hand as always. Great run, with great team mates and friends”

Report by Michelle Abbott

“Well after having a bit of a rollercoaster week and doing Hendon brook just 6 day before it was time for the the Barley hm, first time for me. I wasn’t out for any records, just an enjoyable run which it was, kept a good continuous pace. I enjoyed every bit with Cassie and Mick running along side, it was brill. As we were coming back into Barley after first lap the 10 k runners were heading into the finish and we had to go and tackle another big hill before doing another lap. It was tempting to join the 10 k runners at that point but we still managed to keep plodding with a smile and finished strong before heading straight to the cafe for a well earned bacon butt.”

Report by Mick Hughes

“Having done the 10k last year, I had vowed to take on the Pendle Festival half marathon this year. What I had forgotten was that it would come just 6 days after Hendon Brook! My largest goal this year is completing the whole 14 PBGP races so having managed 1hr 57 at Hendon, I had to be smart in tackling this and one of my smartest decisions was to pace along with Cassie & Michelle. Taking on another 2000ft of climb and the 2nd hilly half marathon within a week would take discipline. The one thing Cassie & Michelle have in abundance is determination and stamina! These girls have real good engines and we took turns at pushing forward and leading the group. Add into the mix good personality and sense of humour and we were good to go. Having done the 10k last year I advised the ladies to remain steady in pace as tackling Stang Top twice is a test!. We chatted and willed each other on throughout all the elevation and many laughs kept us going as we paced just right to manage a nice sub 2 hr finish and another good day for team Clayton. It was another one of those races that stay in the memory and a reminder of just how great our team mates are.”

Triple trouble at the Pendle Running Festival half - Cassie, Mick and Michelle. Photo: David Belshaw

Triple trouble at the Pendle Running Festival half – Cassie, Mick and Michelle. Photo: David Belshaw

Donna Airey finishing. Photo: David Belshaw

Donna Airey finishing with a double thunbs up. Photo: David Belshaw

Full results to follow

Interim Facebook results here

Race to the Stones

The Ridgeway is old. Really old, and steeped in Iron Age features and subsequent history along its 100 mile-odd route through the Chilterns to the North Wessex Downs. It makes for great open trail running too as the Clayton team of Chris Funnell, Stephen Ainsworth, Rob Morrison, Andy Webster, and Colin White found out when they entered the 100km Race to the Stones, the stones in question being the iconic stone circle at Avebury.

Here’s what happened:

Back in late 2016 during one of our Sunday morning long run and natters we decided to try something different and Stephen suggested we gave Race to the Stones a go in 2017. The appeal was that this would be a good challenging distance (100K ultra over 2 days) and was the equivalent of trail running glamping as everything was included.

The run itself is along The Ridgeway which is an ancient 5000 year old trail from the Chilterns to the North Wessex Downs. This is trail running at its most scenic with miles of rolling hills and spectacular views. The forecast for the first day was cloudy but dry with temperatures around 22 degrees. The reality was cool with regular showers which kept the running to a comfortable temperature. There were refuelling stations every 10-12K with every type of sports nutrition you’ve heard of and quite a few I’d never come across. We quickly realised that our loaded backpacks which carried enough provisions for a weeks wild camping were totally superfluous as we took refuelling to a whole new level and Andy commented that he’d eaten less on all inclusive holidays.

Our plan was to run the route together as Team Clayton and soak up the whole experience. The end time wasn’t important. We all expected to comfortably complete the first 50K but the big question mark was how we were going to feel trying to get going again the next morning. We arrived mid afternoon at the half way camp where virtually every whim was catered for including unlimited hot food, bar, hot showers, massage, medic tents, pamper tent, sports nutrition, yoga class, live music, stretch out area and rollers and chill out zone complete with bean bags. In true Northern style we made full use of all the facilities. The overnight stay was in one man tents and runners and walkers arrivals continued to be announced over the speakers late into the evening. Between the wind rattling the tents and Rob shouting in his sleep we didn’t get much shut eye (apart from Rob) and at 0500am we all popped out of the tents bleary eyed and wondering how the legs were going to hold up.

A hot shower, porridge and full English later we all felt refreshed and good to go again and we set off just after 0600am although this was considered a late start and a big contingent had already left earlier.With the second day promising to be a bit warmer we all donned our Clayton vests. The scenery the second day was even more spectacular than the first and the early morning was calm and cool and it felt great to get the legs moving again. The route contained roughly 6000 feet of climbing and we were getting lots of shouts of “good effort” as we overtook lines of people without breaking pace as although the climbs were long and these weren’t hills by Northern standards. At the refuelling points everyone remarked on how we had stuck together and ran the challenge as a team. Mostly it was just pairs or individuals. Although most didn’t know where Clayton le Moors was many made comments about its infamous running history including Ron Hill and other Clayton le Moors legends.

After we had been running for a couple of hours Colin started grimacing as an old hip injury resurfaced and the next 20K proved to be the biggest test for Team Clayton as we battled through each 1K using a combination of encouragement, painkillers and shear determination. Andy’s stock phrase of “it’s just around the next bend” was no longer having effect and we were trying to decide if we had enough provisions in our backpacks to knock up a quick field stretcher. After force feeding Colin a handful of Randoms and lying that it was only 5K ( or one Parkrun) to go we dug deep for the final push and the glory that awaited at the finish which was at the Bronze Age stone henge at Avebury. At the finish line we had mixed feelings of pride of starting and completing as a team but sorry that it had come to an end. Although it was never about a fast time ( as we stayed much longer than most at the refuelling stops), Steve came away with the Vet 60 1st place which was the icing on the cake. Over a few beers we celebrated and relived our whole experience and talk was already about ideas for the next trip.

Race to the Stones Team Clayton

Race to the Stones Team Clayton

Junior FRA ‘do’

Four Clayton Juniors (Briony Holt, Ella Dorrington, Jenson Bentham and Christopher Brown) attended the Junior FRA ‘do’ at Marl Pits Rossendale. Part social, part prizegiving, the event was hosted as in previous years by Rossendale Harriers and combined running and coaching sessions, planning for the future and a talk from fell legend Steve Birkinshaw.

Briony was there to pick up her 3rd place award, presented by Steve Birkinshaw, for the season long English Championships U17G competition, a fantastic achievement in only her first year in that age group.

English Junior Fell Championships medal for Briony Holt. Photo Alan Dorrington

English Junior Fell Championships medal for Briony Holt. Photo Alan Dorrington

Sunday

Kentmere Horseshoe fell race

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Horseshoe? Go up to the left, round the back and then down from the right. Simples. Photo: Alan Dorrington

This edition was won by Joshua Jardine MU23 in 1:32:55. Andy Armstrong MV40 was first Clayton finisher in 100th in 2:04:24, Jack Holt MV60 105th in 2:04:56, Alan Dorrington MV40 214th in 2:23:53 and Wendy Dodds FV60 241st in 2:30:48.

Clayton Juniors coach Andy Armstrong reports:

“The Kentmere Horeshoe is a 12 mile/3000ft fell race in the old school tradition. It starts on a narrow country lane (ensuring a mad scramble for positions as the race heads up out of the village) and it finishes in a farmer’s field where water is available out of the back of a car. The presence of Pete Bland’s iconic red van, coupled with tea and sandwiches in the village hall afterwards complete the picture. No medals, no Tshirt, no Tannoy!

Between the start and finish is one of the prettiest horseshoe courses in the lakes with views beyond Windermere to the west and Haweswater to the east. A dry sunny day guaranteed fast times and comedy vest tans all round. Four Clayton members made the trip to Kentmere; first home was Andy Armstrong in 100th place chased all the way off the fell gate by Jack Holt in 105th (3rd MV60). Alan Dorrington was next in at 214th then Wendy Dodds some time later in 241st position (1st FV60).
The race is not without its dark side – Judith Taylor of Clayton lost her life on this course in 1994, during what were described as truly horrendous blizzard conditions. However on a clear day this would make a great introduction to anyone seeking to do longer fell races in the Lake District.
Andy Armstrong descends off Kentmere Pike to the finish. Photo: Mick Dobson

Andy Armstrong descends off Kentmere Pike to the finish. Photo: Mick Dobson

Alan Dorrington heading to the finish in Kentmere village. Photo: Mick Dobson

Alan Dorrington heading to the finish in Kentmere village. Photo: Mick Dobson

Full Results

BOFRA Cracoe fell race

Briony Holt continued her super run of form with a solid 2nd place and 9th overall in the U17 race held on a fast and for BOFRA, relatively tame grassy course.

Briony olt scaling the Cracoe wall. Photo: Carolyn Brett Muir

Briony Holt scaling the Cracoe wall. Photo: Carolyn Brett Muir

Full Results

Pendle Running Festival trail race

Day two of the Festival saw the Trail race with a game amount of climb around Barley, Newchurch and Whitehough.

The race was won by Burnley and Pendle regular Nick Gaskell in 31:40 and first Clayton runner home with a fantastic performance was 15 yr old Junior Nick Henessey in 6th place and 37:32.

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Tall for his age? Junior Nick Hennessey was flying in the trail race. Photo: David Belshaw

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Gareth Berry, Andy Bradley and Reece Lawrence battling it out in the trail race. Photo: David Belshaw

Full Results to follow

Interim Facebook results here

Ironman UK Bolton

Last but certainly not least given his efforts, Jon Cleaver has been quietly doing the lengths, kms and miles in preparing for the classic Ironman UK grueller, and joined fellow multiple kit option devotees at the start line in Pennington Flash on Sunday. Here’s how he got on – wonder if he’s going to get the tattoo now?

“Starting with an eye watering 03:45 wake up call I got myself changed and headed over to Penington Flash for the first event of the day 4km swim which involved 2 laps of the flash mainly trying to avoid getting kicked and elbowed in the head. I was pleased to come out at 01:18 which was exactly what I paced for in training. Next onto the bike going through Leigh over to Westhoughton, then Rivington for the start of two 50 mile loops and 5200ft of climbing I felt pretty good on the bike keeping on top of my feed and hydration. I came into T2 after 07:07 of cycling, considering this was probably my weakest event I was happy enough with the time. Then onto the run my strongest discipline having not done a marathon since April I was a bit rusty and my legs were shot at from the bike I had to summon all the strength I could muster on a pretty hilly road course over 1200ft in elevation. I finished the run in 03:45 which is not too shabby considering and heard the immortal words “Jonathan you are an Iron Man” at 12:32. Overall I placed 507 out of over 2000 making up a lot of ground on the run.”

Full Results

Parkrun

Burnley Junior Parkrun – a total of 77 runners took part.

Pos Name Time Cat Note
2 Robbie SMEDLEY 07:21 JM11-14 New PB!
4 Matthew JACKSON 07:37 JM11-14
6 Charlie BARNES 08:36 JM10
8 Bethany WHEATCROFT 08:43 JW11-14
13 Imogen FERGUSON 09:06 JW11-14
14 Jake ANFORTH 09:10 JM11-14 First Timer!
27 Fraser ANFORTH 10:19 JM10 New PB!
30 Ellisia SMEDLEY 10:41 JW10 New PB!
33 Charlie BIRTWISTLE 10:42 JM11-14

Burnley parkrun – a total of 368 runners took part.

Pos Name Time Cat
Note
2 Jacob WATSON 17:36 SM30-34
4 Jonathan PYE 18:18 SM25-29
7 Nicholas HENNESSEY 18:37 JM15-17
8 Mark ASPINALL 18:42 VM55-59
9 Josh HALL 18:46 JM15-17
12 Michael STEVENS 19:18 JM11-14
21 Reece Adam LAWRENCE 20:36 JM15-17
29 Peter STEVENS 21:13 JM11-14
47 Charlie BARNES 22:14 JM10 New PB!
65 Aaron LUNDIE 23:16 JM15-17
68 Chris LAWRENCE 23:22 VM50-54
74 David Ian SCOTT 23:36 VM70-74
81 Bethany WHEATCROFT 23:49 JW11-14
88 Sophie ASHWORTH 24:09:00 JW11-14
119 Richard LAWSON 25:34:00 VM75-79
123 Donna SCOTT 25:38:00 VW50-54
129 John WILCOCK 25:49:00 VM50-54
131 Annabel WILCOCK 25:53:00 JW15-17
148 Evan WELSH 26:40:00 JM11-14
172 Caitlin WELSH 27:43:00 JW15-17
184 Imogen FERGUSON 28:03:00 JW11-14
191 Darcey HIRST 28:12:00 JW10
240 Stuart BARKER 30:17:00 VM50-54
254 Robert HIRST 30:50:00 VM65-69
259 Marion WILKINSON 31:08:00 VW75-79
278 Ron CHAPPELL 32:11:00 VM65-69

Pendle parkrun – a total of 76 runners took part.

Pos Name Time Cat Note
4 Paul HESKETH 20:37 VM50-54
26 Eleanor Betty ROOT 25:43:00 JW15-17
32 Dawn TERRY 26:14:00 VW50-54
53 Yvonne WICKHAM 30:40:00 VW50-54

Witton parkrun – a total of 94 runners took part.

Pos Name Time Cat Note
31 Paul THOMPSON 26:31:00 VM45-49
57 Christine Jennifer EGERTON 33:26:00 VW65-69 First Timer!
69 Christine LEATHLEY 35:41:00 VW65-69

Eglinton parkrun – a total of 104 runners took part.

Pos Name Cat Time Note
62 Eileen JONES VW65-69 29:27

Ayr parkrun – a total of 47 runners took part.

Pos Name Cat Time Note
16 Katy THOMPSON VW60-64 26:33

Dewsbury parkrun – a total of 113 runners took part.

Pos Name Cat Time Note
103 Robin PRICE VM70-74 37:04

Bramhall parkrun – a total of 387 runners took part.

Pos Name Cat Time Note
54 Andy BRADLEY VM50-54 22:00
ByAdrienne Olszewska

Summer runnin’, happened so fast

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

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

The race started from a rainy Barley Green and went across the fields past Buttock Farm up to the top of the cart track. Loved the descent down the cart track, wet, stony and steep before going up the steps. At the top of Pendle, visibility wasn’t great due to the mist. We then followed the wall, across boggy ground and narrow paths towards Ogden Clough and then back to the finish at the Pendle Inn.
Loved this race, the conditions and the terrain. I know that some runners were nervous in case they got lost but John Roche lead a group of runners round and Sarah Helliwell was a voice in the mist too. A great race enjoyed by all and a big thanks to Paul and the marshals.

Report from Cassie Smedley

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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

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

Pos Name Cat Time
1 Danny Collinge M 56:20
2 Dave Motley M 58:11
6 Sean Clare V50 63:46
7 Mark Nutter V50 65:32
8 Paul Hesketh V50 67:22
9 Michael Hogan V40 68:00
10 David Moynihan V50 70:49
11 Martin Brady V50 70:51
12 Cassandra Smedley L 70:52
13 Wayne McIntosh M 70:54
14 James Boult MU23 72:00
15 Simon Stansfield V40 72:02
16 Rick Moore V50 73:09
17 Andy Dugdale V50 73:34
18 Teresa De Curtis L40 74:58
19 Steve Bury V50 75:10
20 Ian Connell V50 75:20
21 Andy Firth V50 75:58
22 Colin Woolford V40 76:18
23 Richard Briscoe M 77:04
24 Stephen Fish V60 78:11
25 Sarah Helliwell L 82:10
26 Irene Roche L50 82:20
27 Peter Dugdale V60 82:33
28 Lisa Ellis L 99:29
29 Donna Airey L 99:30
30 Lucy Scott L 99:56
31 James Dunderdale M 99:58
32 Leanne Cottam L 100:44
33 Rachel Todd L40 101:35
34 Michelle Butschok L40 101:38
35 Julia Rushton L50 101:46
36 Helen Burnett L40 102:43
37 Carl Carey V40 102:56
38 John Roche V50 103:16
39 Judith Carey L 108:18

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

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

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

Pos Name Cat Time
16 David Bagot M 00:20:52

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 17th 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!

Pos Name Cat Time
17 James Williamson M 50.04

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 57th place.

Pos Name Time
57 Andrew Howarth 66:50

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 34th place with Andrew Dugdale in 47th and Peter Dugdale in 51st was also 1st 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.

Pos Name Cat Time
34 Richard Briscoe M35 00:39:55
47 Andrew Dugdale M55 00:43:06
51 Peter Dugdale M60 00:45:38

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

A half term holiday in Abersoch meant I was missing the Kelbrook fell race. Luckily the Abersoch 10k and 3k beach race were on the same day, I entered the 10k and my son did the beach race. The 10k is a mix of road, trail and beach running. The village was full of life with a great atmosphere before and after the race with children offering water pistol cooling if required and many residents providing hose pipe showers which were very welcome on such a warm, sunny day especially after the aptly named Tolcyn Brutal climb along the coastline.
The race finishes along the beach with a choice of hurdling the many groynes or running through the water before climbing back up the beach to the soft sand leading to the finish. I managed 57:27 as 121 female out of 374. The race is part of the Abersoch triple crown series (10k, triathlon and half marathon) – I’m tempted by the triathlon next year too. A very well organized race in a beautiful setting – highly recommended.

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.

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 at the Grasmere Gallop

Breton Holdsworth took part in the 17K Grasmere Gallop trail race. He finished in 2nd 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

Kelbrook 3

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.

Kelbrook - Ladies

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.

Kelbrook 2

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.

Pos Name Cat Time
5 Jordan McDonald M 24:26
6 Tom Brewster M 24:36
7 Luke Turner M 24:50
9 Nicholas Hennessey MU18 25:21
14 George Pier M 25:48
15 Paul Hesketh M50 25:57
18 Michael O’Donnell M40 26:30
27 James Boult M 27:08
28 Gareth Berry M40 27:10
31 John Roche M55 27:24
36 John Wilcock M50 27:41
40 Sean Clare M50 28:03
41 David Moynihan M50 28:05
44 Richard Briscoe M 28:15
47 Michael Stevens MU18 28:23
48 Andy Bradley M50 28:25
50 Mick Hughes M40 28:42
55 Stephen Ainsworth M60 28:58
56 Michael Clarke M40 29:00
61 James Dunderdale M 29:44
63 Adam Stephenson M 30:19
70 Irene Roche W55 30:51
73 James Hickie M50 31:13
74 Stephen Breckell M65 31:17
75 Chris Lawrence M50 31:19
80 Andrew Webster M45 31:55
81 Stuart Proctor M 32:14
82 Rick Moore M50 31:19
88 Carl Carey M45 33:03
88 Nerina Gill W45 33:05
97 Jane Ryan W40 34:11
99 Andrew Taylor M55 35:00
100 Jean Knightley W55 35:05
101 Donna Scott W50 35:06
104 Julia Rushton W50 35:49
105 Stephen Fish M60 35:51
110 Lisa Ellis W35 36:50
112 Tony Pilling M50 37:12
113 Janine Pollard W45 37:15
116 Bianca Bennett W 37:58
119 Ian Hargreaves M50 38:15
122 Mark Knowles M40 38:23
123 Deborah Greenwood W45 38:35
131 Bethany Quinn W 40:29
133 Karin Goss W65 41:06
134 Julia Taylor W55 41:22
135 Christine Egerton W65 43:14
136 Judith Carey W 44:19
137 Geraldine Varley W55 45:08
138 Robert Hirst M65 45:34
139 Jack McGuire M60 46:08
140 Ron Chappell M65 47:04
141 Christine Leathley W65 47:24
142 Anita Jones W60 48:17
144 Sharon Wilson W40 49:21

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

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

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.

Pos Name Cat Time
15 Peter Coates M40 0:56:06
44 Mark Nutter M50 1:03:33
69 Kieran Carr M70 1:07:59
86 Wayne McIntosh M 1:12:25
97 Martin Brady M50 1:15:24
99 Andrew Dugdale M50 1:15:55
104 Peter Dugdale M60 1:17:12
116 Sarah Helliwell L 1:23:19
126 Joanne Perry  1:27:50

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

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 38th place, Chris Funnell Was 88th and Jeffery Pickup was 140th.

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

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

Jeff Pickup at the Wharfedale Half Marathon

Pos Name Cat Time
38 Chris Snell MV35 01:45:13
88 Chris Funnell MV50 01:53:20
140 Jeffrey Pickup MV65 02:02:19

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

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

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.

Burnley 10K - aaron

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

Burnley 10K - Paul F and Amanda D

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.

Pos Name Cat. Time
3 Danny Collinge M 00:34:48
9 Andrew Stubbs M45 00:36:40
18 Matthew Duckworth M 00:38:10
31 Jonathan Pye M 00:39:18
32 Nicholas Hennessey M 00:39:34
34 Daniel Plant M35 00:39:44
38 John Hartley M60 00:40:28
64 Richard Briscoe M35 00:42:35
95 Amanda Duffy F35 00:43:52
97 Paul Foster M45 00:43:51
120 Reece Lawrence M 00:44:43
146 Andrew Webster M45 00:45:47
170 Cassandra Darling F35 00:46:56
171 Michelle Abbott F35 00:46:56
172 Chris Lawrence M50 00:46:54
178 Colin White M40 00:47:01
201 Wayne McIntosh M35 00:48:12
213 Brian Wildman M50 00:48:15
230 Stuart Proctor M35 00:48:32
244 Aaron Lundie M 00:48:52
284 Nina Kewin F35 00:49:58
301 Julie Dawes F45 00:50:26
344 Darren Rushton M45 00:51:52
407 Justin Birtwistle M40 00:53:26
452 Danny Pilkington M40 00:45:01
463 Melanie Hirst F40 00:54:34
464 Helen Welsh F45 00:54:37
514 Ian Hargreaves M50 00:55:33
814 Helen Harrison F45 01:01:45

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

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

Pos Name Cat. Time
18 Andrew Holt MV40 14:14
54 Richard Briscoe M 17:47

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

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

Pos Name Time
12 Briony Holt 14:56

U12 RACE

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

Pos Name Time 
18 Jenson Bentham 8:04

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

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

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…

Pos Name Cat Time
3 Alan Life M50 2:41:24
8 Carl Helliwell M40 2:49:56
10 Andrew Priory M40 2:53:46
14 David Naughton M50 2:58:08
17 Richard Bellaries M60 3:07:27
18 Dominic Carr M40 3:15:50
24 Colin Woolford M40 3:48:35
25 Claire Vincent L 3:48:36

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.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
16 Alan DORRINGTON 20:34 VM45-49
85 Ella DORRINGTON-LEVY 24:14 JW11-14

Blackpool parkrun – A total of 220 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
54 Philip NAYLOR 24:10 VM35-39 First Timer!

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

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

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
3 Kevin DAVIES 18:55 VM55-59
7 Paul BRANNON 19:36 VM55-59
10 Matthew JACKSON 20:00 JM11-14
11 Richard STEVENSON 20:02 VM40-44
14 Adam STEVENSON 20:14 JM11-14 New PB!
22 Reece Adam LAWRENCE 21:29 JM15-17
35 Martin BRADY 22:22 VM55-59
40 Matthew DUCKWORTH 22:40 SM25-29
43 Sophie ASHWORTH 22:50 JW11-14
44 Jonathan PYE 22:50 SM25-29
48 Stuart PROCTOR 23:02 VM35-39
57 Robbie SMEDLEY 23:43 JM11-14
61 Bethany WHEATCROFT 23:56 JW11-14
65 Graham ROPER 24:08 VM55-59
69 Guy WHALLEY 24:18 JM10 First Timer!
70 Michelle ABBOTT 24:20 VW35-39
76 Cassandra Darling SMEDLEY 24:37 VW35-39
81 Caitlin WELSH 24:40 JW15-17 New PB!
85 Nick ROSCOE 24:46 VM45-49
91 Nina KEWIN 24:56 VW35-39
109 Richard LAWSON 25:56 VM75-79
110 Paul FOSTER 25:58 VM45-49
117 Andrew WEBSTER 26:07 VM45-49
120 Evan WELSH 26:16 JM11-14
123 Julie DAWES 26:28 VW45-49
124 John WILCOCK 26:31 VM50-54
125 Chris LAWRENCE 26:37 VM50-54
126 Annabel WILCOCK 26:38 JW15-17
181 Lennon JACKSON 28:43 JM11-14
184 Joanne MOTLEY 28:47 VW35-39
189 Donna SCOTT 28:57 VW50-54
191 Aaron LUNDIE 28:59 JM15-17
203 Darcey HIRST 29:42 JW10
205 Mick HUGHES 29:45 VM40-44
206 Ian HARGREAVES 29:45 VM50-54
251 James BOULT 30:49 SM20-24
283 Helen HARRISON 32:00 VW45-49
292 Emily JOHNSON 32:34 JW10 New PB!
293 Lisa JOHNSON 32:34 VW45-49
295 Ellisia SMEDLEY 32:41 JW10
296 Marion WILKINSON 32:41 VW75-79
378 Charlie PLANT 42:11 JW10
381 Olly PLANT 42:41 JM10

Bushy parkrun – A total of 1242 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
7 Jacob WATSON 17:22 SM30-34 First Timer!

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

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
67 Paul THOMPSON 27:19 VM45-49 First Timer!

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 114 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
97 Robin PRICE 35:08 VM70-74

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

Chris Holdsworth taking the course record at Pendle parkrun

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
1 Christopher HOLDSWORTH 16:22 SM25-29 New PB!
4 John HARTLEY 21:13 VM60-64
16 Millie STUBBS 23:56 JW11-14
24 Dawn TERRY 26:06 VW50-54
28 Eleanor Betty ROOT 27:03 JW15-17
54 Sophie MCINTOSH 32:15 SW25-29 First Timer!