Seniors – Page 19 – Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

Flower Scar Fell Race 2014 + The Weekend Action

Flower Scar Fell Race 2014

‘Behind me the plains were desolate. No bodies were around to reconvey me back on the path should I derail and I had found myself in a position I had hoped not to – I was in no mans land..’

On a somewhat prosperous morning of weather, the tension that derives from the anticipation of navigating a check pointed fell race subsided. With clear skies abound and the wind at minimal velocity, relief set in amongst the fell runners – especially on my part. However, a recce under the belt and advice from John Lloyd could not fully disperse my anxiety after last weeks debacle.

After being rounded up in a pen for a headcount and a spate of kit checks, the race was shortly underway with vests from Clayton-le-Moors, Calder Valley and Wharfedale leading the initial climb. Within minutes we had scrambled up one side of the valley and joined up on the stretch of moorland leading towards Flower Scar hill. Four runners ahead began drifting away, exchanging places as they made their initial navigational choices. Behind me the plains were desolate. No bodies were around to reconvey me back on the path should I derail and I had found myself in a position I had hoped not to – I was in no mans land.

Having initially made some of the time back on the front runners up Flower Scar hill, the depletion of stamina once the behemoth had been scaled meant that the front runners had become a dot in the distance. Cock Hill Woods loomed and my lonesome descent through the forrest begun. This unusual landscape, reminiscent of a North American logging vicinity, was strewn with machinery and an artists canopy and kiln. This race had ceased to be deemed as such and had instead become a solo effort in returning to the finish line through some outstanding scenery.

Although at times my ingrained map of the route faltered, there were no real errors made on my part. Only one change had occurred to my knowledge, the abolishment of the steps instead made for an enduring and tiresome climb back up to familiar land. After the long descent back down and only a couple of calamitous falls overall, my navigational run was over in a time of 51:40. If 5th place wasn’t meant to be last week, this solo effort on the moors, hills and bogs of Todmorden stamped my rightful claim to be 5th seven days later.

There were brilliant efforts all round in this tough fell race, not least from the other Clayton-le-Moors Harriers. In at 30th and second Clayton back with a great effort was Neil Hardiman, making it in just under the hour mark at 59:16. Ivan Whigam, 5th in his age category made it through the finish at 63:35. Whilst Mark Nutter put in a solid effort arriving back at 65:22. Full results are here.

The Rest of The Weekends Action

Over at the High cup Nick Spencer Riley carried on his great run of form by finishing 3rd overall. Peter Butterworth flew the flag for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers in Wigan this weekend. He finished 33rd over all in a time of 46:35 at the Standish Hall Trail Race. In Blackpool the first of the Clayton-le-Moors Harriers Road Championship races got underway with excellent performances all-round. Read ‘Fell’ Captain Dave Motley’s account of the race for more details, whilst the results are here. The juniors arrived in mass to take on Burnley Park Run with an excellent run from Jordan McDonald being the first Harrier around in a time of 18:57. Well done to all those who ran this weekend, especially to those who braved the winds of Blackpool!

ByDave Motley

Fell Capt. to become Road champion ?!?!?

This morning saw the running of the 25th Great North West Half Marathon and the 1st of the Clayton Club Road Championships for 2014.

The route a super quick & flat course is normally suited for PB hunters, but not today. The gale force winds along Blackpool front had different ideas, as you can see from my splits (can you guess which miles I had to run into the wind?)

5:54, 5:47, 6:05, 6:37, 6:32, 6:31, 6:21, 6:14, 6:08, 7:18, 7:27, 7:09 & 6:24

Although the conditions were very testing it was a very good and enjoyable race. Well done to all the runners who braved the elements today, full results can be found at http://www.fyldecoastrunning.org/GNW%20Results%20Results2014.pdf

Clayton results as follows:

42 – Dave Motley – 1:24:41

59 – Paul Hesketh – 1:25:40

67 – Dave Bagot – 1:25:57

147 – Mick Hogan – 1:33:36

264 – Steve Bicomb – 1:38:46

379 – Andy Quinn – 1:44:09

The remaining road club championship fixtures are below, surely you road runners can’t let a fell captain become No 1?

Friday 23rd May 7:00pm – Burnley Lions 10k, Colne

Sunday 27th July 11:00am – Towneley Park 6, Burnley

Thursday 25th September 6:45pm – Ron Hill 5k, Whitworth

December – Guy’s 10

ByJim Hickie

National XC, Nottingham

If one of the foundations of this fine club of ours is cross country running it’s a little disappointing that out of a membership of 430 or so only two senior men and three senior ladies saw fit to take part in this year’s National. This was once the pinnacle of the XC season; you had to sweat blood to qualify for selection and get the chance to take on the best in the country. We have history at our club and in our region at this event with national cross country champions in our midst such as our very own Ron Hill (twice), Dave Lewis from Rossendale (twice) and John Nuttall from Preston. You get one chance a year to compete against the best in the country and this is it!

Clayton was once a force to be reckoned with in cross country at local, regional and national level, but where are we now? Cross country is speed training for fellrunners and stamina training for roadrunners, so what’s the problem? So come on guys and gals lets get this club back to where it belongs!

So it was with some regret on the team front but much excitement and anticipation that we boarded the brand new (only 187,000 miles!) and pristine Shuttleworth outward-bound multi-activity vehicle and zoomed off to Nottingham. In bright warm sunshine – that was the first surprise! Credit for the route-finding goes to friend of Colin and former Lancashire XC Team manager Ron Taylor. We made excellent time and got there in two hours. Colin also had a cunning plan to park near one of the back entrances to the park which worked a treat, only a five minute walk to the venue and avoiding all the congestion at the main entrance. Our first concern on arrival was not waterproofs and how many layers to put on to keep warm but where was the suntan cream! Could this really be National cross country day?!

The second surprise was being greeted in Wollaton Park by a mini-herd of magnificent red deer with even more impressive antlers. But the next surprise was even better: the amazingly good conditions of the course! Bearing in mind many parts of the country were under water and much was in a permanent bog, this was incredible! Essentially a beautiful green, firm, grassy course, undulating with some gentle slopes, but amazingly well-drained – definitely a fast course for the speed merchants – and hardly any mud!! (In complete contrast to the Northerns!) In glorious sunshine and warm dry conditions, this was surely tantamount to cross country heaven!

So much so that you could have probably done 90% of the course in racing flats or road shoes! So spikes had to be scaled down accordingly, for which Colin’s bullet proof cast iron spanner was a life-saver. Good organisation by the locals (one of whom as it turned out was of Clitheroe origin!) ensured final preparations went without a hitch.

After watching the best youngsters in the country pushing themselves to the limit round the course, as usual the ladies were the penultimate race. Angela took up the challenge, demonstrating good form, moving well and finishing in a very creditable position at national level. Christine as ever continues to set a fine example to the younger generation and it was a typically gutsy and determined run from Sue in her first run for three weeks because of illness.

Having cheered on the ladies we lined up in the pens with the best in the country – not freezing to death for a change! Then bang! We were off and stampeded into the first steady climb and the crowds of spectators went berserk as we jostled for position. Then round the bend and back in front of the cheering crowds, then a short climb and right up in front of the stunning stately home before turning away and charging downhill to the log jump. Then after another mini loop past the lake, the first of the three boggy sections on each lap, one of which was literally man-eating and seemed to have been liberally sprayed with superglue! On successive laps whichever way you tackled it right/left/middle it didn’t seem to make any difference and on the last lap some of us lesser mortals almost came to a complete standstill – but fortunately once out of it, the good running returned.

Only knowing a handful of the 1650-odd competitors in the race, the plan was to keep Colin in my sights as long possible but he’s having an excellent season and he gradually pulled away out of sight. At one point in the midst of 100s of unfamiliar vests, from Morpeth to Thames Valley, from Serpentine to Eton Manor, from Wolverhampton & Bilston to Westbury etc etc I overtook Kevin Hesketh from Preston, but he got going again; Colin had a better battle with him, beating him by a minute or so in the end. For me a lack of gears was typical of the current season where I can’t get anywhere near what I was doing, not 25-30 years ago, but in my last full season, a mere three years ago. Although going at full pelt all three laps, I felt to be running in bit of a straitjacket. I think it’s called age! Or maybe this is what you get when you’re not doing enough coachie Rochie speed sessions!
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Although as it turned out it was a disappointing result, (in fact worst I’ve ever done – but who’s getting any younger?) ironically it was one of the best cross-country courses I’ve ever run on and probably THE best National course. And here we must have had some of the warmest and best conditions ever known for the event. Instead of freezing our whatnots off, we were basking in warm sunshine all afternoon.

All in all a wonderful day out, a fantastic course, conditions and race, a well organised event and an excellent venue. To line up against the country’s finest and give it your best shot, in the biggest cross country event of the season, is a rare privilege to really appreciate and savour.

But to be honest, if we got our act together at Clayton I shouldn’t be making the team and will just have to be one of the crazy crowd instead. So come on Clayton! Surely we can manage more than two men and three ladies at next year’s National. This club has history, pedigree and quality and has many creditable achievements and successes across all disciplines. Cross country is one of our traditional pillars of strength so let’s keep it that way! It’s a great way for both roadrunners and fellrunners to unite and compete together – let’s get Clayton back on the cross country map again! Let’s make the future bright!

And finally a word of advice when making arrangements for distant events – Shuttleworth Travel Services come highly recommended!! Five star service and entertainment. Cheers Colin!

National Cross Country Championships, Wollaton Park, Nottingham 22/2/14

Results Ladies 8k

1 Gemma Steel – Charnwood 27.42
386 A. Shian 38.38
691 C. Leathley 54.01
703 S. Allen 61.31
708 finished
Team: Aldershot Farnham & District

Men 12k

1 S Vernon – Stockport 36.23
773 C Shuttleworth 48.07
928 M Wightman 50.00
1657 finished
Team: 6 to count: Bedford & County AC
9 to count: Leeds City AC

Many thanks to Mark Wightman for this thought-provoking race-report. The future is bright!!

ByChristopher Holdsworth

Windy Hill Fell Race 2014 + The Weekend Action

Windy Hill Fell Race 2014

Windy Hill Start

A late arrival to the Hollingworth lake based fell race foreshadowed how I would arrive at the finish. Pushing past the furore of fell racers ready to make their way over the 9 mile course, I reconvened with the usual Clayton fell running faces – all of us ready to tackle what was ahead. There was an excitement amongst the men, knowing that with a good performance the team prize was within our grasp. With the race rundown by Cannonballs John LLoyd concluded we assailed the early steady climb.

Once the initial charge over the start line was over, the rabble descended into packs all vying to tussle over the potential finishing places. Up ahead the ever present pack leader, Spencer Riley, found himself in a battle over 1st position, with his two other male competitors ready to take the spot should he slip up. This battle came to a compelling fruition once we had passed the M62 bridge. The trail opened up, the track long and arduous, yet each competitor contended for first place.

Reaching the foot of the mountain we had to climb, the fast pace ceased with the leading pack beginning their ascent of the ever ascending moorland. Having front row seats to Spencer’s skirmish for first place had me forget about my own three way feud between 4th, 5th and 6th. Persevering up the hill, I caught up with the two runners ahead, whereas Spencer seemed to lose a little ground.

Arrival at the summit ushered a surreal sense of locality. We’d emerged from the boggy moors to what seemed to be the rocky highlands. With outstanding views in all orientations, this route quickly climbed the mental league table of favourite fell races. Harsh and uneven terrain engaged the runners and manifested each of our resolute capabilities. It was here where the race opened up with 5th dropping to 6th, whilst 4th pushed on. The burning of our rock climbing thighs were quickly cooled as we reached the very summit, all of us ready to pound down to the other side.

It was here how clear it was to see that the front pack had pulled even further away. With Spencer now leading, he had shown his tenacity by not only clambering back to pole position, but by creating a large margin from the rest of us. A former front leader had dropped back into 4th and among the ancient roller-coaster like pathway we exchanged this position back and forth. Now completely isolated from those in front and behind, the passing remarks from the marshals assuring us of having little left to go aided the little stamina we had left – we pushed on..

Screen Shot 2014-02-17 at 09.49.25

Unfortunately, we pushed on a little further than intended. Looking at the Strava results indicated that we extended our run by a further 1.6KM, rendering our efforts along the way void as there was no track left for us to make the error up. However, after a good moan and sulk, an experience and memory was invoked and not least between the runner I had shared the heart sinking realisation with. 4th was his to be had by this point, a prize at the end awaiting him too, but we ran back in unison and had a laugh at our own expense. The sort of camaraderie that can only be found upon the Fells. (Maps shown indicate the difference in routes taken)

After arriving back over the finish line, passing through it the wrong way, I was happy to learn that even through my fault Clayton had secured the team prize. Better yet, Spencer had secured the top spot for the men. Having had a full view of his enduring battle for top spot, I can assure you that he fully deserved his accolade with many more 1st place positions to come in the future I’m sure. Fantastic runs from Matt Perry in 6th with a time of 1:02:03, Ryan Wilkinson in 35th and Alan Life in 50th rounded off a spectacular day for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers.

(Photos courtesy of Garry Wilkinson)

Weekend Roundup

In other news, the veteran M70 John Francis tackled the 44th annual Parbold Hill Race in Lancashire, finishing in with a great time of 1:26:09. There was also terrific runs from James Ireland and Tony Scott at the Central Lancs 5k, who came in at 123rd and 184th respectively. Also, runners from both Clayton-le-Moors Harriers and Trawden ran 25km over the hills of Colne and surrounding locations, putting miles in the tank for the forthcoming long distance races.

ByTom Brewster

Men’s 12 Stage Road Relay Champs – 15/03/2014

Clayton Harriers intend to enter a team (maybe two if there’s enough interest!) to the men’s 12 stage road relays on 15th March at Heaton Park in Manchester.

Stages 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 are approx. 4.9 miles
Stages 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 are approx. 2.8 miles

Please can any fit and able runners of ANY ABILITY please contact Road Captain Tom Brewster to register your interest – there is also a minimum entry age of 17 years (as at 1st Sept 2013) so if there are any male juniors who fit the criteria and would like to run please get in contact.

Futher info on this event can be found here – http://www.noeaa-athletics.org.uk/Pages/Event.aspx?id=160&EventID=694

ByDave Motley

Wadsworth Trog 2014.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT…

Full results can be found here

Thank you to Ryan Wilkinson for this fantastic race report.

ByTom Brewster

Clayton Score Top 10 finishes at Witton Park Trail Relays!!

A muddy Captain Brewster on the ascent!

The Third running of the Witton Park Trail relay was held Sunday 2nd Feb, 63 teams from the local area turned out to contest the short but fast mixed-terrain event; Clayton Harriers had an impressive 40 runners present in the form of 10 teams: 5 men’s, 2 ladies/mixed and 3 Junior teams.

With most of the field having carried out a recce of the course to judge how muddy it was (Very muddy!) the leg 1 runners lined up ready for the 11am start with Seniors, vets and juniors all kicking off at the same time.

Fell climbing ace Spencer Riley gave the men’s A team a healthy start gaining 3rd place off the first leg, the position was maintained for the remaining three legs with strong runs from team-mates Matt Perry, Jonny McKenna and Chris Holdsworth to take 3rd place overall.

Captain Tom Brewster also got the men’s B team off to a good start coming home in 6th off the first leg, again the position was maintained by very consistent runs by Paul Shackleton, Nick Gaskell and Dave Motley allowing the team to snatch 6th place in the final standings.

The Senior men’s C team were lead off the line by Leon Passco, he handed over to the ever reliable Richard Briscoe who’s stirling effort was followed up by strong runs from Ryan Wilkinson and Dave Bagot to achieve 13st spot.

Not to be outdone by their senior counterparts the Clayton Juniors had a fantastic run out with the boys A team claiming 15th overall, Jordan McDonald coming in a mere 5 seconds and one place behind senior man Tom Brewster on leg 1 to give his team a boost in the standings, his performance was echoed with excellent runs from George Pier, Tom Bradley and Kenan Eti.

The Clayton men’s vets’ team were next in the standings, represented by Sean Clare, John Wilcock, “Coach” John Roche and Dom Car achieving an excellent 21st place.

Not far behind the Vets came the 4th senior team, securing 23rd place and consisting of Adam Shaw, Lee Passco, Matt Law and new-boy Tim Pigott.

Clayton Junior boys “B” team were once again hot on the heels of the senior men, scoring 28th place were young guns Curtis Holt, Alexander Townrow, Tom passco and Ryan Clarke.

The Clayton mixed team were next to complete the relay, Dave Hogan, Katy Thompson, Irene Roche and Paul Wale all enjoying excellent performances to net 44th place.

Next in the standings were the Clayton all-Ladies team of Vice-captain Rebecca Rawcliffe, Jean Knightly, Tanya Ashworth and Georgina Slater, recording an impressive 56th place and finishing 4th out of 6 all-women teams.

Last but by no means least to get a mention are the Clayton Junior Girls, missing a runner on their final leg did nothing to deter Clayton’s rising stars as Eleanor Root, Beth Quinn and Alice Pier all posted times to challenge their senior peers and finish 61st overall.

A massive thanks from the team captains to all runners who represented, as a club we had a fantastic day and it was very encouraging to see so many keen runners turning out so enthusiastically to run for their club – your captains are very proud and we hope to improve on yesterdays performances in the Summer relay!

Full results: http://www.ukresults.net/2014/wittrelayfeb.html
Event Pics: http://www.runningpix.co.uk/XCTrailpics/WittonParkRelay1408D/index.html

ByPeter Booth

Pendle Fell Race English Senior Championship

Pendle FR 5th April 2014

Due to the large numbers of entries already taken, restricted parking and race congestion, entries for the Senior Race will close on Sunday the 9th February 2014.

David Bailey

Co organiser Pendle Fell Race.

ByPeter Booth

February Newsletter

You can now access the Feb ‘Harrier’ here. This month we feature Richard ‘Bomber’ Bellaries’ exploits on Pendle, a report on the Barrow XC fixture and details of this year’s club championship races, as well as all the usual Run of the Month competitions, fixtures, training and results.

Category Archive Seniors