Category Archive Seniors Competitions

ByPeter Booth

July Harrier Newsletter

3rd Anniversary Park Run Burnley editHere is the July Harrier Newsletter with news of the ‘retirement’ of two long-standing race organisers and more regarding the future of the Newsletter from El Presidente, Dave Scott. There are all the familiar features; Covering Old Ground, Runner of the Month for May, Milestones and Committee News, plus recent results and fixtures for July and August.July Newsletter 2015

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Trains, trails and 10ks

Racing in relays, running alongside trains and tackling hilly challenge routes, so many of you racing multiple times this week, there’s just no holding you back! It’s great to see some terrific turnouts at team events. The future’s most definitely bright!

Welcome Tavern / Vernon 5k series – Tuesday 23 June

60 Runners lined up for the latest race in this 5k series. Tony Pilling and Anthony Hughes ran in this event.

Pos Name Cat Time
32 Tony Pilling MV50 24:05
33 Anthony Hughes M 24:07

Full Results

Pendle Forest Orienteers – Sunnyhurst Woods – Wednesday 24 June

Three of our members took part in the latest of the summer series orienteering events organised by Pendle Forest Orienteers. This event took place in Sunnyhurst Woods in Darwen. Well done Jacob Boyle & Joshua Boyle in the midi class. Dave Motley in the maxi.

Full Results

Todmorden Park 5k – Race 1 – Thursday 25 June

71 runners lined up for the first race of this popular mid-week 5k races. A trio of our junior members took part as well as nine seniors. Excellent times from youngsters in a fast race generally. Lots of people pleased with the results and ready for the next race.

CLayton Juniors

Super fast Clayton Harrier juniors at the Todmorden 5k race

Pos Name Cat Time
3 Jacob Watson M 17:47
5 Jackson McKay MJ 18:44
29 Lennon Jackson MJ 21:44
33 Martin Brady MV50 22:32
34 Darren Rushton M 22:42
36 Sophie Ashworth FJ 23:06
40 Tony Pilling MV50 24:07
48 Robert Hirst MV60 25:28
49 Elouise Sylkie Pemberton F 25:30
54 Paul Walsh M 25:46
62 Nicola Kay F 28:17
64 Jack McGuire M 31:00

Full Results

Witton Park Trail Relays

54 club members formed 18 teams for this popular trail relay that takes part in Witton Park in Blackburn on a deceptively tough course.

Witton Park Relays

Quite a lot of Team Clayton at the WItton Park Trail Relays. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

There were 4 senior male teams, 2 junior male teams and 2 male vet teams. The ladies matched the men’s numbers with 4 senior female teams, 2 junior female teams and 3 vet female teams. There were some great runs and individual performances.

Witton Park Trail Relays

Clayton Ladies at the Witton Park Trail Relays. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

Our Clayton Harriers Ladies’ Team 1 (Laura Hesketh, Claire Vincent, Helena Leathley) were the first ladies team. Our Male “A” team (Danny Collinge, Jacob Boyle, and Jordan McDonald) finished in 4th place. Our Junior Boys A team (Ryan Clarke, Tom Bradley, and Curtis Holt) were the first male junior team. Josh Boyle, running with the Run4Nepal team ran the fasted leg 2 time with his team finishing in 6th place overall.

Witton Park Trail Relays

Tom Bradley handing over to Curtis Holt at the Witton Park Trail Relays. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

Well done to all that ran.

Full Results

Cliff Bar 10 Peaks – Saturday 27 June

The Cliff Bar 10 Peaks events work on a very straight forward principle – they find the most challenging mountainous locations in the UK and plot an ultra-distance length route through them, with mandatory checkpoints on the highest 10 peaks in the area. It is then down to the competitors to navigate from the start to the finish, taking in the 10 peaks in a set order (plus additional mandatory checkpoints and feed stations), within the 24 hour time limit.

The routes are not designed to be easy and are navigationally challenging, especially if the conditions are unkind! The long routes are up to 60 miles long, with 6000 meters of height gain, whilst the “short” routes vary between 30 and 45 miles with between 3 and 4000 meters of height gain. Usually less than half of the competitors successfully complete the long course, hence the introduction of the shorter route choice since 2013.

Congratulations to Alun Hall who completed the long course. He finished 32nd with an excellent time of 17:21:31

Full Results

Wharfedale 3 Peaks Challenge – Saturday 27 June

Vicky Heys and Angela Shian took part in this event which they described thusly; great route, great company, 22 miles done and dusted by 1pm, then a jig with a morris dancer, lovely day!

The route is a departure from the well known Yorkshire Three Peaks of Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough and instead visits the stunning Upper Wharfedale Three Peaks of Birks Fell, Buckden Pike and Great Whernside.

Vicky Heys and Angela Shian at the Wharfedale 3 Peaks Challenge

Vicky Heys and Angela Shian at the Wharfedale 3 Peaks Challenge

Full Results

Pennine 10K – Sunday 28 June

Pennine 10k

A front line of Clayton talent. Photo by David Belshaw

A fantastic win for Christopher Holdsworth in this hugely popular local 10k race organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run for All charity. Well over a thousand runners of all abilities took to the streets and parks of Burnley for this undulating course.

Pennine 10k

Christopher Holdsworth well in front at Towneley Park in the Pennine 10k. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

Chris Holdworth won the race in a time of 32:59. As he passed through Towneley Park he was running with a comfortable lead which he maintained until the end. Top ten finishes followed for clubmates Daniel Balshaw and Jacob Watson. Also a couple of excellent runs from Jordan McDonald and George Pier earning them both a top twenty finish. John Hartley was the 1st MV55 and Laura Hesketh was our first Clayton lady finisher, 3rd lady in the race. Ryan Clark had an excellent run finishing in 95th place with a time of 44:13.

Pennine 10k

First Clayton Lady, Laura Hesketh approaching the finish with Kenan Eti close on her heels. Photo by David Belshaw

A special mention and well done to Judith Carey who ran this distance for the first time. She said she was really proud of her achievement and is hoping to be much faster next year.

Judith Carey delighted with her run at the Pennine 10k

Judith Carey delighted with her run at the Pennine 10k

Pos Name Cat Time
1 Christopher Holdsworth M 32:59
3 Danny Collinge M 35:07
6 Daniel Balshaw M 36:22
8 Jacob Watson M 36:32
12 Jordan McDonald M 37:14
20 George Pier M 38:49
25 John Hartley M55 (1st) 39:10
28 Jonathan Pye M 39:47
33 Matthew Duckworth M 40:07
34 Laura Hesketh F 40:26
35 Kenan Eti M 40:29
46 Chris Funnell M45 41:21
95 Ryan Clark M 44:13
112 Stephen Biscomb M60 44:45
125 Alan Clarkson M55 45:16
186 Angela Shian F35 47:28
190 Amanda Duffy F35 47:27
250 Elizabeth Mullan F 49:06
297 Lynsey Birtwistle F35 49:34
323 Clare Wilson F35 50:14
324 Donna Scott F45 50:40
341 Donna Airey F 51:14
400 Bianca Bennett F 52:23
509 Elouise Sylkie Pemberton F 54:47
802 Deborah Greenwood F45 1:01:17
986 Sophie McIntosh F 1:05:07
1179 Judith Carey F35 1:13:03

Wigan Trail 10k – Sunday 28 June

Well done Team Thompson. All four Thompsons took part in the 2.5k short run on the trails of Wigan’s Greenheart Amberswood park, situated between Spring View & Hindley. This former mining area has been transformed into a 160 hectare nature reserve of woodlands to wildflowers meadows, grasslands to wetlands.

Team Thompson at the Wigan Trail Races.  Photo by Nicola Thompson

Team Thompson at the Wigan Trail Races. Photo by Nicola Thompson

Awaiting results

Race the Train – Sunday 28 June

Report by Chris Snell

Runner and steam train

Chris Snell – faster than a steam train! Photo by Gemma Higgins

For those used to public transport, chasing buses or trains can be a regular occurrence. Trains in particular, have a nasty habit of closing their doors just as you arrive! So revenge sprung to mind when I heard about race the train.

Runners compete to beat a steam train on the East Lancashire Railway over a distance of 12 miles. The event started at Bury train station and involved running multi-terrain in the hope of not just catching the train, but beating it. Both the runners and the train started by the train whistle.

The course covered public roads, fields, rough pasture and park lands. The train made several stops, which gave runners a chance to catch up or even overtake. Running alongside fellow Clayton’er Andy Bradley, we battled in a game of cat and mouse with the train, catching the occasional glimpse of steam from its engine or the sound of it chugging behind us.

Crossing the line, roughly 10 minutes before the train’s arrival, with my medal in hand and a victory photo next to the beaten train, I decide this is definitely better than all those sprints along the train platform.

Race the Train

Richard Stevenson, Chris Snell and Andy Bradley ahead of schedule at “Race the Train”. Photo by Gemma Higgins

Pos Surname, name Cat Time By cat.
5 SMITH Lee M 01:07:45 2° M
8 STEVENSON Richard M 01:09:40 4° M
45 SNELL Chris M 01:19:04 21° M
49 BRADLEY Andy V45 01:19:47 4° V45

Full Results (File Download)

Our Awesome Junior Members

As always our junior members compete in many events always giving their all and pulling brilliant performances out of the bag. A real credit to the junior coaching team.

Well done Junior member Ellie Root  who took part in the Salt Ayre Triathlon Sunday 21st June in the T3 category;  she came 9th overall in a time of 33.14. On Thursday 25th June she took part in the Harrogate and district athletics finals and came 3rd in 1500m in a time of 5.29 and yesterday, Saturday 27th June she took part in her 1st open water aquathlon at Crosby Marina which included a 350m swim and 2000m run. As yet results have not been posted we think she came 11th.

Multi-talented Ellie Root at the Witton Park trail relays this week

Multi-talented Ellie Root at the Witton Park trail relays this week

And well done to Natasha Olszewska for winning her 1500m race at the QEGS sports day breaking the course record at the same time!

Natasha Olszewska winning the 1500m

Natasha Olszewska winning the 1500m

Parkrun roundup

Personal pacing at Burnley parkrun. Photo by David Belshaw

Personal pacing at Burnley parkrun. Photo by David Belshaw

Plenty of parkrunning as always this week. A number of good placings and PBs scattered about and lots of you warming up for the Pennine 10k the following day. Well done to John Hartley for his first place and new PB at the Pendle parkrun. At the Burnley parkrun well done to Dexta Thompson for his excellent new PB bringing him under the 20 minute mark. Finlay Stubbs, Andrew Taylor and Marion Wilkinson also earned new PBs .

Burnley parkrun – A total of 215 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
2 Jonathan PYE 18:54 SM25-29
4 Dave MOTLEY 19:34 SM30-34
5 Laura HESKETH 19:41 SW30-34
8 Dexta THOMPSON 19:59 JM10 New PB!
16 Matthew DUCKWORTH 21:02 SM25-29
20 Simon WILSHAW 21:36 JM15-17
21 Jason PIER 21:54 VM45-49
25 Millie STUBBS 22:11 JW11-14
36 Jenson BENTHAM 22:40 JM10
38 Lennon JACKSON 22:43 JM11-14
39 Alice PIER 22:45 JW15-17
40 Bryan SEARBY 22:52 VM40-44 New PB!
44 David Ian SCOTT 23:05 VM70-74
46 Barry MITCHELL 23:20 VM65-69 First Timer!
50 Finley STUBBS 23:35 JM10 New PB!
59 Andrew TAYLOR 24:38 VM55-59 New PB!
63 Sophie ASHWORTH 24:48 JW11-14
64 Ella DORRINGTON-LEVY 24:49 JW10
67 Colin WOOLFORD 25:01 VM35-39
75 Robert HIRST 25:33 VM60-64
80 Annabel WILCOCK 25:48 JW11-14
81 Stuart PROCTOR 25:50 VM35-39
95 Donna AIREY 26:54 SW30-34
99 Elouise Sylkie PEMBERTON 27:15 SW25-29
102 Kian ADAMS 27:32 JM10
111 Jackie KERSHAW 28:18 VW40-44
113 John WILCOCK 28:25 VM50-54
117 Kady THOMPSON 28:42 JW10
122 Felix THOMPSON 28:54 JM10
128 Stuart HARTLEY 29:26 VM55-59
137 Yvonne WICKHAM 29:48 VW50-54
139 Marion WILKINSON 29:53 VW70-74 New PB!

Pendle parkrun – A total of 89 runners took part

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
1 John HARTLEY 20:01 VM55-59 New PB!
17 Martin BRADY 23:37 VM50-54
23 Andy QUINN 00:31 VM40-44

Bolton parkrun – A total of 302 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
125 Julia RUSHTON 26:43:00 VW50-54

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 77 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
73 Robin PRICE 38:18 VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 133 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
91 Eileen JONES 30:04 VW60-64

 

 

ByPeter Booth

June Newsletter

Dave Presentation1The June Harrier has the story behind El Presidente’s latest award, as well as reports on the Calderdale Way Relay and the Vets’ Road Relays in Birmingham. We also have all the usual features: Runner of the Month (Junior & Senior), Covering Old Ground, results and fixtures. Enjoy! June Newsletter 2015

Clayton ladies at BMAF Relay 2

ByAdrienne Olszewska

To me, to you

Teamwork was most definitely the theme this week with absolutely loads of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers taking part in relays on the fells and the British Masters Road Relays. We’ve also been representing the county at the FRA Inter County Championships and setting the odd course record.

Mearley Clough Fell Race – 12 May

Mearley Clough Fell Race is a fast and furious local classic with 1200ft of ascent. The race starts and finishes at the Calf’s Head pub in Worston. 24 Clayton Harriers took part in this midweek race. Alan Life was the first man home in 35:07 and 13th place overall. Vicky Heys was our first lady with a time of 43:54 and 75th place overall. Dugald McCallum was first V60.

Mearley Clough

Mearley Clough Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Pos Name Cat Time
13 Alan Life V50 35:07
29 Andrew Orr V40 38:26
35 Richard Briscoe M 38:49
37 Ivan Wigham V50 39:03
38 Chris Whiteoak M 39:16
39 Dave Naughton V50 39:32
62 Mark Nutter V50 42:19
63 Sean Clare V50 42:22
65 Dugald McCallum V60 42:29
67 Keith Thompson V60 42:36
68 Peter Browning V50 42:37
75 Vicky Heys FV40 43:54
76 Geoff Smith V40 43:58
77 Darren Rushton V40 44:12
81 Rick Moore V50 45:01
83 David Naylor V50 45:39
87 Angela Shian F 46:21
88 Andrew Firth V50 46:24
89 Colin Woolford M 46:27
93 Stephen Bury V50 46:57
103 Carol Life FV40 50:20
104 Susan Clark FV40 50:39
109 Robin Nicholson V40 51:41
111 George Thompson V60 53:11

Full Results

Wholan Nook Trail Race – 13 May 

Another fantastic turnout for this midweek race, the third in the Burnley and Pendle Grand Prix series for 2015. 57 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers took part in a field of 150 – that’s a third of all the people running! The weather conditions were near perfect, with plenty of sunshine, a pleasant temperature and not too much wind.

Wholan Nook Trail Race

Danny Collinge leading the way at the Wholan Nook Trail Race. Photo by Nick Olszewski

Running in his first trail race, Danny Collinge was at the front of the pack for much of the race battling with Barlick Fell Runners’ Thomas Corrigan, but finally finishing in second place. Jordan McDonald also had an excellent race finishing in fourth place. Andrew Stubbs completed our hat trick of top ten finishers. Kevin Davies was first V55 and David Scott and Ted Orrell were the first V70 and V75 respectively.

Wholan Nook Trail Race

Clayton Ladies, Bianca Bennett, Leanne Cottam and Lysnsey Birtwistle at the Wholan Nook Trail Race. Photo by Nick Olszewski

Claire Vincent was the first Clayton Lady and second lady overall in the race. Alice Pier was the only junior female and put in a great performance finishing as 7th lady in the race. Irene Roche and Jean Knightley were first and second F55 and Karin Goss was first F65.

Pos Name    Cat Time
2 Danny Collinge M 32:02
4 Jordon Mcdonald MJ 32:43
7 Andrew Stubbs M45 33:28
11 Russ Clarke M 34:03
14 Richard Stevenson M 34:15
15 Jonathan Pye M 34:36
18 George Pier M 34:47
19 Kevin Davies M55 34:49
22 Paul Hesketh M50 35:01
23 Carl Helliwell M 35:13
24 Matthew Duckworth M 35:42
26 Michael O Donnell M40 35:55
29 Richard Briscoe M 36:42
32 Nick Roscoe M45 37:26
34 Chris Funnell M45 37:39
38 Chris Snell M 37:52
40 Stephen Ainsworth M55 38:03
43 Jon Hanson M 38:24
48 Andy Bradley M45 38:46
49 John Wilcock M50 38:51
51 Claire Vincent F 38:55
52 Jeffery Pickup M60 39:08
55 Gary Balmer M40 39:02
63 Stephen Biscombe M60 40:03
65 Andrew Webster M45 40:19
68 Ryan Clarke MJ 40:39
72 Stephen White M60 40:51
74 Andy Quinn M40 41:06
75 Alice Pier FJ 41:17
76 Sean Clare M50 41:24
82 Irene Roche F55 41:55
85 Jason Pier M45 42:32
90 Andrew Howarth M55 43:07
91 Stuart Proctor M 43:09
93 Martin Griffin M50 43:32
97 David Scott M70 43:05
99 Richard John M 44:00
100 Paul Wale M45 44:33
101 Lynsey Birtwistle F35 44:37
103 Elizabeth Mullan F 44:46
104 Jean Knightley F55 44:52
106 Joanne Bennett F45 44:59
107 Dawn Terry F50 45:02
108 Andrew Taylor M55 45:38
110 Sarah Angelone F 45:55
118 Biancia Bennett F 46:56
119 Rachel Todd F40 47:15
120 Martin O Rourke M50 47:19
124 Ted Orrell M75 47:59
128 Stephen Fish M60 48:26
131 Leanne Cottam F35 48:44
132 Robert Hirst M60 49:22
135 Joanne Motley F 50:02
139 Ron Chappell M65 51:01
140 Stuart Barker M45 51:16
143 Michelle Butschok F40 52:08
146 Karin Goss F65 54:54

Wholan Nook Trail Race Results    

John Carr 5k Series Race 2 – 13 May

The John Carr Series consists of three 5k races held on Wednesdays during May (6th, 13th and 20th in 2015) in memory of a former member of the Saltaire Striders running club who tragically died aged 30.

The races are based at Esholt Sports & Social Club in Esholt near Bradford and start at 7.30pm. Please note there is a 10 minute jog to the start from the race HQ.The course is held mainly on private roads through the Yorkshire Water estate but finishing on the quiet mainly traffic free roads of the village. It is a fairly flat, fast course.

Jonny McKenna and Laura Hesketh have been representing the club in this super fast series of races.

Pos Name Cat Time
8 Jonny McKenna M 16:07
85 Laura Hesketh F 19:06

Full Results

The Ian Casey 5K at Cowm Reservoir – 14 May

Report from Richard Lawson

Ian Casey collapsed and died in a marathon after 15 miles in around 2010. He was a member of Royton Road Runners and this is why 67 of them turned up for this fast 5K. Four of us went and Bob Hirst ran near his PB to record 25:44.  Jack McGuire managed a sub 30, Richard failed by a long way to win the M70s but wife Val did a post hip op PB of 33:47, but was still 2nd W70. These races have a good atmosphere and raise a 5-figure sum for charity each year

Full Results

Old County Tops – 16 May 2015

Congratulations to Ladies Fell Captain Jean Brown and Nicky Spinks for 1st Ladies in the Old County Tops in a new ladies record of 8.28.06. Excellent performance!

Jean reports;

The Old County Tops is described on the organisers website as ‘a 37 mile/10,000ft event (distance and climb dependant on whether you go the right or wrong way).  The Race starts in Great Langdale and takes in the tops of Helvellyn, Scafell Pike and Coniston after which the competitors are fed and watered.’

It is run in pairs – which adds a different element to the race!  I have done it three times before and it is one of my favourites.  This year for the first time I had a female partner -Nicky Spinks. Nicky is nationally renowned for her long distance challenge records, but was planning on supporting leg one of a Bob Graham round at midnight the night before so I hoped she would be slowed to my pace!  We worked well as a team, each with our strengths – Nicky tweaked her ankle early on so I was faster down, and she was faster on the ascents.  It was tough on the tops with a strong cold wind – my face went numb in the wind on the way back from Coniston!  

We finished in 22nd overall in 8 hours 28 minutes. 1st ladies team and a new ladies course record which we were extremely pleased with.

Awaiting results

RA Inter Counties Championship – 16 May

A handful of our younger club members travelled down to Betwys-y-Coed in Wales to take part in the FRA Inter Counties Fell Running Championships – 16 May

Clayton juniors

L-R Ryan Clarke, Jordan McDonald and Curtis Holt. Clayton junior runners representing Lancashire at the FRA Inter Counties Championships. Photo by Jacci Clarke Mellor

Alice Pier ran in the Women’s Under 16 race, Curtis Holt and Ryan Clark ran in the Under 16 Mens race, Jordan McDonald ran in the Under 18 Mens race and Christopher Holdsworth ran in the Senior Men’s race.

FRA Inter-County Champs

Alice Pier running in the FRA Inter Counties Championships at Betws-y-Coed. Photo by Jane Pier

All of them ran well and were a credit to the club and the Lancashire county team. Most of them were counters in the team placings. Full Results

British Masters Road Relay Championships – 16 May

British masters

Team Clayton at the British Masters Road Relays . Photo by John Roche

Report by John Roche

A very early start of 7:00am saw around 40 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers making the journey to the British Masters Road Relays at Sutton Park – Sutton Coldfield – Birmingham.

John Roche 1

This is possibly the best road running relay in the calendar. Sutton Park is perfect for this type of event, set inside 2000 acres of beautiful parkland. The course is one lap and quite testing in places with nowhere to hide from spectators encouraging you to keep pushing through the pain barrier.

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers has great history of success at this event and this year would hopefully continue that trend.  This year we had the company of the tangerine army of ladies on tour with most of them attending for the first time and as you would expect the nerves were jangling all morning preparing for the start.

Ladies corrected

 

Silver Medallists L-R Christine Leathley, Karin Goss, Chris Egerton

BMAF Relays

Bronze Medallists L-R Jean Knightley, Katy Thompson and Irene Roche

mens corrected

It was another fantastic day for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers thoroughly enjoyed by everyone that made the journey. The weather was sunny as usual …thanks ‘Shack’.  The return journey was a happy one with a few medals and some tremendous individual performances from; Karin Goss, Irene, Mark Aspy (Legend), Dave Naughton to name just a few.

Post race - smiling faces have returned

Post race – smiling faces have returned

The newbies also had a memorable day with many PB runs (Well done) and wearing our vest with pride in such a prestigious event. Personal thanks to all the last minute ‘stand in’ runners.

Garry Wilkinson… ‘Always a fantastic day and a chance to run the best of the best’. It’s only a short distance but with the adrenaline and pushing yourself to the limits, this is the hardest type of racing and you need to be mentally tough to succeed’ .

Full Results

Charlesworth Chase – 16 May

5.2 mile 1200 ft : BS From Craven Arms in Appletreewick to Simons Seat and back.

Robert Hirst was our sole representative in this fell race finishing in 77th place with a time of 1:08:49.

Full Results

Calderdale Way Relay – 17 May

Calderdale leg 1

Leg 1 Runners L-R Carl Helliwell, Dave Bagot, Chris Holdsworth, Jonny McKenna, Michael O’Donnell and Kieran Mitchell. Photo Adrienne Olszewska

88 teams of runners lined up to start the 2015 Calderdale Way Relay with Clayton-le-Moors Harriers fielding an impressive 4 teams (3 mens teams and a ladies team).  There were some brilliant runs across the teams.

Calderdale Relays

Team Clayton at the Calderdale Relays. John Wilcock, Nick Olszewska, Katy Thompson, Alison Dugdale, Sarah Whittaker ,Barbara Savage

A special mention must be made for the remarkable organisational and support skills of Mens’ Fell Captain, Dave Motley, who not only kept appearing at each leg to support his runners but went on to run our fastest Leg 5 with Ryan Wilkinson. I think he may have cloned himself to do it!

Dave

The Amazing Captain Motley, co-ordinating the Mens’ teams and still managing to run leg 5 at the Calderdale Relays.

Our Mens A Team were in third place in the first two legs but began to lose places after that.  Despite a set of fast legs the third place spot remained out of reach and their final position was 7th.

Relay

Handover at the start of Leg 2 with the Clayton-le-Moors A Team. Photo Adrienne Olszewska

POS TEAM Leg 1 Leg2 Leg 3 Leg 4 Leg 5 Leg 6
7 Team A Chris Holdsworth Lee Smith Jordan McDonald Paul Thompson Dave Motley Breton Holdsworth
Jonny McKenna Russell Clarke George Pier Andrew Stubbs Ryan Wilkinson Jacob Watson
1:14:56 (3) 1:04:03 (8) 0:48:21 (40) 1:14:55 (13) 0:59:58 (10) 1:12:29 (7)
1:14:56 (3) 2:18:59 (3) 3:07:20 (6) 4:22:15 (7) 5:22:13 (8) 6:34:42 (7)
Relay

Sean Clare and Dominic Carr awaiting the start of leg 3. Photo Adrienne Olszewska

An additional super vets team was fielded this year and after a decent start, they steadily pushed forward to finish in 13th place overall.

POS TEAM Leg 1 Leg2 Leg 3 Leg 4 Leg 5 Leg 6
13 Vets Team Michael O’Donnell Garry Wilkinson Dominic Carr Neil Hardiman John Roche Andy Armstrong
Kieron Mitchell Paul Hesketh Sean Clare Tim Edwards Mark Aspinall Kevin Davies
1:30:42 (29) 1:05:51 (11) 0:43:18 (22) 1:18:14 (22) 1:00:12 (12) 1:16:15 (11)
1:30:42 (29) 2:36:33 (21) 3:19:51 (21) 4:38:05 (17) 5:38:17 (16) 6:54:32 (13)
Relay team b

Alan Life and Jonathan Pye ready for leg 3 of the Calderdale Relay. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

The Mens B team ran a solid set of legs to finish in 25th place overall.

POS TEAM Leg 1 Leg2 Leg 3 Leg 4 Leg 5 Leg 6

25

Team B

Carl Helliwell Nick Olszewski Jonathon Pye Nick Roscoe Paul Wale Matthew Duckworth
Dave Bagot John Wilcock Alan Life Richard Briscoe Adam Shaw Chris Funnell
1:28:39 (26) 1:16:53 (37) 0:40:23 (13) 1:24:41 (38) 1:14:07 (51) 1:18:46 (15)
1:28:39 (26) 2:45:32 (34) 3:25:55 (24) 4:50:36 (27) 6:04:43 (29) 7:23:29 (25)
Relay

Claire Vincent and Anna Kelly in the leg 2 mass start at Calder Vale. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

Our Ladies team had managed to finish slightly ahead of their position last year and there were some great runs from the ladies, particularly Anna Kelly and Claire Vincent who stormed through leg 2.

Leg 4 Runner Wendy Dodds said, ” Although Vicky (Heys) made me work hard, I think we enjoyed a good day out, 1.37.36 Very impressed at Katy and Barbara’s run.Fortunately Vicky had a grandstand position with her car at the end of the take over lane, looking straight at the oncoming runners so we were able to stay inside until the last minute

Clayton Harriers

Richard Briscoe, Wendy Dodds and Nick Roscoe..er..warming up!

We also found a new way of warming up before a relay!

POS TEAM Leg 1 Leg2 Leg 3 Leg 4 Leg 5 Leg 6
57 Ladies Team Alison Dugdale Anna Kelly Kay Thompson Wendy Dodds Irene Roche Marion Dixon
Sarah Whittaker Claire Vincent Barbara Savage Vicky Heys Angela Shian Sarah Angelone
1:48:35 (68) 1:18:35 (41) 0:52:41 (60) 1:37:33 (64) 1:13:09 (45) 1:41:43 (64)
1:48:35 (68) 3:07:10 (56) 3:59:51 (60) 5:37:24 (60) 6:50:33 (58) 8:32:16 (57)

Full Results

Worden Park 10k and 1 Mile – 17 May

Five Clayton Harriers took part in this 10k organised by Red Rose Runners. 323 runners took part.

Amanda Duffy described the event as; “A really nice race through the park and along farm tracks. Not as fast as the Manchester or the Windmill, but a really enjoyable race. Nice mug and chocolate at the end.”

Pos Name Cat Time
50 Stephen Biscomb M60 00:43:22
83 Alan Clarkson M55 00:45:46
100 Brian Wildman M45 00:47:10
126 Amanda Duffy F35 00:49:18
245 Kevin O’Brien V45 01:00:04

Not to be outdone by the senior runners, a group of 7 junior members took part in the 1 mile fun run. 66 runners took part in this event. All of our junior runners finished in the top twenty and four of them were in the top ten. Brilliant running from our juniors as always!

Clayton Juniors

Our juniors at the Worden Park 1 mile run. Photo by Nicola Thompson

Pos Name Time
2 Dexta Thompson 5:13
4 Liberty Thompson 5:37
5 Sophie Ashworth 5:38
6 Jenson Bentham 5:56
15 Jack McGuire 7:00
16 Kady Thompson 7:02
18 Felix Thompson 7:16

Full Results

Montane Trail 13 Howgills – 17 May

Whilst often appearing as bridesmaid to the more glamorous pairing of the Lakes and the Dales, the Howgills have long been regarded as an underrated area in which to walk, cycle or run. 

In my quest to convert cycling-legs to fellrunners-legs and get used to running further, if not faster, a round of the popular Montane Trail series promising a tour of the best bits around Sedbergh seemed like a good place to start. Offering both half and full trail marathon options, this round of the series seemed to offer slightly rougher terrain and plenty of climbing, more akin to a fell race than an traditional trail race. I opted for the 13 mile distance, given the longest distance I had run since starting a few months ago was 10 miles.

Alan Dorrington

Alan Dorrington at the Montane Trail 13 in the Howgills. Photo by Sport Sunday Photography

The course started straight up Winder and onto the Calf – about 4 miles of steep, almost continuous climbing that I really enjoyed. What height we had gained in the past 4 miles, was then mostly lost in the next 2 as the route descended steeply down by Cautley Spout – a profile much like the couple of shorter local fell races I’d done recently. Except there was no finish in a grassy field by a pub, rather a 6 mile run in on at times rocky, at times grassy paths back to Sedbergh.

Running with friend Greg whose extensive experience in 24hr and multi-day mountainbike racing was also not converting particularly well to fast-ish running, we both struggled to keep a good pace along this section of rolling tracks and fields. Still, the views over to Great Baugh Fell and the River Rawthey valley more than made up for the worsening condition of my/our legs. Smoother, grassy river meadows on the final run in to Sedbergh allowed a leg-based second wind and I enjoyed picking up the pace substantially, and picking off several places into the finish.

Having cracked the trail half marathon distance, I’m looking forward to some longer fell races over summer and into Autumn, ultimately with a view to getting entry in the 3 Peaks fell race next Spring, the cyclocross version of which I’ve done many times over the years.

Full Results

Chester Half Marathon – 17 May

Two of our ladies took part in this popular half marathon in the picturesque city of Chester.

Report from Clare Wilson

‘There was a fantastic atmosphere at this race which started at Chester race course and finished in the city centre. Considering there were 7000 runners we thought it might take a while to get going, but the race got off to a fast start and it felt a harder course than the other half marathons that Steph and I have previously run so it felt a tough race. Considering this, both of us got times we were happy with, with Steph getting a new PB.’

Clayton Ladies

Stephanie Hawke and Clare Wilson at the Chester Half Marathon. Photo by Clare Wilson

Pos Name Cat Time
1841 Clare Wilson FV35 01:50:07
2244 Stephanie Hawke FV35 01:53:15

Well done ladies!

Full Results

Fairfield Horseshoe – 17 May

AM 9m/3000’  (14.5km/914m)

There were 209 runners in this years race, starting from Rydal Hall in sunny but blustery conditions.Winning the race for a 5th time was Robb Jebb of Bingley Harriers in 1 hour 20 minutes 49 seconds. Next year will be the 50th Fairfield Race and the provisional date will be Saturday 14thMay 2016.

Andrew Orr was the sole Clayton Harrier in this classic lakeland fell race.  He finished in 55th place in a time of 01:46:02.

Full Results

Athletics and Triathlon – 14th & 17th May

Clayton junior member, Ellie Root, took part in the Bradford Schools Athletics Competition on Thursday 14th May and came 2nd in the 1500m in a time of 5:31.

She has also taken part in the Blackpool Junior Triathlon on Sunday 17th May, she had a good swim and cycle and a very strong run. She came 7th in the T3 category.

Ellie Root

Talented Clayton Junior member Ellie Root at the Blackpool Junior Triathlon. Photo by Thomas Root

Well done Ellie!

Parkrun Roundup

Burnley parkrun enjoyed a bumper turn out of over 300 runners on Saturday and the numbers were definitely boosted by 21 Clayton -le-Moors Harriers junior runners. This parkrun was selected as one of the juniors’ summer series races and they were out to impress with PBs galore. The future is definitely bright!

Clayton Juniors

Clayton Juniors out in force at Burnley parkrun. Photo by David Belshaw

Burnley parkrun – A total of 328 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
5 Jonathan PYE 18:26 SM25-29
7 Jackson MCKAY 19:01 JM11-14 New PB!
10 Chris SNELL 19:38 VM35-39 New PB!
11 Laura HESKETH 19:56 SW30-34
16 Dexta THOMPSON 20:13 JM10 New PB!
20 Simon WILSHAW 20:47 JM15-17 New PB!
25 Andrew WEBSTER 21:22 VM45-49 New PB!
26 Millie STUBBS 21:26 JW11-14 New PB!
33 Adam STEVENSON 21:54 JM11-14 New PB!
35 Richard JOHN 22:06 VM35-39 First Timer!
40 Alan CLARKSON 22:17 VM55-59
44 Lennon JACKSON 22:27 JM11-14
57 Daniel BRADLEY 23:19 JM11-14 New PB!
61 Nathan KEWIN 23:32 JM10 New PB!
68 Matthew DUCKWORTH 23:50 SM25-29
71 Elizabeth MULLAN 23:54 SW25-29 New PB!
82 Sophie ASHWORTH 24:13 JW11-14
84 Natasha OLSZEWSKA 24:19 JW11-14
94 Liberty THOMPSON 24:39 JW11-14 New PB!
97 Tanya BUNKHAM 24:46 SW25-29 New PB!
112 Kian ADAMS 25:15 JM10 New PB!
113 Donna SCOTT 25:16 VW45-49
123 Elouise Sylkie PEMBERTON 25:37 SW25-29 New PB!
124 Annabel WILCOCK 25:40 JW11-14
127 John WILCOCK 25:48 VM50-54
128 Finley STUBBS 25:50 JM10
133 Heidi KEWIN 26:04 JW11-14 New PB!
153 Yvonne WICKHAM 26:59 VW50-54
160 Imogen FERGUSON 27:24 JW10 First Timer!
171 Keira STEVENSON 27:42 JW10
191 Lucy STEVENSON 28:13 JW11-14
197 Adrienne OLSZEWSKA 28:22 VW45-49
221 Kady THOMPSON 29:38 JW10 New PB!
225 Rachel STEVENSON 29:49 JW10 New PB!
250 Milly MACCABE 31:25 JW10 New PB!
298 Valerie LAWSON 36:07 VW70-74 New PB!
Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
33 Molly HESKETH 30:24 JW11-14 New PB!

Pendle parkrun – A total of 50 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
33 Molly HESKETH 30:24 JW11-14 New PB!

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 139 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
88 Eileen JONES 29:22 VW60-64

Marple parkrun – A total of 185 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
134 Ron HILL 29:12 VM75-79

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 87 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
75 Robin PRICE 37:19 VM70-74

Weekend of Running – the only place to be this Bank Holiday Weekend

Don’t forget, it’s the weekend of running this week.

Weekend of Running flyerNext week’s roundup will be brought to you by the Talented Mr Motley as I will be out tramping around Lancashire on the LDWA Red Rose 100 Mile Challenge.  Who knows, if I get a wiggle on I might even catch some of you carousing in the Pendle Inn on my way through Barley!

 

ByAdrienne Olszewska

The darling buds of May

Spring is sprung, and our members are competing and being selected for a wide range of national and regional competition.  This week you have been road running, track running, trail running, and scaling the fells with wins and PBs breaking out all over the place.

Avenham Park 5k – 4 May

Despite it being a bank holiday, the weather was surprisingly good as 388 runners lined up to take part in the Avenham Park 5k on a course that promised fast times.

Avenham Park 5k

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers at Avenham Park 5k. Photo by Jane Pier

Danny Collinge reports:

It was a really good race all round. Everyone gave it their all and there were new PBs for George Pier and Bryan Searby. Overall a cracking result for the team with me finishing in the top 5, then Jordan and George both in the top 20. Every single one of us had great support from all the Clayton supporters that were there. It was a great race – I loved it!

Pos Name Cat Time
5 Danny Collinge M 00:17:03
11 Jordan McDonald M 00:18:18
13 George Pier M 00:18:20
54 Jason Pier MV45 00:21:15
68 Martin Brady M 00:21:55
89 Bryan Searby MV40 00:22:58
92 Ryan Clarke M 00:23:07
177 Jackie Kershaw FV40 00:27:12
233 Marion Wilkinson FV70 00:29:35

Full Results

Wray Scarecrow Fell Race – 5 May

A trio of members took part in this Bank Holiday fell race that marks the close of the Wray Village Scarecrow festival.

Pos Name Cat Time
20 Alan Life M50 00:52:02
93 Linda Lord F60 01:06:17
137 John Francis M70 01:29:05

Full Results

Astley Park Trail Series – 6 May

The Astley Trail Series of races for seniors and juniors, are set in the picturesque grounds of Astley Hall in Chorley and take pace on the first Wednesday of every month from May to August. Both races have proven to be very popular, drawing runners from all over the North West of England.

Junior Race

Clayton Juniors

Junior members at the Astley Park Trail series. Photo by Nicola Thompson

This series is always popular and this year is no exception, there was a record number of entries which meant that the organisers ran out of Mars Bars! 12 of our junior members took part in the first race of the series.

Astley Park Trail Race

First girl and boy, Briony and Curtis Holt at Astley Park. Photo by Michelle Abbot

Curtis Holt was the first finisher, completing the course in 5:15 and Briony Holt was first girl, 10th place overall. Jenson Bentham was first finisher in his age category. All of our juniors ran well so very well done to all of you!

131 runners took part.

Pos Name Cat Time
1 Curtis Holt U17 5:15
10 Briony Holt L15 5:43
11 Jackson McKay U13 5:45
23 Dexta Thompson U11 6:04
44 Lennon Jackson U13 6:36
45 Jenson Bentham U9 6:37
47 Liberty Thompson L13 6:39
58 Sophie Ashworth L13 6:57
88 Heidi Kewin L13 7:47
66 Kady Thompson L9 8:51
67 Felix Thompson U7 8:53
124 Milly Maccabe L9 9:21

Senior Race

Jonathan Pye at the Astley Park Trail Race.

Jonathan Pye at the Astley Park Trail Race.

Jonathon Pye was the sole Clayton representative and he reported;

“ Very happy with a 7th place finish at Astley Park trail race tonight. 4.6 miles done in 26.55. Congratulations to Curtis for winning the junior race and all the other juniors for a strong showing! Happy days!”

The next race takes place on Wednesday 3rd June and is one of the Junior’s summer race series so there should be an even bigger turn out for that one!.

Full Results

Foe Edge Fell Race – 6 May

A trio of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers took part in this local 6.6km/300m climb fell race organised by Rossendale Harriers.  The race started from Cowpe Village Hall nr Waterfoot in Rossendale. 45 runners took part.  Jacob Boyle was the first Clayton Harrier in finishing in 3rd place overall with Lee Smith following on in 6th place.  Stephen Fish was 39th.  Well done guys!

Poss NAME Cat TIME
3 Jacob Boyle MU23 00:35:33
6 Lee Smith MSEN 00:36:56
39 Stephen Fish MV60 00:53:12

Full Results

Lothersdale Fell Race – 6 May

64 runners including 4 Clayton Harriers took part in this race organised by Keighley and Craven AC.

Pos Name Cat Time
13 Richard Briscoe M 00:29:35
35 Nigel Weaver M50 00:33:49
39 Stephen Bury M55 00:36:10
53 Robert Hirst M60 00:41:22

Full Results

Pinhaw Moor – 8 May

There was an impressive turnout of 38 Clayton Harriers out braving inclement weather to take part in the second race of the Pendle & Burnley Grand Prix Series. This race is a 5 mile trail race organised by Barlick Fell Runners.

Report by Michelle Butschok
Thoroughly enjoyed the Pin Haw Trail race. Yes it was wet, windy and boggy in places…but you know what, I did it with a smile on my face, even when I fell on it in the mud!! First fall and didn’t dampen my spirits. Thanks to all the marshalls for their encouragement and for being there in those conditions.

Clayton Ladies

Post race selfie sheltering from the weather! L-R Leanne Cottam, Joanne Bennett and Sarah Angelone

Report from Dave Burnett
Horrible conditions tonight but really enjoyed it, apart from my Helen nearly beating me to the trig and my subsequent traditional running vomit. Had a laugh at myself on the way down though, as whilst I was trying to keep ahead of the runner hot on my heals I turned and realised the heavy breathing I could hear was in fact myself echoing off the dry stone walls. Ha! Ha!

Jonathon Pye added; “Dave was right – horrible conditions but enjoyable, running in road shoes which needed a viking burial afterwards.”

Pos Name Cat Time
3 Jordan McDonald MU18 00:33:34
12 Andrew Stubbs M45 00:35:25
14 Russ Clarke MSEN 00:36:14
17 Paul Hesketh M50 00:36:52
18 Carl Helliwell MSEN 00:36:55
22 Jonathan Pye MSEN 00:37:31
25 Richard Briscoe MSEN 00:38:06
27 John Roche M55 00:38:43
31 Chris Funnell M45 00:38:43
33 Michael O’Donnell M40 00:38:59
35 Jon Hanson MSEN 00:39:27
36 David Naughton M55 00:39:33
38 Alex Braysford M40 00:39:41
47 Sean Clare M50 00:40:42
49 Stephen Ainsworth M55 00:40:45
54 Jeffrey Pickup M60 00:41:41
60 Gary Balmer M45 00:42:08
64 Neil Garnett M50 00:42:43
72 Andy Quinn M40 00:43:43
73 Darren Rushton M45 00:43:56
80 Stephen White M60 00:45:02
87 David Burnett M50 00:46:43
89 Irene Roche W55 00:46:48
90 Martin Griffin M50 00:46:56
94 Helen Burnett W40 00:47:46
102 Jean Knightley W55 00:49:15
106 Andrew Taylor M55 00:50:02
110 Joanne Bennett W45 00:50:19
112 David Ian Scott M70 00:50:36
117 Rachel Todd W40 00:51:25
118 Julia Anne Rushton W50 00:51:38
122 Sarah Angelone WSEN 00:52:26
127 Leanne Cottam W35 00:53:50
132 Joanne Motley WSEN 00:55:33
135 Michelle Butschok W40 00:56:53
136 Karin Goss W65 00:58:04
138 Stuart Barker M45 00:59:10

 Full Results

 Lakeland Trails Series – Stavely 9 May

Congratulations to Christopher Holdsworth on his win at the Lakeland Trails Staveley race. He produced some great running in muddy conditions and it looks like he will also be the series winner as well.  Breton Holdsworth was 4th over all and first vet.

Christopher Holdsworth Reports

Christopher Holdsworth

Chris Holdsworth at Lakeland Trails Staveley Race. Photo by Lakeland Trails

All I can say about the Lakeland Trails Spring Series of racing is – if you’ve fallen out of love with running, then get yourself signed up to those races… The atmosphere, the organisation, the trails and the scenery make it more than just running another race. They are phenomenal.

Brett Holdsworth

Breton Holdsworth at the Lakeland Trails Staveley Race. Photo by Lakeland Trails

As for Staveley, it was my favourite of the three – and possibly my best performance of the lot, completing 11.2 miles in just under 1:10 exactly. Breton also had another excellent run, coming in 4th which he consistently achieved in all three races. Will certainly be back again to compete for the Spring Series crown once again next year!

Full Results

Stretton Six Summits – 9 May

Stretton Six Summits is the second race in the English Fell Championships.

Fell Championships

L-R Garry Wilkinson, Dave Bagot, Paul Shackleton, Vicky Heys, Angela Shian, and Ryan Wilkinson at the English Fell Championships. Photo by Garry Wilkinson

Mens Report from Paul Shackleton

Around 15 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers took part in the English Championship fell race at Church Stretton. With 3000 feet of ascent in only 6 miles,  it was no wonder that one of our members described the route as “the toughest 6 miles he’d raced in 30 years of running”. The route took in six summits around the Long Mynd with steep climbs, steep descents and some fast running in the valleys to break it up.

Paul Shackleton

Paul Shackleton at the Six Summits British Championship Race. Photo by Colin Williamson

The race was won by Tom Addison and Annie Conway was first woman. Some excellent performances from Clayton runners with Alan Life, Garry Wilkinson and Ryan Wilkinson all getting in the first 100 (Alan and Garry 7th and 9th V50) Kieran Carr was 1st V70 and. Wendy Dodds and Jean Brown were 2nd and 4th in their respective categories.

Ladies Report by Katy Thompson

Five Clayton ladies made the trip down to Church Stretton for this, the second English Championship race. 6.3m and 3250 ft of climb over six summits: it was never going to be easy. I’ve done enough races around the Long Mynd to know how steep the ascents and descents are.

After my usual slow start up the steep road and onto the fell there weren’t many runners behind me on the first summit but I gradually gained on those ahead on the contour round to Yearlet. As I slithered down the steep descent I wished I had gone ahead and bought those new shoes before the race instead of just thinking about it. The steep climb up and over Grindle was well marked through the heather; then there was a lovely run down Callow Hollow – a bit frustrating though if you wanted to pass anyone. As we climbed Callow I was gradually passing other runners, and on the contour round to Nills I caught Angela. But she wasn’t going to let me have it all my own way, and I had to chase her up the hill and down to the footbridge in Ashes Hollow. As we set off on the climb to the final summit I was aware that she wasn’t far behind. My legs were protesting loudly, but they gradually got into uphill mode again, then it was a lovely downhill, gentle at first then getting steeper as we dropped down to the finish, with a final short pull up before the downhill into the finish.

Katy Thompson

Katy Thompson at the Six Summits British Championship Race. Photo by Colin Williamson

Jean was our first finisher, 31st in a field of 79 ladies, and 12th LV40. Wendy was 2nd LV60. Vicky was third finisher making us joint 4th Lady Vet team.

Poss NAME Cat TIME
81 Alan Life M50 01:14:44
92 Garry Wilkinson M50 01:15:45
98 Ryan Wilkinson SM 01:16:31
138 David Bagot SM 01:20:02
180 Kieran Carr M70 (1st) 01:26:02
185 Paul Shackleton M50 01:26:47
187 Jean Brown L45 01:27:07
207 Peter Browning M55 01:31:02
214 Wendy Dodds L60 (2nd ) 01:32:06
240 Vicky Heys L40 01:36:17
280 Andrew Firth M55 01:42:38
282 Katy Thompson L60 01:43:46
286 Angela Shian SL 01:44:19
298 Stephen Fish M60 01:48:02

Full Results

Morrisons’ Great Manchester 10k – 10 May

Well done to our Great Manchester 10k runners!  Jacob Watson ran up a storm finishing in 90th place with a time of 36:16 and an appearance on the TV coverage to boot! And there were PBs galore for our runners too. Legendary Ron Hill was also among the thousands running on the day.

Team Clayton

L-R Amanda Duffy, Richard Briscoe, Elouise Pemberton, Jacob Watson, Lee Moore. Bryan Searby photobombing at the back! Photo by Michelle Searby

Report from Jacob Watson

Nearly £40 for a 10k? Now I wouldn’t say I’m tight-fisted but that seems quite steep I remember thinking while entering my card details onto the Great Manchester Run website. I’m sure Towneley 10k was about a fiver!

This was the second time I’d run this race and, like most people lined up at the start, I was looking for a PB. The atmosphere was awesome, I was feeling confident, and my aim was to start comfortably and finish strong. The buzz of the event kept me on pace through miles 1-4, however, by the fifth mile I started flagging. The bands kept me going as did the crowd (hearing “Come on Clayton!” never fails to lift my spirits), and I managed to hold it together, knocking 4 minutes off last year’s time.

So was the asking price of £3.80 for each kilometre worth it? I don’t think I’d be racing much if every race cost this much, but as an experience; yes. One for the race calendar next year (and the year after!).

TV pic

Jacob Watson’s TV finish!

Report by Lee Moore

Arrived at Manchester early and the atmosphere was already building up. We got into postion in the orange wave and, after chatting to fellow runners and the group warm up, we were off. I got to pass my beloved Old Trafford on the course and really enjoyed the cold showers en route! Overall an excellent day and managed to post my best 10k time this year.

Report by Elouise Pemberton

The morning of the race I was filled with excitement and nerves, this being the first time I had taken part in an event as big as this. I had no idea what to expect and I was stunned by the sheer amount of people taking part.

We were greeted by the compere, welcoming the Clayton team with pride.  The atmosphere was buzzing, the course was enjoyable and the live music and spectators really helped you to keep up the pace.

Well all got PBs.  I will be signing up again for next year.

Pos Name Time
90 Jacob Watson 00:36:16
271 Richard Briscoe 00:39:08
1006 Fabienne Richmond 00:43:31
2535 Edward Milne 00:47:07
3171 Amanda Duffy 00:48:11
4530 Lynsey Birtwistle 00:50:12
6482 Lee Moore 00:52:51
6966 Elouise Sylkie Pemberton 00:53:29
9127 Ron Hill 00:55:49
16117 Nicola Kay 01:04:02

Blacksticks Blue 10k – 10 May

This low key 10k road race starts and finishes at Whitechapel Village Hall and offers stunning views overlooking the Bowland Fells.  Bianca Bennet and Robert Hirst took part.

Bianca Bennett Reports;

Blacksticks Blue 10k was the complete contrast of Manchester 10k today. 128m total ascent compared to the flat 30m total ascent of Manchester. 190 participants at Blacksticks to the many thousands that took part at Manchester. Then there was the scenic route of woodlands and fields to the busy city life; the list could go on…but they did have one thing in common a supportive crowd! It was amazing to have people really root for the runners. The runners of Blacksticks really supported one another too and even though we ran for different clubs there was a real sense of community.

Pos Name Cat Time
13 Matthew Duckworth M 40:23
44 Stephen Biscomb MV60 44:52
67 Alan Clarkson MV55 47:50
76 Brian Wildman MV45 49:27
113 Bianca Bennett F 53:30
116 Robert Hirst MV60 54:10

Awaiting Results

Blackpool Beach 10k – 10 May

The organisers describe this 10k as a gruelling, yet fun event on Blackpool Beach between South Shore and St Annes Pier. Run mainly on wet compacted sand, shortly after high tide, this event is great for runners of all abilities

Two of our members took part; Alex Braysford and Kevin O’Brien, both of them finishing first in their respective age categories.  Well done chaps!

Poss Name Cat Time
10 Alex Braysford MV40 41:22
82 Kevin O’Brien MV70 59:05

Full Results 

parkrun roundup

Burnley parkrun

John and Annabel Wilcock at Burnley parkrun. Photo by David Belshaw

As always, lots of our members were out running in various parkrunevents. Some for fun, some as a warm up for other events over the weekend.  Lots of great runs and finishes from Team Clayton and a handful of new PBs as well.

Burnley parkrun – A total of 196 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
3 Jonathan PYE 18:22 SM25-29
4 Richard STEVENSON 18:44 VM35-39
7 Laura HESKETH 19:46 SW30-34
8 Chris SNELL 19:53 VM35-39 New PB!
10 Jon HANSON 20:04 VM35-39
14 Simon WILSHAW 21:04 JM15-17 New PB!
20 Gordon BARRETT 21:54 VM50-54
21 Millie STUBBS 22:28 JW11-14 New PB!
26 Lennon JACKSON 22:46 JM11-14
43 Nathan KEWIN 24:31 JM10
64 Bryan SEARBY 25:36 VM40-44
75 Annabel WILCOCK 26:03 JW11-14
76 John WILCOCK 26:08 VM50-54
77 Donna SCOTT 26:10 VW45-49
78 Robert HIRST 26:11 VM60-64
82 Heidi KEWIN 26:23 JW11-14 New PB!
98 Yvonne WICKHAM 27:46 VW50-54
100 Sophie ASHWORTH 27:49 JW11-14
110 Julie TOMAN 28:18 VW45-49
158 Judith CAREY 33:53 VW35-39
165 Milly MACCABE 35:13 JW10
178 Andrew WEBSTER 38:17 VM45-49

Pendle parkrun – A total of 48 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun celebrated its first anniversary this weekend.  Not only were they celebrating with a fancy dress, they were also revealing the brand new route for this event.

Pendle parkrun

Peter Booth enjoying the new route at Pendle parkrun. Photo by Pendle parkrun

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
1 Paul HESKETH 20:30 VM50-54
4 John HARTLEY 21:33 VM55-59
5 Susan BURNS 22:02 VW55-59
8 Pete BOOTH 22:26 VM60-64
39 Christine Jennifer EGERTON 32:25 VW65-69
41 Christine LEATHLEY 33:54 VW65-69

Brockwell parkrun, Herne Hill – A total of 256 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
210 Eileen JONES 29:51 VW60-64 New PB!

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 75 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
75 Robin PRICE 37:58 VM70-74

Skipton parkrun – A total of 98 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
20 Barry MITCHELL 23:08 VM65-69 New PB!

St Helens parkrun – A total of 164 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
54 George THOMPSON 25:25 VM65-69 First Timer!

Great news for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

Our talented young Harriers continue to enjoy success and the following members have been selected to represent Lancashire in the British Inter Counties Fell Running Championships in Betws-y-Coed North Wales. Chris Holdsworth, Jacob Boyle, Danny Collinge, Jordan McDonald, Curtis Holt, Ryan Clarke, and Alice Pier. The Championships take place on Saturday 16th May.

Congratulations and the best of luck to all of you. We know you will do us all proud!

Upcoming team events

Good luck to all our athletes running in the British Masters Road Relays, Calderdale Way Relays and the British Inter Counties Fell Championships! Go get ’em Team Clayton

Weekend of Running

If you aren’t jetting off to sunnier climes over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, why not come along to our fabulous weekend of running.  There’s road and fell on offer and a bit of a do in the Pendle Inn at Barley afterwards. It’s going to be a great weekend of running and socialising. Go on, you know you want to!

Weekend of Running flyer

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers – Weekend of Running

ByAdrienne Olszewska

True colours shining through

After all the epic endurance escapades last weekend, you’d think our members would be taking it easy. Nothing could be further from the truth. Business as usual from the tangerine army! Competing, winning and cheering each other on as always! The future’s bright.

Vernons 5k – 28 April

Otherwise known as the Welcome Inn Tuesday night series.  Just one member at this event, Tony Pilling who finished in 53rd place with a time of 23:25.

Full Results

Vera Hirst 5k Cowm Race – 29 April

Irene Roche reports;

A few Clayton members ran at Whitworth, Cowme Res 5k. Andy O’Sullivan has a few of these mid-weekers going and raising good amounts of money for charity. Around 35 to 40 runners took part after a slightly delayed start due to late competitors arriving after traffic problems. But the delayed start was welcome as this was when the sun shone through after a dark cloud threatened to dampen our spirits! Laura Hesketh achieved First Lady and lots of other Clayton winning prizes/age categories. Totally enjoyable midweek event.

Awaiting Results

Cake Race – 2 May

An interesting moorland course with as much cake as you like to eat at the end. Who could ask for more? The course takes in open moorland scenery, industrial heritage, and Pennine farmland all in a hour or so. It is mainly on flagged paths, tracks and trails with the challenge of going over the Pennines and back.

Cake Race

Nerina Gill at the Cake Race. Photo by the Woodentops

The first mile or so is up hill onto the moors, which is very runnable, we call the path boat lane, since it was build to take the horses from the canal barges over the hills. Once up on the Moors you take the flagged path to Brun Cough Reservoir. The course is fast at this point, although care is needed as the flagstones can be slippy. The route splits the reservoirs at Wessenden Head and turns down toward Marsden where you can run fast down towards Marsden. The hardest part is yet to come as runners meet a long flight of stone steps that sweeps them down the side of the dam only to return them up a similar flight on the other side! Save a bit of energy for the climb back up onto the Moors, against the prevailing wind, you will be rewarded with stunning views across Marsden Moor.

The track brings runners back to the top of Boat lane and a good long run into the finish where cakes and tea await all finishers. All Runners are invited to bring a cake which will be entered into the Cake contest. Prizes for best tasting and best decoration. This is a tough race and you’ll really feel like you’ve earned the cake afterwards.

Three Clayton Ladies took part, Vicky Heys, Angela Shian and Nerina Gill.  Interestingly, Nerina has just entered the VLM ballot for next year… I do hope it wasn’t because of all the cake! Well done ladies!

Awaiting full results

Pendle Cloughs – 2 May

Just 30 hardy fell runners finished this tough, local race organised by Barlick Fell Runners. Course record holder Tom Brunt returned for a third time to take on this race. The conditions on the top of Pendle were cold, wet and very windy and were not ideal for record breaking times.  As it turned out, Tom had a comfortable win over Martin Hurst from Pudsey & Bramley who was closely followed home in third place by Max Wainwright from Helsby RC.

Pendle Cloughs

Clayton Harriers on the Pendle Cloughs Fell Race. Photo by Andy Holden

Four Clayton Harriers took part, Pete Booth, Andrew Priory, Ralph Baines, and David Naylor.

Pos    Name    Cat    Time   
10 Pete Booth MV60 02:40:30
11 Andrew Priory MV40 02:40:50
12 Ralph Baines MV40 02:42:34
27 David Naughton MV50 03:34:11

Full Results

Great Hameldon Hill Race – 3 May

Despite a rather grim start to the day, 27 juniors and 57 senior members took part in the first of the Burnley and Pendle Grand Prix Series, with a fair few of both adults and children running in their first ever fell race.  The weather was kind to us and things cleared up nicely for the first race of the day. The juniors were out in force with many of them cheering and running alongside their siblings and team mates. They also formed an enthusiastic and exuberant cheer squad as they watched the seniors coming in.

Under 8s Race 

15 children took part in the Under 8s running a fast and furious circuit of the Peel Park school playing field incorporating a bit of a hill at the rear just to add a little sting in the tail ( also added to the end of the longer races just to add a little spice!).

Clayton Juniors

Isaac Smith, proud winner of the U-8s race and first timer for Clayton Harriers. Photo by Lee Smith

We had some fantastic runs from our juniors with first and third positions for Isaac Smith and Joshua McKay. A Masie Howarth and Jessica Bradley were are two girls in the race and both of them had great runs. Very well done!

Pos Name Cat Cat/Pos Time
1 Isaac Smith M7 (1/5) 00:01:30
3 Joshua McKay M7 (3/5) 00:01:34
8 Maisie Howarth F7 (3/5) 00:01:46
12 Jessica Bradley F7 (5/5) 00:01:58

Under 10s Race

22 children took part in the next age group race with two laps of the playing field to undertake.  Dexta Thompson took the lead and held onto it with great great and determination, managing to save a bit extra for a sprint to the finish to secure his win.

Clayton Juniors

Dexta Thompson storming to the finish and first place in the U-10s Race. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

Imogen Ferguson was our first Clayton girl in the race and second girl overall. Another great set of runs from our juniors.

Clayton Juniors

Imogen Ferguson, first Clayton girl in the U-10s Race. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

Pos    Name    Cat    Cat/Pos    Time   
1 Dexta Thompson M9 (1/7) 00:02:53
3 Nathan Kewin M9 (1/2) 00:03:07
5 Joe Czapowski M9 (3/7) 00:03:11
6 Finley Stubbs M8 (2/6) 00:03:12
11 Jenson Bentham M8 (4/6) 00:03:18
13 Imogen Ferguson F9 (2/5) 00:03:24
15 Alexander Thompson M9 (5/7) 00:03:31
18 Matthew Armstrong M8 (6/6) 00:03:50
19 Rachel Stevenson F8 (1/2) 00:04:05
22 Milly McCabe F8 (2/2) 00:04:30

Under 16s Race

U16 Race

On the start line of the U-16 Race. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

 

This is a tough race for the under 16 group, leaving the playing fields and heading out and up the Coppice Hill that overlooks the school. Jackson Mckay ran a superb race finishing comfortably ahead of the rest of the pack.  26 runners took part.

Clayton Juniors

Jackson McKay winner of the U16 race. Photo by David Belshaw

Ella Dorrington was our first girl finisher, just passing team mate Millie Stubbs at the end to secure 8th place overall and first girl. Hot on her heels, Millie finished in 9th place and second girl.

Pos    Name    Cat    Cat/Pos    Time   
1 Jackson L. McKay M11 (1/9) 00:11:23
8 Ella Dorrington F10 (1/4) 00:13:09
9 Millie Stubbs F12 (1/3) 00:13:13
10 William M. Nicholls M10 (2/2) 00:13:13
11 Adam Stevenson M11 (4/9) 00:13:17
12 Lennon Jackson M11 (5/9) 00:13:24
17 Liberty Thompson F12 (2/3) 00:14:07
18 Sophie Ashworth F11 (3/4) 00:14:08
19 Harry Mason M12 (2/2) 00:14:53
20 Natasha Olszewska F12 (3/3) 00:15:50
21 Keira Stevenson F10 (2/4) 00:16:23
22 Heidi Kewin F11 (4/4) 00:16:42
25 Bronia Olszewska F10 (3/4) 00:20:06

Senior Race

An impressive turnout of 57 Clayton Harriers in this race; the first race of the Burnley and Pendle Grand Prix Series. Christopher Holdsworth was our first Clayton man finishing in 2nd  place and Claire Vincent was our first Clayton Lady finishing in 72nd place and 4th lady in the race. Jordan McDonald ran very well finishing in 4th place overall and first Male Junior. Irene Roche was 1st L55 and Karin Goss was 1st L65.

Report by Christopher Holdsworth

Great Hameldon Hill Race

Chris Holdsworth and Richard Burney battling it out at the Great Hameldon Hill Race. Photo by Neil Broadhurst

I’d hoped for a weekend off from racing after the Three Peaks, but couldn’t resist competing at one of the best races in the P&B calendar. With the Peaks still in my legs, and a full week of comfort eating, I decided to ease myself into the race and ran with the Liverpool runner, Richard Burney for the majority of the way up Hameldon Hill. I held back until the summit, hoping to pull away on the way back down… As it turns out, Richard is a 15 minute 5K runner. I ended the race in 2nd place with a time of 38:45 – almost 2 minutes quicker than last years time. So very happy with the result! We had a great turn out, and had some great performances from the younger members in Jordan McDonald, and some impressive junior displays too. A top event to kick of the Summer racing calendar!

Report by Claire Vincent

Great Hameldon Hill Race

Claire Vincent – 1st Clayton Lady at the Great Hameldon Hill Race. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

After suffering from a stress fracture since before Christmas, I’ve just started to get back into running in the past month or so. I know the Hameldon route well so felt ok and reached the summit with a lady from Trawden in sight. On the descent however she pulled away and I was over taken by a lady from Accrington road runners. I thought I might have been able to catch them but I’m not too good on the downhill so they stayed out of reach! I also finished 2 minutes quicker than last year and enjoyed being cheered on by a group of Clayton juniors at the end! Look forward to more races this summer and being part of the relay team for my first time in the Calderdale Way.

Our Ladies ‘A’ team were 2nd and our Mens ‘A’ Team were 1st.  Well done everyone.

Pos    Name    Cat    CatPos    Time   
2 Chris. Holdsworth M (002/042) 00:38:45
4 Jordan McDonald MJ (001/005) 00:42:45
6 Andrew Stubbs M45 (001/028) 00:43:21
8 Russ Clarke M (006/042) 00:44:02
14 Kevin Davies M50 (003/023) 00:45:21
15 Richard Stevenson M (008/042) 00:45:26
16 Carl Helliwell M (009/042) 00:45:46
17 Matthew Duckworth M (010/042) 00:45:51
18 Andrew Orr M40 (003/021) 00:45:53
25 Michael J. O’Donnell M40 (006/021) 00:46:32
26 Jonathan Pye M (012/042) 00:46:50
29 Alan Dorrington M45 (003/028) 00:47:24
35 Richard Briscoe M (015/042) 00:48:07
40 Chris Funnell M45 (006/028) 00:48:40
42 Andrew McFarlane M45 (007/028) 00:48:54
43 John Roche M55 (003/014) 00:48:58
45 Alex Braysford M40 (008/021) 00:49:12
46 Jon Hanson M (017/042) 00:49:22
59 John Wilcock M50 (011/023) 00:50:20
60 Jeffrey Pickup M60 (003/012) 00:50:25
62 Andy Bradley M45 (010/028) 00:50:34
63 Nick Roscoe M45 (011/028) 00:50:53
72 Claire Vincent F (003/010) 00:51:55
76 Gary Balmer M45 (013/028) 00:52:27
81 Stephen Ainsworth M55 (006/014) 00:53:10
83 Adam Shaw M (026/042) 00:53:27
86 Martin Brady M50 (014/023) 00:53:56
90 Andy Quinn M40 (015/021) 00:54:37
91 Richard Bellaries M60 (005/012) 00:54:37
94 Geoff Smith M40 (016/021) 00:55:00
96 Andrew M. Dugdale M50 (016/023) 00:55:12
101 Stephen Breakell M60 (006/012) 00:55:35
103 Andrew J. Webster M45 (018/028) 00:55:47
104 Rick Moore M50 (018/023) 00:55:58
105 Stephen White M60 (007/012) 00:56:10
108 Stuart Proctor M (029/042) 00:56:18
112 Paul Wale M45 (019/028) 00:57:05
114 Irene Roche F55 (001/004) 00:57:08
121 Stephen Fish M60 (008/012) 00:58:18
127 Helen Burnett F40 (005/007) 00:58:49
130 Martin Griffin M50 (019/023) 00:59:27
131 Colin Woolford M (036/042) 00:59:57
135 Dawn Terry F50 (002/005) 01:00:38
136 Robin Nicholson M45 (024/028) 01:01:23
143 Joanne Bennett F45 (003/006) 01:02:56
149 Jean Knightley F55 (002/004) 01:03:53
151 Kath Brady F50 (004/005) 01:04:34
152 Nichola Horsfall F55 (003/004) 01:04:55
157 Martin O’Rourke M50 (021/023) 01:05:46
161 Geoff Laycock M60 (010/012) 01:06:42
165 Sarah Angelone F (007/010) 01:08:01
167 Leanne Cottam F (008/010) 01:08:26
168 Ron Chappell M65 (002/003) 01:08:39
169 Karin Goss F65 (001/001) 01:08:44
175 Michelle Butschok F40 (007/007) 01:15:01
180 Stuart Barker M45 (028/028) 01:21:35
181 Phillip Thornber M60 (012/012) 01:22:34

Full Results

Coniston Fell Racer – 3 May

Report by Peter Browning

Coniston Fell Race

Coniston Fell Race – a return to wintery conditions. Photo by Coniston Fell Runners

Five Clayton Harriers made the journey north to the southern Lakes for the annual Coniston Fell Race, the first of the truly classic Lakeland races. The race is traditionally held under blue skies and lovely spring sunshine, but not this year. We were well and truly back in winter conditions, with snow falling on the tops, high winds and poor visibility. Following recent comments from some quarters, if ever there was a reminder of the need to carry full kit in all fell races as outlined by the FRA, this was it. Former top ten Coniston finisher Tim Edward led the Clayton contingent home, followed by Peter Browning, Andrew Firth, Mark Taylor and Peter Dugdale. Full results have still not been published, but finishing safely was the simple aim of most competitors.

Awaiting Results

North West Junior Traithlon Series 2015 – Warrington – 3 May

Clayton Juniors

Ellie and Grace Root competing in the North West Junior Triathlon Series.

Congratulations to the Root sisters Ellie and Grace who both took part in the Northwich Aquathlon, Grace in the T1 and Ellie in the T3, they are now looking forward to the start of the triathlons later this month.

Also Ellie has been awarded a Talented Athlete Grant from Pendle Leisure Trust, to help with triathlon training. Another member of Clayton Juniors being recognised for their commitment to sport and well deserved!

Well done girls, flying the tangerine flag for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers and a credit to our junior coaching team.

Bluebell Trail 10k – 3 May

A scenic one lap race in and around woodland, following the River Yarrow, starting and finishing in the Yarrow Country Park, Chorley. This course will take in the crossing of the River Yarrow.

Bryan Searby and Steve Biscombe took part in this trail race.Bryan described the course as  full of lovely scenery. We ran through the bluebells and had great fun in the river. Hilly and muddy.

No results as yet.

Coiners Junior Fell Races – 4 May

A group of our juniors competed in the FRA English championship races organised by Calder Valley Fell Runners.  Liberty and Dexta Thompson, Jackson McKay and Joshua McKay and Briony Holt.

Clayton Juniors

Clayton Juniors at the Coiners ( English Junior Fell Championships). Photo by Nicola Thompson

Tina Holt reported; ” What a fab day today at Coiners. Mytholmroyd, for the 4th FRA race of the season. The Clayton Le Moors Harriers orange army were out in force once again! Not completely sure on results as yet, but they all gave 100% . Well done juniors. Dexta ran halfway round with only one shoe, and Sophie ran down the hillshouting “I’m gonna fall!” but had an amazing upright finish. Curtis didn’t run after yesterdays track meet in Preston but Briony did and secured another 1st position. Well done everyone!

In fact, Briony won her fourth championship race in a row making her the 2015 English FRA champion with two races still to go to further consolidate her victory.  Congratulations to a brilliant runner and absolute credit to our club!

Full Results

Coiners Senior Fell Races – 4 May

Well done to Jacob Boyle and Mark Aspinall who took part in the ‘short’ race. the Coiners is described by the organisers as a fast tour of Coiner’s country on paths, tracks and moorland, taking in Erringden Moor, Stoodley Pike and Bell House Moor. The route offers spectacular views of Cragg Vale and passes by the old coiners cottages of Bell House and Keelam.

9 Jacob Boyle MU23 0:54:09

10 Mark Aspinall  M55 0:54:22

Full Results

parkrun roundup

It was the 150th run at Burnley, our unofficial club parkrun, and both seniors and juniors were out in force, many of them warming up for other events over the weekend.  King of the parkrun, Mr Jonathan Pye, was spotted taking to the fells the following day at the Great Hameldon Hill Race. Rumours that he presented a bemused race official with a carefully laminated barcode at the finish line are greatly exaggerated! It was a paced event so lots of PBs and it was also great to see Danny Collinge & Jonathon Pye giving Clayton Juniors one to one coaching to help them improve!

Burnley parkrun

Jonathon Pye pacing some of the juniors at the 150th Burnley parkrun. Photo by David Belshaw

All of the people who had competed in Marathons, 3 Peaks or Fellsman events were called out for a round of applause in a fairly understated 150th celebration event.

Burnley parkrun – A total of 267 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
2 Jacob BOYLE 17:34 SM18-19 New PB!
4 Mark ASPINALL 18:22 VM55-59
7 Laura HESKETH 19:48 SW30-34
11 Dexta THOMPSON 20:31 JM10 New PB!
12 Dave MOTLEY 20:32 SM30-34
13 Nick ROSCOE 20:33 VM45-49
25 Simon WILSHAW 21:42 JM15-17
28 John WILCOCK 21:57 VM50-54
30 Ryan Andrew CLARKE 22:03 JM15-17
33 Alan CLARKSON 22:10 VM55-59
34 Lennon JACKSON 22:25 JM11-14
41 Sophie ASHWORTH 22:57 JW11-14
42 Jonathan PYE 23:08 SM25-29
58 Daniel BRADLEY 24:11 JM11-14 New PB!
79 Robert HIRST 25:41 VM60-64
93 Andrew WEBSTER 26:01 VM45-49
94 Natasha OLSZEWSKA 26:08 JW11-14
95 Paul Laurence WALSH 26:20 VM60-64 New PB!
105 Ron CHAPPELL 27:04 VM65-69
113 Elouise Sylkie PEMBERTON 27:20 SW25-29
114 Jackie KERSHAW 27:32 VW40-44
153 Richard LAWSON 28:58 VM70-74
164 Adrienne OLSZEWSKA 29:16 VW45-49
184 Marion WILKINSON 30:25 VW70-74
193 Nicola KAY 31:30 SW30-34
201 Bronia OLSZEWSKA 32:00 JW10 New PB!
237 Valerie LAWSON 36:43 VW70-74 New PB!
247 Milly MACCABE 40:39 JW10

 

Pendle parkrun – A total of 71 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
5 John HARTLEY 20:48 VM55-59
15 Martin BRADY 23:22 VM50-54 New PB!
17 Stephen WHITE 23:56 VM60-64
28 Dawn TERRY 25:35 VW50-54
52 Christine Jennifer EGERTON 31:06 VW65-69
62 Christine LEATHLEY 33:04 VW65-69
65 Susan ALLEN 34:06 VW55-59 New PB!

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 164 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
105 Eileen JONES 29:02 VW60-64 New PB!

Heaton parkrun – A total of 581 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
80 Bryan SEARBY 22:36 VM40-44 New PB!

Skipton parkrun – A total of 164 runners took part

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
6 Paul BRANNON 19:00 VM55-59 First Timer!

St Albans parkrun – A total of 361 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
119 George THOMPSON 23:21 VM65-69 New PB!
129 Katy THOMPSON 23:37 VW60-64

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 451 runners took part.

Pos parkrunner Time Cat Note
4 Jonny MCKENNA 16:46 SM25-29

Coming up

For all club members taking part in the British Masters Road Relay Championships on 16th May, coach arrangements are as follows;

Coach travel £5 per head.

Depart Seedhill 6.45am
Network 65 at 7.00am
Dunkenhalgh at 7.15am

Also coming up on the same weekend, the Calderdale Relays.  Make sure you have reccied, or plan to reccy, your leg of the race soon as it’s only a couple of weeks away.

ByPeter Booth

May Newsletter

In the latest edition of the Harrier a ‘hypochondriac fell runner’ reports on his day out at the Haworth Hobble. there are details of how members can help with the club’s staging of the British Fell & Hill Running Relays at Barley in October, as well as all the usual features, fixtures and results. May Newsletter 2015

Ron-Hill-Nat-Harrison edit

ByAdrienne Olszewska

No April Fools

It’s a cracking roundup this Easter weekend.  No eggs, just wins! You lot have been busy, many running more than once and in different disciplines.  We’ve had some great results. There’s been fell, trail, road and lots and lots of tangerine.  The future’s bright!

Clayton Harriers

Out in force this weekend!

Pete Hartley Memorial Liver Hill Fell Race – 31 March

Report From Chris Funnell

It might have sleeting and gusting winds but that didn’t dampen the buzz of excitement as the Pete Hartley Memorial Liver Hill Fell Race heralded the start of British Summertime and the eagerly awaited return of mid-week racing.

There was a strong display of orange and white with 22 Clayton members (including El P) making up a total turnout of 158 runners in the starting line up on the sports field at the Marl Pits. Due to the high winds the only part of the pre-race briefing I managed to hear was “…you finish on the race track”. In the end after some deliberation and consultation with fellow Clayton members I opted to pack my cag in my bum bag rather than wear it as I remained optimistic about the conditions once we got going.

I remembered the race from last year and the need to try to get a reasonable position in the initial charge across the field which then bottlenecks into a narrow path up an embankment that quickly churns up like a wildebeest river crossing. Once clear of the embankment there was a steady climb of about 500 feet over the next mile or so before reaching the open moor and a game of Russian roulette over the boggy sections commenced. Seeing others sink in front of me I successfully negotiated two bogs but succumbed to a third immediately sinking up to my shins. At this point the front runners including Jacob Boyle could be seen running back from the summit. After rounding the summit and the initial descent you were then back on to the boggy moorland and this time with a head wind to contend with. The route had at least 4 or 5 stiles which on the return leg had to be negotiated with runners on the out leg. Depending on timing these at least provided a couple of welcome seconds of respite. The final mile was an enjoyable descent and the chance to stretch out although in the final section only just managing to stay upright (more though good luck than good footwork). It was then back on to the playing fields and a cordoned route onto the race track and a final sprint to the finish where a young and enthusiastic race helper congratulated me and thrust a Cadburys Crème Egg into my hand. It doesn’t get better than this I thought. This is an excellent organised race held this year in memory of the sad loss of the excellent fell runner, photographer and Rossendale Harrier, Pete Hartley.

Katy Thompson added; ” I think Pete must have been smiling down on us because, although the wind was still cold and strong, the rain and snow from earlier in the day held off for the race.

As usual, I was very slow on the first climb but came to across the muddy fields and managed to pass George.   There are a number of tricky stiles to negotiate, made even more difficult when you meet the front runners coming back. I could see Linda Lord on the loop to the summit of Liver Hill, but she was too far ahead to catch.

The first half of the return run is much more uphill than you realise on the way out, then it’s a fast downhill on tracks and through the woods. I passed El Presidente on the way down, but he got me back on the slight incline just before the final fields. (Very ungentlemanly of you, Dave!).

After the kamikaze descent familiar from the cross country, it was across the muddy fields to the finish where Denise was handing out crème eggs to everyone. Looking down at my legs, they were so muddy that I couldn’t tell where my running bottoms ended and the skin began!”

Pos Name Cat Time
3 Jacob Boyle MU23 35:33
42 Chris Funnell MV45 43:16
46 Richard Briscoe M 43:33
56 Pete Smith MV60 44:48
62 David Naughton MV50 45:42
64 Alex Braysford MV50 47:01
75 Darren Rushton MV40 48:14
78 Nigel Weaver MV50 48:43
80 Richard Bellaries MV60 48:58
86 Rick Moore MV50 49:41
88 Robert Mitchell MV60 50:09
89 Stephen Breckell MV60 50:12
105 Angela Shian L 51:44
115 Peter Dugdale MV55 52:59
121 Linda Lord LV65 54:44
124 David Scott MV70 55:21
126 Katy Thompson LV60 55:43
129 Stephen Fish MV60 56:20
134 George Thompson MV65 57:36
138 Kath Brady LV50 59:10

Full Results 

Littleborough 5k Road Series – 1 April

Five club members braved atrocious weather conditions to compete in the first race of the popular Littleborough 5K Road Race series organised by Cannonball Events. This fast course with very little climb is a great opportunity to test out your racing legs and push for a personal best. Ninety nine runners took part in this event.

Congratulations to Team Roche who cleaned up the V55 category taking home the accolade for the male (John) and female (Irene) so well done to them. Three other members also braved the miserable conditions to race; Jean Knightley, Leanne Cottam and Nikki Kay.

Well done to Nikki Kay in particular who managed to knock a whole 5 minutes off her best time in this event last year – looks like all her hard work in training for the London Marathon is really paying off.

Pos Name Cat Time
16 John Roche MV55 19:43
58 Irene Roche LV55 23:13
73 Jean Knightley LV55 25:12
80 Leanne Cottam L 26:52
86 Nicola Kay L 28:27

Full Results

Caldervale 10 – 3 April

Dynamic duo Julia Rushton and Nerina Gill took on the Caldervale 10 mile road race and this is what Julia had to say; “Caldervale10 may only be just down the road from Guys 10 but the terrain is far tougher, think of it as a short Hendon Brook. A great atmosphere, a village event where everyone is welcome. Lovely quiet rural lanes virtually traffic free. One of my fave road races.”

Full Results

Pendle Fell Race – 4 April

Senior Race

On a glorious Easter Saturday a fantastic turnout of 41 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers lined up for this classic local fell race; a good few of them running their first fell race. Clayton-le-Moors Harriers won the Lancashire Team Trophy and fielded an impressive 8 complete mens teams and a ladies team. We had vet category wins for Alan Life, Pete Booth, Irene Roche and Katy Thompson.  Chris Holdsworth had a great race finishing in 6th place overall and 2nd place Lancashire Championship.

First time fell racer Danny Collinge said; “I have one word for it, and one word only…HARD!”

Pendle Hill Fell Race

Danny Collinge at the Pendle Hill Fell Race. Photo by Ryan Wilkinson

Competing in only her second fell race, Helen Burnett reported; “It was great to take part in the race as a member of Clayton up a hill I can see from my window at home. As a new fell runner and newish Clayton member, I received loads of support and encouragement from the long standing fell running members who were both running and marshalling. Great family atmosphere with the kids races first and then lovely to see the friendly banter of George and Katy Thompson in the first climb up Pendle, an inspiration for me and Dave! I did enjoy the steep climbs but need to toughen up for the downhill and was pleased with a strong finish down the last mile on the road. Enjoyed a well earned shandy afterwards in the Pendle Inn with a lot of the Claytoners. I’m proud to have done a race where local friends have said “nutters” and “mental”.

Pendle Hill Fell Race

George Thompson, Helen Burnett and Katy Thompson climbing up Pendle. Photo by Ryan Wilkinson

Dave Burnett added, “Yet again I have been shown what fell racing is all about, losing over 20 places on the second ascent was soul destroying – I’m either going to get fitter or carry Numchucks next year.

First time fell racer, Matthew Duckworth described his race as “awful” but added he can’t wait for the next one!

Pendle Fell Race

First time fell racer Matthew Duckworth at the Pendle Fell Race. Photo by the Woodentops

Another new fell racer, Michelle Butschock said; “This was my 1st race on Pendle and it feels like a real accomplishment. Had all sorts of negative thoughts in my head going up but once at the trig I must’ve had the biggest smile on my face!! The marshal at the trig was fantastic, really encouraging, all the Claytoners were at the finish cheering me on inmy battle to the line with another runner, the whole atmosphere through the day was fab. ”

Pos Name Cat Time
6 Chris Holdsworth M 35:20
11 Jacob Boyle MJ 37:05
24 Danny Collinge MJ 38:44
27 Alan Life M50 (1st) 39:16
31 Garry Wilkinson M50 (2nd ) 40:00
36 Lee Smith M 40:29
61 Michael O’Donnell M40 42:29
70 Andrew Armstrong M45 42:56
71 David Bagot M 43:22
83 Ralph Baines M45 44:08
92 David Naughton M50 44:43
94 Richard Briscoe M 44:49
100 Pete Booth M60 (1st ) 45:27
114 Chris Funnell M45 46:13
120 Nicholas Olszewski M55 46:51
121 Jeffrey Pickup M60 46:54
127 Sean Clare M50 47:06
135 Mark Nutter M50 47:38
154 Matthew Duckworth M 48:59
167 Vicky Heys F40 49:37
179 Gary Balmer M45 50:37
195 Stephen Breckell M60 51:52
200 Natalie Harrison F 52:24
201 Angela Shian F 52:24
203 Stephen Bury M55 52:31
207 Andrew Firth M55 52:46
213 Peter Dugdale M55 53:04
215 Irene Roche F55 (1st ) 53:09
222 Colin Woolford M 53:54
231 Katy Thompson F60 (1st ) 55:07
235 Jason Pier M45 55:32
238 Dave Burnett M50 55:43
254 Mark Taylor M 58:12
258 Helen Burnett F40 58:39
259 Robert Hirst M60 59:12
260 George Thompson M65 59:30
264 Michael Frost M60 61:39
267 Karin Goss F65 62:26
272 Doug Milnroe M65 63:01
282 Michelle Butschock F40 68:32
289 John Francis M70 72:01

Junior Races

There was a great turn out across all the age groups at the junior races, with a number of first timers.  Some great performances from the juniors, as always, promising a bright future for the club.

Pendle Fell Race

Clayton Juniors looking like they mean business at the Pendle Fell Races

Pos Name Time
UNDER 8s
15 Joshua McKay 03:16
23 Kady Thompson 03:31
UNDER 10s – 1.186K  50m
9 Dexta Thompson 05:04
49 Grace Root 06:18
53 Imogen Ferguson 06:22
65 Matthew Armstrong 06:47
74 Millie Mccabe 8:48
UNDER 12s – 2.58K      112m
6 Jackson McKay 14:33
45 Lennon Jackson 18:25
58 Sophie Ashworth 19:26
82 Natasha Olszewska 22:09
UNDER 14s – 3.95K    199m
17 Briony Holt 20:58
46 Eleanor Root 19:26
82 Liberty Thompson 22:09
UNDER 16s – 4.4K    245m
21 Curtis Holt 24:25
33 Ryan Clark 26:33
39 Alice Pier 28:06
UNDER 18s – 7.0K    340m
10 Jordan McDonald 30:11
17 George Pier 33:57

Full Results

Guiseley Gallop – 5 Sunday

A couple of Clayton Harriers were spotted at this event.

Pos Name Cat Time
105 Peter Butterworth M60 00:47:07
477 Julie Toman F45 01:07:39

Full Results 

Rivington Pike Fell Race – 4 April

Three vet men and one Clayton Lady were flying the club flag in one of the oldest and historic fell races in the country, organised by Horwich RMI Harriers. The race is 3.2 miles with 800ft of ascent.

Ron Hill

Ron Hill at the Rivington Pike Fell Race. Photo by Mark Sammon

Our vet men, Stephen Fish, Ted Orrell and Ron Hill made 14th team place – not bad for a threesome whose ages total over 200 years between them!

Pos Name Cat Time
192 Stephen Fish V60 29:56
209 Ted Orrell V75 (1st) 31:31
232 Julie Toman L45 34:13
246 Ron Hill V70 36:52

Full Results

Wollaton Park Easter 10k and 2k Runs – 6 April

Team Holdsworth had a great day out at Wollaton Park Easter multi terrain 10k. The Family 2k fun run was enjoyed by Roanna and Finan, especially the Easter eggs received at the finish.

Team Holdsworth

Team Holdsworth, resplendent in tangerine, at the Woollaton Easter Races

Breton took 4th place overall in the 10k race and first vet prize, in a field of over 600 runners.

Full Results

Hollingworth Lake 5k and Golden Mile – 6 April

Team Clayton

Organising, marshalling, running and winning at Hollingworth Lake 5k

Shrouded in mist and murk, the weather was a far cry from the glorious sunshine of the Pendle Fell races but that didn’t deter us. 28 club members, including 5 of our junior members, took part in this fast, flat 5k race.  There was a great win by Danny Collinge taking Clayton to team victory with Jacob Watson and Jordon McDonald. Second win of the weekend moving from the fell FV55 to the road FV50  for Irene Roche and Steve Biscomb taking the V60 win.

Team Clayton

L-R Jacob Watson, Danny Collinge and Jordan McDonald. Team winners at the Hollingworth Lake 5K

Pos Name Cat Time
1 Danny Collinge M 16:27
9 Jacob Watson M 17:30
13 Jordan McDonald M U18 (2nd ) 17:57
14 Richard Stevenson M 18:01
23 Paul Brannon M55 (1st) 18:37
26 John Hartley M55 19:01
27 George Pier M U18 19:06
30 John Roche M55 19:17
54 Stephen Biscomb M60 (1st) 21:23
60 Alice Pier F U16 (1st) 21:09
63 Jason Pier M45 21:28
73 Irene Roche F55 (1st) 22:32
90 Jean Knightley F55 (2nd ) 23:56
92 Liberty Thompson F U16 (2nd) 24:02
105 Leanne Cottam F 25:05
106 Rachel Todd F40 25:09
107 Bianca Bennett F 25:19
114 Donna Airey F 25:35
115 Natasha Olszewska F U16 (3rd ) 25:37
116 Elouise Sylkie Pemberton F 25:58
119 Jackie Kershaw F40 26:09
126 Deborah Greenwood F45 26:51
127 Adrienne Olszewska F45 26:59
128 Julie Toman F45 27:14
135 Karen Clarkin F40 28:03
147 Marion Wilkinson F65+ 29:21
149 Geraldine Varley F55 29:49
150 Anita Jones F55 30:06

Golden Mile Fun Run

Seven of our Juniors took part in the Golden Mile fun run.  Brilliant runs from all of them.  Top ten finishes for Dexta Thompson and Adam Stevenson and a particular mention for Liberty Thompson who ran in both races!

Clayton Juniors

Clayton Juniors at the Golden Mile Run

Pos Name Time
2 Dexta Thompson 06:32
5 Adam Stevenson 06:52
11 Liberty Thompson 07:14
23 Keira Stevenson 08:09
26 Kady Thompson 08:40
27 Jack McGuire 08:41
31 Felix Thompson 09:15

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

Another week of great parkruns for our club members and, with it being the Easter Weekend, it would seem there has been a little bit of parkrun tourism going on as well.

We took the top four postions at the Burnley parkrun so very well done there to Jacob Watson, Mark Aspinall, Jon Hanson and Paul Brannon. Jonathon Pye was second at Penrith and John Hartley was in fifth at Pendle.  Shiny new PBs for Stephen Ainsworth, Eloise Pemberton and Rachel Stevenson. Well done to Marion Wilkinson, who despite her long-term involvement with Burnley parkrun, only took part for the first time this weekend!

Burnley parkrun – A total of 201 runners took part.

Position parkrunner Run Time
1 Jacob WATSON 00:18:07
2 Mark ASPINALL 00:18:42
3 Jon HANSON 00:19:11
4 Paul BRANNON 00:19:16
12 Stephen AINSWORTH 00:20:06
25 Andrew WEBSTER 00:21:34
28 Andy QUINN 00:22:45
38 David Ian SCOTT 00:23:30
53 Jean KNIGHTLEY 00:24:32
74 Donna SCOTT 00:25:44
79 John WILCOCK 00:25:56
80 Annabel WILCOCK 00:25:57
87 Beth QUINN 00:26:23
89 Elouise Sylkie PEMBERTON 00:26:27
96 Ron CHAPPELL 00:26:53
97 Paul Laurence WALSH 00:27:20
124 Heidi KEWIN 00:29:25
134 Rachel STEVENSON 00:30:04
137 Marion WILKINSON 00:30:13
147 Sophie MCINTOSH 00:30:53

Pendle parkrun – A total of 66 runners took part.

Position parkrunner Run Time
5 John HARTLEY 00:21:17
20 Barry MITCHELL 00:24:28
36 Robert HIRST 00:29:15
53 Christine LEATHLEY 00:33:49

 Bolton parkrun – A total of 307 runners took part.

Position parkrunner Run Time
67 Bryan SEARBY 00:24:20
82 Katy THOMPSON 00:24:58
161 Julia RUSHTON 00:29:02

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 202 runners took part.

Position parkrunner Run Time
50 Wendy DODDS 00:24:33
141 Eileen JONES 00:30:57

 Ashton Court parkrun – A total of 307 runners took part.

Position parkrunner Run Time
39 Stephen WHITAKER 00:21:44

Cardiff parkrun – A total of 600 runners took part.

Position parkrunner Run Time
101 Martin BRADY 00:21:25

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 75 runners took part.

Position parkrunner Run Time
71 Robin PRICE 00:38:30

Penrith parkrun – A total of 96 runners took part.

Position parkrunner Run Time
2 Jonathan PYE 00:18:48

Southampton parkrun – A total of 549 runners took part.

Position parkrunner Run Time
26 Colin SHUTTLEWORTH 00:19:15

Club Road Palladium – Latest Standings

In the Road Palladium Competition members receive points for competing in any road race. There are separate competitions for Ladies and Men. Points are awarded as in the following example: If five men members compete in a road race then the first man home is awarded five points; the second man home is awarded four points; and so on.

Latest standings show Irene Roche leading the Ladies table and Jacob Watson leading the Mens table.

Runners of the Month

Well done George Pier for winning February senior runner of the month for his great performance at Muddy Shoes & at the Mid Lancs League Cross Country races.

Well done junior runner of the month Ryan Clarke for a brilliant run at Winter Warmer 10K.

Kit Manager

The club is looking for a new Kit Manager to take responsibility for our junior and senior clothing range. So, if you want to play a key part in making Team Clayton the smartest team around this is your chance! The job involves sourcing and designing new lines, storing the stock, as well as selling to members. The club wants to move to offering electronic payment as well as providing an online shop, so some computer skills are needed for the role.

We need more help to make our club even better. If you think that you could be our Kit Manager, please get in touch with either myself or any committee member.

Jim Hickie, Chair

ByPeter Booth

April Newsletter

The latest edition of The Harrier can be downloaded here. April Newsletter 2015 This month’s offering includes a round up of the cross country season, with detailed results from the Mid Lancs League and the final standings in the club Palladium Points Competition. There is also a full list of all the award winners from the recent Presentation Evening, plus all the regular features, race results and fixtures.

Mr Tangerine Man edit

ByPeter Booth

March Newsletter

Read the March Newsletter to find out why El P is gracing the front cover and for reports on members’ battles with the elements on road and fell, as well as all the usual features, results and fixtures. Just click on the link. March Newsletter 2015

Dave at Blackpool