Category Archive Seniors Fell

ByAdrienne Olszewska

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 18th place just under the hour and Peter Dugdale was 21st 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 30th 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

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

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.

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

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

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 4th 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 21st place. Our ladies ran strongly to finish in 61st place with the Mixed team, fielding some last minute substitutions in a respectable 65th place.

Leg 6 runners at the Calderdale Way Relay

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

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

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 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. Photo by Woodentops

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

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.

Calderdale Results

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

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

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 3rd overall in the race. Carl Helliwell and Dave Motley joined him in the top ten.

Matt Perry

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 40th place overall. Curtis Holt was next chased to the finish by his sister Briony who was 45th overall and 2nd Lady in the race.

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

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

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

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

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 1st 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 9th place overall with Jordan McDonald and Dave Motley following on in the top 20.

Clayton runners at Pinhaw

Clayton runners at Pinhaw

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

Younger generation coming through at Pinhaw Trail Race.

Younger generation coming through at Pinhaw Trail Race.

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

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 7th 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

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

In the ladies’ race, Louisa Powell-Smith finished in 19th 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

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

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

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

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 39th 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

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 43rd with a time of 23:26 and Ron Chappell was 65th 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 10th 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 17th place with a time of 05:33 with Robbie Smedley snapping at his heels in 18th. Ella Dorrington was our first girl in 40th and with a time of 6:07 with Sophie Ashworth chasing her tail in 41st. 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

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 5th in the race with a time of 37 minutes dead and Stephen was 33rd 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.

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

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

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

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

Danny Collinge was our first Clayton finisher and 2nd overall in the race. Jordan McDonald was 1st MU23, Carl Helliwell was 1st V40 and Geoff Gough was 1st 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 3rd place.

Runners heading up the first climb. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

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 5th lady finisher overall in the race. Jean Knightley was 1st L55, Anita Jones was 1st L60 and Karin Goss was 1st L65. With so many ladies in the race we dominated the team results taking 1st (C Vincent | D Airey | E Mullan) and 2nd (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

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 7th place overall and 1st 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

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

Hameldon - U11 Boy

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 2nd overall in the race. Helana White was first girl in the race and 6th place overall.

Imogen Ferguson powering to the finish. Photo by David Belshaw

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 2nd overall in the race. Ella Dorrrington was our first girl and 2nd girl overall in the race.

Michael Stevens in the U15 Race. Photo by David Belshaw

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 2nd 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

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 33rd overall, 5th Lady and 2nd 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 9th place overall and 1st girl in the U17 race.

Briony Holt in the U17 race. Photo by Geoff Thompson

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 10th overall.

Jenson Bentham at the BOFRA Sedburgh race.

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

Bunny relays 2017

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

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

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

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

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

David Bagot. Photo: Woodentops

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:

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

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.

Jackson McKay working hard. Photo: Geoff Thompson.

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

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 50th 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

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

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

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

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

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 21st place over all and 1st MV55.Irene Roche was our first lady finisher in 40th place with a time of 22:43. Julia Rushton completed the team in 45th 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 30th overall and 2nd U15 male.

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

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

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

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 98th place overall. Wendy Dodds was our sole lady runner in 135th place and 1st 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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 64th 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 385th 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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 19th place and 1st MV60. Cassie Smedley was 1st L35 and Irene Roche was 1st 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 79th 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 14th place overall, confidently holding his own amongst some top level fell runners.

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

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

Next in was Andrew Laycock in 38th 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

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 Dobson

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

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 4th overall.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 10th place with a time of 39:22 followed by James Dunderdale in 18th place and 43:02. Lucy Scott was our sole lady runner and she was 80th 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 72nd in 49:18 and Kath was 141st 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 118th place. Dawn Terry was our first lady finisher in 133rd place and Julia Rushton was 173rd. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Briony on her way to 3rd place U17G. 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

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

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:

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Wigan Aquathlon

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 50th place with a time of 01:40:56. Jean Brown was our first Clayton lady in 88th place and 01:48:09. Kieran Carr was 1st 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 PS - Adrian Royle

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 213th place in a time of 32:08. Louisa Powell-Smith ran in the Ladies race and finished in 36th place overall and 2nd Lancashire counter; the team finished in 8th place.

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

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

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

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

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 5th or 6th, 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 9th. 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 11th place. Nick Hennessey continues to work hard and was 1st MJ, 15th overall. Michelle Abbott was our first lady in 32nd. Julia Rushton was 1st F50 and Bryn Barnes was 1st 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

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

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

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 51st place and Wendy Dodds was our first lady finisher in 75th overall and 1st L60.

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

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 14th 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.

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

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

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 7th 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.Richard

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. Donna

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.

dAVID BELSHAW

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

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 – 10th (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 – 1st (D Thompson | R Smedley | J Bentham)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 7th (N Hennessey | S Grewal | A Stevenson)

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

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

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

WILSHAW Simon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Over 55 Team    2nd (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

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

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

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.

A Team 3rd (C Holdsworth | D Collinge | J Watson | R Stevenson | M Duckworth | A Holt)

B Team 15th (A Cran | J Boult | J Wilcock | J Roche | A Quinn | M Hughes)

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

Over 50 Team 3rd (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 8th place overall. Andrew Laycock, Peter Coates, David Bagot and Tim Edward all grabbed top twenty finishes. Alison Dugdale was our first Clayton Lady in 159th place overall and Katy Thompson was 1st 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

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 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 42nd place with a time of 01:28:34 and 1st M55. Alun Hall was 153rd 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 44th place overall as well as 2nd Lady and 1st F40. Robert Hirst was 112th 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

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

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

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