Seniors Fell – Page 2 – Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

Mad cows and fell runners!

Wow! Our members have most certainly been out in force this week! We’ve had huge turnouts of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers at Pinhaw and the Calderdale Way relay and plenty of fell running, road running and parkrunning too. You’ve been on the highest of hills, the flattest of beaches and downing pints before the finish line!

LATE RESULTS

BUCKDEN OUT MOOR AND BACK AGAIN – MAY 6

Andrew Dugdale and Peter Dugdale both ran in this low key race around National Trust Land in the Buckden Pike area. Andrew Dugdale was our first finisher in 18^th place just under the hour and Peter Dugdale was 21^st a couple of minutes over the hour.

Pos	Name	Cat	time
18	Andrew Dugdale	M55	00:59:07
21	Peter Dugdale	M60	01:02:57

Full Results

TUESDAY 16 MAY

ROGER COLSON BROWNHOUSE RESERVOIR 5K

Jack McGuire was our sole runner in this 5K race. He finished in 30^th place with a time of 30:15.

Full Results

WEDNESDAY 17 MAY

BLACKSTONE EDGE

Linda Lord was our sole runner at the Blackstone Edge Fell Race, a 3.5 mile race with 1201ft of ascent.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
72	Linda Lord	LV65	00:49:23

Full Results

JUBILEE ROAD RACES

Jenson Bentham and Helana White were the only Clayton Juniors at the first of this series of summer races.

Jenson had a cracking race and came in 2nd overall in U11 (2nd Boy), with a time of 5:52, followed not far behind by Helana who was 7th overall (3rd Girl U11) in 6:07

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
2	Jenson Bentham	U11	5:52
7	Helana White	L11	6:07

Full Results

KILDWICK

Five Clayton members took part in the midweek Kildwick fell race, a 3.5 mile race with 1201ft of ascent. Neil Hardiman was our first finisher in 25th place.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
25	Neil Hardiman	M45	00:31:04
36	Mark Nutter	M55	00:32:28
79	Andrew Mark Dugdale	M55	00:38:14
85	Peter Dugdale	M60	00:39:00
93	Stephen Fish	M60	00:41:45

Full Results

SHINING TOR

Ivan Whigham and Andy Firth travelled to the Peak District for this midweek race, a 6.2 mile route with 1020ft of ascent. Ivan Whigham finished first in 78th place and Andrew Firth was 161st.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
78	Ivan Whigham	V55	00:51:36
161	Andrew Firth	V55	01:01:21

Full Results

WHOLAN NOOK TRAIL RACE

Another huge turnout of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers for the latest race in the Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix. A strong run from Danny Collinge gave him the winning position. In a welcome return to form, Jordan McDonald finishde in 9th place and Luke Turner was snapping at his heels in 11th place. Donna Airey was our first lady finisher.

Team Clayton out in force at the Wholan Nook race. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
1	Danny Collinge	M	30:23
9	Jordan McDonald	M	32:11
11	Luke Turner	M	32:43
13	Richard Stevenson	M40	33:18
14	Jonathan Pye	M	33:27
15	Jonathan Cleaver	M	33:30
16	Chris Snell	M	33:32
21	Dave Motley	M	33:55
23	Josh Hall	MJ	33:56
25	Ryan Belshaw	M	34:14
32	Nicholas Hennessey	MJ	35:05
33	Paul Hesketh	M50	35:08
34	George Pier	M	35:10
36	James Boult	M	35:22
37	Geoff Gough	M55	35:52
39	Dan Plant	M	36:01
42	Stanley Grewal	MJ	36:12
43	Michael O’Donnell	M40	36:19
46	Gareth Berry	M40	36:32
49	Sean Clare	M50	37:07
55	John Wilcock	M50	37:34
57	Kieron Mitchell	M40	37:40
58	David Moynihan	M50	37:48
59	Craig Nicholls	M40	37:51
60	Richard Briscoe	M	37:52
62	Michael Clarke	M40	37:55
63	Stephen Ainsworth	M50	38:03
67	Mick Hughes	M40	38:12
68	Andy Bradley	M50	38:13
72	James Dunderdale	M	38:35
75	Robert Morrison	M40	38:55
78	Adam Stephenson	M	39:10
80	Donna Airey	F35	39:19
82	Jeffrey Pickup	M65	40:01
84	Elizabeth Mullan	F	40:04
89	Andrew Webster	M40	40:38
94	Reece Lawrence	MJ	40:54
96	Christopher Lawrence	M50	41:04
99	Martin Brady	M55	41:14
100	Irene Roche	F55	41:16
107	James Hickie	M55	41:55
114	Sarah Angelone	F	42:41
115	Michelle Abbott	F35	42:47
117	Darren Rushton	M45	43:05
120	Teresa De Curtis	F45	43:19
122	Colin White	M40	43:28
123	Carl Carey	M45	43:31
131	Jean Knightley	F55	44:20
134	Julie Dawes	F45	44:38
135	Donna Scott	F50	45:01
139	Julia Rushton	F50	45:46
140	Jane Ryan	F40	45:52
143	Bianca Bennett	F	46:07
144	Andrew Taylor	M55	46:19
148	David Scott	M70	46:48
149	Lucy Scott	F	46:52
152	Tony Pilling	M50	47:15
159	Janine Pollard	F45	48:01
161	Ian Hargreaves	M50	48:05
168	Rachel Todd	F40	40:01
170	Mark Knowles	M	49:48
172	Jane Hylands	F45	50:09
174	Deborah Greenwood	F45	50:34
179	Helen Harrison	F45	50:56
180	Michelle Butschok	F40	51:32
184	Ted Orrell	M75	52:23
188	Julia Taylor	F55	53:32
191	Christine Egerton	F65	55:44
192	Geraldine Varley	F55	57:06
193	Judith Carey	F35	57:20
194	Karin Goss	F65	57:43
195	Ron Chappell	M65	57:43
196	Anita Jones	F60	57:51
203	Jack McGuire	M60	59:46
205	Sharon Wilson	F40	60:02
207	Christine Leathley	F65	61:22

Full Results

SATURDAY 20 MAY

BUTTERMERE SAILBECK

CHARLESWORTH CHASE (SIMON’S SEAT)

Report from Mark Nutter

Charlesworth Chase Fell Race BS 8.3k / 366m Saturday 20/05

This race celebrates the marriage of Nick Charlesworth (race organiser) when he chased his bride up the fell.

Having met up with club mates Steve Fish and Andy Dugdale we set off early to this race in the Yorkshire Dales. The race starts from the Craven Arms in Appletreewick and having been there before for a ‘Bedlamite headtorch race’ I knew that parking would be tight, hence the early start.

Mark Nutter at the Charlesworth Chase fell race. Photo by Woodentops

Just as the race organiser was about to give starters orders, we saw a very flustered figure running towards us ~ it was Richards Briscoe who had just finished his shift at work and had driven as fast as you could to get to the race. Nothing like setting off early and being prepared then……..!

The route takes you from the pub across a few fields to the river, which you follow for half a mile before crossing a lane then taking a Land Rover track up through the woods to the open fell. From there, runners make their way via a stony / bouldery path to the summit of Simon’s Seat (whoever Simon is…….). Once having your number taken at the top, it’s back the same way.

There is a sting in the tail for this race though, because as you reach the finish line which is just past the pub, you have to drink a pint of beer (no spilling allowed!) before the final 15 meters to the finish line.

So I set off fast, as I usually do, but then started to think about that pint of beer which I had to drink before the finish line. So my tactic was to ease off on the last couple of fields before the finish, just so I would be in a fit state to drink my pint. Well my tactic didn’t work as I ended up racing eye balls out to the very end as I was keen to pass about another 4 runners over those last fields. When I got to the finish my lungs were gasping for air and my heart was beating fast, definitely not in a good state to ‘down a pint’. Those 4 runners I passed earlier got the better of me and finished their pints much quicker than me and carried on to the finish line. It seemed to take me ages to drink my beer, but fortunately I didn’t lose any more places.

It wasn’t long before Richard came into sight, but he was going straight for the finish line ~ it’s not like him to miss a pint. He was soon guided towards the drinks table and forced to drink his beer. Soon after, Andy Dugdale was drinking his beer and was keen to finish before Steve Fish came into sight. Andy struggled with his pint, but then raced off down the road, missing the finish line!! Then Steve arrived, calmly ‘downed’ his pint in record time and ran to the finish.

So the moral of this race is to arrive early, run slow and enjoy your pint at the end!

OLD COUNTY TOPS FELL RACE

The Old County Tops is organised by the Achille Ratti Climbing Club (ARCC). The race is a circular route of approximately 37 miles with 10000 ft of ascent, which starts and finishes close to the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Great Langdale. The route visits the three high points of the old counties of Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire, these being Helvellyn, Scafell Pike and Coniston Old Man respectively.

The race is run in pairs. Andy Armstrong and Nicholas Olszewski ran as a pair and Jean Brown once again joined forces with Nicky Spinks of Dark Peak.

Report from Nicholas Olszewski

First time on this event for both myself and Andy Armstrong and when Andy ask me to partner up with him for this event it seemed like a good idea at the time, even though I had a 100 mile event a week later, but we won’t go into that just yet.

Arriving at Langdale at about 07:00 on Saturday morning the weather didn’t appear that bad and Andy and I debated long sleeve or short sleeve top as it was quite warm at the time, we both decided long sleeve, which I’m grateful for and will become apparent later on.

Andy Armstrong and Nick Olszewski at the finish of the Old Counties Tops fell race.

Andy Armstrong and Nick Olszewski at the finish of the Old County Tops fell race.

As we went into the tent for kit check and registration the dark clouds could be seen moving in from over Crinkle Crags and within minutes the rain started and persisted for a good few hours to come, the forecast hadn’t predicted the rain till the afternoon, so it was going to be a bit of a damp start.

The route is straightforward, and for anyone that doesn’t know, you start in Langdale, travel through Grasmere, cross the main road and up to the summit of Helvellyn via Grisdale Tarn, Dollywaggaon and Nethermost Pike to eventually reach Helvellyn, from there it’s a fast and steep decent to the car park at Wythburn , cross the main road again and up Wyth Burn heading towards Greenup Edge, Stake Pass and to the next checkpoint at Angle Tarn. By this point the rain was still coming down and as we gained height again, the temperature was starting drop. At Angle Tarn I decided to put on my gloves and woolly hat, also a dryer waterproof top. In hindsight I should have layered more because as we reached the bolder field on Scafell I was verging onto being hypothermic; my legs were all over the place as I stumbled over the bolder field. My speech was becoming slurred and I was so cold. Fortunately I could recognise in myself what was happening and on the summit put another layer on and consumed 3 Snickers in a matter of seconds before retracing our steps to descend via Little Narrow Cove and out of the wind.

Once we dropped in height and the sun finally came out I began to feel loads better, amazing how quickly you can plummet but also how quickly you can recover if you act quickly enough, anyway, from here the route heads towards Great Moss, skirting round High Gate Crags towards Lingove Beck following Mosedale to Cockley Beck, the next check point, for some much deserved tuna sandwiches and a cup of tea, one last major climb left, Coniston Old Man.

From Cockley Beck you head up between Grey Friar and Great Carrs, God this was an arduous climb, I would hope everyone else felt the same and it wasn’t just me being a mardy pants but as we reached the saddle, you could see runners coming back from reaching the summit of Coniston and heading towards the Three Shire Stone, seeing this spurred me on to the summit of Coniston Old Man, a handful of peanuts and off we went passing others going up as we had a few moments before.

Having checked in at Three Shire Stone, you’ve got this awful bit of road, which is very steep, Wrynose Pass which seemed to go on for ever, finally we reached the turn off, a section I know very well as it’s a part of the Lakeland 100, only a couple of miles left now and on we headed through Blea Moss towards Blea Tarn, cross the road and a sharp steep descent towards the campsite, through Side House to the finish.

Nicky Spinks (L) and Jean Brown setting a new ladies record at the Old County Tops.

This is a great event and has to be done in pairs, myself and Andy Armstrong completed as a pair, first time for both of us, and Jean Brown who teamed up with Nicky Spinks and had a brilliant run and even broke the ladies record. Would I do it again, yes and hopefully with Andy as I ‘m sure we can knock a good bit of time off our 10:34.

AWAITING OFFICIAL RESULTS

PILLING 10K

Report from Amanda Duffy

I decided to have another go at the Pilling 10k to see if I could improve on my PB. It’s a very friendly race on country lanes with lots of PB potential, not a hill in sight! I was trying my best not to go out too fast as it’s my biggest downfall!

Amanda Duffy at the Pilling 10K

Set off at a comfortable pace heading out towards the sea, on the turnaround point I was in fourth place and making some ground on 3rd, at about the 2k mark I moved into 3rd place and managed to stay there and run a pretty even race and a PB by one minute

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
17	Amanda Duffy	F35	43:40

Full Results

SUNDAY 21 MAY

BLACKPOOL 10K BEACH RUN

Fresh from completing the Crazy Cow 10K, dynamic duo Cassie Smedley and Michelle Abbot headed to Blackpool for another 10K on the beach at Blackpool.

Report from Michelle Abbot

Well after squeezing in the crazy cow 10 k In 47.27 (had to do it for the cow )soon as we crossed the line myself and Cassie rushed straight over to Blackpool for our first 10k beach run. OMG that was the toughest 10k we’ve ever done its definitely one for list of things to do but perhaps not when you’ve just raced a 10 k 1 1/2 hour prior!

Michelle Abbott and Cassie Smedley at the Blackpool Beach 10K. Photo by Linda Ensby

I thought it was tougher than fell, xc and the hilliest route put together. We started by running down onto the beach then through some waist deep freezing pools of sea ,over the hard rippled sand into the soft bumpy stuff then into the raked up sand that you just sank and slid in. It was 5K to saint Anne’s pier then back again with the little incline back up to the finish. My thighs and rear have never felt so much burn; definitely underestimated how tough that was going to be

Will be back to do it again but not on the back of a 10k just before. This is one you need fresh legs and a lot of will power and grit, and also some support along the way from Lennon shouting down along the wall with Linda Ensby and David Howard ringing the cow bell cheering us on down on the sand helped us on that last 3K push back.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
39	Cassandra Smedley	LV35	54:41.5
40	Michelle Abbott	LV35	54:42.5

Full Results

CALDERDALE WAY RELAY

This event attracts over a thousand runners every year and this year was no exception. We fielded 5 teams for the event. Our ‘A’ team of super-fast lads ran a storm to finish in 4^th place with a combined time of 06:23:36 – up one place from last year’s event.

Team B earned a top 20 finish with the Vet 50 team not far behind them in 21^st place. Our ladies ran strongly to finish in 61^st place with the Mixed team, fielding some last minute substitutions in a respectable 65^th place.

Leg 6 runners at the Calderdale Way Relay

A total of 96 teams took part in the competition.

Report from Ladies Fell Captain, Sarah Helliwell

Calderdale Relay Ladies & Mixed Team

At last the day was here! The last few weeks of running around and getting signatures, last minute phone calls, messages and changes to the teams were done and dusted and it was time to enjoy the day!

Sarah Helliwell enjoying the challenge on the Calderdale Way Relay. Photo by Woodentops

The weather report was good and the day did not disappoint. We headed down to Todmorden in the van for Carl to run leg 3 for the men’s team. I had already had a text from Donna & Elizabeth of the Ladies Team saying that signing on had gone okay and they were ‘ready’ to take on the challenge set by Angela “nobody has ever passed the baton onto me and Vicky at leg 2” like a red rag to a bull, both ladies came in just under the 1hr45min cut off with a 1hr 44min run. Well done girls. Also from what I heard as well John and Michael got under their target time for the Mixed Team. Well done lads!

Clayton Ladies at the Calderdale Way Relay

Leg 2 stalwarts Angela & Vicky for the first time set off before the masses, however Angela did have to be restrained from using the baton on Vicky as she was ‘positively’ encouraged by Vicky to get over them hills! New-comers to the relays Jean and Jo did superbly as neither of them had either done a fell-relay. They both did a good amount of reccying beforehand and did a fantastic job of getting each other around. Great stuff ladies.

Leg 3 was a cracking run from Anna Kelly & Claire Vincent on the short steep section between Todmorden and Blackshaw who were just pipped by one position by young Reece and Wayne from the mixed team.

Leg 3 Runners at the Calderdale Way Relay

Leg 4 is the tough up and down 9 miler between Blackshaw and Wainstalls which many consider as proper fell terrain. It was some of our more experience runners here as Barbara & Alison ran for the ladies and Katy & Lisa for the mixed team. However it is Lisa we need to thank who stepped in at the last hour to run. Not only was it her first relay but her first proper fell race and she did it the day after flying home from Florida. We may make a fell runner out of you yet!

Leg 5 was looking a bit panicky for me at one point as I waited for Carl to run back down from Blackshaw. I had spent the morning on Todmorden Park with the kids and was starting to worry as I got back to the van and Carl had not returned! Thankfully he made it, but the traffic was awful through Mytholmroyd. I literally got to Wainstalls at the closure of registration! I had Janine, Irene and Teresa to calm me down as we got ready for the mass start. The whistle went and we were off. Teresa and Irene started to pull away up the first hill as myself and Janine made our way over the stiles and steps. I felt okay for the first 20 minutes, then started to struggle as Janine set the pace. I knew that ‘d neglected drinking and eating with having the kids. I got fluid and a gel into me as we made our way up the climb at Queensbury and started to feel better. We kept taking it in turns with me utilising the rough stuff and hills and Janine the flat. We were both chuffed to do our first fell-relay and loved the support that everyone gives as you are going round.

Teresa reported, “After a few detours on the way, me and Janine arrived at the start of leg 5 at Wainstalls to meet up with our team partners Irene and Sarah. We ended up setting off as a mass start. It was a tough run in warm weather but I had a great partner in Irene who kept me going. It’s my first time doing a relay and I’d definitely do it again. Great team and club support, as many have mentioned. Plus, some good support from runners from other clubs on the way round.”

Irene Roche and Teresa de Curtis.

Leg 6 was Julia and Nerina who brought the ladies team home and Paul and Michael bringing the mixed team back. Provisionally the ladies came 61 out of 96 teams and the mixed were 65.

Julia Rushton and Nerina Gill

I want to say a massive thank you to all those who ran and did the club proud. This is the first time I have ever organised the teams for a relay and it can be a tough job at times. There were a number of new ladies and lads who ran the relays today, with myself included. I want to thank the more experienced generation with helping me organise the teams and giving up their time to recce legs. It is the club and team spirit which shines through at events like this. It would be great to see some of these new faces at fell races over the summer months and putting their names forward for the Ian Hodgson and FRA relays in the autumn.

I hope everyone enjoyed their wine, beer, brew or hot chocolate on Sunday night. Carl enjoyed his homemade Thai curry.

Click image to enlarge

Full Results

CRAZY COW 10K

Despite coming lower down the list of this roundup (it’s always ordered by date and then alphabetically if you were wondering) this race took place earlier in the day than the Blackpool Beach 10K and was the first of 2 races for Cassie and Michelle (who maybe took the “Crazy Cow” idea a little too much to heart!).

Sarah Angelone at the Crazy Cow 10K

James Dunderdale was our first finisher in 48th place overall. Sarah Angelone was our first lady finisher in 94th with a PB and a welcome return to form after having a baby last year.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
48	James Dunderdale	M S	00:42:52
94	Sarah Angelone	F S	00:45:51
121	Cassandra Smedley	F35	00:47:27
122	Michelle Abbott	F35	00:47:27
216	Peter Costello	M55	00:52:13
227	Lucy Scott	F S	00:52:32
391	Deborah Greenwood	F45	00:59:31
421	Christine Egerton	F65	01:00:40
506	Karen Clarkin	F40	01:03:58

Full Results

ST ANNE’S TRIATHLON (FYLDE TRI-OLOGY TRIATHLON SERIES)

This triathlon is part of a series (May & September) and this was the first triathlon Helana ever entered and is still her favourite Triathlon on the calendar. This year she moved up an age category but was determined to give it her best.

Helana White

She did well in the pool, (200m swim), and as they have a rolling start it is hard to work out where you are in positions, when you leave the pool. After a windy transition, she had a great start to the cycle leg with a text book (and much practiced) scooting mount. A solid, strong 6K cycle leg followed with wind assistance one way… but headwinds coming back down the promenade. – She looked much more confident on the bike than previous races – this is due Alan Dorrington for sorting the seat height and his riding training with Helana at the cycle track. Thank-You Alan! A quick transition saw her out for the 1.8K run, which she felt strong in and was overtaking people all down this leg.

She was very surprised to be announced as 2nd Girl, as we had expected 4th / 5th whilst waiting for the results, – This is a great Triathlon for adults and juniors, especially first timers

AWAITING OFFICIAL RESULTS

WINDERMERE MARATHON

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
58	Paul Thompson	MV45	03:32:58

Full Results

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Bolton parkrun – A total of 416 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
112	Katy THOMPSON	26:18	VW60-64
113	Paul THOMPSON	26:19	VM45-49	First Timer!

Burnley parkrun – A total of 426 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
3	Jonathan PYE	18:18	SM25-29
7	Nicholas HENNESSEY	18:50	JM15-17
10	Josh HALL	19:35	JM15-17
13	Simon WILSHAW	19:58	JM15-17
15	Gareth BERRY	20:03	VM40-44
18	David MOYNIHAN	20:14	VM50-54	New PB!
20	Michael STEVENS	20:25	JM11-14	New PB!
28	Helana WHITE	21:11	JW10
32	Mick HUGHES	21:47	VM40-44
38	Charlie BIRTWISTLE	22:03	JM11-14
42	Chris LAWRENCE	22:16	VM50-54
44	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	22:22	JM15-17
55	Lynsey BIRTWISTLE	22:48	VW35-39	New PB!
56	Daniel PLANT	22:48	VM35-39
61	Sophie ASHWORTH	22:56	JW11-14
62	Charlie BARNES	23:00	JM10
73	Michelle ABBOTT	23:24	VW35-39
74	Cassandra Darling SMEDLEY	23:24	VW35-39
77	Wayne MCINTOSH	23:30	SM30-34
89	Alfie WHITE	24:02	JM11-14	New PB!
92	Bethany WHEATCROFT	24:05	JW11-14
94	David Ian SCOTT	24:08	VM70-74
97	Dawn TERRY	24:13	VW50-54
98	Nina KEWIN	24:14	VW35-39
104	Lennon JACKSON	24:31	JM11-14
106	Evan WELSH	24:32	JM11-14
124	Bryn BARNES	25:20	VM65-69
131	Lisa JOHNSON	25:27	VW45-49
136	Caitlin WELSH	25:32	JW15-17
139	Melanie HIRST	25:44	VW40-44
149	Helen WELSH	26:02	VW45-49
152	Imogen FERGUSON	26:06	JW11-14
153	Bianca BENNETT	26:09	SW25-29
156	Annabel WILCOCK	26:13	JW15-17
157	John WILCOCK	26:14	VM50-54
162	Richard LAWSON	26:26	VM75-79
167	Ian HARGREAVES	26:34	VM50-54
170	Helen HARRISON	26:47	VW45-49	New PB!
176	Carl CAREY	26:56	VM45-49
259	Darcey HIRST	29:51	JW10
273	Matthew DUCKWORTH	30:11	SM25-29
290	Robert HIRST	31:00	VM65-69
293	Jane HYLANDS	31:05	VW45-49
301	Robbie SMEDLEY	31:30	JM11-14
306	Matthew JACKSON	31:35	JM11-14
311	Ron CHAPPELL	31:45	VM65-69
335	Christine LEATHLEY	33:06	VW65-69
365	Emily JOHNSON	34:46	JW10	New PB!

Burnley junior parkrun – A total of 86 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
8	Bethany WHEATCROFT	8:49	JW11-14	New PB!
15	Imogen FERGUSON	9:31	JW11-14
25	Ruby CLEAVER	10:57	JW10	New PB!
47	Emily JOHNSON	11:58	JW10	New PB!

Dalby Forest parkrun – A total of 204 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
42	Graham ROPER	23:06	VM55-59	First Timer!

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 133 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
125	Robin PRICE	37:17	VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 288 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
155	Eileen JONES	29:01	VW65-69

Lytham Hall parkrun – A total of 181 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
30	Philip NAYLOR	23:27	VM35-39	New PB!

Pendle parkrun – A total of 87 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
6	John HARTLEY	21:30	VM60-64
21	Martin BRADY	23:48	VM55-59
46	Eleanor Betty ROOT	28:20	JW15-17

Skipton parkrun – A total of 170 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
2	Tom BREWSTER	18:00	SM30-34
104	Yvonne WICKHAM	28:34	VW50-54

Witton parkrun – A total of 79 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
78	Julia RUSHTON	46:49	VW50-54

ByAdrienne Olszewska

The kids are all right

As we steam towards summer, there’s racing galore! As always our members have been racing hard but the glory goes to our younger runners this week. As well as competing in the FRA championships, lots of our young runners have been stepping up to take part in tough senior races with great success. The future is definitely looking bright for this club if their achievements are anything to go by! Congratulations are in order for Chris Holdsworth, second counter in the victorious Lancashire team in this year’s Inter Counties Championship.

TUESDAY 9 MAY

MEARLEY CLOUGH FELL RACE

There was an excellent turnout of 194 runners for this tough 3.5 mile fell race with 1247ft of climb – a record for a non championship race. Was it the weather, free pasta supper or the prize draw for the rucksack? Maybe it was all of those factors. There was a fabulous range of ages in the race with the youngest runners aged 14 and the oldest vet in his 80s.

Young Clayton runners Curtis Holt, Briony Holt and James Boult at the Mearley Clough Fell Race. Photo by David Belshaw

The race was won by Josh Boyle for the second year running. Matt Perry was our first finisher and 3^rd overall in the race. Carl Helliwell and Dave Motley joined him in the top ten.

Matt Perry on his way to 3rd place. Photo by David Belshaw

Five of our junior runners took part. Nick Hennessey was our first junior in a respectable 40^th place overall. Curtis Holt was next chased to the finish by his sister Briony who was 45^th overall and 2^nd Lady in the race.

Harry Mason stepping up to senior racing at Mearley Clough Fell Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Harry Mason had a great run to finish 113^th and Natasha Olszewska completed the junior cohort in 146^th place.

Natasha Olszewska running her first senior fell race at Mearley Clough. Photo by David Belshaw

Briony Holt was our first lady finisher and Linda Lord was 1^st LV60

Position	Name		Time
3	Matt Perry	*	0.32.52
11	Carl Helliwell	V40	0.35.23
16	Dave Motley		0.36.13
29	Alan Life	V50	0.38.12
31	Geoff Gough	V50	0.38.16
35	Paul Hesketh	V50	0.38.35
40	Nicholas Hennessey	15	0.40.08
42	James Boult	MU23	0.40.14
43	Curtis Holt	17*	0.40.17
45 (lady 2)	Briony Holt	L15*	0.40.23
51	Chris Funnell	V50	0.40.45
52	Ivan Whigham	V50	0.40.47
69	Richard Briscoe		0.42.05
70	Mark Nutter	V50	0.42.07
78	Craig Nicholls	V40	0.43.05
83	David Moynihan	V50	0.43.39
99	Mark Taylor		0.45.17
100	Robert Morrison	V40	0.45.18
102	Martin Brady	V50	0.45.33
111	Andrew Howarth	V60	0.46.12
113	Harry Mason	14	0.46.28
114 (lady 9)	Teresa De Curtis	L40	0.46.36
118	David Naylor	V60	0.46.57
122	Darren Rushton	V40	0.47.09
124	James Hickie	V50	0.47.13
129	Andrew Mark Dugdale	V50	0.48.32
132	Peter Dugdale	V60	0.49.19
137	Andrew Walmsley	V60	0.50.06
138	Colin Woolford	V40	0.50.16
144 (lady 14)	Linda M Lord	L60*	0.51.05
146 (lady 16)	Natasha Olszewska	L14*	0.51.17
153 (lady 20)	Sarah Helliwell	L	0.52.52
171	Geoff Laycock	V60	0.56.55
180	Karin Goss	L60	0.62.47
190	Ron Chappell	V60	0.83.41

Full Results

THURSDAY 11 MAY

IAN CASEY MEMORIAL COWM 5K

Jonathan Pye and Ron Chappell took part in the Ian Casey Memorial 5K. Jonathan finished in 3rd place overall with atime of 17:47. Ron Chappel was 121st with a time of 34:36.

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
3	Jonathan Pye	MS	(002/021)	00:17:47
121	Ron Chappell	M65	(003/003)	00:34:36

Full Results

FRIDAY 12 MAY

PINHAW TRAIL RACE

Another bumper turnout of Clayton Harriers for the second race of the increasingly popular Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix race series. Danny Collinge was our first Clayton finisher in 9^th place overall with Jordan McDonald and Dave Motley following on in the top 20.

Clayton runners at Pinhaw

Junior runner Nick Hennessey continues his great form to finish in 22^nd place overall and 1^st MU18. Geoff Gough was 1^st M55, Jeff Pickup was 1^st M65 and Barry Mitchell was 1^st M70

Younger generation coming through at Pinhaw Trail Race.

Our first lady finisher was Donna Airey in 88th place and 5^th lady in the race. Anita Jones was 1^st W60.

Report from Craig Nicholls

Having completed the Hameldon Hill race in what I felt to be a timely fashion, I decided that maybe I should have a go at the entire Pendle & Burnley Grand Prix. As a cross country veteran (after two full seasons now – wow) I have become accustomed to donning the Harrier Vest for weekend races but a race on a Friday Night was a whole new experience for me. The decision, however, had been made so any plans for the usual food, alcohol and TV combos were scrapped and the vest was on.

I arrived half expecting to be greeted by about 20 to 30 hardcore running enthusiasts so it came as a great relief to see there were over 200 people from all walks of life and many of them were the usual Clayton crowd there to support the club and each other.

The run itself was the usual run up hill, run down hill, collapse at the finish sort of affair I’ve come to expect from these events. The scenery (I imagine) was epic and the view of Earby (the one time I glanced up away from my feet) as I ran back down was lovely so I can see why people love them so much and my goal for this summer will be to get fit enough to actually enjoy one.

Craig Nicholls at the Pinhaw trail race. Photo by David Belshaw

Probably the best thing about these races (for me at least) is seeing so many of our wonderful junior section at the finish line. These guys are a credit to the club and the coaches who give up their free time and are probably the biggest factor in my own development at the moment as you can’t help but be inspired by the progress they are all making.

See you all at Clowbridge Reservoir on Wednesday

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
9	Danny Collinge	MSEN	33:18:00
12	Jordan McDonald	MSEN	33:45:00
19	Dave Motley	MSEN	34:33:00
21	Chris Snell	MSEN	34:54:00
22	Nicholas Hennessey	MU18	35:04:00
28	Josh Hall	MU18	35:43:00
34	Paul Hesketh	M50	36:12:00
35	George Pier	MSEN	36:14:00
40	James Boult	MSEN	36:41:00
43	Geoff Gough	M55	36:57:00
44	Michael O’Donnell	M40	37:06:00
46	Daniel Plant	MSEN	37:35:00
47	Gareth Berry	M40	37:36:00
52	John Roche	M55	37:52:00
59	Michael Clarke	M40	38:31:00
61	Sean Clare	M50	38:35:00
63	Reece Lawrence	MU18	38:40:00
68	David Moynihan	M50	39:02:00
70	Andy Bradley	M50	39:08:00
71	Craig Nicholls	M40	39:12:00
72	Richard Briscoe	MSEN	39:13:00
74	John Wilcock	M50	39:18:00
83	Mick Hughes	M40	39:58:00
84	Robert Morrison	M40	40:07:00
85	James Dunderdale	MSEN	40:08:00
87	David Naughton	M55	40:27:00
88	Donna Airey	W35	40:30:00
89	Adam Stevenson	MSEN	40:34:00
93	Stephen Ainsworth	M60	40:51:00
94	Jeffrey Pickup	M65	41:20:00
95	Elizabeth Mullan	WSEN	41:24:00
98	Cassandra Smedley	WSEN	41:43:00
99	Paul Foster	M45	41:43:00
103	Andrew Webster	M45	42:24:00
116	Irene Roche	W55	43:11:00
122	Andy Quinn	M45	43:30:00
124	Chris Lawrence	M50	43:38:00
137	Barry Mitchell	M70	45:01:00
143	Carl Carey	M45	45:47:00
148	Nerina Gill	W45	46:16:00
149	Donna Scott	W50	46:36:00
152	Colin White	M40	47:05:00
153	Jean Knightley	W55	47:11:00
154	Julie Dawes	W45	47:19:00
155	Andrew Taylor	M55	47:26:00
156	Martin Griffin	M55	47:27:00
158	Bianca Bennett	WSEN	47:40:00
164	Julia Rushton	W50	48:20:00
167	Jane Ryan	W40	48:32:00
171	Lucy Scott	WSEN	49:28:00
174	Eleanor Root	WU18	49:43:00
180	Ian Hargreaves	M50	50:24:00
191	Mark Knowles	M40	52:20:00
193	Bethany Quinn	WSEN	52:31:00
197	Deborah Greenwood	W45	53:44:00
200	Jane Hylands	W45	55:00:00
204	Danny Pilkington	M40	56:25:00
207	Julia Taylor	W55	58:23:00
208	Judith Carey	WSEN	59:27:00
210	Christine Egerton	W65	59:42:00
212	Geraldine Varley	W55	01:01:10
213	Ron Chappell	M65	01:02:40
214	Anita Jones	W60	01:03:10
215	Jack McGuire	M60	01:04:20
216	Sharon Wilson	W40	01:04:30
217	Christine Leathley	W65	01:05:41

Full Results

SATURDAY 13 MAY

BROUGHTON HEIGHTS (INTER COUNTIES)

Congratulations to Christopher Holdsworth whose great form continues as he represented Lancashire in this year’s UK Inter-Counties Fell/Hill Running Championship. In a very strong field he finished in 7^th place overall with a time of 42:22 making him second counter in the winning Lancashire team.

Chris Holdsworth representing Lancashire at the UK Inter County Fell Running Championships. Photo by Woodentops

In the ladies’ race, Louisa Powell-Smith finished in 19^th place making her third counter in the Lancashire team who finished in fourth place.

Full Results

FAIRFIELD HORSESHOE

Four Clayton Harriers took part in this classic, Lakeland fell race. Starting and finishing at Rydal Hall the 9 mile route incorporates 2999ft of climbing. Andy Laycock had a great race to finish in 16th place. Wendy Dodds was our sole lady runner and finished in 195th place. Wayne McIntosh and James Williamson completed the Clayton cohort finishing the race together in 263rd an 264th place respectively.

Andy Laycock in the Fairfield Horseshoe fell race. Photo by Richard Gardiner

Pos	Name	Time
16	Andy Laycock	1:33:46
195	Wendy Dodds	2:02:34
263	Wayne McIntosh	2:12:39
264	James Williamson	2:12:19

Full Results

SUNDAY 14 MAY

CHESTER DEVA AQUATHLON

Well done to Ellie Root who took part in the Chester Deva Aquathlon. After a good solid swim and a decent run on tired legs (having raced at Pinhaw), she finished in 9th place in the girls youth category.

GREAT WHERNSIDE JUNIOR UPHILL

Well done to Josh McKay, Helana White, Jenson Bentham, Christopher Brown, Ella Dorrington, Jackson McKay and Briony Holt who ran at the 5th round of the English Junior Championships at Kettlewell. The uphill only races up Great Whernside featured long steep, grassy climbs on the lower slopes for the younger age groups and rougher rockier terrain for the U15s and above.

This is the toughest level of competition in fell running and our Juniors have been doing the club proud with their efforts at this race(and during the series as a whole), competing on the hardest courses for Juniors in the country.

U13 Race

Pos	Name	Time
15	Jenson Bentham	10:11
19	Christopher Brown	10:24
28	Helana White	10:48

U15 Race

Jackson Mckay in the U15 Race. Photo by Alan Dorrington

Pos	Name	Time
14	Jackson McKay	13:01
52	Ella Dorrington	16:03

U17 Race

Briony Holt in the U17 race. Photo by Alan Dorrington

Pos	Name	Time
28	Briony Holt	22:08

Full Results

PLUSNET LEEDS HALF MARATHON

Paul Foster was our sole runner in the popular PlusNet Leeds Half Marathon. He finished in 713th place with a time of 01:38:45

Report from Paul Foster

My favourite event bar none. The city of Leeds really gets behind this event every year and the support around the entire 13 miles is incredible, from the thousands cheering you on in the city centre to the street party atmosphere in the surrounding districts. Every year there are bands, pipers on the route, and this year there was even a women’s choir. Yorkshire loves its sporting events.

Paul Foster at the PlusNet Leeds Half Marathon

The sun was beating down for the third year in a row, and although not as hot as last year, the many hosepipes spraying cold water courtesy of some residents were very welcome. There are quite a few longish hill sections on the run and I was happy with my time of 1:38:45 which was an improvement of 9 minutes over last year, placing 675 out of a field of nearly 6800.

Full Results

WORDEN PARK 10K

Another resounding win for fast lad Danny Collinge at the Worden Park 10K. Dawn Terry was our only lady runner and she finished in 158th place in 50:24.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
1	Danny Collinge	M	0:33:20
50	George Pier	M	0:42:42
52	Reece Lawrence	M	0:43:00
83	Robert Morrison	MV40	0:46:34
93	Christopher Lawrence	MV50	0:46:58
100	Brian Wildman	MV50	0:47:32
121	Colin White	MV40	0:49:10
158	Dawn Terry	FV50	0:50:24

Jack Maguire took part in the fun run finishing in 39^th place with a time of 09:29

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Abingdon parkrun – A total of 343 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
149	Samuel Spencer HARDISTY	27:06	SM20-24

Bournemouth parkrun – A total of 491 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
26	Michael STEVENS	20:09	JM11-14	First Timer!

Burnley parkrun – A total of 351 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
2	Tom BREWSTER	17:49	SM30-34
14	Nicholas HENNESSEY	20:01	JM15-17
15	Daniel PLANT	20:12	VM35-39
17	Lennon JACKSON	20:21	JM11-14
18	Simon WILSHAW	20:23	JM15-17
19	Kieron MITCHELL	20:27	VM40-44
23	Helana WHITE	20:45	JW10
24	Jonathan PYE	20:46	SM25-29
26	Gareth BERRY	20:52	VM40-44
32	David MOYNIHAN	21:44	VM50-54
40	Gordon BARRETT	22:16	VM55-59
41	Matthew JACKSON	22:16	JM11-14
58	Aaron LUNDIE	22:59	JM15-17
59	Natasha OLSZEWSKA	23:01	JW11-14	New PB!
61	Charlie BIRTWISTLE	23:04	JM11-14
70	Sarah ANGELONE	23:42	SW30-34
76	Charlie BARNES	24:12	JM10
83	Dawn TERRY	24:27	VW50-54
106	Lisa JOHNSON	25:34	VW45-49
125	Caitlin WELSH	26:03	JW15-17
126	Imogen FERGUSON	26:04	JW11-14
127	John WILCOCK	26:07	VM50-54
128	Annabel WILCOCK	26:08	JW15-17
134	Jake ANFORTH	26:21	JM10
147	Carl CAREY	26:58	VM45-49
151	Melanie HIRST	27:02	VW40-44
152	Helen WELSH	27:02	VW45-49
158	Bronia OLSZEWSKA	27:20	JW11-14	New PB!
165	Lynsey BIRTWISTLE	27:34	VW35-39
166	Charlie PLANT	27:35	JW10
167	Toby BIRTWISTLE	27:35	JM10
168	Adrienne OLSZEWSKA	27:36	VW45-49
172	Andrew WEBSTER	27:43	VM45-49
194	Evan WELSH	28:24	JM11-14
195	Bethany WHEATCROFT	28:25	JW11-14
196	Darcey HIRST	28:26	JW10
204	Mark TAYLOR	28:49	VM35-39
222	Tony PILLING	29:34	VM50-54
228	Alan DORRINGTON	29:49	VM45-49
234	Richard LAWSON	30:00	VM75-79
280	Judith CAREY	32:03	VW35-39
287	Robert HIRST	32:41	VM65-69

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 129 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
113	Robin PRICE	35:42	VM70-74

Dolgellau parkrun – A total of 39 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
13	Katy THOMPSON	25:38	VW60-64	First Timer!

Lytham Hall parkrun – A total of 157 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
43	Philip NAYLOR	23:36	VM35-39	New PB!

Pendle parkrun – A total of 91 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
2	Kevin DAVIES	19:38	VM55-59
3	Jackson MCKAY	19:49	JM11-14	New PB!
7	Paul BRANNON	20:53	VM55-59
8	John HARTLEY	21:23	VM60-64

Rutland Water parkrun – A total of 246 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
111	Eileen JONES	28:08	VW65-69	First Timer!

South Manchester parkrun – A total of 577 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
356	Yvonne WICKHAM	28:13	VW50-54

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Making our mark

Well you have certainly been making your mark this week from call ups to Team GB to mass attendance at races. There have been Great Hill Races, trail races, road racing in parks and by the sea as well as competitive fell racing at Sedburgh. Roll on long summer evenings and plenty of racing!

TEAM GB CALL UP FOR CHRIS HOLDSWORTH

Our Clayton colleague Christopher Holdsworth has been selected to run for the Great Britain senior men’s team at the World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships, to be held at Premana, Italy in August. This is fantastic news, not just for Chris, but for the whole club, and should be a great inspiration to our junior athletes. International vests, particularly GB vests don’t come round every day, and this selection is just reward for a great winter’s training and some outstanding racing put in by Chris this year.

Chris Holdsworth at the 3 Peaks Race. Photo by Andy Jackson

Well done Chris: the whole club is really proud of you, and we will be with you all the way to Italy.

TUESDAY 2 MAY

GEOFF DOGGATT MEMORIAL 5K

Julia Rushton and Ron Chappell took part in this midweek 5K race. Julia was 43^rd with a time of 23:26 and Ron Chappell was 65^th with a time of 29:28. A total of 66 runners took part.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
43	Julia Rushton	FV50	23.26
65	R. Chappell	MV65	29.28

Full Results

WEDNESDAY 3 MAY

ASTLEY PARK TRAIL SERIES

Jonathan Pye was our sole runner in the first race of this popular series organised by Chorley AC. He finished in 10^th place with a time of 27:00

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
10	Jonathan Pye	MS	(006/027)	00:27:00

Full Results

ASTLEY PARK JUNIOR TRAIL SERIES

Fifteen juniors took part in the junior race which is also one of the summer series of races. Lennon Jackson was our first finisher storming into 17^th place with a time of 05:33 with Robbie Smedley snapping at his heels in 18^th. Ella Dorrington was our first girl in 40^th and with a time of 6:07 with Sophie Ashworth chasing her tail in 41^st. Some excellent midweek running from our juniors.

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
17	Lennon Jackson	M17	(014/042)	00:05:33
18	Robbie Smedley	M17	(015/042)	00:05:34
27	Matthew Jackson	M17	(020/042)	00:05:48
38	Jenson Bentham	M11	(001/017)	00:06:03
40	Ella Dorrington	F17	(014/050)	00:06:03
41	William Nicholls	M17	(026/042)	00:06:04
44	Helana White	F11	(001/016)	00:06:07
46	Sophie Ashworth	F17	(017/050)	00:06:09
59	Luke Guest	M17	(033/042)	00:06:21
79	Thomas Ashworth	M11	(008/017)	00:06:55
82	Alfie White	M17	(037/042)	00:07:08
89	Imogen Ferguson	F17	(039/050)	00:07:36
100	Jake O’Dowd	M17	(040/042)	00:07:52
117	Emily Nicholls	F11	(011/016)	00:08:12
126	Ellisia Smedley	F11	(013/016)	00:08:26

Full Results

SATURDAY 6 MAY

CHORLEY DUATHLON

Helana White took part in the Chorley duathlon (Run – Bike – Run) at Astley Park. The weather was very different to the trail races earlier in the week with very blustery conditions. The wind was blowing against the competitors on the uphill bike section which did not bode well for Helana but she pulled it out of the bag and had a cracking race!

She came in 4th on the run and then only lost 2 places in the bike section; she was delighted with that as she had expected to lose a lot more places in this section. She ran hard to close the gaps and get 6th in the T2 class. She was not too long behind the winner which means lots of points as time from the winner is how points are worked out in this league.

SUNDAY 7 MAY

BEAVERBROOKS BLACKPOOL 10K

Fantastic running all round and a shout out for Team Stevenson over the tannoy at the 2017 Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10K race. There was a new PB for Adam, Keira ditched her pacemaker dad and nipped in under the hour in her first ever 10K race and Lucy, taking a break from GCSE studying, finished in a comfortable 67 minutes.

Team Stevenson in action at Beaverbrooks’ Blackpool 10K. Photos by Deborah Stevenson

Good enough to earn fish and chips and a trip to the arcades.

AWAITING RESULTS

BLACKSTICKS BLUE 10K

Jacob Watson and Stephen Biscomb travelled to … to take part in the Blacksticks Blue 10K race. Jacob was 5^th in the race with a time of 37 minutes dead and Stephen was 33^rd in 44:15. A total of 146 runners took part.

Report from Jacob Watson

I’m not sure why, but for some reason I favour a challenging, hilly road race over a flat course. My favourite event on the race calendar is definitely Hendon Brook and I’d have to say that, in terms of challenge, this race is its little brother. Much like Hendon Brook, this race takes you over picturesque and hilly country roads and also similarly, being mainly flat, Blacksticks’ first mile does a good job of filling you with a false sense of security.

Jacob Watson at the Blacksticks Blue race.

The next 2 miles however proved very tough, taking any speed I may have otherwise had out of my legs for the sheer downhills in the latter stages. From the off, I decided to set off at what I believed to be a conservative pace in order to save my energy for the climbs to come. I started off in 6th place and things remained that way for the first 2 miles. During the main climb in mile 3 I managed to take 5th but couldn’t close the gap between me and Trawden’s Stephen Hall who was running well in 4th.

Stephen Biscomb at the Blacksticks Blue 10K

The last mile proved tough going with my energy reserves zapped from the previous miles. With Stephen still a good 40 seconds ahead of me I was happy to cross the line in 5th to claim my prizes of cheese and wine! A great race and definitely one for fans of a challenging course.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
5	Jacob Watson	MS	0:37:00
33	Stephen Biscomb	MV60	0:44:15

Full Results

GREAT HAMELDON HILL RACE

Senior Race

It was a beautiful day as huge turnout of 75 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers lined up for this year’s Great Hameldon Hill Race.

Most of the runners at the Great Hameldon Hill Race. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

Always popular with our club members, this race is the first in the local Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix series.

Carl Helliwell warming up before the Hameldon Hill Race. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

Danny Collinge was our first Clayton finisher and 2^nd overall in the race. Jordan McDonald was 1^st MU23, Carl Helliwell was 1^st V40 and Geoff Gough was 1^st V55. With 50 men running in the race we had 15 men’s team in with the ‘A’ team (D Collinge | A Laycock | D Motley) taking 3^rd place.

Runners heading up the first climb. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

There was a great turnout of women in the race with 25 Clayton Ladies running. Clair Vincent was our first lady home and 5^th lady finisher overall in the race. Jean Knightley was 1^st L55, Anita Jones was 1^st L60 and Karin Goss was 1^st L65. With so many ladies in the race we dominated the team results taking 1^st (C Vincent | D Airey | E Mullan) and 2^nd (C Smedley | T DeCurtis | B Savage) and had 8 complete teams in the event.

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
2	Danny Collinge	MS	(002/057)	00:38:55
11	Andrew Laycock	MS	(009/057)	00:41:45
14	Dave Motley	MS	(012/057)	00:42:35
16	Carl Helliwell	M40	(001/027)	00:43:15
18	Jordan McDonald	M23	(001/002)	00:43:32
23	Chris Snell	MS	(014/057)	00:44:10
24	Andrew McFarlane	M45	(004/024)	00:44:20
27	Luke Turner	MS	(016/057)	00:44:34
32	Michael Toms	M50	(002/034)	00:45:36
33	Paul Hesketh	M50	(003/034)	00:45:45
35	Geoff Gough	M55	(001/021)	00:45:58
36	Michael O’Donnell	M40	(005/027)	00:46:11
39	Jon Cleaver	MS	(022/057)	00:46:37
44	Jonathan Pye	MS	(024/057)	00:47:10
58	Chris Funnell	M50	(007/034)	00:48:45
59	John Roche	M55	(004/021)	00:48:56
66	Sean Clare	M50	(010/034)	00:49:26
73	John Wilcock	M50	(011/034)	00:50:02
75	Craig Nicholls	M40	(013/027)	00:50:13
80	David Moynihan	M50	(014/034)	00:50:25
90	Robert Morrison	M40	(015/027)	00:51:28
92	Jeffrey Pickup	M65	(002/010)	00:51:48
94	Andy Bradley	M50	(016/034)	00:52:10
95	Reece Lawrence	M23	(002/002)	00:52:21
97	Claire Vincent	FS	(002/010)	00:52:36
100	Richard Briscoe	MS	(037/057)	00:52:51
102	Donna Airey	F35	(003/008)	00:53:05
104	James Dunderdale	MS	(039/057)	00:53:30
114	Mick Hughes	M40	(016/027)	00:54:22
116	Paul Foster	M45	(014/024)	00:54:27
117	Stephen Ainsworth	M60	(002/008)	00:54:33
120	Mark Taylor	MS	(045/057)	00:54:39
121	Andrew Webster	M45	(016/024)	00:54:41
122	Elizabeth Mullan	FS	(003/010)	00:54:42
126	Martin Brady	M55	(010/021)	00:55:18
127	Cassandra Smedley	F35	(004/008)	00:55:24
129	Chris Lawrence	M50	(020/034)	00:55:44
133	Geoff Smith	M40	(018/027)	00:55:58
144	Adam Stephenson	MS	(046/057)	00:57:14
152	Stuart Proctor	MS	(049/057)	00:57:41
153	Andrew M. Dugdale	M55	(012/021)	00:57:58
154	Stephen Breckell	M65	(004/010)	00:57:59
155	Teresa De Curtis	F45	(003/016)	00:58:15
159	Barbara Savage	F50	(006/014)	00:58:58
164	Nerina Gill	F45	(004/016)	01:00:00
171	Carl Carey	M45	(020/024)	01:00:34
174	Stephen Fish	M60	(005/008)	01:01:39
175	Donna Scott	F50	(007/014)	01:01:42
176	Julia Rushton	F50	(008/014)	01:01:46
180	Angela Shian	F40	(003/009)	01:02:14
181	Martin Griffin	M55	(015/021)	01:02:21
184	Sarah Helliwell	F35	(005/008)	01:02:41
187	Julie Dawes	F45	(006/016)	01:02:52
191	Jean Knightley	F55	(001/001)	01:04:13
192	Lucy Scott	FS	(007/010)	01:04:20
194	Joanne Bennett	F45	(008/016)	01:05:18
195	Bryn Barnes	M65	(006/010)	01:05:30
196	Jane Ryan	F40	(004/009)	01:05:39
197	Michael Clarke	M40	(024/027)	01:05:39
202	Geoff Laycock	M60	(007/008)	01:06:21
205	Ian Hargreaves	M50	(033/034)	01:06:35
211	Janine Pollard	F45	(011/016)	01:07:49
213	Justin Birtwistle	M40	(026/027)	01:08:33
221	Michelle Butschok	F40	(008/009)	01:10:25
222	Mark R. Knowles	M40	(027/027)	01:10:26
226	Bethany Quinn	F23	(002/003)	01:11:30
236	Deborah Greenwood	F45	(014/016)	01:15:25
237	Karin Goss	F65	(001/001)	01:15:43
242	Robert Hirst	M65	(009/010)	01:19:35
243	Judith Carey	F35	(008/008)	01:19:38
244	Jane Hylands	F45	(016/016)	01:19:42
245	Anita Jones	F60	(001/001)	01:23:16
246	Ron Chappell	M65	(010/010)	01:28:11
247	Jack McGuire	M60	(008/008)	01:29:40
248	Sharon Wilson	F40	(009/009)	01:33:14

Full Results

JUNIOR RACES

Over 30 juniors raced in the first race of this year’s Burnley and Pendle Grand Prix.

Juniors ready to race! Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

U9 RACE

Four of our very youngest runners took part in the U9 race. Charlie Plant was our first finisher in 7^th place overall and 1^st F7 and there was some great running from Ruby Cleaver who was running in her vest for the first time, Emily Johnson and Olly Plant.

Ruby Cleaver delighted with her first official race for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers.

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat/Pos	Time
7	Charlie Plant	F7	(1/3)	00:03:41
16	Ruby Cleaver	F6	(2/8)	00:04:08
20	Emily Johnson	F7	(3/3)	00:04:26
21	Olly Plant	M6	(4/5)	00:04:32

U11 RACE

Harry Cole in the U11 race. Photo by David Belshaw

Changes in the age category rules mean that some of our younger runners took part in the more challenging U11 race despite some of them only being 8 years old on race day. This race took the runners out of the playing field and up and around the Coppice; a big step up from the previous race for a lot of them. However, undaunted our plucky juniors rose to the challenge and put in plenty of gustsy performances. Harry Cole was our first finisher and also the overall winner.Emily Nicholls was our first girl finisher.

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat/Pos	Time
1	Harry John Cole	M10	(1/3)	00:11:02
5	Harry Wharton	M10	(2/3)	00:12:16
6	Charlie Barnes	M8	(1/10)	00:12:38
11	Toby Birtwistle	M8	(4/10)	00:13:21
15	Brayden Clarkson	M9	(6/8)	00:13:41
18	Jake Anforth	M10	(3/3)	00:13:52
29	Emily K. Nicholls	F9	(4/10)	00:14:54
32	Darcey E. Hirst	F9	(7/10)	00:15:02
36	Ellisia Smith	F8	(5/6)	00:16:35
38	Joni Higgins	F9	(10/10)	00:19:40

U13 RACE

Six juniors ran in the U13 race. Robbie Smedley was our first finisher and 2^nd overall in the race. Helana White was first girl in the race and 6^th place overall.

Imogen Ferguson powering to the finish. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat/Pos	Time
2	Robbie Smedley	M11	(1/8)	00:10:51
3	Matthew Jackson	M11	(2/8)	00:11:16
6	Helana White	F10	(1/3)	00:11:34
9	Charlie Birtwistle	M11	(6/8)	00:12:08
10	Luke Guest	M12	(2/2)	00:12:10
18	Imogen Ferguson	F11	(2/3)	00:13:51

U15 RACE

Eight juniors ran in the U15 Race. Michael Stevens was our first finisher and 2^nd overall in the race. Ella Dorrrington was our first girl and 2^nd girl overall in the race.

Michael Stevens in the U15 Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat/Pos	Time
2	Michael Stevens	M14	(1/1)	00:14:42
4	Lennon Jackson	M13	(2/6)	00:15:38
7	Ella Dorrington-Levy	F12	(1/4)	00:16:59
9	Sophie A. Ashworth	F13	(2/3)	00:17:09
12	Natasha Olszewska	F14	(1/1)	00:18:01
13	Bethany Wheatcroft	F13	(3/3)	00:19:01
15	Jake O’Dowd	M13	(6/6)	00:20:23
16	Bronia Olszewska	F12	(4/4)	00:20:47

U17 RACE

Four of our older junior runners took part in the U17 Race. Nick Hennessey was our first finisher and 2^nd overall in the race. Millie Stubbs was our first girl and also first girl in the race.

Joshua Hall in the U17 Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat/Pos	Time
2	Nicholas Hennessey	M15	(2/4)	00:13:32
3	Joshua Hall	M15	(3/4)	00:13:39
4	Jay Bowman	M14	(1/1)	00:14:31
7	Millie Stubbs	F14	(1/2)	00:15:43

Full Results

HEATON PARK 10K

Amanda Duffy was our sole runner in the Heaton Park 10K. She finished 33^rd overall, 5th Lady and 2^nd FV35 in a field of 291 runners.

Amanda Reports

What a fantastic day to be racing! The sun was out and I was running in the Heaton Park 10K. The course itself was scenic and hilly, a two-lap course mainly on tarmac with some gravel paths which took you round a lake and then a couple of good climbs up towards Heaton Hall. I managed to place 5th female so very happy with that.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
33	Amanda Duffy	V35	00:45:51

Full Results

SEDBURGH (BOFRA)

Senior Race

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
29	Andrew Holt	MV40	24:53

U17 RACE

A strong run from Briony Holt gave her 9^th place overall and 1^st girl in the U17 race.

Briony Holt in the U17 race. Photo by Geoff Thompson

Pos	Name	Time
9	Briony Holt	23:45

U12 RACE

Jenson Bentham was our only runner in the U12 race where he finished 10^th overall.

Jenson Bentham at the BOFRA Sedburgh race.

Pos	Name	Time
10	Jenson Bentham	8:42

Full Results

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Blackpool parkrun – A total of 187 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
93	Helen HARRISON	29:02	VW45-49	First Timer!

Burnley parkrun – A total of 420 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
2	Jonathan PYE	18:19	SM25-29
4	Nicholas HENNESSEY	18:51	JM15-17
11	Jackson MCKAY	19:24	JM11-14
15	Matthew JACKSON	19:34	JM11-14	New PB!
16	Matthew DUCKWORTH	19:35	SM25-29
18	Alan DORRINGTON	19:48	VM45-49
21	James BOULT	19:58	SM20-24
31	Susan BURNS	20:48	VW55-59
33	Paul FOSTER	20:54	VM45-49
47	Donna RILEY	22:02	VW50-54
54	Alison DUGDALE	22:17	VW45-49
58	Gordon BARRETT	22:27	VM55-59
60	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	22:27	JM15-17
64	Chris LAWRENCE	22:34	VM50-54
77	Graham ROPER	22:55	VM55-59	New PB!
86	Bethany WHEATCROFT	23:28	JW11-14	New PB!
100	Lennon JACKSON	23:45	JM11-14
101	Michelle ABBOTT	23:45	VW35-39
102	Cassandra Darling SMEDLEY	23:47	VW35-39
105	Brian WILDMAN	23:50	VM50-54
108	Julie DAWES	23:57	VW45-49
133	Lisa JOHNSON	25:01	VW45-49
134	Imogen FERGUSON	25:04	JW11-14
135	Caitlin WELSH	25:05	JW15-17	New PB!
138	Bryn BARNES	25:07	VM65-69
146	Bianca BENNETT	25:27	SW25-29
147	Lynsey BIRTWISTLE	25:28	VW35-39
148	Toby BIRTWISTLE	25:29	JM10
149	Charlie PLANT	25:29	JW10	New PB!
151	Evan WELSH	25:32	JM11-14	New PB!
152	Melanie HIRST	25:33	VW40-44	New PB!
155	Helen WELSH	25:36	VW45-49	New PB!
168	Annabel WILCOCK	26:01	JW15-17
169	John WILCOCK	26:02	VM50-54
178	Aaron LUNDIE	26:15	JM15-17
187	Donna SCOTT	26:36	VW50-54
199	Beth QUINN	26:50	SW18-19
224	Carl CAREY	27:36	VM45-49
237	Justin BIRTWISTLE	28:22	VM40-44
241	Stuart HARTLEY	28:42	VM60-64
242	Deborah GREENWOOD	28:51	VW45-49
252	Darcey HIRST	29:01	JW10
278	Ron CHAPPELL	29:53	VM65-69
298	Robert HIRST	30:26	VM65-69
306	Judith CAREY	30:47	VW35-39

Conwy parkrun – A total of 276 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
132	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	29:20	VW65-69	First Timer!
196	Christine LEATHLEY	33:07	VW65-69

Lytham Hall parkrun – A total of 180 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
35	Philip NAYLOR	23:37	VM35-39	New PB!

Pendle parkrun – A total of 98 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	David EDMONDSON	19:32	VM50-54	New PB!
5	John HARTLEY	21:14	VM60-64
6	Paul BRANNON	21:18	VM55-59
19	Simon WILSHAW	23:02	JM15-17
24	Martin BRADY	23:35	VM55-59
28	Finley STUBBS	24:31	JM10
31	Barry MITCHELL	24:56	VM70-74
46	Eleanor Betty ROOT	26:48	JW15-17
65	Yvonne WICKHAM	29:40	VW50-54

Wyre Forest parkrun – A total of 194 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
43	Dawn TERRY	25:11	VW50-54	First Timer!

York parkrun – A total of 692 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
393	Eileen JONES	27:46	VW65-69	First Timer!

ByAlan Dorrington

Peaking for the Bank Holiday weekend

The introduction of the beginning of May Bank Holiday by Michael Foot in 1978 might have been a response to a traditional day off for workers in Iron Curtain countries at the time, but it’s fair to say that the Clayton family had no such intentions of taking it easy this Bank Holiday weekend. Some stunning achievements on the fells of the Dales, multi-discipline success and the usual rapid road running has led to a real humdinger of a weekend. Take a breather, for a moment, and savour what you’ve all been up to.

Tuesday

Orchan Rocks

The local midweek fell race season is here properly now – Orchan Rocks is one of those classic up and down, short blast of fun races that you can squeeze in after a day at work. Just under 3.5 miles and over 900ft of climb means a big effort up and a swift descent back down. Alex Whittern of Calder Valley won in 22:30 and five Clayton runners took part: 26th Mark Nutter MV50 in 30:01, 33rd Andrew Howarth MV50 in 32:35, 34th Darren Rushton MV40 in 32:43, 42nd Colin Woolford MV40 in 34:24, and 45th Steven Fish MV60 in 36:05.

Full Results

Bunny Run Relays

Reece Lawrence and James Boult at the Bunny Relays 2017. Pic: John Merrick

Finishing off the Spring Bunny Run series, this relay event near Haworth is always a popular one amongst adults and juniors alike and features a chocolate prize list even a chocoholic would have problems coping with! Despite some shenanigans with the egg baton, James Boult’s team claimed bragging rights for fastest Clayton team in 36th place out of 96, just ahead of Reece Lawrence’s team in 45th and Nick Hennessey’s team in 46th. Andrew Holt ran in a family team placed 55th and sends this report:

The Bunny Runs are a frantic,fast low-key series of runs organised by the recently honoured, fell running royalty couple Dave and Eileen Woodhead. The three weekly, 5k-ish runs culminate in a relay which I entered as part of a parents team to run alongside our kids (prior to James Boult organising a team from Clayton unfortunately) The relay involves carrying a raw egg up and around Penistone Hill using the hard gravel tracks, with the fastest runners completing it in around 9 minutes. The conditions were near perfect,wind pushing you up the hills,dry underfoot, maybe a little cold but otherwise excellent. As expected the personnel changed within our team, and having offered to help James out as a replacement the parents mustered a team and I was asked to run the last leg, conveniently against my daughter. Briony’s team gave her a minutes start on me so I was left chasing shadows. Despite getting excited and setting off at a ridiculously fast pace I didn’t burn out and settled into a fast but short run finishing the 1.6 mile course in a reasonable time of 11-20. We avoided any injuries, dodging sweets and cream eggs at the pub later, what better way to spend your Tuesday evening. Great to see so many other orange shirts at the event too.

Full results

Wednesday

Phil Roberts Cowm 5k

Starting out of Whitworth, Rossendale this race was won by T. Muir in 17:36. John Roche was first Clayton finisher, back home on 19:57.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
15	J. Roche	MV55	19.57
50	Julia Rushton	FV50	23.24
90	J. McGuire	MV60	30.33

Full Results

Saturday

3 Peaks Race

Some finish! Christopher Holdsworth empties the tank to secure 3rd place. Photo: Rupert Bonnington

Wow! The 63rd edition of this classic race didn’t disappoint from a Clayton point of view. We had a bumper number of competitors testing their pacing and nutrition strategies, some back for their 21st finish, top 10 team finishes for the clubs leading teams, an age class win and an incredible podium finish for a Clayton vest. Where to start…?

Both Andy Orr and Martin Brady completed 21 3 Peaks Races this weekend, an amazing run of completions for this tough race. They will receive a special commemorative award listing their races and times. For Martin, this was an extra special achievement as several of his 21 completions have come after having after heart valve surgery 7 years ago. Bravo both of you.

Martin Brady after his 21st finish. Photo: Kath Brady

Clayton ‘s A team secured 6th overall in the highly competitive team competition. Well done to Chris Holdsworth, Dave Motley, Matt Perry and James Williamson. The MV40 team of Richard Stevenson, Andrew Orr and Peter Coates was 4th and the MV50 team of Garry Wilkinson, Paul Hesketh and Martin Terry went better still and was 2nd.

Wendy Dodds took the WV60 win in 4:51:07 and a collected a fine looking trophy.

WV60 winner Wendy Dodds. Photo: Woodentops

However, the story of the day had to have been Christopher Holdsworth’s 3rd place overall in 2:54:49. After a hard winter and Spring of training and some results indicative of his building form, Chris attacked the race at full gas, at times holding second place and giving his all at the finish to somewhat over-achieve on his goal of a sub 3hr run.

Fresh from his stunning result, here’s Chris’s report:

Last year I wrote a few tips to consider when competing at the Three Peaks. One of them was to never feel like you are over exerting yourself before you’ve reached Ingleborough – otherwise you risk a world of pain at the hands of Whernside.

However, this year I had to ignore my own advice if I wanted any chance at the targeted goal of a sub 3 hour Three Peaks result. With it being an unusually dry day for the area, I knew there’d be no better time to achieve it!

From the beginning I had intentions of keeping on the back of the leading 5 or so runners. The legs were feeling particularly fresh and I soon found myself jostling for 2nd and 3rd place on the way up to Pen Y Ghent. Near the summit I could see Ricky Lightfoot was looking to be struggling. Once we descended off Pen Y Ghent I decided to just sit on the back of Ricky and move past when the pace he was setting dropped below the pace I was feeling comfortable at. Half way to Ribblehead I moved ahead and made good progress to the checkpoint.

Once at the bottom of Whernside, I was still feeling very energetic. Steady away I climbed up the tough fell keeping race Leader Tom Owens in my sight. A third of the way up is a very boggy section, to which both legs were sucked in knee deep. Pulling them out gave me cramp in both calves – this then pulsated the entire rest of the climb in waves, especially on the gnarlier sections. With a quarter of the climb to go, just before the steepest section to the summit, eventual race winner Murray Strain sailed past me – clearly this was his his strong suit! and I was missing the runnable trail of Pen Y Ghent…

Reaching the summit, the cramps were still going strong and were joined by a cramping up back from the tired jolts running down the flag steps. Unable to breathe or control my legs, I held on knowing Ilkley’s Jack Woods wasn’t far behind. I knew I had to just get back to the road section where I could get back to some quicker running, regain my form and shake the cramps.

The smile I had for most of the run was fading, and was in need of some fuel to see me through to the climb up Ingleborough. Reaching Hill Inn I was able to pick up my Mountain Fuel infused water and took on as much as I could. It allowed me to run the whole way up to Ingleborough. Sadly, like rot, the cramp had set in and my calves were tiring on the steep boulders just before running to Ingleborough summit checkpoint. I had 30 seconds or so on the tailing runners, Jack Woods and a Salomon runner I thought to be Ricky Lightfoot with a second wind, but they soon made that up and passed me on the tougher sections down off the top. I could only delicately descend off Ingleborough and hoped to make up the time on the less technical section.

Really unfortunately, Jack Woods took a tumble which allowed me to move back ahead to chase down the Salomon runner. At this point my feet were in bits, the nuts and bolts were loosening and I could feel the body crying out for the finish. All I had to do was keep the Salomon runner in view, hang on and reach the finish to place 4th and Sub 3 hours.

Turning down into the finish straight, I could see I was coming in under the 2H55 mark if I could put a sprint on. The roar of the crowd cheering me down the finish spiked the adrenaline and I was able to come in at 2:54:49 – goal achieved!

It wasn’t until a few minutes after that I realised it wasn’t Ricky coming past me, but Tom Owens who had gotten lost after Whernside, meaning I had actually finished in 3rd place and 100 quid richer!

I was incredibly pleased to finish where I did, and felt I couldn’t have raced any better than I did on the day, but there’s still room for improvement yet. The support around the course was the best I’ve ever experienced, and the amount of people sending me messages of congratulations has been overwhelming and is really appreciated.

There were great performances on the day from every Clayton-le-Moors member, and you can tell that this race is special to the club. I can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Richard Stevenson down of Whernside. Photo: Sport Sunday

Richard Stevenson down off Whernside. Photo: Sport Sunday

First timer Richard Stevenson also had a fantastic run, pacing it really well through diligent recceing, and enjoying the rewards of a solid Spring’s training:

12 months ago after ready the reports, seeing the photos and speaking to various
people I made the decision to have a go at the Yorkshire 3 Peaks race this year. So after doing enough qualifying races and spending many hours running up and down as many hills as I could find I was excited and raring to go as we congregated in Horton on Saturday morning. I knew it was going to be tough, I’d had numerous people advising me on how to run certain sections where to hold back where to dig in and how to try and fuel myself so that I didn’t bomb on Inglebrough. So after all the months of training, the planning and the preparations the event didn’t disappoint. Yes it was brutal, yes my feet and legs are battered, yes it was mentally draining but would I do it all again next year, of course I would, who wouldn’t? I heard it described as the off-road equivalent of the London Marathon and I can see why, for atmosphere and camaraderie it was fantastic. With the banter between runners and the endless support out on the course from marshals, club members and friends it can drag you through any bleak moments. So thanks to all who shouted and supported me on the day and to everyone who give me advise, very much appreciated. I would definitely recommend this event if you fancy a challenge. Also a huge well done to all members who ran, whether it was your 1st or 21st and whether you finished 3rd or 503rd I hope you enjoyed it and I’ll see you there next year.

Dave Motley knuckling down to it up Whernside. Photo: Nigel Hodson

David Bagot in full flight. Photo: Woodentops

Pos	Name	Cat	Time	Class
3	Christopher Holdsworth	M	02:54:49	Elite
59	Dave Motley	M	03:35:26	1st
62	Matt Perry	M	03:36:31	1st
64	James Williamson	M	03:36:45	1st
72	Andy Laycock	MU25	03:38:46	1st
76	David Bagot	M	03:39:16	1st
123	Richard Stevenson	MV40	03:49:24	2nd
142	Ryan Belshaw	M	03:52:51	2nd
146	Andrew Orr	MV40	03:53:35	2nd
152	Peter Coates	MV40	03:54:13	2nd
157	Garry Wilkinson	MV50	03:55:19	2nd
161	Paul Hesketh	MV50	03:56:00	2nd
176	Martin Terry	MV50	03:59:13	2nd
204	Jean Brown	WV40	04:03:59	2nd
274=	Carl Helliwell	MV40	04:12:53	2nd
279	Andrew Priory	MV40	04:13:16	2nd
291	Chris Snell	M	04:15:01	2nd
339	Dominic Carr	MV40	04:22:41	2nd
354	Brian Horrocks	MV50	04:23:52	2nd
363	Alan Dorrington	MV40	04:25:16	2nd
387	Ivan Whigham	MV50	04:29:55	2nd
442	Chris Funnell	MV50	04:37:54	Standard
517	Andrew Bradley	MV50	04:48:57	Standard
534	Wendy Dodds	WV60	04:51:07	Standard
570	Simon Stansfield	MV40	04:56:56	Standard
597	Martin Brady	MV50	05:02:20	Standard
600	David Horrocks	MV50	05:02:49	Standard
685	Richard Briscoe	M	05:29:49	Standard

Full results

Fellsman

Five hardy Clayton runners toed the line for this 60plus mile, iconic ultra distance event round the Yorkshire Dales. It’s classic route, and comprehensive support for runners and walkers attracts a large and often loyal entry.

Regular Fellsman finisher, Adrienne Olszewska reports:

Five Clayton Harriers milled about nervously on the playing field behind the Community Centre in Ingleton as ready as they could be for the start of the Fellsman, a tough and gnarly 61 mile traverse over the high ground of the Yorkshire Dales. Four fast lads and then plodder me; just 4 would finish.

This year conditions were exceptionally good. We’ve had a relatively dry spell of weather over the last few weeks and there was even a weather warning for potential sunburn. Unheard of for an event that often throws torrential rain, hail, sleet and snow at the entrants.

In my head this event has three distict parts; the first part is the “dear God I really hate hills” climbing section (Ingleton to Dent), the second part is the “I really, really hate mud and tussocks” section (Dent to Hell Gap) , and finally, the last bit is the “I just really, really, really want this to be over” section (Hell Gap to Threshfield).

A combination of too warm clothing and mild weather made it slow going for the first section and even a bog-free climb up Blea Moor didn’t make for speedy progress. Any hopes of making it to Fleet Moss before I was grouped for the night section were abandoned early on – this was going to have to be a completion so I decided to just plod on and make the best of it.

I was grouped at Redshaw in a team of 6 for the night section. We fast hiked and made steady progress over the tricky section from Fleet Moss and Yockenthwaite Moor. Again not much in the way of bogs this year but plenty of rough tussocks to batter the feet and ankles. The wind got up and, while it wasn’t sub-zero like previous years, it got pretty cold. I was finally glad of my warmer gear.

We headed up and over Buckden Pike and took a really direct line to the checkpoint at Top Mere – we saw headtorches from one or two other groups around but seemed to leave them all behind. We got to Park Rash just as it was coming light. One of the group had been suffering with knee issues for some time and when we got to the checkpoint he was looking in a bit of a bad way so we stayed for a lot longer than I would have liked.

Eventually, he decided to carry on and we were off for the final climb up Great Whernside which was disappearing into mist as we headed up to the summit ridge.

You hit an area of peat hags on the way down from Great Whernside where I got stuck for a while last year because they were massive after an exceptionally wet winter. This year they were fairly dried out so we got to Capplestone Gate with only a few ankle deep bits. I stopped to take off my warm gear and get ready to run the last few miles to the finish only to be shouted back by our group leader. We hadn’t been officially disbanded and to leave before then would have meant a disqualification for the whole group. So with slumping shoulders worthy of a teenager I tramped along sulkily at the back until we got to the final checkpoint at Yarnbury and we were officially disbanded. With a cheery wave I set off on the final 2 mile road section trotting as fast as I could which wasn’t really very fast at all after 24 hours on the go.

I forgot to look at the time when I got in but I’m fairly sure it was a little over 24 hours. Didn’t manage to crack it this year but despite swearing off this event for the rest of my life, I might just have another go at breaking the 24 hour time next year.

Ralph Baines had a great run; with a Bob Graham round in his sights, all of his Lakeland training sessions paid off big time and he knocked a good 2 hours off his best Fellsman time. Nick Olszewski had a tough run but still finished in around 16 hours 24. Andy Armstrong had a fast start but retired at Stonehouses after becoming dizzy and fatigued. I think the final runner was Andy McFarlane but I am not sure how he got on.

An energetic Adrienne Olszweska. Photo: Sport Sunday

Adrienne Olszewska feeling the Fellsman vibe. Photo: Sport Sunday

Awaiting results

Coniston fell race

Tom Addison won this AM 8.7m race with 3494ft of climb in 1:08:13 from Sam Tosh in second. First woman home was Lou Roberts in 1:25:47.

Wayne McIntosh reports:

Headed up to the Lakes again this week for the Coniston fell race. 8 miles and 4000′ was certainly going to be a test on legs that were still harbouring the effects of a tough run the previous weekend. All my previous race reading had led me to 2 conclusions:

1. Start steady and 2. Don’t get it wrong off the Old Man. Pre race was jovial and the race contenders were pretty obvious with Tom Addison and Sam Tosh both in attendance preferring this to the masses slogging round the Yorkshire Dales. There were also a good few Clayton present. I got loosened up and had a brief recce of the first climb, which didn’t look too bad until I was informed that what appeared the crest wasn’t anywhere near the summit and I probably had the best part of another 1000′ after that, splendid. Into the race and last week was clearly evident on the first climb as I laboured up the initial slope with doubts of how the rest of the day would play out. Thankfully Andy Firth was in sight and he led a group of 4 Clayton up a pretty good line to the summit of Weatherlam. A tricky descent was followed by the technical ascent of prison band to the summit of swirl how. I was feeling pretty decent by now and the pretty flat, yet technical run to Coniston Old Man seemed to come and go without much thought. Off the Old Man I opted for the tourist path as I’d never been up before and the wrong line off the direct approach can leave you in bother with cliffs and crags through the quarry. I descended pretty well but knew it was a longer line when the Dugdales popped out on the path before me having been ahead of both of them at the summit. A big effort down the final stretch saw me pick up a couple of places and even pip a young Ambleside runner on the line. Top day our at a top race!

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
36	KIRT LIVESEY	M45	01:28:23
77	JACK HOLT	M65	01:36:47
162	ANDREW FIRTH	M50	01:53:26
187	WAYNE MACKINTOSH	M	02:00:50
189	PETE DUGDALE	M60	02:01:09
192	DAVID NIELD	M55	02:01:45
195	KATY THOMPSON	W60	02:02:20
200	ANDREW DUGDALE	M50	02:03:36

Full Results

It’s A Piece of Cake 10k

Craig Nicholls ran this Manchester based 10k and finished 45th in 43:48. He sent this report:

Having asked on the Facebook page for a recommendation for a nice 10K I ended up booking in for the ‘Piece of Cake’ 10K race at Boggart Hole Clough. Given that I’m pretty sure I asked for a nice fast 10K I was a little surprised to hear all the talk about ‘angel hill’ but as a seasoned fell runner (I’ve now completed one) I put this to the back of my mind and readied myself for a crack at this hill they were all going on about and tried to keep the faith that a new personal best could still be on the cards. It turned out that Angel Hill was indeed a bit of a beast (albeit nothing to worry our proper fell runners) but all the training up and down Pendle Hill with our wonderful juniors must have paid off as I did manage to battle up it (three times) and managed to get round in under 45 mins for a new personal best time. All in all I would strongly recommend the Piece of Cake race to anyone looking for a friendly inclusive race. It’s probably not the fastest course going but of the handful I’ve now done it was definitely one of the most fun.

Full results

Sunday

Edge Hill Junior Aquathlon

Our talented Junior aquathletes/triathletes have been in action this weekend again at one of the Triathlon England North West series races, Helana White in the T2 Class and Ellie Root in the Youths.

Rachael White sent this report:

Helana raced first and this was definitely a race of two halves for her. She had 250m Pool swim followed by 2K trail run. Still only 10, and new into the T2 Cat (11-12 Years) she is finding swimming against the great club swimmers hard. She was ranked 25th out of the pool (out of 32) – nearly 2 mins down on the leader… but, had a smooth & fast transition ( ranked 3rd) overall, gaining time back and flew out of transition to start her favourite discipline – Running. From our view point I could see the girls running above and around me on the trail, I could see Helana with her normal determined running style eating into the gaps and gaining lots of places. – She put the 3rd fastest run in of the category, which meant she dragged her overall position up to 8th – Very proud of her, – This bodes very well for next season in this same age group.
Ellie’s race was not until late afternoon, and she had a much more consistent race across the disciplines. She swam 400m followed by 4.8k run. – Her great swimming saw her 6th fastest in the pool, whilst a fast transition (ranked 4th), put her in a good position for the run. Following the same route as Helana, but with more laps, Ellie had a good run in a very strong field and came in 9th. This put her overall position as 9th.
Both girls were brilliant, once again flying the flag for Clayton and more than holding their own against the traditional Triathlon Clubs.

Full Results

Lancaster Three Bridges 10k

An almost flat route for this 10k, save for the bridges over the River Lune from which it takes its name. Michelle Abbott raced round in under 48 mins and sent this report:

Michelle Abbott with her Lancaster 3 bridges 10k medal. Photo:

As I was just starting to feel a little more normal after 7 months of injuries, I decided to enter the Lancaster 3 Bridges 10k. I was the only Clayton runner there and having never done this race before, was unsure of what to expect. After hearing that there were some steps to run up, my first thought was that I was going to end up on my face! Luckily, and suprisingly, I managed to stay upright even after tackling the steps 5k into the race, something which resulted in serious jelly legs. At the top, I carried on to the finish not feeling my best and about 2 minutes off my normal 10k time. I was happy to get under the 48 minute mark though, in one piece and after tackling a serious head wind along the bridges. I will definitely be taking this race on next year!

Results not yet available

Keswick Half Marathon

Donna Airey ran at this scenic (aka hilly) half marathon, completing it in 1:42:41. She reports here:

The Keswick Half was advertised as one of the most scenic 13 miles 192.5 yards. They weren’t wrong. There was a very hilly 6 miles after the start, followed by 7 miles of undulating back round Derwent Water. It was well organised, with great support from locals, cyclists and tourist all the way round. A bargain at £15 with a t shirt. Optional slate coaster was also on offer at extra cost. Proceeds going to the local rugby club. Had a good race myself, 10th female and 2nd F35. Could have been less windy but other than that perfect conditions. Definitely worth a look next year.

Full Results

Monday

Coiners fell race

A longstanding favourite in the Calderdale area, this 7m race with 1100ft climb takes runners on a fast tour of Coiners country with steep valley sides giving way to (usually) boggy moorland. Tom McGuinnes won in 45:33 and local Holly Page was first woman in a speedy 49:47. Just 3 Clayton runners were present… James Boult takes up the story:

Bank holiday Monday. Free afternoon. 7 mile fell race? Why the hell not?

12pm: Sunny and warm when leaving Burnley. Sunglasses on.

12:30pm: Raining when entering Todmorden (shock horror). Intermittent wipers on. Sunglasses off.

1pm: Hit every red light going and traffic through Hebden Bridge. Excellent. Still raining. Very dull and miserable.

1:20pm: Make it to registration with the wrong shoes and not enough time to go back to the car. Sun comes out and it’s roasting again. Wonderful.

Three Claytonions made the trip over to Mytholmroyd to join the 110 other runners taking on the 7 mile Coiners fell race for Bank Holiday Monday. Alan Life told us the last time he raced Coiners was in 1993 so he wasn’t sure if the route was the same. Maps were on hand but there was little time left to study it.

1.35pm: Traffic delays meant I was in trail shoes and not my fell ones when we set off and like a muppet, I set off at the front and found myself fifth for the first mile. And that is about as long as it lasted before what felt like every man and his dog came past me on the first of the course’s climbs. The only word I can use to describe this absolute b&tch of a hill is dreadful. After a quick descent down a cart track the course goes up. An initially steep woodland heads up into a lung busting climb, and this twists and turns so much that when it levels out at the top you feel like you’re about to throw up. A few hundred metres of flat leads onto another horrendous climb onto the moorlands leading over to Stoodley Pike, which, thankfully, was entirely trail and allowed me to push on. The climb up to the aforementioned monument is gradual and very scenic, with the improved conditions opening up this beautiful vista. The descent is equally as gradual, and that is where the trail ended and my footwear became utterly useless. The race organiser told us the nice weather meant the first part of the course was dry, and the latter was boggy to the extent of knee-deep patches. He wasn’t wrong. After riding my luck for the first half a mile after Stoodley Pike I went down like a sack of spuds, thankfully just after a photographer. Literally just after though. As in, as soon as the shutter closed my feet decided now would be a good time to give up and I went face first into the ground. Brilliant. Plodding on after picking myself up I reached the marshland and went knee-deep faster than you could say “knee-deep.” I know, I was in the middle of telling myself to be careful for the knee-dee… Unfortunately this continued for the next mile of marshland before the final loop back to the start. Going down more times than I care to admit I got some rhythm back and caught up with a group of leaders and managed to sit in nicely. Taking us along a nice rockface back towards the start I went down again, cursing aloud my decision to put trail shoes on. The final few hundred metres is a fast straight and then an almighty descent to the finish, and I was able to take back a few lost positions on my way to the finish. A great race and one that I recommended to anyone. Just wear fell shoes. Seriously. For a fell race, who knew?

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
25	James Boult	U23	59:06
27	Alan Life	M50	59:13
93	Stephen Fish	M60	01:20:01

Full Results

Junior FRA Coiners race

The Junior FRA Championships returned to more local climes for the fourth of the six round series.

Jenson Bentham does his best ‘I can fly’ impression over the final wall. Photo: Alan Dorrington

Run on a slightly different part of the valley side to the adult races, the junior courses featured a fairly steep grassy climb out of the start, some valley tracks and for the older runners a large dose of moorland bog running before all joining together for a headlong grassy spring downhill to the finish.

Josh McKay was the only Clayton junior in the U11 race, finishing 43rd. Jenson Bentham and Christopher Brown battled throughout the U13 race, Christopher just getting the better of Jenson in the flat out rush to the finish, ending up 22nd and 23rd. Helana White was 6th girl in 38th position.

In the U15 race, Jackson McKay had a solid race in a stacked field to get a great 9th place. Ella Dorrington had her usual ‘relaxed’ start but made up good time through the bogs to get 18th girl and 56th overall.

Jackson McKay working hard. Photo: Geoff Thompson.

Ella Dorrington, wearing some of the bogs from up top. Photo: Alan Dorrington

Briony Holt had a full on sprint finish after a tour of the bogs higher up, to claim a brilliant 4th girl position and 27th overall in the U17 race.

Provisional results yet to be corrected

Parkrun

Burnley Junior Parkrun

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
2	Nathan KEWIN	8:20:00	JM11-14
3	Charlie BIRTWISTLE	8:25:00	JM11-14
5	Imogen FERGUSON	8:53:00	JW11-14	New PB!
8	Bethany WHEATCROFT	9:08:00	JW11-14
11	Heidi KEWIN	09:41	JW11-14
13	Kady THOMPSON	09:47	JW10
34	Emily JOHNSON	12:51	JW10

Burnley parkrun – a total of 392 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note

7	George PIER	18:42	SM18-19
8	Nicholas HENNESSEY	18:48	JM15-17
9	Josh HALL	18:52	JM15-17
21	Paul BRANNON	19:56	VM55-59
23	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	20:03	JM15-17
26	Lennon JACKSON	20:19	JM11-14
29	Robbie SMEDLEY	20:37	JM11-14
30	Matthew JACKSON	20:39	JM11-14	New PB!
35	Susan BURNS	20:51	VW55-59
38	Helana WHITE	21:14	JW10
51	Michael STEVENS	22:01	JM11-14
54	Jason PIER	22:12	VM45-49
59	Cassandra Darling SMEDLEY	22:25	VW35-39
60	Chris LAWRENCE	22:29	VM50-54
69	James HICKIE	22:53	VM55-59
71	Charlie BARNES	22:57	JM10
73	Colin WHITE	23:01	VM40-44
74	Charlie BIRTWISTLE	23:03	JM11-14
80	Michelle ABBOTT	23:20	VW35-39
81	Graham ROPER	23:22	VM55-59
86	Julie DAWES	23:40	VW45-49
89	Stephen AINSWORTH	23:49	VM60-64
100	Bethany WHEATCROFT	24:06	JW11-14
101	Nina KEWIN	24:07	VW35-39
120	Jean KNIGHTLEY	24:53	VW55-59
135	Tony PILLING	25:28	VM50-54
138	Donna SCOTT	25:32	VW50-54
142	Helen WELSH	25:46	VW45-49	New PB!
144	Caitlin WELSH	25:49	JW15-17	New PB!
145	Imogen FERGUSON	25:49	JW11-14
148	Nathan KEWIN	25:59	JM11-14
152	Charlie PLANT	26:09	JW10	New PB!
153	Toby BIRTWISTLE	26:09	JM10
154	Lynsey BIRTWISTLE	26:10	VW35-39
185	Justin BIRTWISTLE	27:02	VM40-44
191	Heidi KEWIN	27:13	JW11-14
225	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	28:42	VW65-69
303	Jonathan PYE	32:16	SM25-29
319	Christine LEATHLEY	33:12	VW65-69
321	Ellisia SMEDLEY	33:13	JW10	New PB!
324	Olly PLANT	33:34	JM10	New PB!
325	Daniel PLANT	33:35	VM35-39

York parkrun – a total of 681 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
395	Helen HARRISON	27:05	VW45-49	New PB!

Oldham parkrun – a total of 271 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
60	Eileen JONES	29:54	VW65-69

Milton Keynes parkrun – a total of 462 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
59	Aaron LUNDIE	23:40	JM15-17

Carlisle parkrun – a total of 228 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
12	John WILCOCK	20:52	VM50-54
47	Stuart PROCTOR	22:54	VM35-39

Skipton parkrun – a total of 168 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
1	Tom BREWSTER	17:51	SM30-34

Pendle parkrun – a total of 101 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
	John HARTLEY	21:08	VM60-64
5	Simon WILSHAW	21:21	JM15-17
27	Dawn TERRY	25:29	VW50-54
47	Yvonne WICKHAM	29:31	VW50-54
58	Robert HIRST	31:11	VM65-69

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – a total of 258 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
55	Barry MITCHELL	23:59	VM70-74

Witton parkrun – a total of 98 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
22	Carl CAREY	25:22	VM45-49	New PB!
33	Nerina GILL	26:54	VW45-49
34	Julia RUSHTON	26:59	VW50-54
62	Judith CAREY	32:40	VW35-39	New PB!

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Feeling epic!

What a week! Big races, small races and everything in between, and, as always, you have been giving it your all. We’ve had runners at the two biggest marathons in the world and at classic Lakeland fell races. We’ve also been celebrating success at the Mid Lancs Cross Country presentations for our juniors and seniors.

MONDAY 17 APRIL

BOSTON MARATHON

It was fantastic to see that Clayton Harrier, Nerina Gill had headed over to America to take part in the iconic Boston Marathon, and especially good to have a lady runner there on the 50^th anniversary of Kathrine Switzer’s historic completion in 1967. Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon and a major force in breaking down the barriers for women endurance runners. She ran the race again this year aged 70 wearing her original number 261.

Report from Nerina Gill

I knew a few things about the Boston marathon before I went: it’s the world’s oldest continually run marathon, and entry is by qualification or charity place only; it’s almost a straight line point to point course ending in central Boston; the temperature can be anything from 10 to 30C, and while the first and last four miles are downhill, there are four hills between 16 and 21, the last of which is called Heartbreak Hill.

Well I’d qualified, so I’d earned my place at the start line, and duly arrived at Boston Common to be bussed 26 miles out to Hopkinton. It was already too warm for the disposable extra layers I’d taken with me, and by my 10.50 start the sun was decidedly hot. I decided to ignore the previous day’s email from the organisers recommending that people who weren’t acclimatised should slow down, and set off at my planned pace.

By mile 13 I was more or less on target, but my mile splits were slowing, and I knew it was just going to be about getting through in one piece.

I starting walking through every water station and concentrated on trying to dig in, and keep focussed. At the top of the first hill at mile 17 was an open fire hydrant, and I ran right through it. The water was freezing and drenched me immediately, and I felt my temperature start to come down right away. A few more of those and I began to feel better. Heartbreak Hill was long and wearying, but since I was no longer trying to run at race pace, I was able to stay fairly comfortable.

Once that was behind me I knew it was all downhill, but oh those downhills hurt after that distance, and I got very little extra speed and a nasty bout of cramp. No choice but to walk until it eased, but at least it was clouding over, and the end was in sight.

The ever present crowds became much more cosmopolitan in the city, the signs just as witty, and I was able to relax and enjoy the last couple of miles, and even speed up for the last few hundred yards.

The whole experience was one I’ll never forget, and in the end it wasn’t about the time (4 13 58, still my third fastest) but about being there, doing my first overseas marathon and being part of such an amazing event.

The one other thing people know about the Boston Marathon – it was attacked by terrorists four years ago. The phrase that came out of that was everywhere: Boston Strong. It is, and in the end, so was everyone who ran.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
184385	Nerina Gill	FV45	04:13:58

Full Results

HOLLINGWORTH LAKE 5K

A group of nine club members took part in this Bank Holiday 5K race organised by Cannonball Events. Laura Hesketh was our first finisher and second lady in the race in 18:15. Christine Egerton was 1st FV65.

Laura Hesketh racing hard at the Hollingworth Lake 5K. Photo by MP Bundy

Paul Hesketh was 17^th and 1^st V50 and David Scott and Richard Lawson were 1^st V70 and 1^stV75 respectively.

Super Vet, Richard Lawson, at the Hollingworth Lake 5K. Photo by MP Bundy

Lennon and Matthew Jackson were our 2 junior runners.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
9.	Laura Hesketh	F	0:18:15.0
17.	Paul Hesketh	MV50	0:19:02.0
32.	Lennon Jackson	MU14	0:20:22.0
58.	Matthew Jackson	MU14	0:21:37.0
86.	Michelle Abbott	FV35	0:23:27.0
95.	David Scott	MV70	0:23:50.0
137.	Richard Lawson	MV75	0:26:42.0
170.	Christine Egerton	FV65	0:29:12.0
209.	Christine Leathley	FV65	0:33:21.0

HOLLINGWORTH LAKE GOLDEN MILE FUN RUN

Senior Jack McGuire ran in the Golden Mile race along with junior runners Erin and Millie Hesketh.

Pos	Name	Sex	NetTime
33	Jack McGuire	Mv60	08:15.0
39	Erin Hesketh	FU9	08:47.0
45	Millie Hesketh	FU9	09:08.0

Full Results

WOODLANDS 5K TRAIL RACE

Report from Mick Hughes

After contemplating a few other races that weekend I stumbled across this little race and thought what a fantastic cause – a local couple adding to their London Marathon fundraising for Pancreatic Cancer by staging this 5k trail in Clayton. It would have been a shame to not represent the Harriers there.

Mick Hughes with his prizes at the Woodlands Trail Race

The course was a loop starting beside the track and heading onto trail through the woodlands then more challenging climbs and rough little descents and twisting turns through the thicker woodland on the other side of the track. There was a good turnout of mixed ages / abilities and I thought I’d test the faster group by staying with the front 2 from the off, I was behind a younger quicker lad most of the way but lead briefly for half a lap. After 2 and a half laps (5k) I had managed to win a tussle for 3rd with a local Preston club runner. Upping my pace on the final half I managed to keep third as the gap to fourth place widened. 3rd place meant a first podium position ever for me, a 21 minute finish and the prize of Easter chocolate (of course!) and other goodies. I made a good donation to help their fund and was very happy to come in for my first ‘3rd position finish’ for a very worthy cause and especially at Clayton Le Moors

TUESDAY 18 APRIL

PETER ERHARDT COWM RESERVOIR 5K

A trio of Harriers took part in the Peter Erhardt Cowm Reservoir 5K race. John Roche was our first finisher in 20 minutes dead in 21^st place over all and 1^st MV55.Irene Roche was our first lady finisher in 40^th place with a time of 22:43. Julia Rushton completed the team in 45^th place and 23:28. A total of 81 runners took part.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
21	J. Roche	MV55	20;00
40	Irene Roche	FV55	22:43
45	Julia Rushton	FV50	23:28

Full Results

BUNNY RUN 3

Eight Clayton Harriers took part in the third and final Bunny Run in the popular series organised by Woodentops. Our first finisher was junior runner Jackson McKay who was 30^th overall and 2^nd U15 male.

Jackson McKay giving the seniors a run for their money! Photo by Woodentops

James Boult was our first senior finisher in 63^rd place. Beth Quinn was our first lady runner in 227^th place.

Report from Beth Quinn

On Tuesday night 9 Harriers made the trip over to Haworth to take on the last of the three Bunny Runs. It was a perfect night for the 2.6 miles around Penistone Quarry and we each set off hunting down a fast time.

Beth Quinn at the Bunny Run race. Photo by Woodentops

Several of us, including Wayne, James and myself, managed to take a minute at least off last weeks time. Everyone ran well and was rewarded with Soup and Tiger bread back at the pub, overall it was an enjoyable mid week race.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
30	Jackson McKay	U15	17:37
63	James Boult	M	19:11
185	Wayne McIntosh	M	23:52
208	Carl Carey	MV40	25:09
227	Beth Quinn	F	26:20
232	Stephen Fish	MV60	26:36
280	Christine Egerton	FV60	33:36
281	Judith Carey	F	33:40
286	Christine Leathley	FV60	37:18

Full Results

WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL

LOUGHRIGG FELL RACE

Our condolences go to the family and friends of the runner who tragically collapsed and died during the running of this race.

Seven seasoned Clayton fell runners travelled up to the Lake District to take part in this 4 mile fell race with 1083ft of ascent organised by Ambleside AC.

Mark Nutter was our first finisher in 98^th place overall. Wendy Dodds was our sole lady runner in 135^th place and 1^st FV60.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
98	Mark Nutter	MV50	36:48
107	Ivan Whigham	MV50	37:50
135	Wendy Dodds	FV60	40:30
140	Andrew Howarth	MV50	41:47
160	Andrew Firth	MV50	43:50
161	Andrew Dugdale	MV50	43:57
167	Peter Dugdale	MV60	44:40

Full Results

FRIDAY 21 APRIL

MID LANCS LEAGUE PRESENTATION

The Mid Lancs League held their annual presentation evening and celebrated success in this year’s cross country League. The club picked up some team awards and also some individual awards.

Top Row: Mick Hughes, Michelle Abbott, Irene Roche
Bottom Row: U15 Girls – Natasha Olszewska, Millie Stubbs and Briony Holt

Team Awards

Gold for the U11 Boys Team and the U15 Girls Team

Silver for the Vet 55 Ladies

Bronze for the Vet 35 Ladies, Senior Men, Senior Men ‘B’ Team, Vet 40 Men and Vet 50 Men

Individual Medals

Gold for Dexta Thompson in the U11 Boys, Silver for Briony Holt in the U15 girls and Silver for Irene Roche in the Vet55 Ladies.

Well done to all our members that took part in this year’s cross country competitions.

Final Standings in Full

SATURDAY 22 APRIL

ANNIVERSARY WALTZ FELL RACE

Wendy Dodds, Chris Funnell, Chris Snell, James Williamson, Wayne McIntosh, Neil Hardiman, Barbara Savage, Simon Stansfield, and David Nield were on the entry list for the 21st Anniversary Waltz Fell Race. This is an 11.5 mile fell race with 3600 feet of ascent and covers the Newlands Valley Horseshoe in the Lake District.

James Williamson at the Anniversary Waltz fell race. Photo by Woodentops

Report from Wayne McIntosh

Headed up to Newlands once again to take on an early season classic, 11.6 miles and 4000′ of the Newlands Horseshoe just outside Keswick. Lovely spring temperatures meant only a vest and shorts were needed and even a splash of Baz Luhrman (sunscreen) was needed on my sparsely populated head!! We got away on time and set of on the largely trail start in the shadow of Catbells towards the first climb of the day, Robinson.

Wayne McIntosh at the Anniversary Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

I opted for a different tact up here and took a line that had tempted me over the last couple of years, heading right as soon as you get through the fell gate. This worked out well as I cut out in front of Babs (Barbara Savage) who I generally consider a stronger climber than me.

Barbara Savage at the Anniversary Waltz fell race. Photo by Woodentops

It also broke the climb into two halves and gave my legs some recovery. I felt pretty strong from this point and was happy to be picking off runners all day to come home in 2.38 and a massive PB around this course, a 16 minute gain on last year and leaves the 3.14 of 2013 a distant memory. Saw a good few Clayton about on the day and a special mention to James Williamson who finished 32nd overall, a great achievement in a reported field of over 500.

AWAITING RESULTS

ANNIVERSARY WA!

Report from Alan Dorrrington

It was a fully-loaded, full fat version of the Junior FRA series up and over Cat Bells this weekend. Lakeland races tend to be steeper, rockier and rather bigger than our local moors and fells, and the courses at this round were no exception.

Juniors racing at the Anniversary Wa! Photo by Alan Dorrington

Starting straight from the pen up a 45 degree slope, the first climb (for the U11 and upwards) up Skelgill Bank was nearly 600ft, before the ridge towards Cat Bells was reached. It had many competitors on all fours by the top, and for the U15/U17/19 races was a mere warm up before the big climb and scramble up to the Cat Bells summit. The U13 racers had peeled off before this final climb enjoying a wickedly fast grassy descent all the way to the finish, at breakneck speed. The U15/U17/U19s, all running the same course, descended round the back of Cat Bells on a fabulous single track path before (rather cruelly) having to climb back up another 250ft before their final descent. That final climb was torture, even for the strongest competitors and I’ve never seen so many juniors at their absolute limit. It was a true test of fell running ability, and though I seem to be saying this regularly these days, was the hardest course I’ve seen juniors have to tackle.

No matter, our Clayton Juniors were in sparkling form, matching the Lakeland weather. Jenson Bentham looked strong over the ridge to the turn and blazed the descent to take 5th in the U13B race, a fabulous result. Christopher Brown was running strong too and making full use of his descending ability, bagged 15th spot.

Christopher Brown in the U13 Race. Photo by Alan Dorrington

Ella Dorrington had a really strong race, taking places on the scramble to the summit and pacing her effort well to run the second half of the final climb while many around her walked, beating many of the older girls in the U15G race. Briony Holt also had her usual strong performance, revelling in the steep terrain and long climbs to finish well to the fore of the U17G race.

Ella Dorrington in the U15 race.

Report from Briony Holt

The third round of the FRA series was held in Keswick at the foot of Catbells, a 450m mountain along the side of Derwent Water. The forecast was saying snow and sleet however, what we did get was nothing like that; sunny spells with a some wind at the summit! Unusual day for the Lake District in April!

Briony Holt in the U17 Race. Photo by Alan Dorrington

Having walked the route the week before, it was a lot steeper than I remembered, starting straight up the west edge to the walkers path at the top, over on to the summit and back down the west edge in to the finish in the town of Skegill. Despite all of my efforts in walking the course previously, I still managed to go the wrong way!

Prior to the race, I was expecting a good result as this course was perfect to my strengths (steep, long and narrow). However, due to having a bad start, I left myself too much to catch up on during the race. I came 3rd U17 girl which to be honest isn’t a position I can complain about! Maybe my strengths have changed a little bit since a year ago. Just to finish this race was an achievement, especially the younger juniors who had to climb a similar height as the under 19’s! Despite not coming in the position I wanted, I absolutely loved the course especially the FREE meat and potato or after the race. Onwards and upwards to the next one!

U13 Race

Pos	Name	Time
5	Jenson Bentham	11:11
15	Christopher Brown	12:15

U15 Race

Pos	Name	Time
41	Ella Dorrington	40:59

U17 Race

Pos	Name	Time
21	Briony Holt	37:10

Full Results

WRAY SCARECROW 10KJ

SUNDAY 23 APRIL

BLACKPOOL MARATHON & HALF MARATHON

Marathon Results

James Dunderdale and Stephanie Hawke took part in the Blackpool Marathon which usually runs on the same day as the London Marathon.

Report from James Dunderdale

I took on my very first 26.2 miler in 2016 at the Manchester Asics Marathon and it couldn’t have gone any worse than it did. I got stuck in traffic jams, started an hour late, had to run 2km to the start line and set off forgetting to take my glasses off. All this aside, my entry last year was a hasty decision and I went in to this race very under prepared and it showed.

This year I lined up at Blackpool having learned from some of my mistakes and things went a lot smoother. I won’t lie and say I followed a training programme and I never trained beyond 13 miles due to boredom – but I was more aware of preparation and my body’s limitations and didn’t try and set off at 10k pace like last year!

So there I was lined up on the start mat running with my Clayton vest, compression socks and a hydration backpack full of gels and McDonald fries for energy. My race plan was simple… stick to my own pace, don’t get carried away and forget the word ‘marathon‘, it’s just long run day! I was expecting myself to be out there for some time so to combat the boredom I took some music to help the miles fly and while I had checked that earphones were permitted, this created problems on its own. My dear wife had planned a surprise play list full of rock and cheesy power ballads (think AC/DC, Meatloaf and Aerosmith) for the long run ahead, however having borrowed the MP3 player off a friend’s 10 year old daughter and not deleting her music first I spent the next few hours listening to hits from One direction, Take That, Cher and What does the fox say? If looks could kill..!

James Dunderdale at the Blackpool Marathon.

I was soon knocking the miles down with fear in me that people could hear what was coming from my earphones. My pace was steady and I was feeling confident as I took in the sights of Blackpool. I passed the Tower, Sandcastle, Pleasure Beach and quite literally the hundreds of B&Bs along the front. I’d say this was good the first time but as the course was two laps of the seafront between Bispham and south Blackpool the next three times I passed them saw the appeal fade. All too quickly I discovered that I’m not a fan of loops whether it was in the running sense or the roller coasters thundering around above me. The weather was unusually nice for Blackpool and the crowds looked bewildered that a race was carrying on around them but they behaved and some were inspired enough to whip their tops off and run a few yards beside us with the beer bellies proudly slapping up and down. You couldn’t get upset at this after all… it’s the north and you’re in Blackpool!

The bag of cold McDonalds fries came in handy and kept me topped up with energy longer than I expected. I was within the last 10km before I started to decline and had to dig in and focus. Each and every mile after seemed to go on longer. The sun started to batter me more as the marathon became less of a run and more of a plod along and any small incline became another battle. The 26 mile marker was a real relief and the finish line which was hidden by one last slope. The same thought poured into my head as the Manchester Marathon… never again, but who knows? I got round in 3hrs 55min knocking an hour and a half off last year’s effort. With some real training and the temptation of the big one in London, this PB could be just another milestone.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
118	James Dunderdale	M	3:55:59.7
225	Stephanie Hawke	LV35	4:05:37.2

Half Marathon Results

Four Club member took on the half marathon course. First finisher was Paul Foster was new member Paul Foster in a borrowed shirt! He was our first runner and finished in 1:34:40 in 64^th place. Double act Michelle Abbott and Cassie Smedley finished within a couple of seconds of each other 1:46:30 and 1:42:32 respectively, despite a tumble by Michelle at the 7K point. Lucy Scott completed our quartet in 385^th place and a time of 1:58:30.

Report from Paul Foster

Although this was my second Blackpool Half Marathon, it was my first ever event as a member of Clayton le Moors Harriers, and despite valiant attempts by Deborah Greenwood to get me a race vest in time, the delivery didn’t come in time for Sunday so it was Mick Hughes to the rescue, lending me his race top for the day.

Paul Foster at the Blackpool Half Marathon

Blackpool is obviously a flat course, but it is always the weather that dictates whether it’s a tough race or not. Come St Georges Day and it was beautiful sunshine and only a gentle breeze along the Lancashire coastline, and a big friendly turnout for the 3 events taking place; the Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k.

I much prefer this event that follows the promenade (closed to traffic for the events) down to the South Shore and back, to the Great North West route earlier in the year, and I had a really good run, coming home with a PB by 4 minutes and 9th in my age group, even though I was really feeling it over the last few miles; something I need to work on!

It was great to be able to wave to fellow Clayton runners out on the course and the support, as always at this event was really good too. A new experience for me though was hearing shouts of “Come on Clayton” from spectators, which made me feel like a proper runner!

There are always ‘sights’ in Blackpool, and this year was no exception, seeing people checking out of their hotels and B&Bs looking worse for wear as you and a few thousand others happily trot past, but this year I had to smile as I passed a group of people waiting patiently for the lights to change at a pedestrian crossing near the tower so they could get across the road. There was no traffic other than runners because the road was closed for the event – I don’t think any runners stopped at the red light!

My next half marathon event is Leeds on Sunday 14th May.

Report from Cassie Smedley

What an eventful HM in Blackpool. The weather was great and the atmosphere was brilliant. With there being a 10k, HM and Full matathon there were lots of people. Me and Michelle set off well, on course for a sub 1hr 40. However, 7k in Michelle decided to take too much interest in what the pavement looked like!

Dynamic Duo Cassie Smedley and Michelle Abbot at the Blackpool Half Marathon

Pure grit and determination to finish, and a lots of encouragement and dragging Michelle along by me kept us going. Still a great time of 1hr 46. Brilliant support from the spectators and marshalls as always. Bring on the next adventure!

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
64	Paul Foster	MV45	1:34:40.6
194	Michelle Abbott	LV35	1:46:30.4
197	Cassandra Smedley	LV35	1:46:32.2
385	Lucy Scott	L	1:58:30.4

Full Results

BOLTON ONE MILE RACE

Jack McGuire was our sole runner in this one mile race. He finished in 16th place with a time of 7:28. A total of 90 runners took part

Full Results

MYND DRAGON FELL RACE

Mark Nutter was our sole runner in this 5.7 mile fell race with 2789ft of ascent organised by Mercia Fell Runners. He finished in 18th place overall with a time of 58:59 and was 1st MV55.

Mark Nutter in the Mynd Dragon fell race. Photo by Graham Spencer

Full Results

VIRGIN MONEY LONDON MARATHON

On a glorious day 10 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers were in London for the start of the world’s biggest marathon. Dan Plant was our first finisher in 3:05:51. Jon Cleaver finished soon after in 3:08:40. Lynsey Birtwistle was our first lady finisher and she was delighted to crack the 4 hour mark on her third London Marathon. As always our club members rose to the occasion and their hard work over the winter months paid off with some great times. Well done to all of you!

L-R Lynsey Birtwistle, Jane Hyland, Dan Plant, Jane Ellis and Clare Wilson

L-R Lynsey Birtwistle, Jane Hylands , Dan Plant, Lisa Ellis and Clare Wilson

Report from Lynsey Birtwistle

This was my third year and once again I managed a PB and finally the broke the elusive 4 hours! I set off in a quicker pen than last year and, even though you try not to, you do get carried away with the pace. I was going well till about 17 miles then it got tough! I managed to keep up good for age pace until the dreaded 20 miles then the wall came! I had to have several words with myself and I could feel 4 hours slipping away from me. I had to dig so deep in the last couple miles.

As I approached the mall my watch turned to 3:59 I had to sprint to the finish to come in at 3:59:34 a 6 minute PB! Last year I said never again but thank goodness I did! 3 is the magic number. Massive congrats to Dan plant also for running the race of his life and getting good for age

Report from Dan Plant

After getting lucky with a ballot place I was determined to make this marathon count. We got to the race village and there was a buzzing atmosphere and the nerves kicked in big time.

Dan Plant at the London Marathon

As the race started I tried sticking just behind the 3 hour pacer but he was really up on the pace so I just ran my own race trying to stick at 6.45s and even shocked myself how long I held it for . The fatigue started to kick in about 22 miles but I kept thinking the GFA time was on! I managed a sprint finish. Finishing 9 seconds under the GFA in 3.05; this is a massive achievement for me achieving a 13 min PB and 22 mins faster than last year. Thanks to all the Clayton runners for the support. Well done everyone some fantastic results!!

Report from Lisa Ellis

When I started running last winter, Running a Marathon was never my top priority but I did tell myself if I got the opportunity to run the London Marathon then I’d take it, after all some people wait years and still don’t get in.

Lisa Ellis and Jane Hylands with their finishers medals.

The training was tough but so glad it did and although I didn’t pressure myself to a specific time I’m more than happy with the result as it turned out to be a hot run for most of us.

Massive thank you to the Clayton Family for the opportunity and the support, you’re all amazing!

Report from Jon Cleaver

This was my second attempt at London having ran 03:20 there in 2013. I met Dan early morning at the tube station and we went on to meet Lynsey to go onto Blackheath. I must admit I was pretty nervous on the day as I didn’t know how my legs would respond after running sub 3 just weeks before.

I started in pen 1 which was a luxury and off we went at 10:01. My legs didn’t feel brilliant from the off and it doesn’t help that it’s so busy that getting into a groove is nearly impossible for the first 10 miles for fear of tripping someone or you getting tripped. I ran the first half in 01:27 which was on plan, but I knew I couldn’t hold it for much longer. Dan came alongside me around the half way point running like a machine and it was great to see a familiar face, that didn’t last for long however as he left me for dust after about a mile. At that point I reset my expectations and just wanted to finish in a respectable time.

L-R Dan Plant, Lynsey Birtwistle and Jon Cleaver

Slowing down actually let me take in a lot more of what was going on and the crowds were amazing 5 people deep in places. Seeing Justin a number of times on the route spurred us on and our families at Buckingham Palace. I actually got a second wind about mile 23 but by then it was too late to try for good for age. Dan Plant deserves a mention he has grafted like you would not believe over the last 4 months and I’ve taken him on some brutal long hilly training runs and I have never heard him complain! He smashed his PB and got good for age which means he is guaranteed a spot next year. Top guy, top training partner and top result – I knew he’d do it

Pos	Name	Cat	Half time	Finish Time
2425	Plant, Daniel	18-39	01:29:03	03:04:51
2856	Cleaver, Jonathan	18-39	01:28:19	03:08:40
4604	Cran, Alexander	45-49	01:33:50	03:20:13
4069	Hogan, Michael	45-49	01:35:42	03:16:58
11649	White, Colin	40-44	01:48:51	03:54:38
13234	Birtwistle, Lynsey Jeanetye	18-39	01:54:11	03:59:34
20765	Ellis, Lisa	18-39	02:11:27	04:30:35
24633	Wilson, Clare	18-39	02:15:30	04:46:04
27454	Hylands, Jane	45-49	02:20:03	04:58:04
29282	Naylor, Philip	18-39	02:22:19	05:07:05

Full Results

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Burnley parkrun – A total of 410 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
6	Richard STEVENSON	17:54	VM40-44	New PB!
7	Andy LAYCOCK	17:56	SM20-24
9	Jonathan PYE	18:01	SM25-29
12	Nicholas HENNESSEY	18:25	JM15-17	New PB!
13	Chris SNELL	18:26	VM35-39
14	Kevin DAVIES	18:29	VM55-59
15	Josh HALL	18:32	JM15-17	New PB!
18	Jackson MCKAY	18:59	JM11-14
24	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	19:58	JM15-17
27	David MOYNIHAN	20:15	VM50-54	New PB!
32	Lennon JACKSON	20:49	JM11-14
43	Alison DUGDALE	21:32	VW45-49	New PB!
44	Donna RILEY	21:33	VW50-54
47	Michael STEVENS	21:45	JM11-14
48	Martin BRADY	21:49	VM55-59
65	Harry SMITH	22:20	JM10
67	Charlie BARNES	22:32	JM10
70	Chris LAWRENCE	22:34	VM50-54
71	Millie STUBBS	22:34	JW11-14
72	Sophie ASHWORTH	22:35	JW11-14
91	Aaron LUNDIE	23:25	JM15-17
96	David Ian SCOTT	23:31	VM70-74
103	Sarah ANGELONE	23:53	SW30-34
105	Julie DAWES	23:58	VW45-49
110	Dawn TERRY	24:13	VW50-54
119	Bethany WHEATCROFT	24:34	JW11-14
128	Kian ADAMS	25:09	JM10	New PB!
130	Bryn BARNES	25:10	VM65-69
138	John WILCOCK	25:32	VM50-54
144	Annabel WILCOCK	25:40	JW15-17
155	Ian HARGREAVES	26:01	VM50-54
158	Melanie HIRST	26:05	VW40-44	New PB!
163	Imogen FERGUSON	26:07	JW11-14
197	Helen HARRISON	27:10	VW45-49
200	Beth QUINN	27:13	SW18-19
257	Darcey HIRST	29:15	JW10
262	Robert HIRST	29:35	VM65-69
300	Heidi KEWIN	31:22	JW11-14

Burnley Junior parkrun – A total of 75 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
4	Michael STEVENS	7:53	JM11-14	New PB!
13	Bethany WHEATCROFT	9:01	JW11-14
15	Imogen FERGUSON	9:03	JW11-14	New PB!
16	Kady THOMPSON	9:05	JW10	New PB!
22	Brayden CLARKSON	9:50	JM10
29	Darcey HIRST	10:42	JW10
50	Emily JOHNSON	12:38	JW10

Congleton parkrun – A total of 224 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Jacob WATSON	17:21	SM30-34	First Timer!

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 227 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
131	Eileen JONES	29:28	VW65-69

Pendle parkrun – A total of 90 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Paul HESKETH	19:48	VM50-54	New PB!
3	Simon WILSHAW	20:30	JM15-17	New PB!
7	John HARTLEY	21:10	VM60-64
25	Barry MITCHELL	24:53	VM70-74
59	Yvonne WICKHAM	30:19	VW50-54
60	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	30:24	VW65-69

Witton parkrun – A total of 98 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
16	Carl CAREY	25:54	VM45-49	New PB!
20	Katy THOMPSON	26:22	VW60-64
23	Paul THOMPSON	26:31	VM45-49
58	Judith CAREY	33:34	VW35-39	First Timer!

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Grinds, Bunnies and Horseshoes

The lighter nights are here and midweek evening races are coming back so lots of you are racing 2 or 3 times a week now. This week saw the first British Fell Championship race in Northern Ireland and some Lakeland fell running debuts. There’s also been some super fast racing at the Fastrax, Cowm and Littleborough 5K races. Plus trail running and some parkrun tourism.

TUESDAY 4 APRIL

BUNNY RUN 1

269 runners lined up on a sunny Tuesday evening on Penistone Hill near Haworth to take part in the first of the popular Bunny Run series organised by the irrepressible Woodentops. Three Clayton Ladies ran.

Christine Egerton at the Bunny Run Race. Photo by Woodentops

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
199	Dawn Terry	FV50	26:40
266	Christine Leathley	FV60	37:09
267	Christine Egerton	FV60	37:29

Full Results

WEDNESDAY 5 APRIL

GRISEDALE GRIND

Andrew Firth was our sole representative in this 2.5 mile race with 1575ft of ascent organised by Keswick AC.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
97	Andrew Firth	MV50	00:41:48

Full Results

JOE SALT MEMORIAL COWM 5K

A dozen Clayton Harriers took part in this midweek 5K race. Laura Hesketh was the first Clayton finisher and first Lady runner in the race, 4th place overall, with a time of 17:48. Stephen Green was our next finisher in 19^th place and 1^st MV60. Cassie Smedley was 1^st L35 and Irene Roche was 1^st L55

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
4	Laura Hesketh	FS	17.48
19	S. Green	MV60	19.47
25	L. Jackson	MJ	20.36
37	A. Lundie	MJ	22.01
38	Cassie Smedley	FV35	22.09
41	Michelle Abbott	FV35	22.3
45	Irene Roche	FV55	22.39
52	Nina Kewin	FV35	23.15
55	Julia Rushton	FV50	23.42
66	Heidi Kewin	FJ	25.43
68	Jane Hylands	FV45	25.57
77	Julie Taylor	FV55	28.46

Full Results

LITTLEBOROUGH 5K

Julie Dawes was our sole runner in the first of the Littleborough 5K race series. She finished in 79^th place with a time of 0:25:16

Full Results

SATURDAY 8 APRIL

COLEDALE HORSESHOE

Another dozen Clayton runners took to the Lakeland fells for the Coledale Horseshoe fell race. Matt Perry had a fantastic run to be our first finisher in 14^th place overall, confidently holding his own amongst some top level fell runners.

Matt Perry at the Coledale Horseshoe Fell Race. Photo by Paul Dobson

Next in was Andrew Laycock in 38^th place. Dave Motley also put in a strong performance fresh from the Manchester marathon last Saturday. Teresa de Curtis and Sarah Helliwell were representing the ladies and were both taking on a Lakeland fell race for the first time.

Sarah Helliwell loving her first Lakeland fell race. Photo by Paul Dobson

Report from Teresa de Curtis

This weekend saw a group of Clayton members running the high fells of the Lake District and some making great times.

The Coledale Horseshoe from Braithewaite near Keswick is an 8.5 mile route with 3300 feet of ascent or thereabouts. This was mine and Sarah Helliwell’s first Lakeland race and both of us had plenty of pre-race nerves. Unfortunately, for Sarah, she had succumbed to the end of term lurgy and had been struggling with a bad cold all week but being made of tough stuff she was determined to compete.

Teresa de Curtis in action at the Coledale Horseshoe fell race. Photo by Paul DobsonFull

On the day, the conditions were good, clear skies and plenty of warm sunshine (not always a runner’s friend). Sarah and I started off at a very comfortable pace but due to a major bottle neck at the beginning of the first ascent, we were at a standstill for 2 or 3 minutes according to Strava and ‘Strava never lies!’ (Donna Airey, 2017)

The first daunting climb was 2000 feet and 2 miles long up to Grizedale Pike! Part way up Sarah was struggling with her chest and told me to go on. It felt like forever reaching the summit but the run off was worth it and once you commit yourself and as Andy Firth says – empty your mind, it’s surprising how many less confident descenders you end up passing. There was a great rocky scramble through scree and crags up to Eel Crag and you had to be careful of the loose rock.

The final descent, approximately a mile long, was great fun if you love descending, and once again, I managed to sail pass quite a few runners.

I finished the race in 2hrs and 3mins, according to my watch, and waited for Sarah at the finish line. Unfortunately, John Sharples informed us that Dominic Carr had taken a tumble and had a suspected broken finger. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Dominic.

As always, the camaraderie and support from fellow Claytoners and runners from other clubs was fantastic. A female runner came and shook my hands and congratulated me on my descending and nicknamed me the Demon Descender. Pretty darn chuffed with that (she didn’t mention my ascending though – oh well never mind eh?)

As quoted by Sarah Helliwell, “Coledale Horseshoe – cracking race, weather and a beautiful part of the lakes!” What more could you ask for?

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
14	Matt Perry	MS	01:20:19
38	Andrew Laycock	MS	01:27:29
46	Dave Motley	MS	01:28:58
52	Kirt Livesey	MV40	01:29:55
93	Dominic Carr	MV40	01:37:54
133	Jon Sharples	MV60	01:43:00
202	Chris Funnell	MV50	01:53:44
219	Chris Whiteoak	MS	01:58:24
238	Andrew Firth	MV50	02:01:46
243	Teresa de Curtis	LV40	02:03:05
267	David Nield	MV50	02:06:11
310	Sarah Helliwell	L	02:18:04

Full Results

DONARD CHALLENGE

The Donard Challenge is the first race of the British Fell Running Championships. There are four races in each participating nation and the Donard Challenge is in Northern Ireland. A quartet of Harriers travelled to take part.

Paul Hesketh at the Donard Challenge. Photo by Richard Cowan

Pos	Name	CaT	Time
118	Neil Hardiman	MV40	01:17:52
128	Paul Hesketh	MV50	01:19:10
200	Wendy Dodds	FV60	01:30:31
236	Barbara Savage	FV50	01:44:19

Full Results

WARDLE SKYLINE

A few Clayton vests spotted on photos of this 7 mile fell race with 1250ft of ascent organised by Rochdale Harriers.

No results are available as yet but Andrew Walmsley, Robert Hirst, Stephen Fish, Chris Snell and Peter Coates are in some of the photos.

Awaiting Results

SUNDAY 9 APRIL

3 VILLAGE 10

Report from Jonathan Pye

Starting in Wetherall in the sleepy Cumbrian countryside, the 3 villages 10 mile road race should probably be renamed 5×2 road race because it’s two five mile laps around (wait for it) 3 Cumbrian villages. The race seemed to attract quite a few keen runners from the border county clubs and I wouldn’t have found out about it had Jonathan Cox of Eden Valley runners fame not mentioned it to me the day before. I set off like a fool and did the first three miles at 5:55 pace before discovering that this road race involved those pesky things called hills. The climbs were hardly steep but more lengthy and persistent and I found myself needing a second wind (non existent in the sunshine) at the halfway stage. Despite my naive and naughty fast start I still hit my target of sub 70 minutes coming home around the 1:08 mark. An enjoyable outing for a man who regards anything further than 5k as the devil’s plaything.

Awaiting Results

FASTRAX 2K

Some excellent results for our junior runners in the Fastrax 2K race with Lennon Jackson taking the win and Helana White first girl and 4^th overall.

Clayton Juniors at the Fastrax 2K race with coach Marion Wilkinson. Photo by Woodentops

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
1	Lennon Jackson	M13	(001/001)	00:07:37
2	Matthew Jackson	M11	(001/001)	00:07:54
4	Helana White	F10	(001/002)	00:08:07
7	Charlie Barnes	M8	(002/004)	00:09:10
12	Imogen Ferguson	F11	(001/001)	00:09:43
14	Darcey Hurst	F8	(001/003)	00:10:13
15	Ellisia Smedley	F8	(002/003)	00:11:49

Full Results

FASTRAX 5K

A great run from Jacob Watson who battled Trawden’s Nick Gaskell to take the win at this flat and fast 5k race.

Jacob Watson powering to the finish. Photo by Woodentops

Our junior runners Nick Hennessey and Stanley Grewal put in strong performances amongst a competitive group of young runners.

Nick Hennessey doing it in style at the Fastrax 5K. Photo by Bryn Barnes

John Hartley continues his great form to finish in 16^th place and 1^st Vet60.

Supervet John Hartley at the Fastrax 5K. Photo by Woodentops

Amanda Duffy was our first lady finisher in 29^th overall and 2^nd F35.

Amanda Duffy making it look effortless at the Fastrax 5K. Photo by Woodentops

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
1	Jacob Watson	MS	(001/008)	00:16:49
12	Nicholas Hennessey	MJ	(004/007)	00:18:44
16	John Hartley	M60	(001/003)	00:19:43
18	Stanley Grewal	MJ	(006/007)	00:19:52
25	Richard Briscoe	MS	(008/008)	00:21:04
29	Amanda Duffy	F35	(002/003)	00:21:26
32	Michelle Abbott	F35	(003/003)	00:22:04
42	Jack McGuire	M60	(003/003)	00:29:49

Full Results

FLEETWOOD 10K

A trio of Clayton Harriers took part in the Fleetwood 10K. The race runs along Fleetwood’s Outer Promenade and Esplanade with great views over Morecambe Bay and is a flat and fast course. Dan Plant was our first finisher in 10^th place with a time of 39:22 followed by James Dunderdale in 18^th place and 43:02. Lucy Scott was our sole lady runner and she was 80^th in 53:05. A total of 231 runners took part.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
10	Daniel Plant	M	39:22.2
18	James Dunderdale	M	43:02.6
80	Lucy Scott	L	53:05.0

Full Results

RADCLIFFE 10K MULTI-TERRAIN RACE

Martin and Kath Brady took part in this 10K multi-terrain race. Martin was 72^nd in 49:18 and Kath was 141^st in 56:25. A total of 254 runners took part.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
72	Martin Brady	M55	49:18
141	Kath Brady	F50	56:25

Full Results

RIVINGTON 10M TRAIL CHALLENGE

Organised by Mad Bull Events this race follows a beautiful and scenic route from the Bowling Green in Rivington village and heads out alongside Anglezarke Reservoir towards White Coppice. It then follows the path to Wheelton Plantation up through the woods and out at the top following a trail up and around back down to White Coppice and on to Rivington.

Three Harriers took part. Ludovic Salsmann was our first finisher in 118^th place. Dawn Terry was our first lady finisher in 133^rd place and Julia Rushton was 173^rd. A total of 255 runners took part.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
118	Ludovic Salsmann	V40	1:39:01
133	Dawn Terry	F50	1:41:26
173	Julia Rushton	F50	1:48:53

Full Results

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Banstead Woods parkrun – A total of 186 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
85	Katy THOMPSON	25:27	VW60-64	First Timer!

Brueton parkrun – A total of 477 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
263	Helen HARRISON	27:55	VW45-49	First Timer!

Burnley parkrun – A total of 391 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
4	Nicholas HENNESSEY	18:59	JM15-17
7	Josh HALL	19:12	JM15-17
21	Lennon JACKSON	20:15	JM11-14	New PB!
28	Robbie SMEDLEY	20:31	JM11-14	New PB!
32	Adam STEVENSON	20:40	JM11-14	New PB!
38	Kevin DAVIES	20:59	VM55-59
46	Nick ROSCOE	21:30	VM45-49
52	Matthew JACKSON	21:47	JM11-14
55	Helana WHITE	22:02	JW10
64	Chris LAWRENCE	22:22	VM50-54	New PB!
67	Martin BRADY	22:29	VM55-59
69	Charlie BARNES	22:32	JM10	New PB!
78	Carl CAREY	23:02	VM45-49
86	Michelle ABBOTT	23:23	VW35-39
87	Cassandra Darling SMEDLEY	23:26	VW35-39
93	Nina KEWIN	23:42	VW35-39
95	David Ian SCOTT	23:44	VM70-74
111	Aaron LUNDIE	24:16	JM15-17
112	Jake ANFORTH	24:17	JM10
114	Julie DAWES	24:23	VW45-49
115	Sarah ANGELONE	24:27	SW30-34
125	Brian WILDMAN	24:46	VM50-54
142	Richard LAWSON	25:22	VM75-79
153	Beth QUINN	25:59	SW18-19
170	Annabel WILCOCK	26:29	JW15-17
198	Deborah GREENWOOD	27:43	VW45-49
208	Donna SCOTT	28:08	VW50-54
213	Charlie PLANT	28:17	JW10
214	Daniel PLANT	28:17	VM35-39
231	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	28:43	VW65-69
241	Darcey HIRST	29:11	JW10
242	Heidi KEWIN	29:12	JW11-14
244	Ron CHAPPELL	29:16	VM65-69
281	Judith CAREY	31:03	VW35-39
348	Ellisia SMEDLEY	35:45	JW10

Conwy parkrun – A total of 288 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
72	Sophie ASHWORTH	24:27	JW11-14	First Timer!

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 131 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
126	Robin PRICE	36:02	VM70-74

Pendle parkrun – A total of 105 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	David WALKER	18:42	VM35-39	New PB!
9	John HARTLEY	21:27	VM60-64
33	Barry MITCHELL	24:51	VM70-74

Penrith parkrun – A total of 186 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
5	Jonathan PYE	18:40	SM25-29	New PB!

Skipton parkrun – A total of 187 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
2	Tom BREWSTER	17:53	SM30-34

South Manchester parkrun – A total of 339 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
225	Yvonne WICKHAM	27:32	VW50-54	First Timer!

Witton parkrun – A total of 80 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
10	David MOYNIHAN	22:23	VM50-54
24	Paul THOMPSON	26:28	VM45-49	New PB!
25	Nerina GILL	27:19	VW45-49

ByAlan Dorrington

Up hills, down dales and round the streets

It’s nearly the Easter holidays but there is no let up to your racing action. The fell season is in full swing now with County Championship medals among the successes this week, as well as a batch of PBs for our road devotees reaping the rewards of their winter training in the warmer weather. With some mountain orienteering and aquathloning (is that a word?) thrown in for good measure, it’s the usual diverse roundup of racing, results and rumbustious fun that you lot always seem to have.

Tuesday

Pete Hartley Memorial fell race – Liver Hill

This popular mid week fell race escaped the wintry conditions of last year that saw marshalls struggling with hypothermia and was run off in reasonable, if boggy conditions this time.

Karl Steinegger of Ambleside AC was first home in 34:47 and first of the twelve Clayton runners back was Peter Coates.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
5	Peter Coates	V40	36:38
14	Chris Snell	SEN	38:47
20	Ryan Wilkinson	Sen	41:04
21	Neil Hardiman	V45	41:12
44	Ivan Whigham	V55	44:15
47	Mark Nutter	V55	45:13
60	Richard Briscoe	SEN	49:12
67	Andrew Howarth	V55	49:45
76	Darren Rushton	V45	51:04
79	Colin Woolford	V40	51:29
85	Barbara Savage	LV50	52:20
110	Stephen Fish	V60	58:39

Sole Clayton Junior in the Junior races was Ella Dorrington who was 1st U13G and 7th overall in the U13s race.

Full results

Wednesday

The Colin & Brenda Robinson Cowm 5k, Whitworth

The Club Road Championships continued midweek in Whitworth for the Cowm 5k in less than ideal conditions. A large contingent of Clayton runners braved the weather, with 15th placed James Boult leading them home.

Race report from James Boult:

A wet and blustery night set the scene for the second race in the 2017 Road Championships, with two laps of the scenic Cowm reservoir in Rochdale making it a fast, furious course. With a good Clayton turnout assembled on the start line and the absence of the big guns in play we quickly realised that 50 points were up for grabs and 5 of us stood a good chance of taking them home. Setting off bang on 7 a small incline leads onto the first of two laps, with me, Dan Plant and Recce Lawrence leading the way. Moving to the top of the pack I made sure I stuck at a comfortable pace for the first lap, keeping steady as not to blow up and ruin the race.

By the second lap it was a two horse race between me and Dan, and I could feel him on my heels the whole way. I upped the pace again while maintaining a comfortable speed and by the gate leading onto the reservoir I found myself to be a couple of places ahead. Putting in another kick I managed to put a few places between myself and Dan and kicked on. Keeping a comfortable pace I knew I could up the tempo if needed, but with Darwen half on Sunday I kept it easy and didnt push as not to risk injury. Feeling strong coming into the final half a KM I upped the pace again, taking four more places on my way to a 15th place finish and just 20 seconds shy of a PB set last July. Dan took 2nd Clayton counter with Mick Hughes in 3rd. Some fantastic results and PBs galore made for a successful championship race.

James Boult at the Cowm 5k.
Photo: David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
15	J. Bould	MS	19.12
20	D. Plant	MS	19.36
25	M. Hughes	MV40	20.05
26	L. Jackson	MJ	20.09
27	J. Wilcock	MV50	20.12
30	D. McMullan	MV50	20.18
32	S. Green	MV60	20.29
36	R. Morrison	MV40	21.05
38	A. Quinn	MV45	21.1
39	A. Airey	MS	21.12
42	R. Lawrence	MJ	21.25
44	Cassandra Smedley	FV35	21.36
46	C. Lawrence	MV50	21.44
52	Donna Airey	FV35	21.58
53	M. Brady	MV55	22.04
57	M. Kewin	MJ	22.36
61	Michelle Abbott	FV35	22.56
68	Nina Kewin	FV35	23.5
71	W. McIntosh	MS	24.18
72	Lisa Ellis	FS	24.2
73	Lisa Johnson	Fv45	24.48
74	Beth Quinn	FJ	24.52
77	Heidi Kewin	FJ	25.2
80	Julia Rushton	FV50	25.4
82	I. Hargreaves	MV50	25.48
87	B. Barnes	MV65	26.34
88	Jane Hylands	FV45	26.46
94	R. Lawson	MV75	27.33
103	Karen Clarkin	FV40	29.14
106	Marion Wilkinson	FV75	30.16
107	R. Hirst	MV65	30.22
108	Anita Jones	FV60	30.46
109	Christine Leathley	FV65	33.13
110	R. Chappell	MV65	30.39

Full results

Saturday

Pendle Hill Fell Races

It’s been a few years since the Pendle Hill fell races had some nice Spring weather and the rain and clag was back again for this year’s edition, particularly for our hardy Juniors who raced before the adults. This year, extra spice was added to the races as they doubled up as the Lancashire Fell Championships in all age groups. Plenty of recent rain made the fellside fairly soggy, especially on the climb up from Buttock.

Senior Race

Chris Arthur of Bowland Fell Runners was a clear winner this year, with our own Chris Holdsworth leading the club charge in 5th place. Danny Collinge was 2nd U23 in 9th place, after setting off at a blistering pace.

Linda Lord at Pendle.
Photo: David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat Pos	Time
5	Chris. Holdsworth	MS	(004/042)	00:34:41
8	Matt Perry	MS	(005/042)	00:36:26
9	Danny Collinge	M23	(002/005)	00:36:36
15	Peter Coates	M40	(002/036)	00:38:39
37	Chris Snell	MS	(017/042)	00:40:50
48	Geoff Gough	M50	(006/037)	00:42:52
60	Neil Hardiman	M40	(011/036)	00:44:17
105	Craig Nicholls	M40	(024/036)	00:49:52
112	Claire Vincent	FS	(006/016)	00:50:34
121	Teresa de Curtis	F40	(006/010)	00:52:24
125	Mark Taylor	MS	(038/042)	00:52:38
130	Rick Moore	M50	(026/037)	00:52:56
134	Barbara Savage	F50	(003/007)	00:53:46
141	Andrew M Dugdale	M50	(029/037)	00:55:16
150	Linda Lord	F60	(001/003)	00:56:26
154	Wayne McIntosh	MS	(039/042)	00:57:02
155	Katy Thompson	F60	(002/003)	00:57:03
182	Michelle Butschok	F40	(010/010)	01:07:06
183	Karin Goss	F60	(003/003)	01:07:57

Chris Holdsworth at Pendle.
Photo: David Belshaw

Senior Results

Junior Races

The rain came down and the clag came in shortly before the start of the Junior races, leading to some of the wettest and boggiest conditions seen in a long while over Barley Green and up to Buttock. This didn’t deter our Juniors, with Emily Nicholls putting in a spirited performance in the U11G for 9th girl, despite being a distinct height disadvantage over the stone stile in her race. Robbie Smedley chased the leaders hard up to the turn in the U13B race, and was rewarded for his efforts with a well deserved Bronze medal. He was followed up in that race by Luke Guest in 16th.

Jackson McKay finished well clear to take the Lancashire title in the U15B, with Adam Stevenson and Lennon Jackson not far behind in 6th and 7th with Will Nicholls in 11th and Jake O’Dowd in 13th. Ella Dorrington was closing in at the finish on the winner of the U15G but had to settle for Silver, 2 seconds down in her first year in this age group. Bethany Wheatcroft and Heidi Kewin also both stepped up to the U15 distance and climbing really well, finishing 9th and 11th.

Finally, Nick Hennessy away from his more familiar tarmac surfaces, put in a great performance to keep some experienced and older U17 boys in sight on the climb high onto the fell and secure 4th place.

U11s race

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat Pos	Time
20	Emily Nicholls	F11	(009/012)	08:33:00

U13s race

Robbie Smedley working hard before the turn on his way to 2nd place.
Photo: Alan Dorrington

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat Pos	Time
3	Robbie Smedley	M13	(003/021)	00:16:32
21	Luke Guest	M13	(016/021)	00:20:11

U15s race

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat Pos	Time
1	Jackson McKay	M15	(001/016)	00:18:47
6	Adam Stevenson	M15	(006/016)	00:22:21
7	Lennon Jackson	M15	(007/016)	00:22:24
9	E Dorrington-Levy	F15	(002/010)	00:22:42
11	William Nicholls	M15	(009/016)	00:22:55
21	Bethany Wheatcroft	F15	(008/010)	00:29:00
22	Jake O’Dowd	M15	(014/016)	00:29:45
24	Heidi Kewin	F15	(010/010)	00:30:05

Ella Dorrington descends to the finish.
Photo: Deborah Stevenson

U17s race

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat Pos	Time
4	Nicholas Hennessey	M17	(003/005)	00:26:46

Happy muddy Juniors.
Photo: Deborah Stevenson

Junior Results

Junior FRA Championship West Nab

Four of our Juniors, Helena White, Briony Holt, Christopher Brown and Jenson Bentham travelled over to Holmfirth for the 2nd round of the Junior FRA Championships and were rewarded with better weather than in Lancashire…

Briony Holt running in the U17G for her first year took an excellent 3rd place against older opposition. It’s shaping up to be a great year again on the fells for Briony. Helena White was 7th in U13G with Jenson Bentham 12th in U13B and Christopher Brown 20th.

Full results

Jenson Bentham pushing on up the first climb.
Photo: Geoff Thompson

Helena White with her own distinctive style.
Photo: Geoff Thompson

Briony on her way to 3rd place U17G.
Photo: Geoff Thompson

Calderdale Hike

This longstanding event offers both marathon distance and ultra distance (37.2miles) routes round the Calderdale hills, with checkpoints at great sounding places like Coolam, Slatepit Hill and Lumbutts. Andrew Armstrong and Nick Olszweski (among others) ran, preparing for the Fellsman Hike in late April. Nick ran round in 7:40 with full results to follow.

New Dungeon Ghyll fell race

Wendy Dodds was the Clayton representative here, coming in 1st WV60 in 42nd place and a time of 56:31.

Full results

Sunday

Lads Leap fell race

This AS race unsurprisingly packs in a fair bit of climb in it’s 5.9m route around the popular Crowdon area of the Peak District, steeped in rock climbing history, and randomly, populated by large white hares. Stephen Fish MV60 was the sole Clayton runner, finishing in 1.24.54

Report from Stephen Fish:

Always keen to try a race I’ve not previously done and being unavailable for Saturday’s Pendle race, I picked out the Lad’s Leap on the Sunday to do.

On a pleasant, early, spring morning I set off to the Crowden Campsite, situated on the Woodhead Pass in the Peak District National Park, for the start, only taking 50 minutes of travelling to reach.

124 runners lined up on the start line to tackle the demanding route that takes in Lad’s Leap twice. Once a short road section was out of the way, a long lung-busting climb ensued and lead onto Robinson’s Moss. This portion of the race was very boggy underfoot, with more than one competitor having to extract their shoes from said bogs. After about a mile over the tops, through deep heather, the route then had a long descent into a disused stone quarry. All this lost height had to recouped, as we re-joined the outward route over Lad’s Leap again. The earlier lung-buster climb now became an exhilarating descent down the welcome finish line.

A pretty good race in my book, which had a bit of everything. One I would recommend, certainly justifying its category ‘A’ status.

Full results to follow

Baildon Boundary Way (Runners)

Martin Terry was running here, on a shorter race distance than of late…

Pos	Name		Cat	Time
108	Martin	TERRY	M55	01:50:10

Full results

Kong Mini Mountain Marathon – Coniston

A beautiful Spring day in the Lakes saw Alan Dorrington teaming up with friend Greg May for this 4hr score event held around the Old Man of Coniston range. A strong collection of high scoring controls over the back half combined with a headlong descent off Wetherlam via Hen Tor to Tilberthwaite saw them pick up 4th Vet pair.

Goat’s Water from Goat’s Hause.
Photo: Alan Dorrington

ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon

A rare (and evidently painful) foray onto the roads for some, and a sharpner for London for others, Manchester’s rainy streets (bathed in sunshine) were the backdrop for this weekend’s 26.2 miles. ‘Team Sub 3’ were led in by a charging Lee Smith in 2:50:13, followed by Jon Cleaver in 2:56:17 and a presumably lost and disoriented Dave Motley in 2:56:58 wondering where the fells were. With John Hartley winning the V60 category in 3:06:38 and Danny Pilkington also running round in 6:34:53, that made for some solid Clayton miles over the weekend. A fantastic effort by all!

Report from Jon Cleaver:

I had booked this for training on my route to London for a PB, however after a couple of solid 20 mile races at Spen and Trimpell I felt ready to give a PB a go especially considering the forecast was as good as it was ever going to get. After meeting Dave & Lee at the Lowry we went over to the start on the Chester road near Old Trafford. The route takes you towards the city centre before turning back and heading out to Sale and Altrincham at the half way point then back to Emirates cricket ground for the finish.

I hatched a plan to run a moderate first half learning from my Trimpell experience and went through just under 88 minutes where I saw Gary Wilkinson filming the race. I was feeling confident at that point so pushed a bit harder and took my pace down 5/10 seconds a mile all the way to mile 23 where I caught up with Dave and then through to what feels like the longest finish in history. Really pleased with 02:56:17 finish and the other Clayton lads Lee Smith, Dave Motley and John Hartley did incredibly with Lee getting the bragging rights on the day running an incredible 02:50. 3 weeks to London!!

Jon Cleaver cruising to his sub 3hr marathon.
Photo: Lynsey Birtwhistle

Pos	Name	Time	Cat	Cat Pos
121	Lee SMITH	02:50:13	V35	32
249	Jon CLEAVER	02:56:17	V35	66
273	Dave MOTLEY	02:56:58	V35	69
583	John HARTLEY	03:06:38	V60	1
8652	Danny PILKINGTON	06:34:53	V40	1058

Full results

Darwen Heritage Half Marathon

Described as undulating, and definitely scenic and with great views, this Darwen Dashers organised half is in its second year now. Jacob Watson stormed round to 9th place overall in 1:20:01 with a solid group of Clayton Seniors, Vets and Ladies behind. The Ladies picked up the team prize with Cassie Smedley, Michelle Abbot and Vicky Heys all scoring.

Report from James Boult:

Having absolutely shattered my half marathon PB last year, taking 45 minutes off in total with 38 of them coming off at Darwen I returned this year excited for what is one of my favourite races of the year. Conditions were perfect as we set off and knowing a comfortable pace consistently would mean I’d break the 1.42 I ran here last year, I started with a good game plan. In what is one of the nicest and most scenic 10ks I’ve done the views alone make for a good distraction and it wasn’t long before I reached 6k. Telling Rob on the drive over that I felt good and was going to go for it I knew he wouldn’t be able to resist the allure of a good race.

Having raced my last 2 half marathons with him we’ve become a great team and mange to bring out the best in each other, evidenced in our performance at Manchester in October. He joined me at 6km and we naturally took the pace up, reaching 10km in 45 minutes; bang on time and two minutes faster than last year. The race at Darwen doesn’t start until 9 miles in and as I drove on with water stations a good relief in the heat, the hills started. Steep and gradual and short and even steeper, they come thick and fast after mile 8. At 14km I was bang on track for a sub 1.40 but pain in my glutes restricted speed on the flats and I struggled to get momentum.

Forcing myself through i reached the final 2 and a half miles of pure downhill, finding myself another 3 minutes up on last year. Managing to pick up enough speed to get back to comfortable 6 minute miles I raced onto the finish to knock 5 minutes off last year’s time and to take 3rd Clayton counter in 55th place. Rob came in a couple of minites after to shatter his time from last year too, in what was a great turnout for team Clayton. Ben Fish took the overall win, crushing the course record on the way to a 69 minute finish. Roll on next year.

Team Clayton at the Darwen Heritage Half Marathon
Photo:

Mich Hughes enjoying the sun at the Darwen Heritage Half. Photo:

Mick Hughes enjoying the sun at the Darwen Heritage Half.
Photo:

Pos	Name		Cat	Cat Pos	Time
9	Jacob	Watson	M S	(006/072)	01:20:01
35	Andrew	Orr	M45	(007/029)	01:30:51
55	James	Boult	M S	(026/072)	01:37:29
57	David	Moynihan	M50	(004/029)	01:37:58
64	Robert	Morrison	M40	(017/039)	01:39:31
96	Mick	Hughes	M40	(022/039)	01:44:35
110	Christopher	Lawrence	M50	(012/029)	01:47:07
127	Cassandra	Smedley	F S	(004/040)	01:49:22
128	Michelle	Abbott	F S	(005/040)	01:49:22
144	Geoff	Smith	M40	(027/039)	01:53:10
146	Vicky	Heys	F45	(006/030)	01:53:28
147	Irene	Roche	F55	(002/006)	01:53:28
148	Nerina	Gill	F45	(007/030)	01:53:28
231	Angela	Shian	F S	(022/040)	02:08:10
260	Andrew	Webster	M45	(027/029)	02:15:03

Full results

Padiham Aquathlon

Alfie and Helena White donned their swimming costumes and club vests for the Aquathlon this Sunday. Mum Rachael reports:

Flying the Clayton Flag at Padiham Aquathlon, Helana came 1st Girl and 3rd overall in her age cat and Alfie (age 14) had to do the adults distance 600m swim & 5k run. Very proud of them both

Alfie and Helena White at the Padiham Aquathlon.
Photo: Rachael White

Awaiting results

Garstang Gallop 7

Five Clayton Harriers took part in this 7 mile race that raises money for UK Prostate Cancer. Stephen Biscomb was our first finisher and also 1st MV60. Christine Egerton was our sole lady runner and also 1st LV65.

Pos	Name		Cat	Time
33	Stephen	Biscomb	MV60	00:49:06
40	Richard	Briscoe	MV35	00:50:36
58	Brian	Wildman	MV50	00:55:16
117	Christine	Egerton	FV65	01:08:10
120	Ron	Chappell	MV65	01:09:45

Full results

Parkrun results

Burnley Junior Parkrun

A total of 58 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
3	Nathan KEWIN	08:16	JM11-14
9	Bethany WHEATCROFT	09:22	JW11-14
12	Heidi KEWIN	09:32	JW11-14
13	Brayden CLARKSON	09:37	JM10	New PB!
15	Kady THOMPSON	10:13	JW10
18	Darcey HIRST	10:22	JW10	New PB!
25	Charlie PLANT	10:51	JW10
40	Joni HIGGINS	12:19	JW10
53	Olly PLANT	14:57	JM10

Burnley Parkrun – a total of 210 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
5	Laura HESKETH	18:14	SW30-34
13	Terry O’LEARY	20:01	VM35-39
17	Sean CLARE	20:43	VM50-54
31	Stephen AINSWORTH	21:48	VM60-64
32	David MOYNIHAN	21:51	VM50-54
40	Donna RILEY	22:16	VW50-54
42	Gordon BARRETT	22:18	VM55-59
44	Kevin DAVIES	22:22	VM55-59
50	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	22:32	JM15-17
55	Charlie BARNES	22:46	JM10
60	Michelle ABBOTT	22:59	VW35-39
64	Charlie BIRTWISTLE	23:08	JM11-14
75	David Ian SCOTT	23:53	VM70-74
80	Nick ROSCOE	24:08:00	VM45-49
84	Aaron LUNDIE	24:14:00	JM15-17
85	Nina KEWIN	24:16:00	VW35-39
94	Jake ANFORTH	24:36:00	JM10
101	Julie DAWES	24:56:00	VW45-49
108	Keira STEVENSON	25:12:00	JW11-14	New PB!
109	Lisa JOHNSON	25:12:00	VW45-49
110	Donna SCOTT	25:13:00	VW50-54
111	Toby BIRTWISTLE	25:16:00	JM10
116	Andrew TAYLOR	25:23:00	VM55-59
133	John WILCOCK	25:57:00	VM50-54
142	Annabel WILCOCK	26:05:00	JW15-17
157	Justin BIRTWISTLE	26:39:00	VM40-44
181	Carl CAREY	27:41:00	VM45-49
220	Helen HARRISON	29:53:00	VW45-49
230	Robert HIRST	30:23:00	VM65-69
249	Darcey HIRST	32:11:00	JW10
258	Judith CAREY	32:40:00	VW35-39
288	Ron CHAPPELL	34:09:00	VM65-69

Dewsbury parkrun

A total of 114 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
110	Robin PRICE	25:13	VM70-74

Southwark parkrun

A total of 292 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
208	Eileen JONES	29:03	VW60-64

Skipton parkrun

A total of 177 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
3	Tom BREWSTER	18:17	SM30-34

Pendle parkrun

A total of 76 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
12	Martin BRADY	24:11	VM55-59
35	Yvonne WICKHAM	30:48	VW50-54

Witton parkrun

A total of 64 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
25	Paul THOMPSON	26:58	VM45-49	New PB!
26	Katy THOMPSON	27:12	VW60-64

Blackpool parkrun

A total of 172 runners took part

Pos	Parkrunner	Time	Cat	Note
28	Alan LIFE	22:18	VM50-54
75	Carol LIFE	26:26	VW50-54

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Rainy days don’t get us down!

It’s been a week of long races, short races and plenty of mud! Even with a night of revelling and celebrating success at the club awards night at the weekend, there was still plenty of action around. Our talented juniors have been competing for their schools and in triathlons, there’s been seriously muddy fell running, marathon practice at the Trimpell 20 and some speedy PBs at all kinds of distances.

WEDNESDAY 15 MARCH

KEIGHLEY AND CRAVEN XC LEAGUE

Junior runner, Grace Root, took part in the Keighley and Craven XC League representing her school and came 19th in the year 7/8 race. Well done Grace!

Grace Root in the Year 7/8 girls race. Photo by Woodentops

SATURDAY 18 MARCH

LAKELAND TRAILS – CARTMEL 18KM

Three Clayton men took to the muddy trails around Cartmel for the first race of the ever-popular Lakeland Trails Series. All three put in tremendous performances with top ten finishes for Christopher Holdsworth and Dave Walker and a top twenty finish for Breton Holdsworth .

Report from Christopher Holdsworth

Myself, Breton and Dave Walker took on the boggiest and muddiest Cartmel Trail Race in years. I really can’t begin to describe just how waterlogged it was, other than ‘Witton Park XC on sterioids’.

Christopher Holdsworth at the Cartmel 18KM race.

I felt surprisingly okay after last week’s race, though the fatigue did set in towards the end of the race, along with a lovely stitch that coincided just in time for the downhill section with 3 miles to go. Happy to swim my way round to a 2nd placed finish, behind Tom Adams who didn’t even seem affected by the mud.

Dave Walker at the Lakeland Trails Cartmel race

Next home for Clayton was Dave Walker, a stranger to the trail scene but put in a great performance finishing in 6th. Breton, after another start battling with his flimsy lungs, managed to get himself round in 18th position – his first race finish in months. There’s life in the old invalid yet!

The unmistakeable Breton Holdsworth!

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
2	Christopher Holdsworth	M	01:11:47
6	Dave Walker	M	01:20:32
18	Breton Holdsworth	MV40	01:26:46

Full Results

PODIUM 5K

A dynamic duo of Harriers took to the fast and flat cycle track at Barrowford to run the Podium 5k. Jonathan Pye was our first man in 10th place overall and Jack McGuire was 38th.

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
10	Jonathan Pye	MS	(005/011)	00:17:31
38	Jack McGuire	M60	(003/003)	00:28:38

Full Results

SUNDAY 19 MARCH

HEPTONSTALL FELL RACE

When race organisers woke up on the race morning to the sound of rain hammering against the skylight they wondered if anyone would bother turning up. After all, no-one wants to go outdoors in conditions like that, particularly when it means slithering around on the South Pennine moors. The record turnout came as something of a surprise.

A packed out start despite the inclement weather at the Heptonstall Fell Race

So, well done all who ran for making this rain-sodden bog-fest the race that it was. Congratulations to all the runners for making the most of some very difficult conditions and a huge thank-you to all the marshals who not only did a great job but managed to do so in remarkably cheery spirits.

Cleaning off the mud after the Heptonstall Fell Race

Report from James Williamson

Originally I had planned to head over to the Lakes for Carrock fell race, but a last minute change of heart saw me making the short journey over the tops to Heptonstall for this gruelling 15 miler. A solid 8 days of running and hiking in the Lakes last week had certainly woke my climbing legs up and i was feeling good as I registered at the Cross Inn. The plan for today was to go off hard and just see how long I could hang on, and pray that i didn’t bonk given the tough training of late.

How very apt that the local vicar started this race off given the biblical conditions – the heavens were well & truly open and it didn’t stop at all during the entire race. A record number of 260 turned out for the race with a healthy clayton showing, the cobbled lined street were rammed tight and at the sound of the vicar’s horn (i’m sure there’s a joke there?!) we were on our way….or at least i thought…..my 1st steps were akin to Bambi on ice as i slipped on polished wet flagstones and collided with the side of a cottage! Well it can’t get much worse than that i though.

The first half mile or so was chaos trying to negotiate my way through countless bodies, ducking and weaving my way through to try and make some space. Once I’d escaped the initial mayhem I settled nicely in to a good rhythm & continued to work hard on the 1st few climbs and found myself as part of a small group as we crossed the open moorland towards Standing stone Hill – this was a real slog with knee deep bogs, thick tussocks & plenty of mud. I was glad to see the back of this section as i finally hit some fast running on more trail like terrain over Walshaw Dean Res then down the grouse butts, i was able to pick a few people off here just before the fun part of the route through the woodland….”careful lad it’s slippy through the woods” said the marshall….he wasn’t kidding either, i spent the majority of my time in here on my backside which was probably the quicker way to be fair!

A steady middle section of the run was uneventful, until a lad from P&B took a nasty tumble on a concrete tunnel and landed awkwardly on his shoulder, thankfully he was ok. And so to the grand finale….i’d heard the odd rumour about a sting in the tail at the finish, & it didn’t disappoint. A steep, almost vertical at times, and extremely muddy climb led us up through Hebden Wood, the steps at the top felt 8ft high and my quads were on fire! I was delighted to reach the top of this climb , a joy which was short lived as i tried to lift my legs and get going again through the final fields towards the finish. I literally couldn’t lift the buggers, i’d ran out of diesel! I had to dig in deep at this point, i had spent all my energy. As I crossed through the wall at the top of the field the finish funnel came in to view, what a sight! I knew there were flap jacks and hot drinks in the marquee so i got a bit of adrenaline flowing which saw me over the line in around 2:12 and in 12th place. Hot on my heels were fellow Clayton team mates, Peter Coates, Carl Helliwell, Kirt Livesey & Chris Snell.

This was a fantastic race route, which i doubt will be run in much tougher conditions, it’ll take the legs a few days to get over this one – only to be flogged again at Long Mynd Valleys next Saturday!

Report from Peter Coates

The Heptonstall Fell Race on Sunday was a 15.4 mile fell race with 966 metres ascent setting off from Weavers Square in Heptonstall. The £7.00 entry fee included an incredible amount of pain and suffering as days of rain had left much of the route a muddy, boggy quagmire. The poor weather conditions had not put runners off as a record field of around 260 runners including a good Clayton turnout set off in pouring rain and driving winds to tackle the course. This was proper brutal fell running at its harshest and in places was more akin to bog snorkelling. First Clayton finisher was James Williamson with a great run to finish in 12th place followed by myself in 22nd with Carl Helliwell just behind although Ryan Belshaw was ahead until an ankle injury forced him to retire. A very tough but enjoyable race and good preparation for the 3 Peaks race next month.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
12	James Williamson	M	02:13:01
22	Peter Coates	V40	02:16:48
28	Carl Helliwell	V40	02:19:34
36	Kirt Livesey	V40	02:23:24
49	Chris Snell	M	02:26:53
63	Neil Hardiman	V40	02:32:01
96	Chris Whiteoak	M	02:40:41
102	Chris Funnell	V50	02:41:52
113	Jean Brown	FV40	02:45:15
203	Stephen Ainsworth	V60	03:19:49

Full Results

LONGSLEDDLE FELL RACE

Katy Thompson was our sole representative in the latest race of the Kendal Winter League series organised by Helm Hill. She was 71st overall and 1st LV60.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
71	Katy Thompson	LV60	01:04:54

Full Results

TRIMPELL 20

Five Clayton Harriers took part in this 20 mile race with some great performances from them all!

Report from Jon Cleaver

Jon Cleaver at the Trimpell 20, Photo by Sprint Finish Photography

Five Clayton runners competed in the Trimpell 20 this weekend. It’s a reasonably flat course 99% off road with only 300ft of elevation. I went on full on attack mode from the start and held onto a top 15 position by half way but after running the half Mara in near PB pace my legs started to suffer on the way back to the finish, not helped by a strong headwind. It’s a great race for Marathon prep with normally quite a sunny day. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t with us today but it could’ve been worse. Special recognition to Dan Plant with his 20 mile PB.

Report from Lynsey Birtwistle

After barely sleeping the night before due to nerves and also the horrendous wind and rain Lisa and I set off for Lancaster to run in the Trimpell 20. I have never raced that distance before but I felt as if I may as well get a medal for one of my marathon training runs! The weather in Lancaster wasn’t as bad as home and we had wind and a bit of light drizzle throughout most of the race. The heavens opened once we had finished!!!

Lisa Ellis and Lynsey Birtwistle at the Trimpell 20. Photo by Justin Birtwistle

The course was out and back to Morecambe and then the Lune valley. It was great to have Clayton support from Jon Cleaver, Dan Plant and John Hartley as we passed them on the out and back route. The wind really picked up at about mile 17 and was head on for a couple of miles which was tough with tired legs.

The finish was horrendous! How horrible to have a hill finish from mile 19.5 which included slippery cobbles! We did it though and I was pleased with my time of 2:59:39! A PB at that distance and a nice little push towards my target for this years marathon!

Report from John Hartley

Tough day today at the Trimpell 20 with the weather – gale force winds and rain. Was hoping to run under two hours twenty minutes but just missed out but the time I did will move me to second in the vet60 British ranking over twenty miles so chuffed with that next one Manchester marathon in two weeks see what I can do there!

John Hartley at the Trimpell 20. Photo by Mark Forrest

Pos	Name	Category	Time
32	Jonathan Cleaver	M	02:13:04
47	Daniel Plant	M	02:19:31
54	John Hartley	MV60	02:21:06
258	Lynsey Birtwistle	FV35	02:59:53
358	Lisa Ellis	F	03:18:18

Full Results

WATERS WILMSLOW HALF MARATHON

Report from Stephen Biscomb

I decided to do the Waters Wilmslow half marathon at Christmas. So I have been training towards this race for the past 3 months. The atmosphere for these larger races is something special. Over 3000 entries means that for a 10.30 start we needed to get to wilmslow for 9.00. Sure enough when we arrived there were runners everywhere trying to get to their parking. Thoughts before the race were dominated by the weather, the day before was rain rain rain. Luckily the weather eased. It was good to see Jacob Watson before the race. The race itself was flat and all on closed roads which was good. My time was 1 hour 38mins 17secs. I was happy with this, but was just 27 seconds from a PB. Overall this was a good experience, and I would recommend the race, but get there early. Well done Jacob on getting a PB.

Report from Jacob Watson

I signed up to this race with the intention of setting a new personal best for the half marathon, a distance I believe to be my strongest. I ran Manchester Half back in October and managed to shave over a minute off my previous time, however since then I’ve been seeing some improvements in training and took it upon myself to see what kind of shape I was in. While not a flat course, I knew this race attracted a strong field, so all I needed was good conditions to give myself a fair stab of achieving a PB. After checking the weather pretty much every day on the run up to the event I realised this wasn’t going to happen, with 17-20mph winds reported for the eveFnt! I generally allow myself 1 hour to park up and get sorted before most events, however I wish I’d given myself more time for this one! It’s a big event with slow traffic as well as troublesome parking, not to mention a mile long walk to race HQ (from where I parked) which meant I was rushing a bit more than I would have liked. I’ll remember this for next time!

Jacob Watson at the Waters Wilmslow Half Marathon. Photo by Mick Hall

Thankfully I got warmed up and on the start line just in time! After the starting pistol, the first mile was fairly flat albeit pretty breezy. I tried tucking in behind a bunch of runners from the start, however this didn’t really shield me from the elements! It wasn’t until mile 8 that the wind got really bad and I recorded my slowest mile by far (in fact it was nearly 30 seconds slower than mile 7). The route was undulating which I believe played to my favour. For some inexplicable reason, I tend to set all my fast times on non-flat courses. I guess I just like the variety, plus most of my training is on hilly routes! I ran miles 2 – 10 with a chap called Tom Dart from Spenborough running club who was aiming for a sub 77 time. As soon as we got to the last 5k however, he decided to up the tempo and I couldn’t stick with him! He signalled for me to catch up, but in trying to match his speed my watch registered 5:25\mi, a pace which was just too quick for my liking 10 miles into a race! I feel I managed to run a strong last 3 miles and did manage to knock nearly half a minute off my PB which, considering the conditions, I was over the moon with!

Checking the results online after I also managed to bag myself a 10 mile PB so all in all a successful day out. I just need to break through 77 minutes now, which I hope to do at Manchester in May!

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
42	Jacob Watson	M	01:17:08
632	Stephen Biscombe	MV60	01:38:17

Full Results

WIRRAL AQUATHLON

Report from Rachael White

Helana White and Ellie Root competed in the Wirral Junior Aquathlon which was the second race in Triathlon England North West league

It should have been a standard 10 Lengths of the pool, Transition and 4 laps of the field (2K) for Helana, in the T2 (U13 age), however, it is amazing how sometimes, something as simple as putting your shoe on (that you practice and practice) can go do wrong, as the one trainer takes a life of its own and refuses to go on the foot. So she was on the chase on the run, and managed to hunt a few down and overtake them as the run is her strongest discipline.

Helana White at the Wirral Aquathlon

All was going well, until I shouted encouragingly “one more lap and you are done”, she looked confused, moved back away from finish straight and headed out to the field again – only to be shouted back when she passed as she had done her laps -so she had to loop back round to get over timing chip, losing valuable time (time = points in triathlon), and got her a telling off from the marshal for not counting correctly ! Finally ended up 10th overall, with me having lessons in how to count to 4 on the way home. Lovely to see her making friends with girls from rival clubs (COLTS) . and smiling once the race is finished!

Ellie Root competed well finishing in 6th place in the Youth category.

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Burnley parkrun – A total of 267 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
4	Nicholas HENNESSEY	19:00	JM15-17
5	Dave MOTLEY	19:13	VM35-39
12	Matthew JACKSON	20:51	JM11-14
13	Richard STEVENSON	20:54	VM40-44
14	Martin TERRY	21:06	VM55-59	New PB!
18	Susan BURNS	21:15	VW55-59
24	Lennon JACKSON	22:06	JM11-14
35	Chris LAWRENCE	22:58	VM50-54
49	Aaron LUNDIE	23:46	JM11-14
55	David Ian SCOTT	24:04	VM70-74
58	Nina KEWIN	24:31	VW35-39
63	Dawn TERRY	24:53	VW50-54
68	Jean KNIGHTLEY	25:07	VW55-59
71	Jonathan PYE	25:18	SM25-29
85	Julie DAWES	25:54	VW45-49
89	Bethany WHEATCROFT	26:01	JW11-14
90	Annabel WILCOCK	26:03	JW15-17
91	John WILCOCK	26:03	VM50-54
99	Donna SCOTT	26:33	VW50-54
137	Stuart BARKER	28:54	VM50-54
142	Yvonne WICKHAM	29:11	VW50-54
160	Ron CHAPPELL	30:41	VM65-69
223	Heidi KEWIN	34:13	JW11-14

Burnley Junior parkrun – A total of 49 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
2	Robbie SMEDLEY	07:31	JM11-14	New PB!
3	Finley STUBBS	08:20	JM10	First Timer!
4	Aaron LUNDIE	08:28	JM11-14
10	Charlie BARNES	09:29	JM10
12	Imogen FERGUSON	09:42	JW11-14
15	Bethany WHEATCROFT	10:15	JW11-14
22	Brayden CLARKSON	11:07	JM10	First Timer!
29	Ellisia SMEDLEY	12:06	JW10	New PB!

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 120 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
106	Robin PRICE	34:27	VM70-74

Hereford parkrun – A total of 152 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
27	Wendy DODDS	24:20	VW65-69	First Timer!

Lytham Hall parkrun – A total of 146 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
42	Philip NAYLOR	24:34	VM35-39	New PB!

Riverside parkrun – A total of 263 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
110	Helen HARRISON	26:54	VW45-49	First Timer!

Witton parkrun – A total of 60 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
25	Paul THOMPSON	28:38	VM45-49	First Timer!

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 416 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
2	David BAGOT	17:44	SM25-29

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Hobbling, Rolling, Navigating and Running Fast

It’s been a truly challenging weekend for our members. There have been ultra distances (both planned and unplanned!), navigational triumphs and woes, fell running, marathon practice, PB smashing 5Ks, and representing the county in cross country. You’ve been giving it your all.

SATURDAY 11 MARCH

BLACK COMBE FELL RACE

A dozen Clayton Harriers took the trip up to Silecroft to run in the Black Combe Fell Race. This is a tough race which often has “interesting” weather to contend with. Jack Holt was our first Clayton finisher in 50^th place with a time of 01:40:56. Jean Brown was our first Clayton lady in 88^th place and 01:48:09. Kieran Carr was 1^st V70. Excellent navigation skills are the key to this race it seems.

Martin Brady Reports

At 12:00 on Saturday 13 Clayton members set off to run the Black Combe Fell Race. Visibility was very poor which made route finding quite difficult. After a very steep initial 600ft climb the path up to Black Combe becomes more runnable. After the first visit of Black Combe summit the difficult navigation starts. There were runners comming from all directions whilst I was heading for the White Combe check point (including several Clayton runners).

The second climb up to Black Combe is also very steep to begin with. It is very similar to the last climb in the Tour of Pendle but 2.5 times longer. With the thick mist it was difficult to know how close the summit was which made the climb feel even longer. Pete Browning passed me on this climb and seemed to be moving twice as quick as every one else. I managed to get the wrong line off the last check point and ended up taking an extra 25 minute detour – I think I need the extra miles at the moment. Jack Holt was the first Clayton runner back with Jean Brown being the first Clayton lady. Kieran Carr had a great run just falling short of the V70 record (even after taking a detour on White Combe).

Peter Browning Reports

A typical day at Black Combe greeted the healthy contingent of Clayton runners who made the trip north to South West Lakeland. Low cloud blown in off the Irish Sea meant very limited visibility, and experience and navigational skills were required. It was a day when the fewest errors or following the right group was most important, and after the race there were many tales of going off course and losing time. The vastly experienced Clayton quartet of Wendy Dodds, Kieran Carr, Martin Brady and me all got it wrong at some point or other, and it was said that Kieran’s mistake cost him the chance of a new V70’s course record. All good fun though and all returned safely.

Report from Chris Snell

Drove up to Black Combe for a day out with coach Higgins to include a pub lunch and bit of Lakeland climbing with navigation practice. I navigated the course through the clag fairly well up until the last checkpoint. Unfortunately this is where I got over excited, and didn’t think it necessary to take a bearing being so close to the finish, and nearly ended up miles away from the finish line! Frustratingly top 50 to losing a painful amount of time and places according to the Black Combes dibber splits……lesson well learned!

A Footnote from Kieran Carr

Did Black Coombe, usual dense cloud and drizzle. Got to the top and tried to set my compass to 30deg and the needle was pointing south not north. Not sure how accurate so I’m down to tracking, good job I was brought up and played Cowies. Got help to CP3 with a lovely couple from Trawden, managed ok from there except for minor hiccup on descent. Anybody know what happened to my compass?

Pos	Name	Category	Time
50	Jack Holt	MV60	01:40:56
62	Ivan Whigham	MV50	01:42:42
88	Jean Brown	FV40	01:48:09
97	Kieran Carr	MV70	01:50:36
115	Chris Whiteoak	M	01:54:33
119	Wendy Dodds	FV60	01:55:12
123	Peter Browning	MV50	01:56:44
126	Andrew Howarth	MV50	01:57:43
133	Chris Snell	M	01:58:25
146	Dominic Carr	MV40	02:05:40
148	Andrew Firth	MV50	02:06:37
163	Martin Brady	MV50	02:29:49

Full Results

CROSS-COUNTRY INTER-COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIPS

Four of our club members took the trip to Loughborough to represent Lancashire in the Cross Country Inter-Counties Championships.

Louisa Powell-Smith running for Lancashire in the Inter Counties Cross Country Championships. Photo by Adrian Royle

Danny Collinge, who only got called up to run three days before the event, ran in the Senior Men’s race finishing in 213^th place in a time of 32:08. Louisa Powell-Smith ran in the Ladies race and finished in 36^th place overall and 2^nd Lancashire counter; the team finished in 8^th place.

Briony Holt and Danny Collinge with Gemma Steel at the Inter Counties Cross Country Championships

Briony Holt ran in the U15 Girls race finishing in 95^th place overall and 2^nd Lancashire counter; the team were 25^th. Jackson McKay ran in the U13 Boys race and finished in 11^th place.

Well done to all four Clayton runners who have done both the club and their County Teams proud!

Full Results

HAWORTH HOBBLE

A team of nine Clayton Harriers braced themselves for the long haul as they took on the Haworth Hobble, a 32 mile route traversing gritstone moors around Haworth, Todmorden and Hebden Bridgewith over 4,400 ft of ascent/descent. Maximum time allowed 11 hours.

Team Clayton at the Haworth Hobble. Photos by Laura and David Bradshaw of Sportsunday Photography

Chris Holdsworth was our first finisher in 5^th place overall, an outstanding run and finishing time of 03:57:38. Next to finish was Nicholas Olszewski in 11^th and 05:

Report from Cassie Smedley

To say that I was nervous about the Haworth Hobble would be an understatement. I was being picked up by Team Olszewski/a at 6.15 am! We arrived early and signed, and collected my t-shirt. I must admit I did think now I have my t-shirt I can disappear, but I didn’t.

Team Clayton at the start of the Haworth Hobble.

The start was very busy, and bloody steep! Adrienne was brilliant throughout the race. The pace was steady going, lots and lots of up hills and not enough down. The terrain was varied, with lots of mud! I fell yet again which seems to be the norm for me now, and I hit a brick wall at 20 miles in, but carried on and loved it. Really needed the veg stew at the end as I felt very light headed, and the jam doughnut was the sugar fix I needed . I am now an ultra runner. Thanks Nick and Adrienne for all your guidance pre, during and post race.

Position	Name	Cat	Time
5	Christopher Holdsworth	M	03:57:38
112	Nicholas Olszewski	M55	05:37:38
127	Andrew Armstrong	M45	05:48:27
181	Alan Dorrington	M45	06:15:15
244	Chris Funnell	M50	06:44:24
245	Robert Morrison	M40	06:44:27
246	Simon Stansfield	M40	06:44:30
311	Adrienne Olszewska	F45	07:44:45
312	Cassandra Smedley	F35	07:44:58

Full Results

SUNDAY 12 MARCH

COLTS SALT AYRE JUNIOR DUATHLON

Helana White competed in the Colts Salt Ayre Junior Duathlon. This is the first race in the Triathlon England North West league. This is also her first race in T2 category (U13’s) whilst she is still 10. She had to do 1.6K run, 5.2K bike and 600m run. She did well on the run, coming out 5^th or 6^th, but lost places on the bike, as she is still learning about effective gear changes especially in non-drafting races. She battled back to come 9^th. Now to practice the gears for the next bike race (only unofficial results available so far)

FASTRAX 5K

10 Clayton Harriers took to the flat and fast cycle track in Barrowford to compete in the lasts Fastrax 5K race. Jonathan Pye was our first finisher in 11^th place. Nick Hennessey continues to work hard and was 1^st MJ, 15^th overall. Michelle Abbott was our first lady in 32^nd. Julia Rushton was 1^st F50 and Bryn Barnes was 1^st M65. PBs were in evidence as tough winter training is paying off for lots of our members.

Report from James Boult

Feeling inspired from JR’s endurance workshop on Saturday and the social that followed on Saturday evening with Denise Park and Mark Brown, I found myself race-searching for Sunday as a way to release all the built up motivation I’d gained having well and truly got the racing bug back. Fastrax have a great 5k series from the cycle track in Barrowford, the setting of the Grand Prix race later in the year; a great lung busting, PB searching course with 1km laps and no climb whatsoever. I’d missed the previous two races but felt this was a great way to see what I had in preparation for the Northern Athletics relays at the end of the month.

James Boult at the Fastrax 5K. Photo by David Belshaw

Thankfully it’s a stone’s throw from my house otherwise I would not have made the start at 11am. A warm, beautiful morning gave us the feel of a summery race day as 48 of us started from the corner and set off on a course that does not allow let up. A 6.01 first mile was far too optimistic and made for a struggle through the middle of the race but I recovered well to record my fastest road time in nearly 7 months, 19:49, in what is finally starting to be progress in my return from a plague of injuries stretching back to October last year. Although not where I’d like to be, it’s a start and maybe would have been better had it not been for the stomach full of beer and vodka… rookie mistake.

Report from Judith Carey

We decided to have a go at the 5k Fastrax as we were free and making the most of our holiday as it came to an end. Having just got a parkrun 5k PB in Bryan Bach park the day before I wasn’t sure how my legs would be on another fast run. I was nervous whilst waiting for the start as all the runners were much faster than me so I knew I’d be running on my own at the back and have at least a lap to the end when everyone else had finished.

Julia Rushton (L) and Judith Carey at the Fastrax 5k. Photo by David Belshaw

The race started and I tried really hard not to set off too fast with everyone and was on my own straight away so I began counting down the laps. As Carl passed me on the opposite side of the track I cheered him on thinking the end was in sight with one more lap to go to realise I had 2 argh! Thank you to the shouts out of encouragement and to Julia for running the final half a km with me. I smashed my 5k PB which I’d just done the day before. JR’s winter training has had a huge impact on my running, thank you coach Roche, the hard work is worth it.

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
11	Jonathan Pye	M	(005/014)	00:17:58
15	Nicholas Hennessey	MJ	(001/002)	00:18:41
23	James Boult	M	(011/014)	00:19:50
28	Richard Briscoe	M	(012/014)	00:20:58
32	Michelle Abbott	F35	(002/003)	00:22:42
34	Carl Carey	M45	(005/005)	00:23:16
35	Julia Rushton	F50	(001/001)	00:23:23
46	Bryn Barnes	M65	(001/001)	00:26:03
47	Judith Carey	F35	(003/003)	00:28:30
48	Jack S McGuire	M60	(002/002)	00:29:51

Full Results

FASTRAX JUNIOR 2K RACE

Matthew Jackson won the latest race in the Fastrax series and was joined in the top ten by Charlie Plant who was first girl, Emily Nicholls, Olly Plant and Chris Barnes. Great performances, as always, from our talented junior runners.

Matthew Jackson racing at the Fastrax 2K junior race. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	Race3
1	Matthew Jackson	M10	00:07:49
2	Charlie Plant	F7	00:10:19
3	Emily Nicholls	F8	00:10:29
4	Olly Plant	M6	00:14:40
7	Charlie Barnes	M8	00:08:57
30	Jake O’Dowd	M13	00:09:50
33	Luke Guest	M12	00:08:40

Full Results

HEATON PARK 10K

Two Clayton Ladies took part in the Heaton Park 10K. Helen Harrison was our first finisher in 177th place and Deborah followed in 205th place. A total of 385 runners took part. The race runs on the paths through Heaton park.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
177	Helen Harrison	V45	00:57:36
205	Deborah Greenwood	V45	00:59:52

Full Results

HELM HILL

Four seniors and one junior member took part in the latest race of the Kendal Winter League Series. The Helm is a 4.8 mile race with 1197ft of ascent. Alan Life was our first finisher in 51^st place and Wendy Dodds was our first lady finisher in 75^th overall and 1^st L60.

Wendy Dodds at the Helm Hill Fell Race. Photo by Andy Holden

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
51	Alan Life	V50	44:59
75	Wendy Dodds	L60	50:05
102	Carol Life	L50	55:50

U13 Race

Christopher Brown was our sole junior runner in the U13 race. He finished in 14^th place overall with a time of 08:26.

Pos	Name	Time
14	Christopher Brown	08:26

Full Results

RODDLESWORTH ROLLER

Report from Wayne McIntosh

Just myself and Ron Chappell ran at the Roddlesworth Roller today. An undulating 5.5 mile trail race around the picturesque roddlesworth reservoirs. Treated as more of a training run after a spell of reduced running through a virus. I’d set a modest target of getting round in approx 50 mins and came in slightly outside that finding it tough over the largely uphill first half of the race. Finished in 51:48 and 144th overall. A good little race which I would recommend to fellow harriers.

Wayne McIntosh at the Roddlesworth Roller.

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
144	Wayne McIntosh	MS	(042/046)	00:51:48
206	Ron Chappell	M65	(006/009)	01:05:35

Full Results

SWEATSHOP 10 MILE

Five Harriers toed the start line of this 10 mile race on the lower and upper promenade at Bispham near Blackpool. Elizabeth Mullan was both our first Clayton finisher in 45th place overall and fourth lady in the race.

Elizabeth Mullan at the Sweatshop 10 Mile race. Photo by David Wood

Report From James Dunderdale

Good old Blackpool was the stage for the Sweatshop 10 miler and just as the seaside town lures us northern folk to its coastline with the promise of ‘cheap and cheerful’, this race followed suit and offered an absolute bargain of a run out for around a tenner. That’s right… at the same price as ten sticks of rock or two donkey rides! Runners lined up to take advantage of the low cost and Blackpool’s flat promenade and set their sights on a new potential PB.

James Dunderdale at the Sweatshop 10 Mile race. Photo by David Wood

The ten mile route was more or less two laps of both the upper and lower promenades following a well known Blackpool to Bispham and back route that is well known to be at the mercy of the elements. However, the weather on the day while not good enough to warrant ice creams and deck chairs did behave itself enough to allow a fair effort without battling too much wind or rain. As expected, there was excellent team spirit on the day before and after the race and it’s worth noting that all Clayton runners stayed on to cheer the last of the Harriers across the finish line. Whilst there were only the five of us there on the day, this showed real class – defo something that makes me proud to have joined the club this year. Bargain run – well organized – get on it next year!

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
45	Elizabeth Mullan	FS	(004/027)	01:10:46
50	Stephen Biscomb	M60	(004/012)	01:11:19
82	James Dunderdale	M35	(015/019)	01:15:48
85	Adam Stephenson	MS	(013/019)	01:16:08
151	Lucy Scott	FS	(011/027)	01:27:29

Full Results

SPEN 20

Five Clayton men took part in the Spen 20, a hilly two loop road run in rural and urban areas. Lee Smith was our first Clayton finisher in 8th place

Report from Dave Motley

Another weekend, another road race! God I’m looking forward to getting back to the fells!

This weekend saw me target the Spen 20, a hilly 20-mile course in Yorkshire to see how my marathon preparation was going. I travelled across with fellow marathon men Lee Smith, Jon Cleaver & Dan Plant and we met Dave Bagot on the start line. I’d completed the course 5 or 6 years ago and had a vague memory of hills and I wasn’t disappointed, if you’re not going up you’re coming down in this tough 20miler.

Me & Dave B set the early pace for the Clayton men and found ourselves well inside the top 10 after 5 or 6 miles running probably a little too quick, early 6 min miles, mile 9 and we hit a long descent and my watch flashed up 5:50, definitely too quick as me & Dave B got carried away. We later paid for the early pace as Smithy came breezing past us with 4 or 5 other runners and went onto smash the 2nd half of the race finishing in 7th (I think) in a time of 2:09.

I struggled mile 10-12 but then got my s**t together and managed to come back and pick up 12th (I think) in a time of 2:12, Dave Bagot ran strong and finished in 2:14, Jon Cleaver 2:18 and Dan Plant smashed his target for the day finishing in 2:24.

Looking back I finished with an average pace of 6:35 on a very hilly course which is way in front of marathon target time, this despite me setting off and running mile 9 like an idiot, what was I thinking 5:50. On the form of this bunch of marathon men then I think the marathon will be a piece of cake.

Report from Jon Cleaver

Spen 20: We had 5 Clayton runners at the event Dave Motley, Lee Smith, Dan Plant and myself preparing for the Marathon in a few weeks and Dave Bagot preparing for the 3 Peaks. The course was tough clocking over 1400ft of climbing. Scenery was great and the weather was perfect. Lee Smith came in first in 7^th place showing all us youngsters (relatively speaking!) up. Decent day out and I think we were all chuffed with our times. Now onwards to the Trimpell 20 next Sunday where I will be pushing the pace a bit harder!

Position	Name	Category	Time
8	Lee Smith	M	2.09.07
14	Dave Motley	M	2.12.15
17	David Bagot	M	2.13.38
26	Jonathan Cleaver	M	2.18.14
37	Daniel Plant	M	2.23.56

Full Results

WEST PENNINE MOORS TRAIL MARATHON

Report from Richard Stevenson

I was looking for a long race to primarily use as a long training run and was unsure whether to choose the West Pennine Trail marathon or Howarth Hobble in the end I went against the majority and headed over to Darwen as I was put off with the 31+ miles of the Hobble.

The marathon promised me – 26.2 challenging miles across the glorious West Pennines, taking in the Iconic Darwen Tower! The route would take me on a journey across the Darwen Moor towards Rivington, stopping short, the route would change direction and takes runners to Peel Tower and over Holcombe Moor before running back to Darwen.

The weather was perfect on the morning and from the start in Sunnyhurst Park we headed off up the steady climb to Darwen Tower, the route took us straight past the tower and off towards the moors, a few miles in I had found myself out in front and with the course being partially marked I was finding the navigation ok.

By the time I’d reached CP1 near Belmont Reservoir I’d been joined by 2 others mainly due to me doing the navigating and they just following. We’d stayed pretty much as a group on to CP2 and for a few more miles before we hit a problem, we’d lost any sign of the route and the way the map showed us all looked to be fenced off with DANGER: KEEP OUT signs and plenty of barbed wire, we followed a track to the left which brought us to a farm but it turned out to be the wrong farm and we were about a mile off course.

So after our 2 mile detour we’d got ourselves back on the course again and I’d managed to open up a gap on my 2 comrades as we headed up to Peel Tower and onto Holcombe Moor, I’d gone past 1 chap and could see 2 more in front of me but I didn’t know how many had gone past when we went off on our detour.

Heading over the moors and the lovely peat bogs towards Entwistle I’d managed to overtake the 2 in front and was informed at CP3 that I was back in the lead, from here it was a slow and steady climb back towards Darwen Tower but by now the weather had turned and the mist was down so you couldn’t see the Tower, which seemed to make the climb back up drag on forever. Once there though it was a quick 1 mile straight down into Sunnyhurst Park and through the finish taking first place.

So I’d managed to turn the marathon which had a longer course anyway into a 30 mile ultra, maybe I should have done the Howarth Hobble after all.

AWAITING OFFICIAL RESULTS

JACKALS RUN HALF MARATHON

The Jackals Run Trail Half Marathon is a very challenging 2000ft trail half marathon round Darwen Moors. With an uphill start out of Sunnyhurst Woods, it’s a very tight start and you can lose a few minutes getting stuck behind people walking up the hill. The first mile and half was mainly uphill road and trail followed by 2 miles of more uphill through mud.

Someone had taken the markers down at this point and although the RD had sent a route video out to everyone I was glad I’d done a recce with Julia as the front runners did go the wrong way. The next 2 miles was more up and down in more mud and included a very technical decent which I was petrified of! I was pleased I managed both attempts without any bone breakages. Finally arriving at the Tower there was a lovely trail path downhill for about a mile back to the start. Then round again for those on the half! First lady Angela was in my sights most of the way round the 1st lap. She absolutely smashed the 2nd lap and I only caught glimpse of her once.

Very happy with 2nd place though and an overall top 10 finish (8th I think). Marshals fab as always and the veggie soup at the end was lovely. LOVE the medal, definitely on my list for next year!

AWAITING OFFICIAL RESULTS

AND FINALLY…

A very happy 60th birthday to David Belshaw, a great friend and supporter to our club.

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Bolton parkrun – A total of 352 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
185	Yvonne WICKHAM	29:36	VW50-54	First Timer!

Bryn Bach parkrun – A total of 135 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
69	Judith CAREY	29:09	VW35-39	First Timer!

Burnley parkrun – A total of 453 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Jacob WATSON	17:38	SM30-34
6	Jonathan PYE	18:30	SM25-29
8	Nicholas HENNESSEY	18:38	JM15-17	New PB!
20	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	20:08	JM15-17
23	Gareth BERRY	20:21	VM40-44
27	Matthew JACKSON	20:54	JM11-14
28	Sean CLARE	20:55	VM50-54
33	Nick ROSCOE	21:12	VM45-49
36	Mick HUGHES	21:20	VM40-44	New PB!
38	Andy QUINN	21:27	VM45-49
39	David MOYNIHAN	21:28	VM50-54
45	Lennon JACKSON	21:47	JM11-14
49	Stephen AINSWORTH	21:52	VM60-64
55	Kevin DAVIES	22:08	VM55-59
58	Aaron LUNDIE	22:28	JM11-14
73	Michelle ABBOTT	22:59	VW35-39
88	Sophie ASHWORTH	23:41	JW11-14
91	David Ian SCOTT	23:50	VM70-74
95	Charlie BIRTWISTLE	23:58	JM11-14
96	Charlie BARNES	24:02	JM10	New PB!
106	Brian WILDMAN	24:29	VM50-54
117	Nina KEWIN	24:43	VW35-39
130	Bethany WHEATCROFT	25:16	JW11-14
133	Dawn TERRY	25:20	VW50-54
138	Annabel WILCOCK	25:29	JW15-17
139	John WILCOCK	25:30	VM50-54
148	Toby BIRTWISTLE	25:53	JM10
150	Richard LAWSON	26:01	VM75-79
154	Bryn BARNES	26:10	VM65-69
162	Julie DAWES	26:21	VW45-49
173	Kian ADAMS	26:52	JM10
178	Wayne MCINTOSH	27:03	SM30-34
201	Justin BIRTWISTLE	27:46	VM40-44
213	Deborah GREENWOOD	28:28	VW45-49
257	Robert HIRST	29:47	VM65-69
261	Ron CHAPPELL	30:08	VM65-69
263	Marion WILKINSON	30:12	VW75-79
268	Darcey HIRST	30:25	JW10
270	Lucy STEVENSON	30:30	JW15-17
313	Rachel STEVENSON	32:05	JW10
314	Richard STEVENSON	32:08	VM40-44

Burnley junior parkrun – a total of 58 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Aaron LUNDIE	8:04	JM11-14	New PB!
4	Heidi KEWIN	9:10	JW11-14
5	Bethany WHEATCROFT	9:28	JW11-14
6	Kady THOMPSON	9:39	JW10
16	Darcey HIRST	10:56	JW10
23	Jessica MCBRIDE	11:48	JW10

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 198 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
49	Martin BRADY	25:37	VM55-59

Lytham Hall parkrun – A total of 193 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
56	Philip NAYLOR	25:11	VM35-39

Pendle parkrun – A total of 88 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	David WALKER	18:45	VM35-39	New PB!
14	Richard BRISCOE	22:54	VM35-39
25	Simon WILSHAW	24:29	JM15-17
58	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	32:20	VW65-69

Penrith Lakes parkrun – A total of 121 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
86	Robin PRICE	36:12	VM70-74	New PB!

Witton parkrun – A total of 87 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
43	Helen HARRISON	31:30	VW45-49	First Timer!
85	Julia RUSHTON	56:44	VW50-54

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 718 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
358	Beth QUINN	27:21	SW18-19

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Harriers are Marching In

There was a brief sniff of spring in the air for a few moments on Saturday as our members raced hard at the cross country fixture in Leigh and on Pendle Hill. Another successful cross country season has come to a close with superb turnouts from stalwarts and new members alike. We’ve also had some great performances on the roads and the fells, as well as course record setting on the High Peak Marathon.

SATURDAY 4 MARCH

HIGH PEAK MARATHON

The HPM is open to teams of four all of whom must have experience of strenuous winter expeditions in mountainous country. Teams must be self-sufficient with no supporter assistance.

Jean Brown took part in this event as part of a team with Nicky Spinks, Beth Pascall and Kirsty Hewitson. They finished in fourth place overall and were the first ladies team in a time of 09:32:15

Report from Jean Brown

The High Peak Marathon describes itself as ‘The over-night mountain marathon around the Derwent Watershed in the High Peak District’ – the marathon bit is not about the distance – the FRA website has it down as 67km / 41.6miles with 1645m / 5397ft of climbing, however the actual distance depends very much on how good your navigation is over featureless bog! The race is run overnight in teams of four set off at one minute intervals. It is very difficult to get into being limited to 40/50 teams with a strong element of those who have done it before having priority.

L-R Nicky Spinks, Jean Brown, Beth Pascal and Kirsty Hewitson

It was therefore quite something to be on the starting line at 23:41 on Friday evening with Nicky Spinks, Beth Pascall and Kirsty Hewitson – a very strong team…and me! Nicky has done the race lots of times and had reccied the challenging sections plenty of times, to add to all of the team reccys we had had – both for the aborted 2016 race and again for this year (a very heavy dump of snow at exactly the wrong time meant the race didn’t take place in 2016 – the roads were all closed!). As Nicky has done well in mixed teams in the past (this was her first time in a ladies team for the event) we were set off fourth from last, giving us lots of teams to chase down and then try to pass on sometimes narrow paths.

I can’t remember too much of the night – it was 9 hrs 32 minutes of following the person in front, usually Nicky who did a fantastic job of the navigation. The heavy rain had almost stopped by the time we started and the mist cleared after a few hours – the bogs were, however, on top form having been fed by the recent very heavy rain and melting snow! The latter section over Kinder was the worst for still having snow on the paths – just to make it a little harder work when you were really quite tired! I had some gut problems and was never going to be one of the strongest on the team, but it is a team event and they were all great. Our finishing time gave us a new ladies record and 4th overall – which made the huge effort well worthwhile!

For anyone thinking, how did that all come about? It is down to Katy Thompson; in 2015, seeing Nicky at a race, I mentioned to Katy that I would love to ask her if she would be my partner for the Old Counties Tops, a long pairs fell race in the Lakes that I had done with Simon Halliday and Martin Terry, and really enjoyed. Katy said something along the lines of ‘there is no harm in asking’ – after checking up on the date, Nicky agreed. The rest, they say, is history! Thanks Katy!

Full Results

MID LANCS CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE – LEIGH

This was the final fixture for this year’s Mid Lancs Cross Country League and our final chance to push for places and medals. Our Under 11 boys completed their excellent season with a win and a Gold Medal for Dexta Thompson as well as for the Team. Our U15 girls have also had an excellent series and battled hard to earn an individual Silver medal for Briony Holt and a Gold for the team.

All of our juniors have put in some tremendous performances in some tough conditions with some great results to show for it.

U11 GIRLS

Team position – 10^th (H White | K Thompson | R Stevenson)

Pos	Name	Time
11	Helana White	6:21
65	Kady Thompson	7:50
69	Rachel Stevenson	8:12
71	Emily Nicholls	8:20
74	Ellisia Smedley	8:54

U11 BOYS

Team Position – 1^st (D Thompson | R Smedley | J Bentham)

Robbie Smedley at the Mid Lancs XC fixture at Leigh. Photo by David Wood

Pos	Name	Time
1	Dexta Thompson	5:23
2	Robbie Smedley	5:39
20	Jenson Bentham	6:13
26	Matthew Jackson	6:27
57	Joshua McKay	7:25

U13 GIRLS

Bronia Olszewska in the U13 Girls’ race. Photo by David Wood

Pos	Name	Time
55	Keira Stevenson	10:36
58	Bronia Olszewska	11:26

U13 BOYS

Team Position – 6^th (J McKay | L Jackson | W Nicholls)

William Nicholls in the U13 Boys Race. Photo by David Wood

Pos	Name	Time
4	Jackson McKay	10:33
27	Lennon Jackson	12:05
38	William Nicholls	12:41

U15 GIRLS

Team Position – 2^nd (B Holt | M Stubbs | N Olszewska)

Briony Holt in the U15 Girls’ race. Photo by David Wood

Pos	Name	Time
6	Briony Holt	11:23
12	Millie Stubbs	12:05
24	Natasha Olszewska	13:52

U15 BOYS

Team Position 7^th (N Hennessey | S Grewal | A Stevenson)

Stanley Grewal in the U15 Boys’ race. Photo by David Wood

Pos	Name	Time
13	Nick Hennessey	14:40
22	Stanley Grewal	15:30
28	Adam Stevenson	16:28

U17 MEN

Curtis Holt in the U17 Mens’ race. Photo by James Boults

Simon Wilshaw in the U17 Mens’ race. Photo by James Boult

Pos	Name	Time
11	Curtis Holt	21:26
15	Simon Wilshaw	23:04

SENIOR RACES

Another cross country season has drawn to a close with some great results for the club. Division 1 placings for both the men and the women’s teams.

Clayton Ladies in action at the Mid Lancs Cross Country fixture in Leigh. Photo by James Boult

Our vet ladies have achieved Bronze (third place) for both V35 and V45 and Silver (second place) for the V55 team with and individual silver medal for Irene Roche. Our men achieved Bronze for the A team, V40 and V50 teams.

SENIOR WOMEN

Report from Irene Roche

As another Mid Lancs season draws to an end I just want to say a huge thanks to all the ladies who took part in one or more of the races. We have had an excellent turnout throughout from lots of regulars who turn out each season and new faces too. It’s a pleasure to see newcomers to cross country giving it a go and enjoying the experience, mud and working hard to keep going both included.

But the best part of it, as I’ve heard our ladies say, is the laugh together before and after the race. Another important thing to mention is the sacrifices some of our ladies have made over the winter to attend the venues. This includes season tickets for Saturday football at Turf Moor Burnley. So with our dedication we’ve managed to win medals for the V35, V45 and V55 teams.

Elizabeth Mullan at the Mid Lancs Cross Country. Photo by James Boult

We also have one senior lady, Elizabeth Mullan, achieve 18th position overall for the over 18 ladies. So between us all we’ve been just brilliant! Many thanks ladies!

A Team 5^th (E Mullan | C Darling-Smedley | M Abbott)

B Team 16^th (I Roche | D Airey | J Bennett)

Over 35 Team 3^rd ( C Darling-Smedley | M Abbott | I Roche)

Over 45 Team 2^nd (I Roche | J Bennett | D Terry)

Over 55 Team 2^nd (I Roche | C Egerton | C Leathley)

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
28	Elizabeth Mullan	L	25:22
31	Cassie Darling-Smedley	L35	25:40
32	Michelle Abbott	L35	25:49
37	Irene Roche	L55	26:04
45	Donna Airey	L35	26:53
48	Joanne Bennett	L45	26:55
56	Angela Shian	L35	27:43
69	Dawn Terry	L45	28:43
74	Bianca Bennett	L	29:18
79	Janine Pollard	L45	29:51
98	Jane Hylands	L45	31:38
124	Christine Egerton	L65	35:28
133	Christine Leatheley	L65	39:33
135	Susan Allen	L55	42:07

SENIOR MEN

Our men have put in a consistent set of performances throughout the season to maintain their division 1 status and take Bronze for Senior Men, V40 and V50 teams.

Chris Holdsworth. Photo by Donna Airey

Report from Adam Stephenson

“It’s a nice easy one”, “More of a trail race” and “You’ll enjoy it” were a few of the quotes I heard regarding the XC at Leigh Sports Village. I’d never done XC before, not really a fan of getting my shoes dirty. I don’t even own a pair of spikes! With it being the last race of the season I thought I would give it a bash, see if I enjoy it and then prepare myself for next year’s events. Jason kindly organised me a number a couple of days before. I rolled up and met up with the rest of the team at the tent and there was whispers that the course was a lot wetter and muddier than anticipated, people searching their bags to see if they had their spikes in there. Great!

Adam Stephenson in his first cross country race at Leigh. Photo by Donna Airey

The ladies had their race and I had a little wander round and realised that this was going to be hard work! We got our race underway and I set off relatively confidently, until I got about a mile into the course and hit what I can only describe as a mud bath… my trail shoes offered me nothing in the way of grip and I found myself swinging from tree branches to stay upright! Long story short, reached the 10k finish line and my legs were absolutely shot, totally different to anything I’d done previously.

Mick Hughes and Andy Quinn at Mid Lancs Leigh 2017

Overall I was happy I gave it a go and clocked in at around the 50 minute mark which I was content with for my first try. I’ll definitely give it another go, will keep an eye out for some out of season bargains and hit the ground running (pardon the pun) when the new season comes about later in the year. Great turnout of Harriers and great support.

Over 40 Team 4^th (R Stevenson | A Holt | A Cran | J Wilcock)

Over 50 Team 3^rd (J Wilcock | J Roche | A Life)

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
2	Christopher Holdsworth	M	37:05
9	Danny Collinge	M	38:29
18	Jacob Watson	M	40:51
44	Richard Stevenson	V40	43:09
48	Matthew Duckworth	M	43:09
61	Andrew Holt	V40	44:26
79	Alex Cran	V40	46:00
95	James Boult	M	46:51
99	John Wilcock	V50	47:10
105	John Roche	V50	47:32
121	Andy Quinn	V40	48:28
123	Mick Hughes	V40	48:29
130	David Moynihan	V40	49:07
137	Alan Life	V50	49:52
147	Craig Nicholls	V40	50:40
152	Adam Stephenson	M	50:48
163	James Hickie	V50	51:54
168	Jason Pier	V40	52:49
181	David Scott	V70	56:30

Full Results

MID LANCS CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE – SERIES RESULTS IN FULL

Divisions | Individual Results

STAN BRADSHAW PENDLE ROUND

After what seems like weeks of rain and generally bad weather, the sun made a rare appearance for this year’s Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round which drew 241 runners to the start line including an impressive 32 club runners even with the final Mid Lancs cross country fixture on the same day.

The race was won by Rob Hope of Pudsey and Bramley AC in a time of 01:07:15. Matt Perry was the first Clayton man in 8^th place overall. Andrew Laycock, Peter Coates, David Bagot and Tim Edward all grabbed top twenty finishes. Alison Dugdale was our first Clayton Lady in 159^th place overall and Katy Thompson was 1^st F60.

Report from Sarah Helliwell

The sun was out and shining brightly as runners signed on and milled around Barley. There was a good atmosphere as Colin gave us his ‘words of wisdom’ before we set off. I was unsure what time I would do as it was my first time doing the Stan Bradshaw, however I wanted to get as close to 2 hours as possible so I knew I had to do a good pace along the road – flat road running I do not like!

Sarah Helliwell, Jo Perry and Kath Brady at the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round. Photo by David Belshaw

As we turned to go up Buttock there was a long line of runners disappearing into the distance. I could see Linda and Katy as they picked their way through runners and I tried to keep them in sight. Once past the trig I gave a “hello” to Richard at CP1 before making the boggy, muddy, wet and leg sapping journey past Scout Cain towards the Nick and eventually Churn Clough Reservoir with Kath and Jo on my shoulder. There was a shout out of “come on ladies” from the marshals and Team Motley at CP3 before we headed back round Churn Clough and over to Stainscombe and Stan’s Hut. It was here that I started to feel good and took my first look at my watch and thought right under 2 hours I come!

I started to pass runners up Lower Dale and down to Upper Ogden before the last climb up Buttock for the second time where I saw Teresa in front of me at the top of the hill. As I made my way back to Barley over the boggy, wet fields I could feel my calves cramping as I pulled them up out of the sticky mud. I was glad to see the last decent to the finish and was “well chuffed” with my time of 1hr 57mins. Comfortably under 2 hours in my book! A number of us waited at the finish to shout the other runners home before we cleaned ourselves in the stream. There were a number of good runs from male and female Clayton runners on a pleasant spring day on Pendle. Well done to all 32 Clayton runners who ran, and a special well done to Jo Perry and Teresa De Curtis who both had never done a 10 mile fell race before. Fantastic stuff ladies and all 8 ladies who ran!

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
8	Matt Perry	MS	(007/049)	01:14:00
11	Andrew Laycock	MS	(010/049)	01:15:51
13	Peter Coates	M40	(002/061)	01:17:56
16	David Bagot	MS	(013/049)	01:19:04
17	Tim Edward	M50	(002/057)	01:19:06
21	Carl Helliwell	M40	(005/061)	01:20:14
25	David Edmondson	M40	(008/061)	01:21:18
27	Paul Hesketh	M50	(003/057)	01:22:02
32	Chris Snell	MS	(017/049)	01:23:12
41	Ryan Wilkinson	MS	(020/049)	01:24:29
58	Dominic Carr	M40	(020/061)	01:28:11
66	Chris Funnell	M50	(013/057)	01:29:33
75	Jack Holt	M60	(004/018)	01:31:15
76	Ivan Whigham	M50	(015/057)	01:31:18
135	Sean Clare	M50	(026/057)	01:40:45
142	Peter Browning	M50	(028/057)	01:41:34
159	Alison Dugdale	F40	(009/023)	01:45:13
160	Geoff Smith	M40	(051/061)	01:45:26
175	Rick Moore	M50	(040/057)	01:47:36
177	Dave Naylor	M60	(012/018)	01:47:47
179	Pater Dugdale	M60	(014/018)	01:48:46
180	Martin Brady	M50	(042/057)	01:48:52
186	Richard Briscoe	MS	(045/049)	01:50:34
188	Simon Stansfield	M40	(057/061)	01:50:54
195	Katy Thompson	F60	(001/003)	01:53:31
196	Andy Firth	M50	(048/057)	01:53:45
202	Linda Lord	F60	(002/003)	01:54:31
204	Teresa De Curtis	F40	(012/023)	01:55:33
212	Sarah Helliwell	FS	(013/017)	01:57:14
219	Kath Brady	F50	(004/007)	01:59:10
224	Joanne Perry	FS	(016/017)	02:02:29
237	Adrienne Olszewska	F40	(021/023)	02:19:35

Full Results

SUNDAY 5 MARCH

CAUTLEY FELL RACE

Katy Thompson was our sole runner in the latest race of the Kendal Winter League Series. Cautley is a 4 mile race with 2175ft of ascent organised by Helm Hill Runners. The race starts with a brisk canter along a trail, across the river, then a big climb up Gr Dummacks. The descent is long and spectacular when not in thick mist.

Katy Thompson at the Cautley Fell race. Photo by Estelle Willis

Katy finished 109th and 1st LV60. Her second category win of the weekend having taking 1st LV60 in the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round the day before!

Christopher Brown ran in the U13 race, finishing in 8th place with a time of 10:12 in a field of 76 runners.

Full Results

HAWESWATER HALF MARATHON

Kevin Davies and Alun Hall took part in this out and back course from Brampton Village that passes along the shores of Haweswater in a remote and dramatic mountain valley.

Kevin Davies finished first in 42^nd place with a time of 01:28:34 and 1^st M55. Alun Hall was 153^rd in 01:43:59. A total of 458 runners took part

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
42	Kevin Davies	M55	(001/035)	01:28:34
153	Alun Hall	M55	(012/035)	01:43:59

Full Results

RED HOT TODDY 10K

Tracy Mitchell and Robert Hirst took part in this hilly course that climbs from Centre Vale Park in Todmorden to Sourhall before heading back down Bacup Road and Todmorden town centre before finishing back in the park.

Tracy was our first Clayton finisher in 44^th place overall as well as 2^nd Lady and 1^st F40. Robert Hirst was 112^th overall .

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
44	Tracy Mitchell	F40	48:47
112	Robert Hirst	M65	63:31

Full Results

RON HILL 10K

24 Club members took to the streets of Accrington for the Ron Hill 10K race. Danny Collinge was 3rd overall with a time of 34:54. Amanda Duffy was our first lady in 84th and 46:35

Danny Collinge at the Ron Hill 10K Race. Photo by Sean Hansford

Pos	Bib	Name	Cat	Time
3	40	Danny Collinge	M U23	34:54.0
25	41	Jordan McDonald	MU23	40:51.0
42	512	Gareth Berry	M40	43:19.0
60	88	Reece Lawrence	MJ U18	44:44.0
72	295	David Moynihan	M50	45:47.0
73	483	Robert Morrison	M40	45:50.0
74	375	James Dunderdale	M35	45:52.0
84	60	Amanda Duffy	F35	46:35.0
86	57	Christopher Lawrence	M50	46:57.0
87	373	Helen O’Rourke	F	46:58.0
90	100	Claire Vincent	F	47:10.0
111	329	Andrew Webster	M45	48:20.0
121	192	Michelle Abbott	F35	49:13.0
167	222	Lisa Ellis	F	52:08.0
168	525	Jane Ryan	F35	52:08.0
170	376	Lucy Scott	F	52:13.0
176	184	Bianca Bennett	F	52:32.0
248	392	Danny Pilkington	M40	55:59.0
260	188	Stuart Barker	M50	56:39.0
261	508	Mark Knowles	M40	56:42.0
276	120	Jane Hylands	F45	57:36.0
309	361	Justin Birtwistle	M40	59:16.0
340	125	Karen Clarkin	F40	1:01:45.0
388	454	Ron Chappell	M65	1:05:53.0
401	172	Anita Jones	F60	1:07:09.0

Full Results

RON HILL 1 MILE RACE

10 junior runners and Jack McGuire ran in the 1 mile race. Lennon Jackson was our first finisher followed a few seconds later by his brother Matthew. Helana White was our first girl in 9th overall and 2nd Girl . Some great running on show for our very youngest runners as well so well done to all that ran!

Clayton Juniors at the Ron Hill 1 mile race. Photo by Sean Hansford

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
5	Lennon Jackson	MJ U14	06:10.0
6	Matthew Jackson	MJ U12	06:18.0
9	Helana White	FJ U12	06:29.0
10	Luke Guest	MJ U14	06:41.0
11	Charlie Britwistle	MJ U12	06:48.0
14	Alfie White	MJ U16	07:03.0
15	Thomas Hopkinson	MJ U10	07:14.0
17	Jake Anforth	MJ U10	07:21.0
18	Toby Britwistle	MJ U10	07:22.0
34	McGuire Jack	M60	08:59.0
40	Freya Britwistle	FJ U10	09:24.0
45	Emily Johnson	FJ U10	09:46.0

Full Results

TRAFFORD 10K

Three club members took part in this fast and flat 10K road race in the South Manchester area. There were just over 800 runners taking part. Lee Smith was our first finisher in 223rd place and with a time of 35:46. Laura Hesketh was our sole lady runner and she finished in 270th with a time of 37:14 Dave Motley completed the trio in 281st place and 37:32.

Report from Dave Motley

2017 sees me return to the Marathon after my last attempt to run sub 3hr failed after my 2:59 was chalked off due to the organisers measuring the course short. In preparation for the marathon I made the decision early on to do a little more tarmac pounding and targeted Trafford 10k. I’d managed to rope fellow marathon man Lee Smith into the race. We set off from Burnley at 7:45am in glorious sunshine and the sunshine quickly disappeared as we hit the outskirts of Manchester and by 9:30am, race start we were getting drenched.

Dave Motley at the Trafford 10K. Photo by Michelle Searby

Another reason for targeting this race was the appeal of the course and calibre of the other runners, this was a PB course and the course didn’t disappoint. Unfortunately the start gets a little congested and it takes a few hundred metres to properly get into your stride, however it was great (in a strange way) to see 300+ runners already stretching out into the distance after only ½ mile. I felt to be going strong and was comfortable running 6min miles, but I just couldn’t get my body to respond to the 5:50’s I needed for a PB and I couldn’t get my body to surge the 30/40 metres I needed to get onto the group containing Laura Hesketh. I finished the race in 37:30 (ish) soaked to the bone about 20 seconds behind Laura and 2 minutes behind Mr Smith in his first proper 10k (he doesn’t get out much).

Although a little disappointed with not achieving a PB I’m still going to take the positives from this race, such as how comfortable I felt running at 6min miles. Next up is a hilly Spen 20 at the weekend with fellow marathon men Smithy, Cleaver & Plant, 4 weeks to go until the marathon.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
223	Lee Smith	M	35:46
270	Laura Hesketh	F	37:14
281	Dave Motley	M	37:32

Full Results

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Burnley parkrun – A total of 265 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
5	Jonathan PYE	19:22	SM25-29
9	Terry O’LEARY	19:55	VM35-39
10	Michael HOGAN	19:57	VM45-49	New PB!
11	Daniel PLANT	19:58	VM35-39
12	Gareth BERRY	20:32	VM40-44
22	Nick ROSCOE	21:54	VM45-49
39	Sophie ASHWORTH	22:55	JW11-14
40	Chris LAWRENCE	22:56	VM50-54
49	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	23:36	JM15-17
50	Michelle ABBOTT	23:40	VW35-39
70	Nina KEWIN	24:59	VW35-39
72	Lisa JOHNSON	25:02	VW40-44
82	Bethany WHEATCROFT	25:28	JW11-14
84	John WILCOCK	25:33	VM50-54
85	Annabel WILCOCK	25:37	JW15-17
87	Donna SCOTT	25:38	VW50-54
105	Heidi KEWIN	26:27	JW11-14
163	Ron CHAPPELL	29:20	VM65-69
167	Robert HIRST	29:30	VM65-69
181	Helen HARRISON	29:51	VW45-49
198	Alan DORRINGTON	30:34	VM45-49
220	Erin HESKETH	33:04	JW10	First Timer!
252	Julie DAWES	37:18	VW45-49

Burnley junior parkrun – A total of 62 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
2	Robbie SMEDLEY	7:50	JM11-14
3	Adam STEVENSON	8:06	JM11-14
4	Aaron LUNDIE	8:19	JM11-14
6	Nathan KEWIN	8:50	JM11-14
10	Heidi KEWIN	9:32	JW11-14
12	Bethany WHEATCROFT	9:52	JW11-14
14	Imogen FERGUSON	10:35	JW11-14
15	Charlie PLANT	10:43	JW10
16	Darcey HIRST	10:58	JW10
31	Jessica MCBRIDE	12:04	JW10
58	Olly PLANT	14:59	JM10

Lytham Hall parkrun – A total of 175 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
45	Philip NAYLOR	24:54	VM35-39	New PB!

Nepean River parkrun – A total of 180 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
125	Robin PRICE	34:13	VM70-74	First Timer!

Pendle parkrun – A total of 88 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	David WALKER	18:52	VM35-39	New PB!
19	Barry MITCHELL	25:25	VM70-74
23	Martin BRADY	26:26	VM55-59

Skipton parkrun – A total of 185 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
107	Yvonne WICKHAM	29:00	VW50-54

Category Archive Seniors Fell

Burnley parkrun – a total of 392 runners took part

York parkrun – a total of 681 runners took part

Oldham parkrun – a total of 271 runners took part

Milton Keynes parkrun – a total of 462 runners took part

Carlisle parkrun – a total of 228 runners took part

Skipton parkrun – a total of 168 runners took part

Pendle parkrun – a total of 101 runners took part

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – a total of 258 runners took part

Witton parkrun – a total of 98 runners took part

The Colin & Brenda Robinson Cowm 5k, Whitworth

Dewsbury parkrun

Southwark parkrun

Skipton parkrun

Pendle parkrun

Witton parkrun

Blackpool parkrun