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ByAdrienne Olszewska

Has Spring Sprung?

It may well be the start of meteorological spring but the weather has been a little confused and behind the times lately. On a somewhat snowy weekend at times, our hardy Harriers have braved it all to get out there and stretch their legs. A great set of results this week at the Podium 5K, Ron Hill 10K and on the fells.

Saturday 5 March

New Balance English Schools’  Cross Country Championship 2016

Well done to junior runner Briony Holt who came 117/339 at the weekend, an improvement from only a month ago from 5th to 3rd Lancashire runner and from 35 to 7 seconds behind the first Lancashire counter.

Briony Holt with her Lancashire team mates at the English Schools Cross Country Championships

Briony Holt (second from right) with her Lancashire team mates at the English Schools Cross Country Championships

Podium 5k

This super-fast 5k race continues to grow in popularity attracting an excellent calibre of runners. The A race attracted 40 runners all with a range of times from 14:49 to 19:21. Three Clayton Harriers tested their legs in the B race in a field of 44 runners. Dave Bagot had an excellent race finishing in 1st place with a fantastic time of 16:39. In 5th place was Jonathan Pye in 17:11 and Phil Hall completed our trio in 17th place with a time of 17:55.

A happy Jonathan Pye at the super fast Podium 5K

A happy Jonathan Pye at the super fast Podium 5K

Pos    Name    Cat    CatPos    Time   
1 David Bagot M (001/013) 00:16:39
5 Jonathan Pye M (002/013) 00:17:11
17 Phil Hall M50 (002/005) 00:17:55

Full Results

Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round

After a late surge of wintery weather, the forecast was favourable and the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round went ahead under the direction of new race organiser Colin Woolford. 17 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers took part in a field of 205 finishers. The race was won by Jack Wood of Ilkley Harriers with Accrington Road Runners’ Deborah Gowens taking the ladies race.

Carl Helliwell was our first Clayton finisher in 22nd postion with a time of 1:23:33. Mike Wallis was 2nd M50, Jack Holt was 2nd M60. Linda Bostock was our first Clayton lady finisher and was also 2nd F50. Karin Goss was 1st F60.

Linda Bostock at the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round. Photo by Woodentops

Linda Bostock at the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round. Photo by Woodentops

Report from Carl Helliwell

I wanted to do the Stan Bradshaw, however I had decided to do the cross country. So when the cross country was cancelled I knew I had no excuse…

Carl Helliwell at the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round. Photo by David Belshaw

Carl Helliwell at the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round. Photo by David Belshaw

It was a cool start as we set off up past the reservoirs and the front runners started to break away. I knew I had to take advantage of the climb up onto Pendle. As we reached the top the sun started to shine and reflect off the snow. I found the section across the top quite tricky as the snow hid many of the ruts and mounds as I twisted my ankles a few times, but managed to keep my position.

As we started to leave Churn Clough reservoir I learnt a lesson in navigation….. “Don’t always follow the runner in front!”… I soon realised we had gone wrong when I saw another couple of runners out of the corner of my eye. I changed course and got back on track but had lost a few places. It was then the run back down past Ogden and I will be honest. Tarmac and me don’t mix well. It was hard and draining on the legs

I really enjoyed the race, it was well organised and marshalled. Well done to Colin Woolford and the rest of the Clayton organisers, runners and helpers. It is one I’ll definitely do again.

Report from Peter Coates

Great race on Saturday.  Second time I have done the Stan Bradshaw and it’s a cracking race.  Fantastic fell running conditions but extremely cold on the top and a good layer of snow underfoot which was tough going but great fun.  The sun came out as we reached the summit and the views were amazing when I could look up.

Peter Coates at the Stan Bradshaw Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Peter Coates at the Stan Bradshaw Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

The finish was altered from last year due to the recent bad weather and finished with the run down the tarmac path to the finish in Barley which is always leg sapping.  Finished just behind Carl Helliwell.  All in all a great days running.  Thanks to the marshals and all involved

Pos    Name    Cat    CatPos    Time   
22 Carl Helliwell M40 (010/062) 01:23:33
24 Peter Coates M (014/045) 01:23:52
26 Mike Wallis M50 (002/053) 01:24:20
55 Sean Clare M50 (007/053) 01:30:07
58 Mark Nutter M50 (008/053) 01:30:19
69 Ivan Whigham M50 (013/053) 01:32:42
71 Jack Holt M60 (002/012) 01:32:47
76 Chris Whiteoak M (028/045) 01:33:52
86 Alex Braysford M40 (033/062) 01:35:35
133 Peter Dugdale M50 (032/053) 01:43:42
139 Paul Wale M40 (050/062) 01:45:33
156 Linda Bostock F50 (002/008) 01:48:44
167 Martin Brady M50 (046/053) 01:51:20
171 Barbara Savage F50 (004/008) 01:51:58
173 Geoff Smith M40 (056/062) 01:52:15
197 Graham Schofield M60 (012/012) 02:08:21
201 Karin Goss F60 (001/001) 02:22:13

Full Results

Sunday 6 March

Dewsbury 10K

John Hartley was our sole representative at the Dewsbury 10K. In a large field of 1081 runners he finished in 158th position with a time of 39:32 and was 4th Vet50.

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos Time
158 John Hartley M55 4 39:32

Full Results

Haweswater Half Marathon

Kevin Davies and Richard John took part in the Haweswater Half Marathon in a field of 407  runners. The hilly course follows an out and back route from Brampton village and passes along the shores of Haweswater in a remote and dramatic Cumbrian mountain valley.

Pos    Name    Cat    CatPos    Time   
44 Kevin Davies M50 (004/044) 01:27:58
154 Richard John M (056/077) 01:42:19

Full Results

Ian Roberts Memorial Fell Race

Report by Ryan Wilkinson

Ryan Belshaw at the Ian Roberts Memorial Fell Race. Photo by Norman Berry

Ryan Belshaw at the Ian Roberts Memorial Fell Race. Photo by Norman Berry

I decided it was time to just have a word & get back racing!

After quite some time off racing having given myself a nasty knee injury DANCING…& with Black Combe only next week I decided it was about time I got a race under my belt.

I set off over to the Ian Roberts Memorial fell race hosted by Holmfirth Harriers with the attitude of just set off and enjoy it…next thing we were off & I was back in the mix and flying down a snowy hillside just about staying upright! Through a freezing stream and then into a tough little climb. Yep, it didn’t take long & I was loving it again. I had a really good battle with Darren Fishwick all the way around and was quite pleased with how I felt throughout the whole race.

Glad I bit the bullet and decided to go over & take part. It’s a cracking little race.  Now a little happier going into next weekend & definitely feel like I want to race again. The result wasn’t bad as I finished 14th overall and was quite close time-wise to a top 10 finish. Onwards & upwards I say

Awaiting Official Results

Ron Hill 1 Mile Fun Run

Stars of the future. Clayton Juniors at the Ron Hill 1 mile race with coach Marion Wilkinson. Photo by David Belshaw

Stars of the future. Clayton Juniors at the Ron Hill 1 mile race with coach Marion Wilkinson. Photo by David Belshaw

66 runners, 52 of which were junior runners took part in the 1 mile fun run. Dexta Thompson won the race outright as well as placing first in his age group. Jenson Benthan finished in 5th place overall and was also first in his age group.

Dexta Thompson leading the way in the 1 Mile Ron Hill Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Dexta Thompson leading the way in the 1 Mile Ron Hill Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Liberty Thompson was our first girl and was 6th overall 3rd girl and 2nd in her age category. Helana White took the first position in her age category and was 10th overall. Summer Hargreaves and Kady Thompson were both 2nd in their age categories.  A brilliant set of results from our juniors.

Our youngest competitor, Emily Johnson, at the 1 Mile Ron Hill Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Our youngest competitor, Emily Johnson, at the 1 Mile Ron Hill Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Jack Maguire was our only senior runner finishing in 27th place with a time of 8:23.5

66 Runners

Pos Name AG AgePos Time
1 Dexta Thompson MU12 1 05:45.2
5 Jenson Bentham MU10 1 06:33.1
6 Liberty Thompson FU14 2 06:35.6
10 Helana White FU10 1 06:51.3
11 Summer Hargreaves FU12 2 06:52.2
17 Jake Anforth MU10 4 07:35.0
19 Kady Thompson FU10 2 07:38.2
20 Felix Thompson MU10 8 07:51.5
27 Jack McGuire M60 1 08:23.5
45 Emily Johnson FU10 16 10:14.2

Full Results

Ron Hill 10K

408 Runners took to the roads and paths of Accrington for the Ron Hill 10K. Ron Hill himself was there to inspire the runners. The race was won by Blackburn Harrier Ben Fish in 32:42 with Glossopdale Harrier Kirsty Johnson taking the ladies race in 41:42. Danny Collinge had a great run finishing second overall and first Clayton male in a time of 33:54.

Matthew Duckworth giving it his all at the finish in the Ron Hill 10. Photo by David Belshaw

Helen O’Rourke was our first lady finisher in 77th place in a time of 46:51. Together with Amanda Duffy and Linsey Birtwistle our ladies took the 2nd ladies team prize as well.

Our prize winning ladies team at the Ron Hill 10K. L-R Helen O'Rourke, Amanda Duffy and Lindsey Birtwistle

Our prize winning ladies team at the Ron Hill 10K. L-R Helen O’Rourke, Amanda Duffy and Lindsey Birtwistle

A good set of results for the club. Well done to all that ran.

Pos Bib Name Cat Time
2 596 Danny Collinge MU23 33:54.7
17 148 Matthew Duckworth M 40:04.7
65 91 Andrew Webster M45 45:42.3
77 604 Helen O’Rourke W 46:51.2
85 240 Amanda Duffy  W35 47:09.0
86 221 Robert Morrison  M40 47:13.9
88 52 Colin White  M40 47:22.9
121 341 Lynsey Birtwistle  W35 49:27.5
124 252 Lee Moore  Men 49:38.8
156 220 Jane Ryan  W35 51:18.0
157 568 Julie Dawes  W45 51:25.1
170 76 Ian Hargreaves  M50 52:09.4
171 104 Justin Birtwistle  M40 52:14.2
176 183 Leanne Cottam  W35 52:33.6
231 368 Julie Toman  W45 56:48.6
243 36 Deborah Greenwood  W45 57:59.8
245 582 Ron Chappell  M65 58:02.1
271 564 Philip Naylor  M 59:45.9

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

Cuerden Valley parkrun – A total of 161 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
8 Dexta THOMPSON 21:19 JM10 First Timer!
9 Alan DORRINGTON 21:20 VM45-49 First Timer!
31 Ella DORRINGTON-LEVY 24:27 JW11-14 First Timer!

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 77 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
70 Robin PRICE 37:04 VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 92 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
55 Eileen JONES 32:28 VW60-64

Gorleston Cliffs parkrun – A total of 195 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
5 John HARTLEY 19:26 VM55-59

Pendle parkrun – A total of 72 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
5 Paul HESKETH 21:31 VM50-54
9 Simon WILSHAW 22:44 JM15-17 New PB!
21 Martin BRADY 25:24 VM50-54

Skipton parkrun – A total of 155 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
86 Yvonne WICKHAM 28:11 VW50-54

Witton parkrun – A total of 66 runners took part

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
2 Jonathan CLEAVER 20:11 VM35-39 First Timer!
5 Chris SNELL 20:56 VM35-39 First Timer!
66 Julia RUSHTON 50:41 VW50-54

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 427 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
14 Colin SHUTTLEWORTH 18:53 VM55-59 New PB!

 

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Hitting the Mark

Another action packed roundup for you this week! A win at the Bolton Abbey Trail Half Marathon for Richard Stevenson, great placings for Chris Holdsworth and Amanda Duffy and PBs all over the place. A sign of even greater things to come for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers this year.

Saturday 27 February

Blackpool Stanley Park 10K

Four Clayton-le-Moors Harriers took part in the first of two 10K races in Stanley Park Blackpool over the weekend. Christopher Holdsworth held up for a 3rd place finish despite struggling with a calf niggle over the last couple of weeks. He said that the weather was pretty perfect with a slight cool breeze and was delighted to see some fast times posted over this, at times, tricky two lap course.

Report from Dan Plant

After last week’s weather at the Great North Western Half Marathon, all week I was wondering which way the weather would go on this one. This was my first ever race 3 years ago to the day and has been an ever-present since then. As we got to Blackpool, the weather seemed perfect.

Dan Plant at the Blackpool Stanley Park 10K

The race had a very fast start in my standards and I really wanted the PB I have been chasing for so long. As we got halfway round I took a glance at the big timer and really thought it was achievable so I gave it everything I had. I smashed the PB by half a minute. Just so happy it was this course!

Report from Carl Carey

Perfect weather, although slightly windy on the long straights, coupled with beautiful scenery and a great atmosphere to run in. Together with Chris, Donna and Dan, we were the sole Clayton representatives today as people would be doing it tomorrow instead no doubt. This would be my only second 10k race since the Pennine 10k last year, and went to Stanley Park with one goal: to beat my previous PB of 53 minutes!

Please with his result, Carl Carey at the Blackpool Stanley Park 10K

Please with his result, Carl Carey at the Blackpool Stanley Park 10K

At the start, we were informed not to trust the clock tower for the time as it was 2 minutes out, and then we were off. Getting caught in a crowd of slower runners meant I had to go round the outside and speed up which didn’t help but I then tried to stay in a steady rhythm, which was difficult with the speedy Donna Airey in front of me. Strangely the mile and km markers didn’t match up with my Garmin but I wasn’t going to argue so ran to the finish, gratefully appreciating the water and banana at the end! A great race, with a great atmosphere. The only disappointment was that it wasn’t chip timing but let’s not take it away from the organisers. Oh, and I got my new PB of 48:58, so a successful day!

Pos Name Cat Time
3 Christopher Holdsworth M 32:30.4
23 Daniel Plant M 39:29.5
83 Donna Airey LV35 47:38.7
96 Carl Carey MV45 48:58.0

Full Results

Bolton Abbey Trail Half Marathon

Report From Richard Stevenson

Richard Stevenson winner of the Bolton Abbey Trail Half Marathon. Photo by Deborah Stevenson

On Saturday I headed over to Bolton Abbey for a trail half marathon but wasn’t sure what to expect it was organised by a company called It’s Grim Up North Running and this was it’s first ever event, what I found was a nice little very relaxed race set in a beautiful area.

After a quick brew in the cafe amongst the dozens of cyclists who had stopped off here it was time to get ready and head to start. There was only about 75 of us at the start which was the race limit and it was easy to see why when a lot of the course was on narrow paths with long drops to river on one side.

The course was mainly out and back up and down either side of the river with a lap or 2 around the priory. I set off steadily and soon found myself out in front leading the race which meant I had to negotiate the many obstacles of the general public who were using the paths as well.

By the time I was on the second lap, my feet were taking a battering on the hard trails and the legs were beginning to tire but I knew I had a good lead over the guy in 2nd place so I kept pushing on through to the finish to take the win.

On finishing I was given a goody bag with a medal, chocolate and a bottle of beer all for the entry price of £14 which I thought was great value, I’d definitely look at doing some of their other races that they have planned later this year.

High Cup Nick Fell Race

Report from Martin Brady

High Cup Nick Fell Race 9.3 mile 1600 feet climbing (I measured it at 1800 feet)

I decided to have a run at the High Cup Nick Fell Race after the Pendle Parkun on Saturday. I found the race challenging but well worth the effort.

There is a bit of a climb to begin with along a road\track, then the majestic view of High Cup Gill opens up before you . The race runs at the bottom of the gill leading up to High Cup Nick. There is a steep climb out at the top end where the views are stunning. Then there is the four mile descent to the finish at Dufton. It almost felt like it was an English championship race with the top quality field assembled. I think they were all getting ready for the championship race at Black Coomb in two weeks time. Unfortunately I was the only Clayton runner there which really surprised me as it is such a brilliant race (too far to travel from home???).

PS My time was about 1 hour 39 (approx.)

Awaiting Official Results

Midgley Moor Fell Race

Report from Chris Paul

Chris Paul at the Midgley Moor Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Chris Paul at the Midgley Moor Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Having a rare Saturday morning off work I decided to increase my fell running experience and compete in the Midgley Moor fell race. Being the only Clayton member there felt quite intimidating when surrounded by a lot of entries from Barlick and Calder Valley but everyone was friendly and I chatted to a few as we got ready at the start.

The race itself was short and sweet but had a bit of everything. A steady climb from the start and over a few styles led us to the first trig point and a nice run across through some heather to the second trig point. Then a nice fast decent where I managed to gain some places back led to the bottom of “that field”. This is where I was met with another climb, so with John Roche’s voice in my head I kept going to the top and of course making sure I was actually running this time when Woodentops were taking pictures! I managed to get a few a more places back as we started the decent back down through the heather where we then headed back to field where we started.

I finished 50th overall out of 104 but I really enjoyed it and will certainly be entering as many fell races like this as I can in the future….hopefully with a few more Clayton members to keep me company!

Full Results

Sunday 28 February

Asics Oulton Park 10K

Report From Amanda Duffy

We had an early start on Sunday morning to set off for the Asics oulton park 10k. We certainly had the weather on our side this weekend! It was a 3 lap course of the race track which was a little undulating in places although it was perfect to run on.

Amanda Duffy on the podium as 3rd lady in the Oulton Park 10K

Amanda Duffy on the podium as 3rd lady in the Oulton Park 10K

Very well organised race and we received a nice medal and t shirt at the finish plus Lee got his sub 50 and I had the bonus of finishing 3rd lady.

Lee Moore and Amanda Duffy at the Oulton Park 10K

Lee Moore and Amanda Duffy at the Oulton Park 10K

A perfect end to the week

Pos Name Time Cat Time
46 Amanda DUFFY 00:45:40 V35 00:45:36
88 Lee MOORE 00:49:16 V35 00:49:11

Full Results

Blackpool Stanley Park 10K

A trio of club members took part in the second of the weekend’s 10K races at Stanley park in Blackpool. Matthew Duckworth was first Clayton finisher and 11th place overall with a time of 38:22. Brian Wildman finished next in 47:10 with Bianca Bennett out first lady in 64th place overall and a time of 48:03. Bianca said it was a beautiful day for a fast 10K in a lovely park with a great atmosphere topped off with a PB!

Pos Name Category Time
11 Matthew Duckworth M 38:22.0
53 Brian Wildman MV50 47:10.2
64 Bianca Bennett L 48:03.3

Full Results

Harewood House Half Marathon

Report from Phil Michael

As part of Mrs Naylor’s marathon training we signed up for the Harewood House half marathon . Set in the grounds of the beautiful country house dating back to the 1700s , the run was a combination of trails and cross country . Parts of the estate looked very familiar on the way round and I was told its used as the setting for Emmerdales village in the popular soap. The weather was kind on the day and the freezing temperatures lifted by the sun shining down on us .

Harewood House Half Marathon

Harewood House Half Marathon

The course was undulating with some climbs and some fantastic fell like descents where we free wheeled happily through the fields . As the relative beginner , I managed to take 5 minutes off my previous half marathon best and recorded 2 25 . Much more work to do to get to my 2 05 target for the year but I’m keeping working ! Thanks to all involved for a friendly , brilliantly organised event.

Phil Naylor at the Harwood House Half Marathon

Phil Naylor at the Harwood House Half Marathon

Well done Philip on completing the 2016 BHF Harewood House Half in a time of 2:25:35

Full Results

Malta Half Marathon

Report from James Boult

James Boult crossing the finish line at the Malta Half Marathon

On the afternoon of April 9th 1942, during the middle of the Second World War, an SC500 kg Luftwaffe bomb pierced the roof of the Mosta Rotunda during an afternoon air raid and fell among a congregation of over 300 people awaiting evening mass. After bouncing down the isle of the church, it came to rest. The bomb did not explode. At the back of this church a replica of that bomb is now on display under the words Il-Miraklu tal-Bomba. The Bomb Miracle.

Looking on at that Rotunda from the bastions of the walled city of Mdina at the start of the 2016 Malta Half Marathon, I paused to remember that story, told to me by many people during my visits to this place. I am not religious in the slightest, but this island is watched over by someone not of human hand and is blessed beyond comprehension. As a Maltese man said to me the other day, “there’s no place quite like Malta,” and he is right.

Running, I guess, is part enjoyment, part desire and part madness. You have to enjoy what you’re doing otherwise it’s pointless, right? And you have to be mad enough to brave the elements in the first place. After all, who in their right mind decides to run a half marathon, his first half marathon too, 2,000 miles away in a country with temperatures exceeding 25 Celsius in February?

I suppose, though, with the event being 2,000 miles away from home I was under no pressure to do anything other than finish. I was alone, and just had to enjoy it. I had John Roche’s words in my head as the countdown to the start ensued, “take the first 10k easy and then go for it.” But by the end I was not alone, having the absolute honour of finishing the race alongside two of the finest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. We called ourselves ‘Team Maria’, and the girls I met at the start were also running their first half marathon. Maria, a Maltese girl, and her friend Emily, an Oxford ex-pat studying Medicine at the University of Malta, were as innocent to the half marathon as I was, not knowing what to expect. They, though, had the added advantage of being accustomed to the Mediterranean climate. We talked, introduced and shared our trepidation. I echoed John’s words to them, and passed on some of my own (albeit limited) advice and we set off, alongside 4,000 strong competitors from both the Half and the Walkathon dead on 9:15am. From outside the bastions of Malta’s old capital, the walled city of Mdina we headed on through the main road of Rabat, down through Nigret and onto the Mtarfa by-pass to get to 6km mark in Ta’Qali.

Vodaphone (the sponsors of the Marathon) were live streaming all photographs taken throughout the event using a 4G service, which automatically logged the runners race number and uploaded the pictures to their Facebook account, creating a digital archive of the event. And with Powerade giving free drinks at stations throughout the event, it was more of a let’s get to the next station, thought process at times, as temperatures soared to high twenties and strong headwinds battered us when they could.

As we passed water stations and powerade stations and sponge stations for the small relief of coolness they provided, we carried on, Emily driving us on when Maria and I struggled. Cloudless and warm, visually stunning and sometimes breathless, we reached the 10km mark.

James Boult at the Malta Half Marathon

With Emily and Maria keeping me going as we battled beyond 10km, the route took us through Attard and the Mriehel Industrial Estate, before we joined the Mriehel bypass and the Hamrun/Marsa bypass heading into Marsa, and then Blata L-Bajda. The last 5km of the route passes along the Sa’ Maison, Pieta, Msida, Ta’ Xbiex and Gzira waterfronts up to the finish in Sliema. With tired legs, knees wanting to stop and heat battering us at every available chance, we plodded on towards Floriana and the final 4km.

I had recced the final 4km on Thursday after I had landed, and had found it to be the most visually stunning run I’d ever done, along the seafront marinas of Malta’s hidden treasures. But the second time, with Team Maria for company, it was beyond description. Bodies aching, we made the final 4km spot and battled through. We passed bodies lying on the curbs, with medics working on those who had foregone water stations and been hit by dehydration. And then, as we passed through Ta’ Xbiex and made the corner towards Sliema, with my honorary Clayton Harriers, Emily and Maria, in tow the view opened out and Valletta – the capital city described by Benjamin Disraeli in 1830 as “a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen,” and which “equals in its noble architecture, if it does not excel, any capital in Europe” – opened out as our backdrop as we neared the finish.

We started as a team and we finished as a team, never leaving anyone behind, and as we crossed the finish line hand-in-hand, the three strong team clocked a debut time of 2:17:37 and no thesaurus in the world would be enough to find superlatives that could accurately describe this event. Madness? Absolutely. Desire? Unquestioning. Enjoyment? If I ever leave cloud 9 then maybe I’ll be able to tell you.

Today I haven’t just run a half marathon. Today I’ve met, befriended and ran alongside the two most incredible runners, seen things people only dream of seeing, ran through a country that, to me, is home from home and today I’ve finally understood why that man said about this place, “there’s nowhere quite like Malta.”

To Emily and Maria I say this; thank you. For your friendliness and your unbelievable running and never giving up, even when it got tough. You should be so very proud of your achievements, and so very proud of yourself. And thank you for without your pushing and tireless running I may not have finished either.

To see a country is one thing, but no sightseeing tours in the world can show you better a place than you can see running through it. The streets filled with locals cheering you on, people leaving cars abandoned on the closed roads to support and cheer and watch, the sun beating down in endless, perennial golden rays and the friendliness of a country to be able to show itself off like this.

For any Clayton Harrier, whether you’re fell only or looking for a first marathon or half marathon to run, try the Malta marathon. You will end it speechless, breathless and you’ll be provided with vistas that make this special, blessed little place possibly the most beautiful country in the world. I challenge you, no, I dare you, to find an event more incredible and more beautiful than this one. Thank you, Team Maria. Thank you, Valletta. Thank you, Malta.

Full Results

Terry Nortley Radcliffe 10 Mile

Stephen Biscomb was our sole representative at this challenging 10 mile multi-terrain race taking in a semi-rural route from Radcliffe through the route of the Manchester, Bury and Rossendale railway line and through Philips Park.

Pos    Name    Cat    CatPos    Time   
78 Stephen Biscomb M60 (005/009) 01:19:26

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

53 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers parkrunning this weekend with some excellent finishing at Burnley where the sheer number of PBs in the top ten implies a bit of a racing battle going on there. Great results also at Pendle and Witton Parkrun. Some first time visits at Witton and Pendle an a whole host of PBs.

Bolton parkrun – A total of 263 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
77 Katy THOMPSON 25:57 VW60-64

Burnley parkrun – A total of 284 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
3 Jonathan PYE 17:44 SM25-29 New PB!
4 Andy LAYCOCK 17:52 SM20-24 New PB!
10 Gareth BERRY 19:13 VM35-39 New PB!
12 Jackson MCKAY 19:36 JM11-14
15 Simon WILSHAW 20:18 JM15-17
17 Kevin DAVIES 20:22 VM50-54
26 Richard BRISCOE 20:53 VM35-39
30 Reece Adam LAWRENCE 21:11 JM15-17 New PB!
34 Matthew DUCKWORTH 21:27 SM25-29
41 Robert MORRISON 21:49 VM40-44 New PB!
44 Donna RILEY 22:04 VW50-54
47 Robbie SMEDLEY 22:17 JM10
48 Lennon JACKSON 22:19 JM11-14
63 Sophie ASHWORTH 23:00 JW11-14
65 Julie DAWES 23:26 VW45-49
76 James HICKIE 24:02 VM55-59
79 Brian WILDMAN 24:07 VM50-54
82 Bianca BENNETT 24:15 SW25-29 New PB!
84 Ian HARGREAVES 24:19 VM50-54
91 Donna SCOTT 24:40 VW50-54
99 Lisa JOHNSON 25:17 VW40-44
100 Matthew JACKSON 25:23 JM10
108 Richard LAWSON 25:42 VM75-79
110 Annabel WILCOCK 25:46 JW15-17
111 John WILCOCK 25:48 VM50-54
115 Toby BIRTWISTLE 25:55 JM10 New PB!
116 Justin BIRTWISTLE 25:55 VM40-44 New PB!
132 Andrew WEBSTER 26:28 VM45-49
138 Ron CHAPPELL 26:41 VM65-69
157 Aaron LUNDIE 27:27 JM11-14
189 Stuart BARKER 29:05 VM45-49
204 Robert HIRST 29:58 VM65-69
223 Alan DORRINGTON 31:26 VM45-49
239 Nicola KAY 32:44 SW30-34
263 Valerie LAWSON 35:48 VW70-74
266 Philip NAYLOR 36:01 VM35-39

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 106 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
101 Robin PRICE 38:07 VM70-74

Pendle parkrun – A total of 74 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
1 Andrew STUBBS 18:23 VM45-49 First Timer!
5 John HARTLEY 21:03 VM55-59
16 Martin BRADY 23:55 VM50-54
17 Finley STUBBS 24:01 JM10
21 Barry MITCHELL 24:17 VM70-74
30 Millie STUBBS 25:59 JW11-14
41 Natasha OLSZEWSKA 28:17 JW11-14
46 Adrienne OLSZEWSKA 29:16 VW45-49 New PB!
57 Bronia OLSZEWSKA 32:15 JW11-14 First Timer!
61 Christine Jennifer EGERTON 33:25 VW65-69

Witton parkrun – A total of 93 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
2 Carl HELLIWELL 19:43 VM40-44 First Timer!
10 Michael CLARKE 21:46 VM40-44
47 Jude ASHWORTH 28:24 VW55-59

Woodbank parkrun – A total of 155 runners took part

Pos parkrunner Time Age Cat Note
120 Ron HILL 33:12 VM75-79

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 426 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
15 Colin SHUTTLEWORTH 18:54 VM55-59 New PB!

 

 

ByAdrienne Olszewska

It’s Character Building

Even with the most testing and extreme weather conditions you hardy Harriers have been out racing with gusto. There have been night time forays around the Darwen moorlands, fell racing in near biblical conditions, trail running on muddy tracks, and dodging monstrous waves in a coastal half marathon. Character building stuff indeed.

Friday 19 February

Mr Sparkle’s Dark ‘Un

Mr Sparkle’s Dark ‘Un is a night time fell race using head torches. It also includes a free chip butty at The Royal after! Runners can expect a couple of stiff climbs, open moorland, mud and a dash down to the finish.

Runners at Mr Sparkle's Dark 'Un. Photo by Sue Eastham

Runners at Mr Sparkle’s Dark ‘Un. Photo by Sue Eastham

A trio of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers took part in this night time race organised by Darwen Dashers

Pos Name Cat Time
38 Geoff  Smith M40 00:52:16
42 Nerina  Gill F40 00:52:32
55 Marion  Dixon F40 00:59:44

Full Results

Saturday 20 February

Bleasdale Circle Fell Race

Report from Sarah Helliwell

I decided it was time to get back on the fells after completing a few XCs and Ralph now being 6 months old! Bleasdale Circle looked a good circular fell race with a good amount of climbing (381m) within its 5 miles. It was a very wet and windy Saturday with bad weather warnings. The organisers had taken extra precautions and had added extra markers around the course which was greatly need as visibility up on Parlick was no more than a few meters. We held a minute’s silence before we set off as unfortunately one of Bowland Fell Runners’ young members, Joe Smith, was killed up in Glencoe in January.

Runners paying their respects at the start of the Bleasdale Circle Fell Race. Photo by Carl Helliwell

Runners paying their respects at the start of the Bleasdale Circle Fell Race. Photo by Carl Helliwell

There were a good number of Clayton runners on the start line. My aim was to get round in one piece as Carl and the kids cheered us off. It was wet, boggy and leg sapping as we crossed the fields to the foot of Fair Snape Fell. As the climbing intensified so did the weather, wet and windy was an understatement! Comments for the conditions varied from “the weather was Biblical”, “character building”, “you could hardly stand” and that was “brilliant”.

After descending Parlick you made your way back over farmland to Bleasdale School where runners were greeted with hot soup and roll, and lots of cake.

Results are not out yet, however Peter Coates was the first male Clayton runner back, others included Ralph Baines, Mark Nutter, Ivan Whigham, Pete Browning, Doug Monroe and others!

We had three ladies with Katy Thompson first Clayton lady and winning the V60 prize with a 1:06, myself 1:08 and Karin Goss with a 1:13 to win the ladies team.

It’s definitely one I would do again but hopefully with better weather as the views are pretty impressive from Parlick.

Awaiting official results

Standish Hall Trail Race

Organised by Wigan Phoenix Running Club this approximately 10k trail race is completely off road on bridle paths and woodland trail. It was also the first race in our inaugural trail race series.

L-R Martin Brady, Dave Motley, Daniel Isherwood, Paul Wale,

L-R Martin Brady, Dave Motley, Daniel Isherwood, Paul Wale, Chris Paul and James Hickie at the Standish Hall trail race. Photo by Kath Brady

Report from Dave Motley

Looking at my annual planner for 2016 (geeky I know!) I knew I had to compete at Standish Trail race in order to complete 4 from 7 in the Clayton club trail championship. So myself and Paul Wale set off from Burnley for the 45 minute drive to Standish which actually took longer as we missed the junction on the M6 due to nattering like old women. Good job navigation would not be needed on this race. We signed up and bumped into a few Clayton members on the start line; a few being the word which was a little disappointing for the first race in this new series.

2.30pm came and we were off! The course effectively a large figure of 8, two lap course through wide trails in fields and a large section through woods, the main feature due to the recent bad weather being mud, mud and more mud. On a personal note, I felt I had an OK race finishing in 6th overall and 1st Clayton, although I was a bit disappointed with not getting sub 40 on this fast 10K trail course, must have been the mud.

Trail running good or bad? Having never really competed on the trails before, I really enjoyed the terrain. A real mix of fast runnable tracks which would be perfect for road runners wanting to get dirty and technical parts of the course which would suit the fell runners in the club. Hopefully next trail race we will see a few more competing.

Pos    Name    Cat    Time   
6 Dave Motley M 00:41:43
18 Daniel Isherwood M 00:44:22
57 Chris Paul M 00:48:26
76 Paul Wale M45 00:50:45
83 Martin Brady M50 00:51:41
93 J S Hickie M55 00:52:16

Full Results

Sunday 21 February

Cunswick Scar Fell Race

Well done to the 6 hardy Harriers who took part on a wet and windy day with tough and muddy conditions underfoot.

Just over 5 miles for the seniors with around 600′ of climbing. A fast undulating course across grassy Cunswick scar. The senior race starts with a small climb across fields, over the bypass and up to the large cairn on the Scar, over the top and along the edge. Follow the flags until you get to a sharp turn through a kissing gate to the right. Down a steep little path and through the woods…….out across the fields and back into more woods.

Senior Race

Wendy Dodds was our only senior race in this fell race. She finished in 94th place overall and was 1st LV60. 137 runners took part.

Pos    Name    Cat    Time   
94 Wendy Dodds LV60 48:40

Junior Races

Five junior members took part. Briony was our first finisher in the U14 race with Liberty Thompson in 18th place. Dexta finished in 4th place in the U12 race with Helena White and Kady Thomson in 37th and 44th place. A special well done to Helena who completed the course with one shoe missing.

Cunswick Scar

Briony Holt at the Cunswick Scar fell race.

Under 14 Race

Pos    Name    Time   
6 Briony Holt 16:44
18 Liberty Thompson 19:30

Under 12 Race

Helena White ready for her first fell race. Dad Colin is ready for the Great North West Half Marathon. Photo by Rachael White

Pos    Name    Time   
4 Dexta Thompson 9:17
37 Helena White 12:12
44 Kady Thompson 12:43

Full Results

Flower Scar Fell Race

Report from Sarah Helliwell

It was Carl’s turn to race on Sunday as he made his way to Todmorden. This was a first for him as well. Thankfully the weather was kinder on the Sunday with it being blustery on the tops but little rain. It started with a quick dash to some hay bales, to then scale a wall before climbing up onto the fells. Unfortunately, Carl got stuck in the scramble and had to slowly pick his way through the runners. He was happy with his run as he eventually finished 13th out of 120 runners with a time of 64:28 and a second V40. A number of other Clayton runners were spotted with Alan life sporting a fetching trenchcoat 😉 who were all rewarded with chili and rice at the end.

Pos    Name    Cat    Time   
13 Carl Helliwell M40 64:29
20 Peter Coates M 68:15
50 Alan Life M50 74:59
57 Chris Whiteoak M 76:56
97 Andrew Foster M 92:20

Awaiting Official Results

Great North West Half Marathon

Jon Cleaver reports on the wind and waves at the Great North West Half Marathon in Blackpool this weekend.

Jon Cleaver at the Great North West Half Marathon

Jon Cleaver at the Great North West Half Marathon

There was quite a crowd all huddled together underneath the promenade trying to keep from the elements before the start.

The first couple of short loops revealed what we had in store when were head on into the north westerly wind. On the flat heading north there were 20ft waves crashing against the sea wall and soaking anyone unlucky enough to get caught underneath. It was like you’d been on the log flume on the Pleasure Beach!

It was a fast pace to the northernmost turning point and then you got hammered by the wind for 2.5 miles on the way back. It was like having one foot on the accelerator and one on the brake; probably adding minimum of a minute a mile.

The turning point at 8 miles was heaven sent, you could get your pace up again and try and dodge the overhead crashing waves. And then the dreaded southern run into that headwind, the second seemed to get worse until you peeled off feeling sorry for those that still had another loop to do and onto the final push down the promenade. The wind didn’t let up all the way to the finish line.

I jogged back up to find Dan Plant who’d run really well taking out 2 people right at the line. Great finish!

Decent medal, shame there wasn’t the promised chip timing. Overall great prep for marathon training in character building conditions!

L-R Dan Plant, Jon Cleaver and Paul Hesketh at the Great North West Half Marathon

L-R Dan Plant, Jon Cleaver and Paul Hesketh at the Great North West Half Marathon

Pos Name Category Time
33 Jonathan Cleaver M 1:27:28.4
52 John Hartley MV55 1:30:17.6
55 Paul Hesketh MV50 1:30:53.0
67 Daniel Plant M 1:32:41.1
308 Robert Morrison MV40 1:48:12.4
310 Colin White MV40 1:48:37.3
385 Lynsey Birtwistle LV35 1:52:38.1
502 Ian Hargreaves MV50 1:57:53.9
584 Justin Birtwistle MV40 2:01:11.2
1085 Phil Naylor M 2:29:46.5

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

A bit of poor weather doesn’t stop our dedicated parkrunners who were out in force on Saturday at a range of events.

Clayton junior runner Kady Thompson flying to a new PB at Burnley parkrun. Photo by Dave Belshaw

Clayton junior runner Kady Thompson flying to a new PB at Burnley parkrun. Photo by Dave Belshaw

Bolton parkrun – A total of 230 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
45 Nerina GILL 24:46 VW45-49

Burnley parkrun – A total of 230 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
3 Jacob WATSON 18:23 SM30-34
5 Richard STEVENSON 18:41 VM40-44
6 Jonathan PYE 18:55 SM25-29
9 Jackson MCKAY 19:44 JM11-14
11 Alan DORRINGTON 19:58 VM45-49
13 Matthew DUCKWORTH 20:26 SM25-29
14 Gareth BERRY 20:27 VM35-39
17 Stephen AINSWORTH 21:11 VM55-59
19 Reece Adam LAWRENCE 21:58 JM15-17
21 James BOULT 22:05 SM20-24
33 Simon WILSHAW 23:29 JM15-17
34 Sophie ASHWORTH 23:30 JW11-14
44 Julie DAWES 24:03 VW45-49
49 Lee MOORE 24:26 VM35-39
51 Carl CAREY 24:32 VM45-49
53 Charlie BIRTWISTLE 24:39 JM10
60 Jean KNIGHTLEY 25:19 VW55-59
62 Andrew WEBSTER 25:31 VM45-49
65 Lisa JOHNSON 25:35 VW40-44
72 Andrew TAYLOR 26:00 VM55-59
76 Annabel WILCOCK 26:19 JW15-17
77 John WILCOCK 26:22 VM50-54
92 Kady THOMPSON 27:05 JW10 New PB!
106 Ron CHAPPELL 27:34 VM65-69
117 Richard LAWSON 28:00 VM75-79
119 Philip NAYLOR 28:02 VM35-39
133 Donna SCOTT 28:51 VW50-54
135 Stuart BARKER 28:52 VM45-49
176 Christine Jennifer EGERTON 31:28 VW65-69
184 Judith CAREY 32:50 VW35-39
228 Diane ORRELL 41:55 SW30-34

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 158 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
154 Robin PRICE 39:07 VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 83 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
66 Eileen JONES 32:12 VW60-64

Pendle parkrun – A total of 61 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
5 John HARTLEY 21:54 VM55-59
6 Paul HESKETH 22:05 VM50-54
20 Martin BRADY 25:22 VM50-54
27 Finley STUBBS 25:38 JM10 New PB!
34 Dawn TERRY 28:02 VW50-54
40 Millie STUBBS 29:28 JW11-14

Rockingham (Australia) parkrun – A total of 253 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
14 Kieran CARR 22:25 VM70-74 New PB!

Skipton parkrun – A total of 142 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
1 Tom BREWSTER 17:41 SM25-29

Witton parkrun – A total of 61 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
45 Julie TOMAN 31:49 VW45-49

Woodbank parkrun – A total of 179 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
152 Ron HILL 33:27 VM75-79

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 423 runners took part

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
3 David BAGOT 17:37 SM20-24
14 Colin SHUTTLEWORTH 19:07 VM55-59 New PB!

 

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Up for a challenge

What an epic week it’s been! Whether you have been joining in with marathon challenges, tackling your first fell race or running much further than you ever thought possible, it’s been full on for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers. You have been racing in the hills, over the moors, on the coast and in the parks.

Tuesday 9 February

401 Challenge

On September 1st 2015 Ben Smith embarked on a challenge of a lifetime which will see him run 401 marathons in 401 consecutive days around 309 different locations of the UK. The aim is to raise £250,000 for two fantastic charities, ‘Stonewall’ and ‘Kidscape’. Both these charities work tirelessly to combat bullying in our schools and society.

Day 162 was local to us so plenty of our members got involved and joined Ben on his marathon around the Burnley and Ribble Valley area. They even went over the Nick of Pendle.

Team Clayton supporters of the Ben Smith's 401 Marathon challenge. Photo by David Belshaw

Team Clayton supporters of the Ben Smith’s 401 Marathon challenge. Photo by David Belshaw

Ben said it was an epic day and all thanks to Garry (Wilkinson)! He helped round up people from all over, sorted out free meals, visits, planned the route and even gave me therapy, thank you mate! Thanks though to everyone else that was involved in whatever capacity, we had three new PBs today including a first time marathon runner, a great way to end day 162!

Saturday 13 February

Anglezarke Amble

A quartet of club members took part in this local challenge event organised by the Long Distance Walkers Association. There’s a choice of a long 24-mile route or a shorter 16-mile route. All four were tackling the long route that takes in many highlights of the West Pennine Moors.

Starting at Rivington Village Hall, you are straight into the climb up Rivington Pike and then onwards to Winter Hill, the highest point of the route. A lovely descent into Belmont follows before heading up and across the boggy moorland to reach Entwistle. From there you climb gradually along decent moorland tracks and paths to Darwen Tower before another welcome descent to Tockholes. There’s just the last muddy and energy sapping climb up and over Great Hill (a misnomer if ever there was one, it should definitely be Boggy Hill), down to White Coppice. A pleasant last few miles alongside the scenic Anglezarke, Yarrow and Rivington reservoirs and you are done.

Team Olszewksi. L-R Adrienne, Natasha and Nick. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

Team Olszewksi. L-R Adrienne, Natasha and Nick. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

Martin Brady was our first Harrier home finishing in 4 hours 57 minutes. Team Olszewski consisting of Nicholas, Adrienne and Natasha did the course together finishing in 6 hours 30. Very impressive considering that Natasha only turned 13 last week and the route was twice as far as she has ever been on her own two feet.

Natasha reports

I did the Anglezarke Amble because I wanted to test myself and see if I could do it and I am pleased to report that I DID IT! I got lots of fuss because of my age and because most people were surprised that I was doing the long route. A message to anyone who is thinking of doing it; let me tell you something, you’re gonna have some sore legs after climbing up Winter Hill!

Heading over the West Pennine Moors. Still going strong 10 miles in on the Anglezarke Amble. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

Heading over the West Pennine Moors. Still going strong 10 miles in on the Anglezarke Amble. Photo by Nicholas Olszewski

Carnethy 5 Hill Race

Well done to Jack Holt who was our sole representative in this challenging Scottish race.

Harsh conditions for the runners at the Carnethy Hill Race. Photo by Matthew Curry

Harsh conditions for the runners at the Carnethy Hill Race. Photo by Matthew Curry

Conditions were decidedly wintry for the 499 runners with a snow covered course, poor visibility and cold winds.  Jack finished in 190th place with a time of 01:1:03.

Full Results

Mid Lancs Cross Country – Rossall School, Fleetwood

With the cross country season almost at an end, Christopher Holdsworth is the Men’s 2015 Club XC Champ and Helena Leathley is the Ladies Club XC Champ. Helena has also won the Ladies XC Palladium. Carl Helliwell and George Pier are fighting it out for the Palladium; Carl has 139 pts and George has 138 pts with one fixture remaining. Who will take the title?

In the Mid Lancs XC series the juniors are doing well.  Dexta Thompson and Ella Dorrington are handily placed for an award in the u11 boys and girls, so is Jackson McKay in U13 boys, Briony Holt in U15 Girls, Beth Quinn U20 Women, and Jordan McDonald and George Pier in the U20 Men.

Thanks to Cross Country Manager, Jason Pier, for the update on everyone’s performances.

Cross country captain Christopher Holdsworth reports; “Another good performance throughout all age groups from Clayton. Although the Senior men haven’t done enough to win Division 1 outright, we still need as many counters at Preston as possible to secure 2nd place overall. With how close we’ve come to winning the division this year, hopefully it will inspire more of our stronger male runners to help the team out and ease the pressure on the runners who turn up to each Mid-Lancs fixture.”

U11 Girls

Team Position 3rd (E Dorrington | H White | K Thompson)

Ella Dorrington at the Mid Lancs Cross Country at Rossall School. Photo by Margaret Levy

Ella Dorrington at the Mid Lancs Cross Country at Rossall School. Photo by Margaret Levy

Pos Name Time
3 Ella Dorrington 7:17
24 Helena White 8:37
30 Kady Thompson 8:57

U11 Boys

Team Position 1st (D Thompson | F Stubbs | J Bentham)

Pos Name Time
3 Dexta Thompson 6:48
9 Finley Stubbs 7:21
16 Jenson Bentham 7:33
29 Matthew Jackson 8:09
40 Josha McKay 9:06

U13 Girls

Team Position 5th (L Thompson | S Ashworth | C Bentham)

Pos Name Time
13 Liberty Thompson 9:39
19 Sophie Ashworth 9:51
25 Claudia Bentham 10:14
31 Roanna Holdsworth 11:38

U13 Boys

Team Position 3rd (J McKay | J Bowman | L Jackson)

Pos Name Time
7 Jackson McKay 10:07
19 Jay Bowman 11:31
20 Lennon Jackson 11:37

U15 Girls

Pos Name Time
2 Briony Holt 10:35

U17 Men

Team Position 2nd (C Holt | R Clarke | R Lawrence)

Pos Name Time
8 Curtis Holt 24:48
10 Ryan Clarke 26:47
11 Reece Lawrence 28:45

U20 Ladies

Pos Name Time
3 Bethany Quinn 31:00

U20 Men

Jordan McDonald at the Mid Lancs Cross Country at Rossall School. Photo by Sarah Helliwell

Jordan McDonald at the Mid Lancs Cross Country at Rossall School. Photo by Sarah Helliwell

Pos Name Time
2 Jordan McDonald 40:24
4 George Pier 42:00

Ladies Race

Team A Position 6th (L Powell Smith | H Leathley | B Quinn)

Team B Positon 17th (J Bennett | J Knightley | D Airey)

Over 35 Team 5th (L Powell Smith | J Bennett | J Knightley)

Over 45 Team 7th (J Bennett | J Knightley | K Goss)

Over 55 Team 1st (J Knightley | K Goss | S Allen)

Pos Name Cat Time
3 Lousia Powell Smith L35 24:53
20 Helena Leathley L 28:35
44 Bethany Quinn L20 31:00
49 Joanne Bennett L45 31:37
52 Jean Knightley L55 31:45
53 Donna Airey L 31:54
56 Bianca Bennett L 32:02
92 Sarah Helliwell L 36:50
103 Karin Goss L65 38:49
118 Susan Allen L55 42:19

Vet 70 Men

Pos Name Cat Time
1 Barry Mitchell V70 30:17
2 Richard Lawson V70 36:20

Senior Men

Editor’s note: Christopher Holdsworth is missing from the results. He finished in 2nd place so this will have a knock on effect to the team positions. Will update when amended results become available.

Team A Position 4th (B Holdsworth | J McDonald | G Pier | C Helliwell | D Motley)

Team B Position 18th (K Davies | G Berry | A Life | B Horrocks | J Wilcock | A Quinn)

Over 40 Team Position 2nd (B Holdsworth | C Helliwell | R Stevenson | K Davies)

Over 50 Team Position 2nd (K Davies | A Life | B Horrocks)

Gareth Berry and Alan Life at the Mid Lancs Cross Country at Rossall School, Fleetwood. Photo by Sarah Helliwell

Pos Name Cat Time
22 Breton Holdsworth V40 39:54
25 Jordan McDonald U20 40:24
42 George Pier U20 42:00
46 Carl Helliwell V40 42:17
59 Richard Stevenson V40 43:00
66 Dave Motley 43:22
87 Kevin Davies V50 45:03
98 Gareth Berry 45:35
103 Alan Life V50 45:54
124 Brian Horrocks V50 47:24
140 John Wilcock V50 48:32
153 Andy Quinn V40 49:53
176 James Hickie V50 51:55
188 Andrew Howarth V50 52:46
200 Jason Pier V40 54:16
206 David Scott V70 55:28
218 David Horrocks V50 57:49

Valentines 10K

The Valentines 10km starts & finishes on the athletics track next to Salt Ayre. The route is out & back so you might get to see your loved ones on the way back! Flat, fast, traffic free and romantic… is how the race organisers, Lancaster Race Series, describe this duo of 10K races over the Valentines weekend.

93 runners took part in the Saturday 10K road race . Three of our club members were among them.  Laura Hesketh was our first finisher crossing the line in 11th place overall (3rd female) with a time of 38:31. Daniel Isherwood was next in 15th place in 39:34, followed by Stephen Biscomb in 23rd place (1st Vet 60) in 43:26.

Pos Name Cat Time
11 Laura Hesketh F 38:31
15 Daniel Isherwood M 39:34
23 Stephen Biscomb MV60 43:26

Full Results

Windy Hill Fell Race

Nine club members took part in this popular local fell race with three of them racing on the fells for the first time.

Report from James Boult at his first ever fell race.

James Boult at the Windy Hill Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

James Boult at the Windy Hill Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

206 runners from 56 different clubs descended on Hollingworth Lake for the Windy Hill Fell Race on Saturday, for an event described as ‘the fell runners favourite.’ As a first timer to fell running I decided to reserve judgement on that until I’d crossed the finish line. 9 members of the Clayton contingent made the trip over for the event, and several last minute gear changes in an attempt to judge the varying weather did little to alleviate the growing nerves that grew more prevalent as the crowds assembled on the start line. Starting from Littleborough RUFC, I tried to keep the words of advice in my head that had been echoed by several people in the build up to my first proper fell race; “Don’t go off to quick but don’t get stuck at the back.”

Almost immediately the course starts with an undulating, quickening pace which takes the runner along the Bridle Way Path and over the M62 Bridge. With no recce beforehand I was only to go off the website’s description of a ‘memorable climb’ as something to expect and as we reached said climb, the Old Roman Road at Blackstone Hedge, and the mass of people, some running, most walking, I realised my expectations were perhaps very much misguided and that my lack of fell racing was even more evident than before. Going off more beforehand advice (and something Michael Hogan had taught me at track a week before), the climb was duly tackled as the three-strong Clayton contingent of Chris, Orlaith and I spurred each other to the summit. The summit, named as the ‘kissing gate’ (where no such kissing took place) opened out onto a stunning highland-esq rockface, which provided some truly stunning scenery over the surrounding areas. Ice and snow clad, and some gusty winds that made me glad I’d followed Orlaith’s lead with wearing my waterproof, long legs were of little help as I seldom ran, more dancing across rock and stone towards a more defined path onto the Pennine Way. From there we crossed the motorway bridge and a very merry Marshall who told Orlaith and I that we were “having far too much fun,” as we flew past and onto the motorway footbridge.

Chris Paul and Orlaith O'Mahony at the Windy Hill fell race. Photo by Woodentops

Chris Paul and Orlaith O’Mahony at the Windy Hill fell race. Photo by Woodentops

Grey skies made way for sunshine and from the footbridge we headed up to the Windy Hill mast, which started a steady, speedy descent back towards the Bridle Way path and the start / finish line, (some of which I took on my side after losing footing!), with the final straight of thick mud one of the courses most testing parts. Predictably tough and indescribably brilliant, I’d completed my first fell race and had loved every second of it. Brimming with self-pride, and knowing full well I couldn’t have finished it without Orlaith pushing me on, I found myself agreeing with what the website. I can see why it is described as “the fell runners favourite.”

Chris Paul was also tackling the fells for the first time and said it was a good first fell race for him. He really enjoyed the atmosphere, everyone was friendly and one guy even helped him out of a deep bog when he lost his balance.

Orlaith O’Mahony was another first timer and she said that she adored it because it’s closest thing to flying you can get!

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos Time
13 Lee Smith Senior Men 9 01:06:59.0
21 Peter Coates Senior Men 14 01:09:48.6
32 Neil Hardiman Seniors M45 5 01:11:16.8
34 Matthew Duckworth Senior Men 22 01:11:40.4
57 Ivan Whigham Seniors M50 2 01:16:25.5
110 Chris Paul Senior Men 41 01:25:10.1
126 James Boult Male U23 2 01:26:20.1
132 Orlaith O’Mahoney Senior Women 7 01:27:14.4
160 Barbara Savage Seniors W50 2 01:32:30.4

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

A few new PBs, a parkrun debut and an antipodean run this week. Our dedicated parkrunners were out in force this weekend. Some warming up for weekend racing, some recovering from midweek distances but all having a great time.

Joanne Motley at Burnley parkrun. Photo by David Belshaw

Joanne Motley at Burnley parkrun. Photo by David Belshaw

Burnley parkrun – A total of 292 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
2 Jonathan PYE 18:17 SM25-29
3 Jacob WATSON 18:20 SM30-34
7 Paul BRANNON 19:50 VM55-59
11 Daniel PLANT 20:28 SM30-34
12 Michael CLARKE 20:33 VM40-44
17 Kevin DAVIES 21:25 VM50-54
28 Donna RILEY 22:24 VW50-54
29 Robert MORRISON 22:27 VM40-44
37 Andrew WEBSTER 22:54 VM45-49
45 Colin WHITE 23:26 VM40-44
54 Julie DAWES 23:42 VW45-49
56 Ian HARGREAVES 23:46 VM50-54 New PB!
67 Carl CAREY 24:18 VM45-49
68 Charlie BIRTWISTLE 24:28 JM10
88 Lisa JOHNSON 25:53 VW40-44
90 Jane HYLANDS 25:57 VW40-44 New PB!
99 Stuart HARTLEY 26:26 VM55-59
102 Toby BIRTWISTLE 26:33 JM10
104 Justin BIRTWISTLE 26:34 VM40-44
111 Annabel WILCOCK 26:44 JW15-17
112 John WILCOCK 26:46 VM50-54
122 Ron CHAPPELL 27:17 VM65-69
129 Julie TOMAN 27:38 VW45-49
142 Philip NAYLOR 28:13 VM35-39
150 Joanne MOTLEY 28:28 SW30-34
162 Robert HIRST 28:53 VM65-69
204 Judith CAREY 30:57 VW35-39 New PB!
276 Nicola KAY 37:44 SW30-34

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 95 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
93 Robin PRICE 39:28 VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 88 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
67 Eileen JONES 32:55 VW60-64

Pendle parkrun – A total of 57 runners took part

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
13 John HARTLEY 23:48 VM55-59
51 Christine Jennifer EGERTON 33:57 VW65-69

Rockingham parkrun – A total of 265 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
14 Kieran CARR 22:41 VM70-74

Skipton parkrun – A total of 202 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
20 Roger James BREWSTER 21:22 VM60-64

Witton parkrun – A total of 81 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
19 Katy THOMPSON 26:35 VW60-64
24 Stephen FISH 27:40 VM60-64 First Timer!

Woodbank parkrun – A total of 169 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
143 Ron HILL 34:19 VM75-79

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 427 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
2 Jonny MCKENNA 16:19 SM25-29 New PB!
37 Colin SHUTTLEWORTH 19:34 VM55-59 First Timer!

 

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Hot Toddies, Winter Warmers and Bog Trogging

Well the weather was wet and wild yet again but no problem for our hardy members. You have been out competing in the muddy parks, boggy moors, and up the killer climbs of the Hot Toddy and Winter Warmer. Some great results from juniors to vets.

Saturday 6 February

Lancashire Schools Cross Country & BUCS Cross Country Championships

A huge well done to our junior runners who took part in the Lancashire Schools Cross Country Championships representing schools in the Blackburn, Pendle and Burnley areas.

They all put in great performances on a rather grim and miserable day at Witton Park in Blackburn with county vests going to Briony Holt.

Well done also to Jacob Boyle who competed for his university in the British Universities and Colleges Sports Cross Country Championships. He had a great time and was pleased with his result.

Lancashire Schools XC Results

BUCS XC Results

PFO Marsden Park

A small group of our club members took part in this orienteering event organised by Pendle Forest Orienteers in pretty dismal weather conditions.

Junior member Christopher Brown took part in the 1.2km Orange course finishing in second place with a time of 28:19

Senior members Mark Nutter, Jean Brown and Colin Woolford took part in the OLGGr course over 4.2km.

Full Results

Wadsworth Trog

Report from Alan Dorrington

The Calder Valley Fell Runners website describes the Trog as a ‘local classic’, enough of an indication that there is probably something fairly memorable about this race without someone helpfully telling me on race morning that it’s nickname is ‘The Beast’. As a first timer, not only to the race but to any fell race over about 10 miles, this did little to add to my mounting sense of trepidation. A forecast in mid to low single figure temps and heavy rain built on that further. A recce of the back section of the route the weekend before, with Andy Armstrong and Nick Olszewski kindly dispensing wisdom and tips, had confirmed that there were a few bogs and some very smelly mud to be enjoyed along the way.

Around 10 CLEM runners joined the waterproof clad field for the start at the Cricket Club, most avoiding going outside till the last minute as there would be plenty of time later to get soaked en-route. Climbing up onto the moor at the start, visibility was better than expected but was set to worsen on the northerly route over to Cock Hill, as were the bogs which increased in depth and intensity as we went on. I realised my long legs were an advantage here as I jumped a particularly deep trench, only to hear the much smaller runner behind go in, submerging to what looked like his waist. Help was on hand to pull him out from others behind him and we sploshed on toward Stairs Hill and Haworth Moor before the slabbed climb and descent up and past Withins Ruins.

Alan Dorrington (L), Andy Armstrong (Top), and Nick Olszewski at the Wadsworth Trog. Photos by Woodentops

Alan Dorrington (L), Andy Armstrong (Top), and Nick Olszewski at the Wadsworth Trog. Photos by Woodentops

Andy and Nick O had advised a steady start and I started to pull away from those around me on the climbs, picking up other runners who had started a little quicker. By the penultimate climb of High Brown Knoll I had caught more and more and was feeling surprisingly good but with the worst of the bogs and muddy trods to come before THAT climb to the finish. I caught Nick O coming off High Brown Knoll, a welcome boost of a friendly face in the worsening conditions and we plodded along in a small group through the wettest terrain I’ve ever run on. Nick found the pool, disguised as vegetation, that I had almost gone in the previous week and repeated the near-ducking I had escaped then. Dropping off the moors for the finish run-in, the Slurry Field of Doom ™ had been removed from the route at the last minute but there was still plenty of ‘questionable’ mud to run through as we headed for that infamous last climb back to the Cricket Club. It was predictably hard and introduced cramp into both upper legs and one calf but eventually after the longest lap of any cricket pitch, the finish was finally there. I had completed my first Long fell race, and I was happy that it had passed without a physical meltdown, and can definitely recommend it as one to do if you like that ‘local classic’ feel to your races…”

Pos Name Cat Time
15 Andrew Orr V40 3:15:14
24 Paul Hesketh V50 3:18:56
35 Martin Terry V50 3:26:24
41 Andrew Armstrong V40 3:31:33
51 Alan Dorrington V40 3:37:47
53 Nicholas Olszewska V50 3:38:15
62 Sean Clare V50 3:50:53
74 Ivan Wigham V50 3:57:15
104 Nigel Hodson V40 4:17:36
122 Andrew Foster V40 4:38:17

Full Results

Sunday 7 February

Blackburn Winter Warmer 10K

17 Clayton runners took part in this popular local 10K race. The race starts and finishes in Witton Park in Blackburn via a steep climb up Buncer Lane and then over the tops to Pleasington before heading back from the Cememtery side.

Danny Collinge was our first finisher and was third overall in the race. Another good result for Danny. Ryan Clarke was next in and was also 2nd Junior Male runner in the race. Our third finisher was Stephen Ainsworth who was also 1st M55.

Danny Collinge (L), Stephen Ainsworth (top) and Andy Quinn at the Blackburn Winter Warmer 10K. Photos by David Belshaw

Danny Collinge (L), Stephen Ainsworth (top) and Andy Quinn at the Blackburn Winter Warmer 10K. Photos by David Belshaw

Our first lady was Elizabeth Mullen. Amanda Duffy and Donna Airey were 1st and 2nd F35. Beth Quinn was 3rd Junior female.

L-R Michelle Butschock, Leanne Cottam, Helen Burnett, Nerina Gill and Julia Rushton (behind). | Ryan Clarke and Beth Quinn. Photos by David Belshaw

L-R Michelle Butschock, Leanne Cottam, Helen Burnett, Nerina Gill and Julia Rushton (behind). | Ryan Clarke and Beth Quinn. Photos by David Belshaw

Pos    Name Cat    Time
3 Danny Collinge M S 00:34:41
39 Ryan Clarke M J 00:42:08
60 Stephen Ainsworth M55 00:44:21
88 Andy Quinn M40 00:46:04
95 Elizabeth Mullan F S 00:46:32
113 Robert Morrison M40 00:47:32
118 Amanda Duffy F35 00:47:46
158 Julie Dawes F45 00:50:02
159 Nerina Gill F45 00:50:06
164 Donna Airey F35 00:50:33
191 Julia Rushton F50 00:52:09
192 Ian Hargreaves M50 00:52:05
194 Helen Burnett F40 00:52:18
213 Beth Quinn F J 00:53:41
230 Leanne Cottam F35 00:54:43
280 Stuart Barker M45 00:57:41
281 Michelle Butschok F40 00:57:52

Full Results

Blackburn Winter Warmer 2K

There was a good turnout of juniors at the Winter Warmer as it is the first of this year’s junior race series. Some great performances were to be seen with 4 of our juniors finishing in the top 10.

Clayton Juniors at the Blackburn Winter Warmer 2K race. Photo by David Belshaw

Clayton Juniors at the Blackburn Winter Warmer 2K race. Photo by David Belshaw

Lennon Jackson finished in 3rd place overall and 1st in his age group. Ella Dorrington was our first girl finisher, first girl in her age group and second girl overall in the race. Liberty Thompson was first in her age category ( F13).

Pos    Name    Cat    CatPos    Time   
3 Lennon Jackson M12 (001/006) 00:08:19
5 Robbie Smedley M10 (002/014) 00:08:25
7 Ella Dorrington F11 (001/016) 00:08:28
8 Finlay Testa M11 (002/015) 00:08:29
13 Matthew Jackson M12 (003/006) 00:08:47
14 Liberty Thompson F13 (001/002) 00:08:48
17 Jenson Bentham M9 (002/024) 00:08:54
19 Summer Hargreaves F16 (001/001) 00:09:06
29 Etienne Ward M10 (004/014) 00:09:35
34 Jake Anforth M9 (005/024) 00:09:51
37 Kady Thompson F9 (003/031) 00:10:00
42 Brayden Clarkson M7 (003/013) 00:10:16
43 Felix Thompson M6 (002/012) 00:10:16
52 Nicholas Ward M8 (003/018) 00:10:33
112 Tillie Ferguson F8 (004/014) 00:11:57

Full Results

Dewsbury 10K

Well done John Hartley who was our sole representative at the Dewsbury 10K. He finished in 158th place with a time of 39:32 in a field of 1081 runners. He was the 4th Vet55.

Full Results

Red Hot Toddy

This year’s Red Hot Toddy 10k was run with all profit going to the Community Foundation Flood Appeal to help local homes and businesses. Todmorden has been badly affected by the recent flooding.

The 10km course consists of two laps of tarmac park road on Centre Vale Park, followed by a single hilly lap of rural and town centre roads finishing back on the park road. The high point of the course is just before half way on Todmorden Edge, before the long descent down to Bacup Road and back into town along Rochdale Road. Total climbing is 219m.

Breton Holdsworth (L), Matthew Duckworth (Top) and Kieron Mitchell at the Red Hot Toddy. Photos by Woodentops

Breton Holdsworth (L), Matthew Duckworth (Top) and Kieron Mitchell at the Red Hot Toddy. Photos by Woodentops

194 runners took part in this charity event with Tom Cornthwaite taking the win. Breton Holdsworth was the first Clayton finisher in 6th place overall and 1st Male 40. Matthew Duckworth and Kevin Davies earned themselves top twenty finishes. Tracy Mitchell was our first lady finisher and was also 1st W40.

Bianca Bennett (L) and Tracy Mitchell at the Hot Toddy. Photos by Woodentops

Bianca Bennett (L) and Tracy Mitchell at the Hot Toddy. Photos by Woodentops

Pos Name Cat Time
6 Breton Holdsworth M40 38:11
16 Matthew Duckworth M 41:55
17 Kevin Davies M50 42:09
29 Kieron Mitchell M40 44:19
40 Tracy Mitchell W40 46:09
90 Bianca Bennet W 52:14
113 Rachel Todd W40 54:38
146 Julie Toman W45 61:24
161 Robert Hirst M65 63:30
162 Phil Naylor M 63:48

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

Some PBs, some volunteering and some antipodean parkruns this weekend.

Bolton parkrun – A total of 314 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
314 Julia RUSHTON 48:17 VW50-54

Burnley parkrun – A total of 267 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
4 Jonathan PYE 18:30 SM25-29
5 Richard STEVENSON 18:45 VM40-44
8 Gareth BERRY 20:04 VM35-39
12 Simon WILSHAW 20:59 JM15-17
18 Susan BURNS 21:23 VW55-59
19 Matthew DUCKWORTH 21:41 SM25-29
22 Robbie SMEDLEY 22:09 JM10
26 Michael CLARKE 22:22 VM40-44
27 Reece Adam LAWRENCE 22:50 JM15-17
31 Donna RILEY 23:06 VW50-54
32 James BOULT 23:14 SM20-24
37 Matthew JACKSON 23:44 JM10
38 Charlie BIRTWISTLE 23:45 JM10 New PB!
41 Julie DAWES 24:00 VW45-49
46 Ian HARGREAVES 24:12 VM50-54
64 Andy QUINN 25:10 VM40-44
73 Andrew WEBSTER 25:19 VM45-49
75 Andrew TAYLOR 25:29 VM55-59
89 Aaron LUNDIE 26:12 JM11-14 New PB!
90 Toby BIRTWISTLE 26:17 JM10 New PB!
91 Justin BIRTWISTLE 26:17 VM40-44 New PB!
104 Stuart HARTLEY 27:23 VM55-59
113 Robert MORRISON 28:08 VM40-44
114 Heidi KEWIN 28:10 JW11-14
119 Yvonne WICKHAM 28:22 VW50-54
120 Ron CHAPPELL 28:22 VM65-69
159 Carl CAREY 29:51 VM45-49
163 Robert HIRST 30:01 VM65-69
205 Diane ORRELL 32:22 SW30-34

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 86 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
83 Robin PRICE 38:36 VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 89 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
17 Martin BRADY 23:50 VM50-54

Heaton parkrun – A total of 533 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
275 Julie TOMAN 28:13 VW45-49
337 Eileen JONES 30:07 VW60-64

Lloyd parkrun, Croydon – A total of 202 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
79 Katy THOMPSON 27:26 VW60-64 First Timer!

Pendle parkrun – A total of 70 runners took part

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
4 Paul BRANNON 21:32 VM55-59
7 John HARTLEY 22:37 VM55-59
19 Barry MITCHELL 24:59 VM70-74

Rockingham (Perth, Australia) parkrun – A total of 246 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
30 Kieran CARR 22:38 VM70-74 First Timer!

 

 

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Triumphant torchlight and trails

Wow! Two wins in a week for Danny Collinge at the Torchlight 5K and also at the East Lancs Hospice 10K – he’s on fire at the moment. Large turnouts of our club members at these events secured more wins across all age categories as well. Briony Holt is enjoying a return to form as she won her race at Whitestones this week. The future is looking bright for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

Wednesday 20 January

Towneley Torchlight 5K

200 runners turned out on a very cold and frosty evening to take part in the Towneley Torchlight 5k to help raise money for Pendleside Hospice in memory of local runner and photographer Pete Hartley, organised by our coach John Roche. The route was marked out with glow sticks and most runners donned head torches and reflective gear – there was even someone with fairy lights. The sparkle from the frosty evening added an extra touch of shimmer to a great event enjoyed by all the participants.

L-R Leanne Cottam, Helen Burnett, James Boult, Carl Carey, Judith Carey. Photo by David Belshaw

L-R Leanne Cottam, Helen Burnett, James Boult, Carl Carey, Judith Carey. Photo by David Belshaw

53 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers ventured into the darkness to take part. Danny Collinge flew round the course to take the win in a time of 16:10 with Tom Brewster, George Pier, Jonathan Pye, Louisa Powell-Smith and Sean Clare all finishing in the top 10. Louisa was the first lady finisher and George Pier was the first Junior Male. Sean Clare was 1st Vet 50, Roger Brewster was 1st Vet 60, Julie Dawes was 1st lady Vet 45, Helen Burnett was 1st lady Vet 40, Jean Knightley was 1st lady Vet 55, and Anita Jones was 1st lady Vet 60.

Clayton Juniors at the Torchlight 5K, a trail of headtorches behind them. Photo by David Belshaw

Clayton Juniors at the Torchlight 5K. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos    Name    Cat    CatPos    Time   
1 Danny Collinge M (001/033) 00:16:10
3 Tom Brewster M (003/033) 00:17:34
4 George Pier MJ (001/014) 00:18:09
5 Jonathan Pye M (004/033) 00:18:39
6 Louisa Powell-Smith F35 (001/022) 00:19:00
9 Sean Clare M50 (001/013) 00:20:08
11 John Wilcock M50 (003/013) 00:20:48
13 Roger Brewster M60 (001/002) 00:21:09
14 Robert Kay M45 (002/009) 00:21:13
16 James Boult M (006/033) 00:21:39
17 Chris Paul M (007/033) 00:21:40
19 Reece Lawrence MJ (004/014) 00:22:08
20 Matthew Jackson MJ (005/014) 00:22:13
21 Jackson McKay MJ (006/014) 00:22:14
28 Robert Morrison M40 (002/011) 00:22:53
31 Darren Rushton M45 (004/009) 00:23:02
32 Amanda Duffy F35 (002/022) 00:23:08
34 Helen O’Rourke F (002/030) 00:24:10
35 Orlaith O’Mahoney F (003/030) 00:24:12
38 Lynsey Birtwistle F35 (003/022) 00:24:23
40 Carl Carey M (014/033) 00:24:26
42 Julie Dawes F45 (001/022) 00:24:27
46 Bianca Bennett F (004/030) 00:24:46
47 Liberty Thompson FJ (003/013) 00:24:47
48 Lennon Jackson MJ (008/014) 00:24:54
49 Sophie Ashworth FJ (004/013) 00:24:57
50 Natasha Olszewska FJ (005/013) 00:24:59
51 Andrew Taylor M55 (002/005) 00:25:06
54 Ian Hargreaves M50 (005/013) 00:25:15
55 Helen Burnett F40 (001/015) 00:25:16
56 Helana White FJ (006/013) 00:25:16
57 Colin White M40 (005/011) 00:25:17
59 Martin O’Rourke M55 (003/005) 00:25:30
60 Jean Knightley F55 (001/003) 00:25:31
63 Donna Airey F35 (004/022) 00:25:39
71 Justin Birtwistle M40 (006/011) 00:26:15
77 Joanne Bennett F45 (005/022) 00:26:40
78 Janine Pollard F45 (006/022) 00:26:40
80 Keiran Rigby M (020/033) 00:27:10
87 Paul Walsh M60 (002/002) 00:27:34
90 Tony Pilling M50 (011/013) 00:27:44
91 Danny Pilkington M (022/033) 00:27:47
94 Deborah Greenwood F45 (007/022) 00:27:59
99 Leanne Cottam F35 (008/022) 00:28:30
103 Philip Naylor M (024/033) 00:28:41
106 Natasha Newell F40 (004/015) 00:29:01
109 Julie Toman F45 (008/022) 00:29:03
120 Anita Jones F60 (001/002) 00:30:06
151 Sharon Wilson F40 (009/015) 00:32:10
159 Judith Carey F35 (019/022) 00:32:47
161 Bronia Olszewska FJ (012/013) 00:32:50
162 Adrienne Olszewska F45 (014/022) 00:32:57
170 Jane Pier F45 (016/022) 00:33:20

Full Results

Saturday 23 January

Blakes Heaven Fell Race

Fell captain Dave Motley had a solo run in this 4.4mile race with 1463ft of ascent. He finished in 16th place with a time of 39:55 in a field of 99 runners.

Full Results

PFO Orienteering

Well done to junior member Christopher Brown who took part in the Pendle Forest Orienteers event finishing in 5th place in the Park Score event.

Full Results

Sunday 24 January

East Lancashire Hospice 10K

There was a whopping turnout of 47 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers at this popular local fundraising 10K. 19 junior runners and 28 seniors took part.

Danny Collinge leading from the start at the East Lancashire Hospice 10K. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

Danny Collinge leading from the start at the East Lancashire Hospice 10K. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

Junior Race

There was some fabulous running from our juniors who had a blast on the two lap course. Age category wins for Dexta Thompson, Jenson Bentham, and Lucy Stevenson and a team prize for the boys.

Clayton Juniors with honorary junior Jack Maguire at the East Lancs Hospice 2K race. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

Clayton Juniors with honorary junior Jack Maguire at the East Lancs Hospice 2K race. Photo by Adrienne Olszewska

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos Time
1 Dexta Thompson (male) U12 1 06:48.8
4 Lennon Jackson (male) U14 1 07:23.3
5 Lee Bentham (Jenson) (male) U10 1 07:31.8
7 Ella Dorrington (female) U12 2 07:37.4
8 Sophie Ashworth (female) U14 2 07:47.3
11 Natasha Olszewska (female) U14 3 07:52.0
12 Matthew Jackson (male) U10 3 07:52.9
13 Summer Hargreaves (female) U12 3 07:57.9
14 Helana White (female) U 10 1 07:58.9
15 Charlie Birtwistle (male) U12 3 07:59.0
16 Liberty Thompson (female) U14 4 07:59.1
22 Keira Stevenson (female) U12 6 09:02.0
24 Jake Anforth (male) U10 7 09:05.4
30 Lucy Stevenson (female) U16 1 09:52.9
31 Rachel Stevenson (female) U12 8 10:10.3
32 Bronia Olszewska (female) U12 9 10:10.8
40* Adam Stevenson (male) U14 6 55:19.4

* Looks like an error with the chip timer. This is clearly a 10K time and not 2K. Photos taken on the day towards the end of the course suggest that Adam was in between Ella Dorrington and Sophie Ashworth.

Senior Race

Over 450 runners took part in the 10K race. The Clayton men had a really strong performance with Danny Collinge leading throughout and finishing with a clear 30 second lead over second place runner Philip Eccleston from Burden Road Runners. After a sizeable gap the leading pack began to reach the finish with top ten finishes for Jordan McDonald and Jacob Watson giving our men’s team a first place finish (D Collinge, J McDonald, J Watson).

The U23 team at the East Lancs Hospice 10K. L-R Danny Collinge, George Pier, Jordan McDonald. Photo courtesy of Jason Pier

The winning U23 team at the East Lancs Hospice 10K. L-R Danny Collinge, George Pier, Jordan McDonald. Photo courtesy of Jason Pier

Richard Stevenson was our next man in and took the 1st V40 position as well. John Hartley was 1st Vet55 and Stephen Ainsworth was 1st Vet 60.

East Lancs 10K

Team Clayton in action. L-R Robert Morrison, Amanda Duffy and Colin White

Our first lady finisher was Helen O’Rourke who was 90th postion overall, 10th lady, with a time of 46:32.8. Our ladies team (H O’Rourke, A Duffy, A Shian) finished in 3rd place.

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos Time
1 Danny Collinge MU23 1 34:20.4
8 Jordan McDonald MU23 2 37:19.8
9 Jacob Watson M 6 37:26.0
15 Richard Stevenson M40 1 38:12.4
20 John Hartley M55 1 38:52.7
22 Jonathan Cleaver M 12 38:59.4
24 George Pier MU23 3 39:03.3
27 Carl Helliwell M40 6 39:14.5
33 Chris Snell M 15 40:55.8
37 Daniel Plant M 18 41:28.1
44 Stephen Ainsworth M60 1 42:45.0
58 Robert Kay M50 7 44:10.2
69 James Boult MU23 5 45:02.5
70 Andy Quinn M45 8 45:02.9
82 Richard Brisco M 29 46:00.4
90 Helen O’Rourke W 3 46:32.8
115 Amanda Duffy W35 2 47:59.3
123 Angela Shian W35 3 48:27.2
129 Colin White M40 21 48:47.1
148 Rachel Todd W40 9 50:33.2
150 Donna Airey W35 5 50:41.3
176 Lee Moore M40 30 52:18.4
178 Ian Hargreaves M50 22 52:24.9
194 Jane Ryan W35 8 53:13.3
247 Stuart Barker M50 27 56:18.1
305 Robert Hirst M65 5 01:00:13.1
309 Sarah Helliwell W 21 01:00:35.1
351 Philip Naylor M 60 01:03:52.4

Full Results

Whitestone Fell Race

A return to form for Briony Holt after sustaining an injury during the English Schools Fell Running Championship race. She had a great run in this race organised by Helm Hill and part of the Kendal Winter Series of race finishing as first girl.

Briony Holt in action at the Whitestones Fell Race. Photo by Andrew Holt

Briony Holt in action at the Whitestones Fell Race. Photo by Andrew Holt

Awaiting Results

Hunters 10K

Formerly known as the Welcome Tavern 10K, 240 runners took part in this Preston based 10K road race. Daniel Isherwood was our sole representative at this event finishing in 34th place with a time of 39:44

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

Lots of our club members out and about at parkruns this weekend. Some of them warming up for other events, others out for a new PB and even a bit of parkrun tourism going on as well.

Burnley parkrun – A total of 305 runners took part.

A trio of Clayton Harriers racing at Burnley parkrun. L-R Dexta Thompson, Jon Cleaver and Kevin Davies. Photo by David Belshaw

A trio of Clayton Harriers racing towards a top 10 finish at Burnley parkrun. L-R Dexta Thompson, Jon Cleaver and Kevin Davies. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
1 David BAGOT 17:50 SM20-24 New PB!
3 Jonathan PYE 19:10 SM25-29
4 Kevin DAVIES 19:16 VM50-54
5 Jonathan CLEAVER 19:25 VM35-39 New PB!
7 Dexta THOMPSON 20:09 JM10
13 Simon WILSHAW 21:07 JM15-17
25 Reece Adam LAWRENCE 22:09 JM15-17
28 Andy QUINN 22:38 VM40-44
34 Andrew WEBSTER 22:59 VM45-49
37 James BOULT 23:12 SM20-24
41 Robert MORRISON 23:21 VM40-44
44 Julie DAWES 23:33 VW45-49
47 Matthew JACKSON 23:40 JM10
48 Liberty THOMPSON 23:50 JW11-14
50 Sophie ASHWORTH 23:58 JW11-14
62 Natasha OLSZEWSKA 24:21 JW11-14
65 Charlie BIRTWISTLE 24:25 JM10 New PB!
66 Carl CAREY 24:26 VM45-49
67 Lennon JACKSON 24:28 JM11-14
70 Ian HARGREAVES 24:45 VM50-54
85 Andrew TAYLOR 25:27 VM55-59
96 David Ian SCOTT 25:58 VM70-74
97 Lisa JOHNSON 26:00 VW40-44
103 Beth QUINN 26:20 JW15-17
104 Donna SCOTT 26:27 VW50-54
105 Adam STEVENSON 26:33 JM11-14
109 Aaron LUNDIE 26:47 JM11-14 New PB!
110 Annabel WILCOCK 26:52 JW15-17
111 John WILCOCK 26:52 VM50-54
112 Toby BIRTWISTLE 26:53 JM10 New PB!
113 Justin BIRTWISTLE 26:54 VM40-44 New PB!
117 Stuart HARTLEY 26:59 VM55-59
129 Nicola THOMPSON 27:17 SW30-34 New PB!
150 Diane ORRELL 28:27 SW30-34
157 Adrienne OLSZEWSKA 28:55 VW45-49
184 Bronia OLSZEWSKA 30:27 JW11-14
196 Judith CAREY 31:22 VW35-39 New PB!
242 Mike HOLDEN 34:31 VM50-54
267 Valerie LAWSON 37:20 VW70-74

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 108 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
106 Robin PRICE 39:18 VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 89 runners took part

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
17 Wendy DODDS 25:02 VW65-69
59 Eileen JONES 32:37 VW60-64

Lancaster parkrun – A total of 363 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
183 Doug MUNROE 31:03 VM65-69 First Timer!

Pendle parkrun – A total of 73 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
4 John HARTLEY 21:03 VM55-59
8 Paul HESKETH 21:53 VM50-54
29 Dawn TERRY 27:55 VW50-54
48 Christine Jennifer EGERTON 33:12 VW65-69
59 Christine LEATHLEY 34:45 VW65-69

Penrith parkrun – A total of 166 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
121 Nicola KAY 33:47 SW30-34 First Timer!

Witton parkrun – A total of 113 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
60 Yvonne WICKHAM 31:11 VW50-54

Woodbank parkrun – A total of 169 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
152 Ron HILL 34:32 VM75-79

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 429 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
1 Jonny MCKENNA 16:42 SM25-29

 

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! Despite widespread flooding and race cancellations all over the Christmas period, plenty of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers still managed to get out and about. Competing in races unaffected by floods, parkrunning doubles or finishing the Marcothon/Run Every Day December challenges.

Sunday December 27

Lancaster Festive 4K

Well done Julie Toman, our only runner in this event. She finished in 83rd place with a time of 20:10. 230 Runners took part.

Full Results

Wansfell Race

Described by organisers, Ambleside AC, as not to be under estimated despite being short and sweet. The route is very steep and extremely rough underfoot. Slippery, wet conditions can make the descent treacherous and if the mist is down the ability to navigate is essential. Please also be aware that the road section at the beginning and end will not be closed to cars although it will be marshalled. Runners must take great caution especially when descending at speed and negotiating blind corners. Despite the horrendous flooding in the area, the race went ahead.

Report from Colin Woolford

Wansfell race went ahead on the 27th in stunning clear, mild conditions. Very wet under foot, slippy and loose on the descent. 125 runners started including three Clayton, myself, Andy Firth and one other chap I’d not met and didn’t get the chance to meet! No results posted as yet, not found any pics either although I definitely saw a posh camera or two! Cracking little race, although i was over a minute slower than last year

Up The Nab

Wendy Dodds was our sole runner in this Peak District race from Glossop Rugby Club. A 4 mile route with 1197ft of climb.

Full Results

Thursday December 31

Auld Lang Syne Fell Race

A great run from Chrisopher Holdsworth earned him fourth place in this hugely popular end of the year fell race organised by Woodentops. Over 400 runners took part in this 6 mile race with 984ft of ascent with the elite runners being followed by runners in some fantastic fancy dress outfits. A fast and fun end to the fell running year for many.

Chris Holdsworth at the Auld Land Syne Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Chris Holdsworth at the Auld Land Syne Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Fourteen Clayton Harriers took part with some strong performances from our senior men. Wendy Dodds was our only lady runner.

Pos Name Cat Time
4 Christopher Holdsworth M 43:26
25 Breton Holdsworth MV40 48:02
28 Matt Perry M 49:06
42 Dave Bagot M 50:58
46 Dave Motley M 51:14
58 Colin Shuttleworth MV50 52:17
81 Neil Hardiman MV40 54:55
87 Sean Clare MV50 55:32
154 John Wilcock MV50 59:22
161 Nick Roscoe MV50 59:59
260 Wendy Dodds FV60 67:30
277 Colin Woolford MV40 68:41
317 Stephen Fish MV60 71:34
410 John Francis MV70 105:55

Full Results

Bowstones Fell Race

343 Runners took part in this 6.8 mile race with 1066ft of ascent. Chris Snell and Andy Bradley took part with Chris finishing in 35th place with a time of 50:33 and Andy coming in 70th place with a time of 53:59

Pos Name Cat Time
35 Chris Snell M 50:33
70 Andy Bradley V50 53:59

Full Results

Friday 1 January 2016

Billy Knox New Year’s Day Awakener

Colin Robinson receive an award today from Andy O’Sullivan MBE for 60 years of outstanding service to Rochdale Harriers at the Billy Knox New Years Day multi terrain Race. A baker’s dozen (13) Clayton-le-Moors Harriers kicked off the new year with this trail 5K. First finisher was John Roche in 32nd place with a time of 23:35. First lady was Vicky Heys in 62nd place with a time of 26:40.

Billy Knox New Year Awakener. Photo by Graham Wright

Billy Knox New Year Awakener. Photo by Graham Wright

Pos    Name    Cat    CatPos    Time   
32 John Roche M55 (004/008) 00:23:35
48 Stephen Green M60 (002/008) 00:25:34
49 David McMullan M45 (008/010) 00:25:34
62 Vicky Heys F45 (002/008) 00:26:40
63 Angela Shian F35 (002/006) 00:26:40
75 Irene Roche F55 (002/004) 00:29:25
83 Robert Hirst M65 (004/006) 00:30:42
85 Julie Toman F45 (005/008) 00:30:53
89 Ron Chappell M65 (005/006) 00:31:47
98 Jack S. McGuire M60 (008/008) 00:34:23
100 Christine Leathley F65 (001/001) 00:35:41
102 Julia Taylor F55 (003/004) 00:37:33
103 Jean Knightley F55 (004/004) 00:37:33

Full Results

Nine Standards

Jon Sharples reports on this 8 mile fell race with 1801 ft of ascent;

Wendy Dodds and I were Clayton’s representatives on a cool and slightly icy course.  Run of the day was by Victoria Wilkinson of Bingley Harriers (and Denise Park’s Practice) who took the ladies record by over three minutes and came 3rd overall.

Pos Name   Time
1 Carl Bell Keswick 54.49
3 Victoria Wilkinson Bingley 58.48
59 Jon Sharples 1st V60 1:16:24
75 Wendy Dodds 1st LV60 1:21:03

120 ran

Full Results

Saturday 2 January 2016

Podium 5K

Eager to burn off some mince pies in a fast-paced 5k race saw a group of keen Harriers ready to run at this event.

Laura Hesketh at the Podium 5K race. Photo by David Belshaw

Jacob Watson at the Podium 5K. Photo by David Belshaw

A Race Results

Pos Name Cat Time
18 Jacob Watson M 17:53
20 Richard Stevenson M 18:23
21 Laura Hesketh F 18:51

Sheffield Open Cross Country Event

Report from Chris Thompson

Yesterday we went to Sheffield for the open cross country races. Having been to plenty of races in Yorkshire last year, although mainly being fell, I expected this to be a good turnout.  We arrived at Graves Park and it looked a little quiet. When we collected the kids numbers I could see that not so many had registered so was hoping for more people to pay on the day.  We walked the course which I can say was a very well marked out and challenging one; some parts quite muddy with some good twists and turns and some steep hill climbs.

First to race was Dexta whose course was a little longer than a normal under 11’s race with this being 2.5k. Nothing he hasn’t done before though. He put in a good run and finished second.

Then Liberty raced the same course and finished in 8th position.

Full Results

Sunday 3 January 2016

Central Lancs Half Marathon

Well done Ian Hargreaves who took part in this half marathon and gained a new PB despite some harsh conditions in the last 8k.

All ready for the Central Lancashire Half Marathon. Photo by Ian Hargreaves

All ready for the Central Lancashire Half Marathon. Photo by Ian Hargreaves

He finished in 270th place with a time of 1:57:37.

Full Results

Hit the Trail

A solo outing for Chris Snell at this 5 mile trail race organised by Belle Vue Racers. Over 350 runners took part.

Pos    Name    Cat    Time   
20 Chris Snell M 00:31:55

Results

Parkrun roundup

Firstly a very well done to all our runners that made it to parkrun on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Some of you even did it twice on some of those days! All is back to normal now so here is the first ‘official’ parkrun roundup of the year.

Burnley parkrun – A total of 236 runners took part.

Ron Chappell demonstrates the art of layering! Photo by David Belshaw

Ron Chappell demonstrates the art of layering! Photo by David Belshaw

Pos  parkrunner  Time Age Cat  Note 
3 Andy LAYCOCK 18:36 SM20-24 New PB!
5 Jonathan PYE 19:29 SM25-29
8 Jonathan CLEAVER 19:37 VM35-39 New PB!
9 Kevin DAVIES 19:47 VM50-54
16 Gareth BERRY 20:27 VM35-39
31 Nick COLLINSON 22:31 JM15-17
32 Andy QUINN 22:36 VM40-44
35 James BOULT 22:56 SM20-24
54 Helana WHITE 24:15 JW10
56 Julie DAWES 24:18 VW45-49
57 Colin WHITE 24:18 VM40-44
60 Sophie ASHWORTH 24:24 JW11-14
64 Adam STEVENSON 24:54 JM11-14
65 Richard STEVENSON 24:55 VM40-44
76 Natasha OLSZEWSKA 25:34 JW11-14
79 Donna SCOTT 25:48 VW50-54
92 Lisa JOHNSON 26:36 VW40-44
95 Carl CAREY 26:44 VM45-49
99 Diane ORRELL 27:01 SW30-34
103 Annabel WILCOCK 27:12 JW11-14
104 John WILCOCK 27:13 VM50-54
125 Stuart BARKER 28:12 VM45-49
141 Toby BIRTWISTLE 28:50 JM10
142 Justin BIRTWISTLE 28:50 VM40-44
148 Ron CHAPPELL 29:16 VM65-69
151 Bianca BENNETT 29:30 SW25-29
164 Christine Jennifer EGERTON 31:04 VW65-69
178 Bronia OLSZEWSKA 32:49 JW11-14
179 Adrienne OLSZEWSKA 32:49 VW45-49
186 Judith CAREY 33:49 VW35-39
198 Aaron LUNDIE 35:47 JM11-14

Cuerden Valley parkrun – A total of 160 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
44 Martin BRADY 25:30 VM50-54 First Timer!

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 77 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
74 Robin PRICE 40:09 VM70-74

Pendle parkrun – A total of 50 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
2 John HARTLEY 21:04 VM55-59

Witton parkrun – A total of 95 runners took part

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Age Cat  Note 
6 Michael CLARKE 21:43 VM40-44
53 Julie TOMAN 32:31 VW45-49

 

ByJim Hickie

Senior Club Competitions 2016

Now 2016 is here why not look at the Club Championships when planning your races? The first Club Road Championship race is the East Lancs Hospice 10k on Sunday 24th January, the first Club Trail Championship race is the Standish Hall 10k on Saturday 20th February, and the first Club Fell Championship race is Heptonstall (BL) on Sunday 20th March. These three club championships all follow a best four out of seven races format.

The Winter Warmer 10k on Sunday 7th February is the final race in the 2015 Club Road Championship to replace the cancelled Guys 10.

As well as our Club Championships we also have two more fell competitions – the Pendle Aggregate Trophy and the John North Trophy. Follow the link for a complete list of all our Senior Club Competitions and Awards.

I wish all members a happy and successful 2016!

ByAdrienne Olszewska

All Dressed Up

After another week of appalling weather and floods, and quite a few race cancellations, it was a welcome relief for our club members to let off some steam in fancy dress at the Hurst Green Turkey Trot. There has also been some road and fell running as well as some rather soggy parkrunning this week. Well done to everyone that braved the elements this weekend.

Club News and Announcements

Replacement for Guys 10 in 2015 Club Road Championship – details here.

2016 Club Championship races have been announced.  Choose from Road Championship , Fell Championship and, new for 2016, Trail Championship.

Sunday 13 December

Hurst Green Turkey Trot

Even more fancy dress than last year although rumour has it the mud wasn’t much worse! The Hurst Green Turkey Trot is a wonderfully silly affair that gets all competitors really in the festive party mood. 27 club members took part with some of them taking part for the first time and promising to return next year. It’s worth noting that there was someone dressed up as a famous Clayton-le-Moors Harrier too; imitation they say is the sincerest form of flattery.

Fell (or should that be Ellf) captain Dave Motley being chased down by a Ron Hill wannabe. Photo by David Belshaw

Fell (or should that be Ellf) captain Dave Motley being chased down by a Ron Hill wannabe. Photo by David Belshaw

Irene Roche reports:

Following the usual great build up and planning for this year’s Turkey Trot, the event certainly delivered lots of fun and laughs as well as a last minute appeal to raise funds for the Cumbrian flood damage. On day entrants paid £10 which went straight into the fund bucket! Excellent thinking on behalf of the race organiser.

Team Clayton getting into the party mood at the Hurst Green Turkey Trot. Photo courtesy of Donna Airey

Team Clayton getting into the party mood at the Hurst Green Turkey Trot. Photo courtesy of Donna Airey

Most of the competitors were in fancy dress ranging from nativity story, Santa Claus, cross dressing, babies and many more. The route was obviously wet and muddy due to all the rain but this only lent to more fun. Totally enjoyed by all.

Chris Funnell reports:

Another great day out at the TT on Sunday with Team Clayton leading the party charge. Too many great costumes to mention with some dressing for warmth (Andy Bradley in his dragon onesie), some dressing for a stellar performance (Irene, Angela, Vicky and Julia), some running incognito (in a red morph suit) and some looking like they’d just come straight from a night out (see pictures of Andy Braithwaite).

L-R Chris Funnell, Andy Bradley and Chris Snell. Photo courtesy of Chris Funnell

L-R Chris Funnell, Andy Bradley and Chris Snell. Photo courtesy of Chris Funnell

First prize went to Sean Clare and his co wise men (reference is to the costumes) complete with trio of camels and authentic looking beards). Skipper Motley being a true pro gave me a few tips on how best to run in a full face beard without ingesting it. An excellently organised race with a good amount of money raised in support of the Cumbria floods.

Nicola Thompson reports on the junior race

Dexta Thompson winner of the Junior Turkey Trot. Photo by David Belshaw

Dexta Thompson winner of the Junior Turkey Trot. Photo by David Belshaw

We took our 4 children to run the annual Turkey Trot junior race and it all started well. Dexta came in first with another boy behind him. There is quite often a gap between Dexta and the next group of runners but after a few minutes we all started to think something wasn’t quite right, no one else was returning. After 5 mins we realised the rest must have missed the turning point and carried on however what we didn’t expect was that they would run and run and run in total 5 miles!

It was over 50mins before they all came back and there were some very worried parents. I was even thinking I might need to ring mountain rescue up! Thankfully they all returned safe but I think the organisers might be in hiding from angry parents.

Pos    Name    Cat    CatPos    Time   
12 Dave Motley M (005/054) 0:33:56
19 Garry Wilkinson M50 (002/024) 0:34:37
23 Stephen Hall M40 (004/018) 0:35:32
28 Chris Snell M (012/054) 0:36:16
37 Chris Funnell M45 (008/023) 0:37:36
41 Ivan Whicham M50 (005/024) 0:38:08
63 Andy Bradley M50 (007/024) 0:41:35
69 Peter Dugdale M55 (004/017) 0:42:24
80 Sean Clare M50 (009/024) 0:43:54
101 Darren Rushton M45 (017/023) 0:46:44
132 John Roche M50 (018/024) 0:50:58
136 Donna Airey F (009/025) 0:51:14
148 Robert Hirst M65 (001/004) 0:52:52
155 Carl Carey M40 (013/018) 0:53:53
157 Rachel Todd F40 (009/026) 0:54:19
158 Helen Burnett F40 (010/026) 0:54:19
159 Michelle Butschok F40 (011/026) 0:54:19
180 Nicola Kay F (014/025) 0:57:58
183 Andy Armstrong M45 (020/023) 0:58:27
189 Irene Roche F50 (010/018) 1:00:29
191 Angela Shian F (015/025) 1:00:29
192 Vicky Heyes F40 (015/026) 1:00:29
257 Karen Clarkin F40 (024/026) 1:14:14
259 Judith Carey F35 (017/019) 1:14:14
261 Anita Jones F55 (009/012) 1:14:21
262 Geraldine Varley F55 (010/012) 1:14:21
269 Sharon Wilson F40 (025/026) 1:14:33

Full Results

Longridge Xmas Pudding 7

Five club members chose to head over to Longridge for the seven mile race at Longridge. Richard Stevenson was our first finisher in 14th place with a time of 44:18.

Richard Stevenson Reports

After Guys 10 had been cancelled the week before, and on checking the weather forecast, I made a last minute decision to run the Longridge Xmas Pudding Race. It was a short drive over to registration where I met Martin and Jon on a brief warm up.

I did this race a couple of years ago and remember it being hilly but must have blanked out how long the climb up Jeffrey Hill was! It’s a good course of pretty much 4 miles up followed by a very quick 3 miles back down.

A little disappointed on the climbs where I seemed to struggle more than I should but overall happy with nearly 2 minutes knocked off my previous time and the little Xmas pudding given to you at the end.

Pos Name Cat Time
14 Richard Stevenson M40 44:18:00
48 Jonathan Cleaver M40 48:26:06
109 Martin Brady M50 56:04:08
129 Ted Orrell M75 58:51:00
208 Ron Chappell M65 69:50:00

Full Results

Mytholmroyd Fell Race

This 6.2 mile fell race with 1350 ft of ascent is mainly run over open moorland. Peter Browning and Linda Bostock were our sole representatives in this tough late season race ( most of you were bog snorkling in fancy dress around Hurst Green).

Report from Peter Browning

Peter Browning at the Mytholmroyd Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Peter Browning at the Mytholmroyd Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Under 90 runners set off on the 6.2 miles Mytholmroyd fell race, on a cold but mercifully dry December Sunday morning. Clayton were represented by Linda Bostock and Peter Browning. A steep climb up through the woods led to a long queue at an early kissing gate but a chance to get the breath back. Once up high on the moors, the route was fast and fairly level, though very wet in places. The second climb brought us back over the moors before the steep descent to the finish. Everyone seemed to get back safely, and for the record the men’s and women’s races were run by athletes from Pudsey &  Bradley and Calder Valley respectively.

Linda Bostock at the Mytholmroyd Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Linda Bostock at the Mytholmroyd Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Pos Name Cat Time
51 Peter Browning M55 70:03
59 Linda Bostock F55 72:47

Full Results

Peak Raid – Round 4 Crowden

Sunday saw the final event in the 2015 series of 3 hour mountain marathons. This is a score format event with competitors visiting as many check points as possible is the 3 hour time limit. Katy Thompson has been competing in this series of score events in the Peak District over the year and sends this short report.

Peak Raid is a series of four 3 hour score events in the Peak District, using maps specially produced for the event. Prizes for the series are based on the best score from 3 events. The final round on Sunday was from Crowden Outdoor Centre. Lots of bog and tussocks but also more paths than I had expected. With hindsight I could have got more points as I finished early, but there’s a big incentive not to go over time – 50 points a minute penalty! I’ve managed to be first in my category in each of the events I’ve done, but having to miss one round meant I had to include my points from the first round where my shoe fell apart, so I didn’t manage to win the series prize. Next year’s events are already in the fell calendar for October to December next year; it would be good to see a few more Clayton competing.

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

It was a grim morning but as always lots of our members made it to parkrun. It was the santa run at Burnley so lots of costumes and silliness took the edge of the miserable weather.

Soggy Santas at the Burnley parkrun.

Soggy Santas at the Burnley parkrun.

Burnley parkrun – A total of 191 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
4 Jacob WATSON 18:58 SM30-34
5 Andy LAYCOCK 19:00 SM20-24 First Timer!
7 Richard STEVENSON 19:31 VM40-44
8 Dave MOTLEY 19:47 SM30-34
9 Chris SNELL 19:53 VM35-39
10 Alan DORRINGTON 19:54 VM45-49
11 Jonathan CLEAVER 20:07 VM35-39
16 Susan BURNS 20:57 VW55-59
17 Simon WILSHAW 21:00 JM15-17
25 Helena LEATHLEY 21:39 SW20-24
26 Reece Adam LAWRENCE 21:50 JM15-17
27 Matthew DUCKWORTH 21:53 SM25-29
28 James BOULT 22:16 SM20-24
34 Donna RILEY 22:46 VW50-54
38 Lennon JACKSON 23:03 JM11-14
43 Adam QUINN 23:19 JM11-14
49 Carl CAREY 23:51 VM45-49
53 Andy QUINN 24:09 VM40-44
56 Matthew JACKSON 24:15 JM10
66 Sophie ASHWORTH 25:10 JW11-14
69 David Ian SCOTT 25:16 VM70-74
71 Julie DAWES 25:24 VW45-49
77 Lisa JOHNSON 25:40 VW40-44
82 Bianca BENNETT 26:12 SW25-29
90 Donna SCOTT 26:25 VW50-54
91 Annabel WILCOCK 26:26 JW11-14
92 John WILCOCK 26:27 VM50-54
99 Stuart BARKER 26:59 VM45-49
100 Diane ORRELL 27:01 SW30-34
106 Julie TOMAN 27:13 VW45-49
109 Beth QUINN 27:36 JW15-17
118 Adam STEVENSON 28:10 JM11-14
131 Robert HIRST 28:55 VM65-69
134 Ron CHAPPELL 29:10 VM65-69
144 Richard LAWSON 30:18 VM75-79
148 Lucy STEVENSON 30:39 JW11-14
161 Judith CAREY 32:06 VW35-39
163 Christine LEATHLEY 32:15 VW65-69

Oakwell Hall parkrun – A total of 107 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
99 Robin PRICE 40:49 VM70-74

Pendle parkrun – A total of 30 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
3 John HARTLEY 21:20 VM55-59

Witton parkrun – A total of 106 runners took part.

Pos   parkrunner   Time   Age Cat   Note  
7 Michael CLARKE 20:19 VM40-44 First Timer!
27 Martin BRADY 24:15 VM50-54 First Timer!
31 Katy THOMPSON 25:36 VW60-64
33 George THOMPSON 25:47 VM65-69

 

ByPeter Booth

December Newsletter

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Here is the link to the final Harrier edited by me. It’s missing Runner of the Month because the award is under review. However, Harry Manning has provided a list of ‘fast runners’ from the last two months. Paul Healey covers more Old Ground and there are reports on the wet and windy Tour of Pendle and Lee Mill Relays in addition to results and fixtures, as usual. Enjoy! December Newsletter 2015