Category Archive Seniors Social

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Championships, Grand Prix and Steam Trains

Yet more successes to celebrate. Bronze medals for our Vet40 Ladies team in the British Fell Championships and an individual Bronze LV50 medal for Wendy Dodds. Plenty of trophies at the Pendle and Burnley Grandprix and the Tywyn Steam Train finally tamed.

Wednesday 12 August

Haigh Hall 4 Mile Road Race
Julie Toman was our sole representative a this midweek event. She finished in 93rd place with a time of 36:15.

Full Results

Pilgrims Cross
There was a decent turnout of 18 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers to this mid week fell race of 6 miles and 1100 ft of climbing. It is the third race in a series of four organised by Rossendale Harriers

Pos Name Cat Time
6 Jacob Boyle MU23 00:41:30
26 Alan Life MV50 00:46:57
43 Ivan Whigham MV50 00:48:51
51 Laura Hesketh F 00:49:22
72 Chris Snell M 00:51:52
81 Claire Vincent F 00:52:28
88 Darren Rushton MV45 00:53:30
101 Martin Brady MV50 00:56:20
112 Andrew Howarth MV55 00:57:24
139 Katy Thompson FVF60 01:01:52
148 Carol Life FV50 01:02:55
161 Robert Hirst MV60 01:04:21
165 Stephen Fish MV60 01:04:46
167 Susan Clarke FV45 01:04:54
172 Kath Brady FV50 01:05:50
173 George Thompson MV65 01:06:01
179 Martin O’Rourke MV55 01:08:44
189 Ron Chappell MV65 01:13:03

Full Results

Friday 14 August

Pendle & Burnley Grand Prix
151 of our club members took part in at least one race in this local series of 13 races including 5 & 10K road races, a half marathon, trail and fell races; there is something for everyone. There were some great results for our members and prizes galore. You have to complete 9 races of the 13 on offer to qualify for prizes. With a healthy number of competitors we had 10 of the top 20 men and 10 of the top 20 women.

Jordan McDonald, junior winner and third overall, with Tom Cornthwaite. Photo by Barry Brock

Jordan McDonald, junior winner and third overall, with Tom Cornthwaite. Photo by Barry Brock

A special mention for Stuart Barker who was one of only 3 people to compete in all 13 races. Quite an achievement, well done Stuart! He received a special award to recognise his achievement along with newcomers to running Michelle Butschok and Leanne Cottam. Matthew Duckworth Received the Everest Trophy for most improved male.

Prize winners. L-R Michelle Butschok, Leanne Cottam, Rachel Todd, Helen Burnett, Joanne Bennett and Stuart Barker

Prize winners. L-R Michelle Butschok, Leanne Cottam, Rachel Todd, Helen Burnett, Joanne Bennett and Stuart Barker

Grand Prix Awards

Female Awards Male Awards
Vet 65 Gold Karin Goss Vet 70 Gold David Scott
Vet 65 Bronze Christine Leathley Vet 65 Gold Ron Chappell
Vet 55 Gold Irene Roche Vet 60 Bronze Steven White
Vet 55 Silver Jean Knightley Vet 60 Gold Jeff Pickup
Vet 50 Gold Dawn Terry Vet 55 Silver Steven Ainsworth
Vet 45 Silver Joanne Bennett Vet 50 Bronze Sean Clare
Vet 40 Bronze Rachel Todd Vet 50 Silver Paul Hesketh
Vet 40 Silver Helen Burnett Vet 45 Bronze Andy Bradley
Vet 35 Silver Leanne Cottam Vet 45 Silver Chris Funnell
Female Gold Claire Vincent Vet 45 Gold Andrew Stubbs
Female 6th Irene Roche Vet 40 Gold Michael O’ Donnell
Male Junior Jordan McDonald
Male Bronze Jordan McDonald
Male 5th Andrew Stubbs

Special Awards

Completed all 13 GP races Stuart Barker
Newcomers Recognition Michelle Butschok & Leanne Cottam
Everest Trophy – Most improved male Matthew Duckworth

Shore Road Race
Two club members took part in this 7km (4.35 miles) road race  with 98 metres (322 ft) climbing.

Pos Name Cat Time
25 Stephen Biscomb M60 31:36.3
45 Paul Walsh M60 38:24.5

Full Results 

Saturday 15 August

Catforth Canter
A quartet of our members took part in this race around the quiet lanes of Catforth. Our senior vets cleaned up the 70 plus placings with all three of them claiming first age category positions.

Pos Name Cat Time
78 Lee Moore MV35 22:37
79 David Scott MV70 22:49
90 Richard Lawson MV75 23:51
126 Val Lawson FV70 32:01

 Full Results

Podium Races

This blisteringly fast local 5K race series has expanded and added some junior races to its portfolio. Thirteen juniors took part, six of our youngest members in the 3k and seven in the 5k.

The start of the Podium B Race. Photo by David Belshaw

The start of the Podium B Race. Photo by David Belshaw

Helena White had a storming run and finished as first girl in the 3k with a time of 14:08. In the 5k race Briony Holt finished in second place, first girl, with a time of 19:48 demonstrating that she doesn’t need the hills to be fast! Dexta Thompson was hot on her heels in third place. Sophie Ashworth and Liberty Thompson were second and third girls making a clean sweep for the Clayton girls!

In the “A” Race, Jacob Boyle and Dan Balshaw were taking part in this elite and super fast 5k. Jacob Boyle finishing in 8th position with a time of 15:46 and Dan Balshaw in 18th place with a time of 16:43.

In the “B” Race , six club members, including four of our junior members, took part. First finisher for the club was junior Jackson McKay, who finished in 8th place overall with a time of 18:28. Laura Hesketh was our first lady, second lady overall, with a time of 18:41. Juniors Ryan Clarke, Tom Bradley and Curtis Holt put in some strong performances – look out senior runners! Andy Bradley completed the Clayton team in this event.

Podium Junior 3k Race – 17 Runners
Pos M F Name Cat CatPos Time
5 1 Helena White F (001/008) 00:14:08
8 6 Joshua McKay M (006/009) 00:14:44
9 3 Kady Thompson F (003/008) 00:14:46
11 8 Felix Thompson M (008/009) 00:15:34
13 4 Tillie Ferguson F (004/008) 00:17:02
14 5 Millie Hesketh F (005/008) 00:18:00
Clayton Junior boys at the Podium Races. Photo by David Belshaw

Clayton Junior boys at the Podium Races. Photo by David Belshaw

Podium Junior 5k – 15 Runners
Pos M F Name Cat CatPos Time
2 1 Briony Holt F (001/008) 00:19:48
3 2 Dexta Thompson M (002/007) 00:20:13
5 2 Sophie Ashworth F (002/008) 00:22:00
6 4 Jenson Bentham M (004/007) 00:22:11
7 3 Liberty Thompson F (003/008) 00:22:53
10 6 Daniel Bradley M (006/007) 00:24:02
11 5 Imogen Ferguson F (005/008) 00:25:38
The unstoppable and stylish Clayton Girls at the Podium Races. Photo by David Belshaw

The unstoppable and stylish Clayton Girls at the Podium Races. Photo by David Belshaw

Podium 5k “A” Race – 21 Runners
Pos M F Name Cat CatPos Time
8 8 Jacob Boyle M (008/018) 00:15:46
18 17 Dan Balshaw M (016/018) 00:16:43
Podium 5k “B” Race – 35 Runners
Pos M F Name Cat CatPos Time
8 8 Jackson McKay MJ (002/004) 00:18:28
12 2 Laura Hesketh F (002/002) 00:18:41
14 12 Ryan Clarke MJ (003/004) 00:19:24
20 17 Andy Bradley M (009/014) 00:19:52
23 20 Tom Bradley M (011/014) 00:20:07
27 23 Curtis Holt MJ (004/004) 00:20:45

Full Results

Race the Train

Richard Stevenson and Julia Rushton took part in this 14-mile, train-racing even; Richard returning with a score to settle! Lucy, Adam, Keira and Rachel Stevenson all ran brilliantly in the 3 mile event.

Richard Stevenson who beat the train this time. Photo by Deborah Stevenson

Richard Stevenson who beat the train this time. Photo by Deborah Stevenson

Report from Richard Stevenson

We pitched up at the campsite in Tywyn, North Wales, on the Friday evening ready for the 32nd annual Race the Train event on the Saturday where you race the steam train of the Talyllyn Railway on its journey to Abergynolwyn and back. The event is described as multi-terrain where the course uses a mixture of public roads, lanes, unmettalled roads, track and agricultural land which run alongside the track .

There are 4 different races throughout the day of varying distances from 3 miles to the main Rotary Challenge of 14 miles where runners have 1hr and 48 mins to beat the train back to town centre.

We awoke on Saturday to lovely sunshine so we set off into town for the shorter distance races with Clayton junior members Lucy, Adam, Keira and Rachel taking part in the 3 mile Tynllwynhen race. They all put in a great effort across a very tough hilly course with a knee deep stream crossing. The kids loved it and were very impressed with the contents of their goody bags!

Team Stevenson at the Race the Train Races. Photo by Richard Stevenson

Team Stevenson at the Race the Train Races. Photo by Richard Stevenson

After a little rest it was time to take my place at the start line on the railway bridge above the station. I took part in the Rotary Challenge in 2013 and missed out on beating the train by 50 seconds so this was a revenge mission and the pressure was on!

The race takes you out of the town over fields, rough pasture, and farm tracks all the way to the turn point 7 miles in at Abergoynolwyn station. This I knew had been the easy part of the course and, on checking my watch, I knew I was doing well.

After turning around the station you now climbed very steeply to run across the face of the hillside on narrow sheep tracks for over a mile. Once past the summit the course levels off for a short way before leaving the road and plunging down a very narrow path.You then have to negotiate footbridges, steep steps, bogs and small streams before reaching open fields with about 3 miles to go. I was still feeling strong and knew that barring disasters I was going to beat the train.

With 1 mile to go you join the public road heading for the finish in Tywyn. By now I was well ahead of the train and could soak up the great atmosphere in the town for the finish.

Finished; and one train well and truly beaten! Time 1:39:59. 14 minutes ahead of the train in a position of 39th.

I cannot recommend this race highly enough, a great weekend away with the family at an event where the whole town get involved and cheer on the runners.

Julia Rushton at the Race the Train event. Photo by Richard Slater

Julia Rushton at the Race the Train event. Photo by Richard Slater

Race the Train 3.5

Pos Name Cat Time
13 Adam Stevenson MU13 20:46
57 Keira Stevenson FU13 24:43
97 Lucy Stevenson FU15 27:06
105 Rachel Stevenson FU11 27:46

Race the Train 14

Pos Name Cat Time
39 Richard Stevenson MV35 01:33:55
758 Julia Rushton FV50 02:26:28

Full Results

Watergrove Trail Race

Philip Naylor was our sole representative in this 4.55 mile race on the trails around Watergrove Reservoir.

Pos Name Cat Time
47 Philip Naylor SENM 49:37.6

Full Results

Sunday 16 August

Lakeland Country Fair

Report by Colin Woolford

Colin Woolcroft at the Lakeland County Fair fell race. Photo by the Woodentops

Colin Woolcroft at the Lakeland County Fair fell race. Photo by the Woodentops

As I can’t afford a bike for the proper mid life crisis (road or motor), I decided to indulge my love of running and the outdoors by completing my 43rd race since my 39th birthday, thus completing my ’40 before I’m 40’ in style up the Old Man of Coniston fell race from Torver. 1 hr 32, 33rd from 43.

Well done Colin!

Prudent Riverside Half Marathon

A flat fast course using the network of paths up following the Lune. The race starts outside the George & Dragon Pub before looping around underneath the impressive Lancaster Castle. The route heads to Caton before looping back towards Lancaster.

Brian Wildman was flying the tangerine flag in this Lancaster Race Series half marathon. He finished in 52nd place in a field of 129 runners with a time of 01:44:17.

Full Results

Sedburgh Hills Fell Race

Report from Peter Browning

A bright, clear and mostly still day for the 14 miles Sedburgh Hills race saw three Clayton members take on the challenge of over 6000 feet of grassy climbing through the quiet Howgill Fells. Richard Briscoe, Jean Brown and Peter Browning were among the 125 runners who set off on the long first climb up Arant Haw to be met there by fellow Claytonner, Graham Eccles, who was the summit checkpoint marshal. Richard and Jean soon pulled away from me as I struggled to get going properly, but I always felt that if I kept at it, I would start to peg them back. Andy Firth’s Borrowdale report, where he mentioned that if he just kept going he would catch Richard came to mind. Poor Richard, Andy’s words might haunt him for many years to come!

As it turned out, I didn’t see Jean again until I crossed the finish line eleven minutes behind her! She had a superb run, finishing second lady, just two minutes behind long distance record breaker, Nicky Spinks of Dark Peak. Jean was a little disappointed however: 10 seconds faster and she would have beaten the three hour mark!

Once into the race proper, I managed to grind out the miles in my usual style and sure enough caught and passed Richard at the top of the climb that leads to the Calf checkpoint. He professed to be knackered at that point but was well on course to beat his target of three and a half hours.

The steep descent from the last checkpoint on the top of the summit of Winder that overlooks the town of Sedburgh followed by a short road run back to the finish saw all three of us finished in very respectable times and places as follows:

  1. Joe Symonds 2:13:40
    36. Nicky Spinks                2:56:29
    40. Jean Brown                  3:00:09
    55. Peter Browning        3:11:44
    63. Richard Briscoe        3:17:14

Sheep Fell Over Fell Race

A trio of our club members took part in this 3 mile fell race. Alan Life had a great run finishing in 9th postion overall and 1st vet 50. Congratulations to Robert Hirst who has recently turned 65 and this was his 65th race in his 65th year!

Pos Name Cat Time
9 Alan Life M50 21:41.9
12 Chris Snell MSEN 22:35.4
47 Robert Hirst M65 31:48.3

 Full Results

Parkrun roundup

Another great week for our parkrunners with plenty of PBs and first place positions for John Hartley at Pendle and Tom Brewster at Skipton. Also after a successful practice run at Witton Park, the new Blackburn parkrun is all set to hold its inaugural run on Saturday 29th August all down to the hard work of our club member Bryan Searby and his wife and running friends.  Get yourselves down there!

Club Chairman James Hickie trying out the new parkrun at Witton Park with organiser Bryan Searby. Photo by Stacy Lloyd Ayriss

Burnley parkrun – A total of 268 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Cat  Note 
4 Chris SNELL 19:24 VM35-39
9 Adam SHAW 20:00 SM30-34 New PB!
14 Nick ROSCOE 20:22 VM45-49
21 Gordon BARRETT 21:28 VM50-54
24 Andrew WEBSTER 21:46 VM45-49
34 Martin BRADY 22:34 VM50-54
56 Lee MOORE 23:45 VM35-39
75 Carl CAREY 24:42 VM45-49
76 Andrew TAYLOR 24:44 VM55-59
79 Elouise Sylkie PEMBERTON 24:49 SW25-29 New PB!
108 Sophie ASHWORTH 26:05 JW11-14
109 Heidi KEWIN 26:06 JW11-14
146 Robert HIRST 28:02 VM65-69
157 Nicola KAY 28:30 SW30-34 New PB!
167 Adrienne OLSZEWSKA 29:06 VW45-49
246 Judith CAREY 38:33 VW35-39

Pendle parkrun – A total of 56 runners took part

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Cat  Note 
1 John HARTLEY 19:54 VM55-59 New PB!
4 Martin TERRY 21:22 VM55-59 First Timer!
14 Eleanor Betty ROOT 23:28 JW11-14 New PB!
21 Dawn TERRY 25:20 VW50-54
49 Christine LEATHLEY 33:27 VW65-69

Bolton parkrun – A total of 251 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Cat  Note 
55 Nerina GILL 24:45 VW45-49
65 Katy THOMPSON 25:28 VW60-64

Marple parkrun – A total of 176 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Cat  Note 
152 Ron HILL 31:18 VM75-79

Sewerby parkrun – A total of 146 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Cat  Note
91 Eileen JONES 30:12 VW60-64 First Timer!

Skipton parkrun – A total of 149 runners took part.

Pos  parkrunner  Time  Cat  Note 
1 Tom BREWSTER 17:31 SM25-29 New PB!
ByPeter Booth

August Newsletter

Welcome to August’s slim-line edition of Harrier News with important information about the club’s Annual General Meeting on 24th September and personal reactions to last week’s Hendon Book Half Marathon.

IreneStar of the race was Irene Roche who broke the course F55 record. Richard Lawson remembers long-standing member, Jim Dawson, who passed away recently and Paul Healey covers old ground. To make up for a reduced results service, there is a bumper fixtures list that takes you to the end of October! Enjoy!

August Newsletter 2015

ByPeter Booth

July Harrier Newsletter

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

ByPeter Booth

June Newsletter

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

Clayton ladies at BMAF Relay 2

ByAdrienne Olszewska

To me, to you

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

Mearley Clough Fell Race – 12 May

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

Mearley Clough

Mearley Clough Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

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

Full Results

Wholan Nook Trail Race – 13 May 

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

Wholan Nook Trail Race

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

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

Wholan Nook Trail Race

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

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

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

Wholan Nook Trail Race Results    

John Carr 5k Series Race 2 – 13 May

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

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

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

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

Full Results

The Ian Casey 5K at Cowm Reservoir – 14 May

Report from Richard Lawson

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

Full Results

Old County Tops – 16 May 2015

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

Jean reports;

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

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

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

Awaiting results

RA Inter Counties Championship – 16 May

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

Clayton juniors

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

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

FRA Inter-County Champs

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

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

British Masters Road Relay Championships – 16 May

British masters

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

Report by John Roche

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

John Roche 1

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

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

Ladies corrected

 

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

BMAF Relays

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

mens corrected

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

Post race - smiling faces have returned

Post race – smiling faces have returned

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

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

Full Results

Charlesworth Chase – 16 May

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

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

Full Results

Calderdale Way Relay – 17 May

Calderdale leg 1

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

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

Calderdale Relays

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

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

Dave

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

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

Relay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

25

Team B

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

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

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

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

Clayton Harriers

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

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

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

Full Results

Worden Park 10k and 1 Mile – 17 May

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

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

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

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

Clayton Juniors

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

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

Full Results

Montane Trail 13 Howgills – 17 May

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

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

Alan Dorrington

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

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

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

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

Full Results

Chester Half Marathon – 17 May

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

Report from Clare Wilson

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

Clayton Ladies

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

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

Well done ladies!

Full Results

Fairfield Horseshoe – 17 May

AM 9m/3000’  (14.5km/914m)

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

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

Full Results

Athletics and Triathlon – 14th & 17th May

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

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

Ellie Root

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

Well done Ellie!

Parkrun Roundup

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

Clayton Juniors

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

Burnley parkrun – A total of 328 runners took part.

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

Pendle parkrun – A total of 50 runners took part.

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

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

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

Marple parkrun – A total of 185 runners took part.

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

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 87 runners took part.

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

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

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

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

 

ByAdrienne Olszewska

The darling buds of May

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

Avenham Park 5k – 4 May

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

Avenham Park 5k

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

Danny Collinge reports:

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

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

Full Results

Wray Scarecrow Fell Race – 5 May

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

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

Full Results

Astley Park Trail Series – 6 May

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

Junior Race

Clayton Juniors

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

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

Astley Park Trail Race

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

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

131 runners took part.

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

Senior Race

Jonathan Pye at the Astley Park Trail Race.

Jonathan Pye at the Astley Park Trail Race.

Jonathon Pye was the sole Clayton representative and he reported;

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

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

Full Results

Foe Edge Fell Race – 6 May

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

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

Full Results

Lothersdale Fell Race – 6 May

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

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

Full Results

Pinhaw Moor – 8 May

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

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

Clayton Ladies

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

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

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

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

 Full Results

 Lakeland Trails Series – Stavely 9 May

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

Christopher Holdsworth Reports

Christopher Holdsworth

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

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

Brett Holdsworth

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

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

Full Results

Stretton Six Summits – 9 May

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

Fell Championships

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

Mens Report from Paul Shackleton

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

Paul Shackleton

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

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

Ladies Report by Katy Thompson

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

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

Katy Thompson

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

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

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

Full Results

Morrisons’ Great Manchester 10k – 10 May

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

Team Clayton

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

Report from Jacob Watson

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

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

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

TV pic

Jacob Watson’s TV finish!

Report by Lee Moore

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

Report by Elouise Pemberton

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

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

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

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

Blacksticks Blue 10k – 10 May

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

Bianca Bennett Reports;

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

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

Awaiting Results

Blackpool Beach 10k – 10 May

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

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

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

Full Results 

parkrun roundup

Burnley parkrun

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

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

Burnley parkrun – A total of 196 runners took part.

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

Pendle parkrun – A total of 48 runners took part.

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

Pendle parkrun

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

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

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

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

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 75 runners took part.

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

Skipton parkrun – A total of 98 runners took part.

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

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

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

Great news for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

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

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

Upcoming team events

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

Weekend of Running

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

Weekend of Running flyer

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers – Weekend of Running

ByPeter Booth

May Newsletter

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

Ron-Hill-Nat-Harrison edit

ByPeter Booth

April Newsletter

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

Mr Tangerine Man edit

ByPeter Booth

March Newsletter

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

Dave at Blackpool

ByAdrienne Olszewska

March comes in like a lion

Well, it’s March already. The first lambs are in the field, daffodils are sprouting, and spring is on the way. This week you have been on the roads, the trails, the fells, cross country courses as well as orienteering, adventure racing and awards ceremonies!

Pendle Primary Schools Cross Country Championship – 26th February

The Pendle Primary Schools Cross Country Championship for Year 5/6 pupils – took place at Alkincoats on February 26th.  Clayton Junior member, Grace  Root, came 9th. Well done Grace!

Red Rose Cross Country League Presentation Night

Clayton Juniors

Clayton Juniors at the Red Rose Cross Country League Presentation Night

Congratulations to our brilliant juniors who received awards at the Red Rose Cross Country League Presentation Night.  Jackson McKay took away a huge trophy that was well deserved for an excellent cross country season!

Clayton Juniors

Jackson McKay with his trophy.

Stanley Park 10K – 28th February

In much better conditions than last weeks Great North West Half Marathon, six of our club members  travelled over to Blackpool to take part in this race on Saturday and there were some great performances. Junior runner, Jordan McDonald, finished in 6th place overall in a great time of 37:39 closely followed by fellow junior runner, George Pier who finished in 10th place overall in a time of 38:49.

Stanley Park 10K

Jordan McDonald at the Stanley Park 10K. Picture by Christopher Holdsworth

Chasing the two juniors, Jon Hanson came in 11th place just a few seconds behind George.  He said; “The race was great. Well organized and a good conditions for running. Will be running it again later in the year for hopefully another PB. Jordan and George had a fantastic run”

Jason Pier and our sole lady runner, Sarah Angelone, also grabbed new PBs so well done to them.

Stanley Park 10k

Sarah Angelone at the Stanley Park 10K

Sarah said, “Great event….fantastic marshal as we came back to the track cheering and high fiving all the runners. Got a bit side tracked watching the ducks on the pond in parts so time dropped off but then remembered John’s ‘have a word’ comment and got back in the zone!” Adam Hamer returns to racing after a break to travel down under and finished a shade over the hour mark.  Well done everyone!

Pos Name Category Time
6 Jordan McDonald M 00:37:39
10 George Pier M 00:38:49
11 Jon Hanson M 00:38:59
54 Jason Pier MV45 00:44:34
79 Sarah Angelone F 00:46:50
269 Adam Hamer M 01:04:11

 Full Results

Midgley Moor Fell Race – 28th February

This race is described as a challenging race involving route choice on paths and heather moor. It is a 5 mile race with 1250ft of climbing.

Five Clayton ladies and one gent took part among 191 runners. Back after injury, Nat Harrison reported; “It was hard, Great turn out. Tough underfoot, lots of bushes, heather, bracken whatever you call it! Good weather, great cake, fab company.” 

Midgley Moor Fell Race

Nat Harrison at the Midgley Moor Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops.org.uk

Despite this report, Nat went on to be second counter in the womens team who were place equal third with Saddleworth Harriers and Wharfedale Harriers. Vicky Heys, first Clayton Harrier finisher, agreed that it was hard underfoot but with a great atmosphere and company cheers.

Midgley Moor Fell Race

Vicky Heys at the Midgley Moor Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops.org.uk

Irene Roche reported; “Yes, this oap was trailing behind the young Clayton fillies,but apart from queues at a couple of stiles early on, a good challenging course with a bit of everything. One male only from Clayton, Bob Hirst.”

Pos Name Category Time
113 Vicky Heys FV40 00:58:18
124 Natalie Harrison F 00:59:02
137 Irene Roche FV50 01:00:48
147 Linda Lord FV60 01:02:35
148 Angela Shian F 01:02:38
167 Robert Hirst MV60 01:07:53

Full Results

PFO Orienteering Spring Series – Nick of Pendle – 28th February

The Nick O’Pendle is characterised by wide open vistas and lots of contours, so when the weather held and the cloud lifted, fast winning times were guaranteed.  The courses through the wide open spaces were a mix of easy lines and invisible pin points.  Most relished the physical challenge and enjoyed the day.

Mark Nutter and Colin Woolford both took part in the technical Brown course.  Mark finished in 6th place in a time of 108:29:00 and Colin came in 9th place in a time of 144:40:00. Colin Woolford reported good conditions, but tough going seeing Pendle from some very different angles. Out again the following day, Colin also took part in the Haglofs Open5 adventure race in the Yorkshire Dales.

Junior Member Christopher Brown finished in 1st place in the yellow event in a time of 18:42 and then went on to take part in the Orange event as well.

Full Results

High Cup Fell Race 2015 – 28th February

This is a 9.3 mile fell race with 1509ft of climbing. No results as yet and not known if any of our members took part. I have a suspicion that some of you did, I just haven’t tracked you down yet!  Will update when I find anything out.

Trotters 5

Clayton Vet Ron Chappell was our sole representative at this 5 mile trail race organised by Burnden Road Runners.

Trotters 5 Trail Race

Ron Chappell at the Trotters 5 Trail Race. Photo by Michelle Navesey

Full Results

Harden Trail Race – 1st March

The Harden Trail Race is described as a 6 mile race through the beautiful woods and undulating trails of Bingley St Ives estate.  The Junior race is a  2mile shorter option for any age.

Julie Toman was our sole representative in the senior race. She said, “It was a tough 6 mile trail race, definitely one to put in your diary. Loved it and the homemade cakes after! Lots of prizes too. A great event!”  Managing to avoid a full body mudslide in this event, Julie was awarded the ‘brightest head gear’ special prize!

Harden Trail Race 2015

Julie Toman at the Harden Trail Race with the prizewinning headgear! Photo by the woodentops.org.uk

Juniors Curtis and Briony Holt took part in the junior 2 mile race and were 1st boy and 1st girl. Well done the two of you.  Briony said, “It was a hard course but a good one for the younger age group. There were ‘special prizes’ at the end as well as overall winners prizes. It was boggy underfoot with a few ditches now and again but overall it was an interesting course.”

Clayton Juniors

Team Holt. Curtis and Briony Holt winners at the Harden Trail Race. Photo by woodentops.org.uk

Results

Haweswater Half Marathon – 1st March

The Haweswater Half follows an out and back course from Bampton Village (9 miles S of Penrith, 4 miles W of Shap) and passes along the shores of Haweswater in a remote and dramatic mountain valley. The hilly course offers an exhilarating run in unique surroundings.

Tanya Bunkham was waving the Clayton flag as our sole competitor in this event. She finished in a time of 01:54 and reported conditions as very hilly and windy, tough going.

Full Results

Stanley Park 10k  Day 2 – 1st March

Three club members took part in the second 10k of the weekend at Stanley Park in Blackpool.  295 runners took part in the second event of the weekend. There were strong performances for all three.  A top twenty finish for Matthew Duckworth and first age category finishes for Stephen Biscombe and Alan Clarkson.  Well done all of you!

Pos Name Category Time
19 Matthew Duckworth M 00:40:06
31 Stephen Biscombe V60 00:42:10
37 Alan Clarkson V55 00:43:09

Full Results

Parkrun roundup

Well done to all of our parkrunners. You’ve been out and about in a range of locations. Nine of our juniors took part in the Burnley event this weekend so well done to all of them, especially  Thomas Bradley for his 10th place finish and Liberty Thompson for a new PB. Jonathon Pye and Jacob Watson both finished strongly in the top ten as usual and Colin Shuttleworth and John Hartley both had top five finishes at Thetford and Pendle parkruns.

Brockwell parkrun, Herne Hill – A total of 254 runners took part.

Position parkrunner Run Time
96 Katy THOMPSON 00:24:32
101 George THOMPSON 00:24:39

Worsley Woods parkrun – A total of 131 runners took part.

Position parkrunner Run Time
25 Nerina GILL 00:25:25

Burnley parkrun – A total of 212 runners took part

Position parkrunner Run Time
5 Jonathan PYE 00:18:05
6 Jacob WATSON 00:18:08
10 Thomas BRADLEY 00:20:44
14 Sean CLARE 00:21:07
15 Matthew DUCKWORTH 00:21:14
23 Alan CLARKSON 00:21:56
26 Stephen WHITE 00:22:31
36 Martin BRADY 00:23:14
37 Dexta THOMPSON 00:23:16
42 David Ian SCOTT 00:23:31
64 Adam STEVENSON 00:25:14
75 Donna SCOTT 00:26:05
81 Lee MOORE 00:26:24
84 John WILCOCK 00:26:30
83 Annabel WILCOCK 00:26:30
88 Nick ROSCOE 00:26:33
92 Liberty THOMPSON 00:26:40
99 Jackie KERSHAW 00:27:03
104 Ron CHAPPELL 00:27:16
112 Sophie ASHWORTH 00:27:52
120 Stuart BARKER 00:28:56
133 Diane ORRELL 00:29:35
152 Nicola KAY 00:30:47
172 Kady THOMPSON 00:33:42
179 Milly MACCABE 00:35:17
205 Kathleen GARNETT 00:39:07

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 86 runners took part.

Position parkrunner Run Time
85 Robin PRICE 00:39:46

Thetford parkrun – A total of 212 runners took part.

Position parkrunner Run Time
3 Colin SHUTTLEWORTH 00:19:07

Pendle parkrun – A total of 51 runners took part.

Position parkrunner Run Time
4 John HARTLEY 00:21:22
37 Molly HESKETH 00:31:36
41 James BALDWIN 00:32:19
45 Christine LEATHLEY 00:33:57

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 120 runners took part.

Position parkrunner Run Time
76 Eileen JONES 00:31:47

Coming up

Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round 7th March. Pre-entries now taken up to 5pm on 5th March and EOD available. If any club members want to volunteer, you can contact Mike Eddleston on 07951 424780 or use contact form.

Summer Series 2015. The Summer Series consists of six Tuesday evening races for members of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers and Trawden AC only. In addition to the usual prizes, in each race prizes are given for the closest pre-race predicted time to the actual time. No watches allowed during each race! A runner’s best four races count for overall series prizes. Full Details

Presentation Night. Tickets are going fast, over 70 tickets sold already, so don’t miss out on your opportunity to attend the ultimate awards ceremony of the year! James Hickey will be at JR’s training on Tuesday selling tickets or  you can contact Marie Greenwood to buy a ticket.