Category Archive Seniors Trail

With a few notable exceptions who went looong, you’ve been hitting the hills this week. Welsh hills, Lakeland hills and our very own local hills. Those gruesome hill rep sessions seem to have been paying off as there have been outstanding individual performances, some great team camaraderie and a lot of miles covered by you all. Belt up for a roller coaster ride this week!

Tuesday

Ian Terry Memorial 5k

Jane Hylands FV45 was Clayton’s sole representative in this midweek 5k won by M. O’Malley in 16:20. Jane came in 38th in 25:46.

Full Results

Friday

Sedbergh Sports fell race

Short and steep, this AS race packs in 1300ft of climb in its short 3.5m length. Won by Josh Boyle MU23 in 25:37, Wendy Dodds FV60 was 31st in 38:49 and Stephen Fish MV60 36th in 43:00. Stephen sent this report in:

“Always keen to try a race I’ve not previously done I headed up the M6 for the Friday evening event held just outside Sedbergh, in a field next to Buckbank Lane, just off the A683.

Sedbergh Sports is a typical Cumbrian local show with plenty of novelty events for children and adults, comprising of 3 legged, sack, potato, tyre rolling, sprint, ½ mile handicap, 1 mile handicap races, plus the fell races for U7s upwards.

The senior route took us out, after a lap of the show field, along Buckbank Lane before the steep ascent of Knott. On the initial part of the climb I managed to eventually pass Wendy Dodds and was amazed to look up and see the eventual race winner, Josh Boyle, actually running the climb. Wendy and I were in walking mode at this point and it wasn’t long before she came past me again and it stayed that way for the remainder of the race. Once Knott was conquered the ascent up onto Sickers Fell ensued, followed by a fast, exhilarating, descent into the show field. Despite having what I thought was a decent run, I only finished 36 out of 38 runners.

A very good ‘BOFRA’ style race, which had a bit of everything. One I would recommend, certainly justifying its category ‘A’ status, despite the tarmac portion at the beginning.”

Full Results

Saturday

Snowdon Race

The big fixture of the weekend was the Snowdon Race. Held since 1976, its 10 miles up and down format on Wales’ highest mountain has led to its classic status on the mountain running calendar. Incidentally the male record for this race has stood since 1985, being one of Kenny Stuart’s enduring times from that golden era of fell/mountain running – an amazing 1:02:29.

A large contingent of Clayton runners made their way to the top bit of Snowdonia for the start in Llanberis. Quickest up and down in somewhat claggy conditions, and with the added cachet of wearing an England vest for the second time was Chris Holdsworth. He came a stunning 4th place in 1:09:17, 1 second off 3rd place and 3rd English counter behind the Italian winner Magnini in 1:06:42.

Chris Holdsworth pushing hard on the descent. Photo: Deborah Stevenson

Behind a cast of, well maybe not thousands but 10s of Clayton vests supported him with special mention going to Richard Stevenson who managed to rip the skin off not one but both heels during the descent. Ouch.

Dave Motley working on his way up the claggy climb.

That’ll be Wayne McIntosh.

Look away now… Selfie: Richard Stevenson

Full results to follow when available.

Pendle Running Festival half marathon and 10k

A few hardy (foolhardy?) souls decided they hadn’t had enough of hilly half marathons the week after Hendon Brook and so opted to run the half distance at the Pendle Running Festival, an event growing in popularity owing to its relaxed atmosphere, additional family activities and scenic location in Barley.

With over 2000ft of climb in the half, and over 800ft in the 10k the routes were accurately described as challenging.Tom Brewster SEN was first Clayton runner home in the 10k in 3rd place and 40:05 whilst James Boult MU23 led the way in the Half in 1:39:18.

A trio of Clayton runners still nursing Hendon Brook legs formed a pact before the half marathon to sing, cajole and support each other round the hilly course.

Here’s their tripartite perspective ‘The Team Works!’:

Report by Cassie Smedley

“Well, to say that I was nervous entering another HM 6 days after completing the tough Hendon Brook HM was an understatement, but to be told that the Pendle HM was as tough wasn’t making me feel any better. We were set off with the 10k race, and needed to make sure we didn’t get carried away and set off too fast. It was great to run with Michelle but we also had Mick Hughes for support and encouragement, and the odd sing song from him to keep us entertained. We had a great run, kept each other going at a good pace, and Mick went to stretch his legs out with about 3k to go. Me and Michelle found our legs again and kicked into the finish. Came in strong to the finish line, hand in hand as always. Great run, with great team mates and friends”

Report by Michelle Abbott

“Well after having a bit of a rollercoaster week and doing Hendon brook just 6 day before it was time for the the Barley hm, first time for me. I wasn’t out for any records, just an enjoyable run which it was, kept a good continuous pace. I enjoyed every bit with Cassie and Mick running along side, it was brill. As we were coming back into Barley after first lap the 10 k runners were heading into the finish and we had to go and tackle another big hill before doing another lap. It was tempting to join the 10 k runners at that point but we still managed to keep plodding with a smile and finished strong before heading straight to the cafe for a well earned bacon butt.”

Report by Mick Hughes

“Having done the 10k last year, I had vowed to take on the Pendle Festival half marathon this year. What I had forgotten was that it would come just 6 days after Hendon Brook! My largest goal this year is completing the whole 14 PBGP races so having managed 1hr 57 at Hendon, I had to be smart in tackling this and one of my smartest decisions was to pace along with Cassie & Michelle. Taking on another 2000ft of climb and the 2nd hilly half marathon within a week would take discipline. The one thing Cassie & Michelle have in abundance is determination and stamina! These girls have real good engines and we took turns at pushing forward and leading the group. Add into the mix good personality and sense of humour and we were good to go. Having done the 10k last year I advised the ladies to remain steady in pace as tackling Stang Top twice is a test!. We chatted and willed each other on throughout all the elevation and many laughs kept us going as we paced just right to manage a nice sub 2 hr finish and another good day for team Clayton. It was another one of those races that stay in the memory and a reminder of just how great our team mates are.”

Triple trouble at the Pendle Running Festival half – Cassie, Mick and Michelle. Photo: David Belshaw

Donna Airey finishing with a double thunbs up. Photo: David Belshaw

Full results to follow

Interim Facebook results here

Race to the Stones

The Ridgeway is old. Really old, and steeped in Iron Age features and subsequent history along its 100 mile-odd route through the Chilterns to the North Wessex Downs. It makes for great open trail running too as the Clayton team of Chris Funnell, Stephen Ainsworth, Rob Morrison, Andy Webster, and Colin White found out when they entered the 100km Race to the Stones, the stones in question being the iconic stone circle at Avebury.

Here’s what happened:

Back in late 2016 during one of our Sunday morning long run and natters we decided to try something different and Stephen suggested we gave Race to the Stones a go in 2017. The appeal was that this would be a good challenging distance (100K ultra over 2 days) and was the equivalent of trail running glamping as everything was included.

The run itself is along The Ridgeway which is an ancient 5000 year old trail from the Chilterns to the North Wessex Downs. This is trail running at its most scenic with miles of rolling hills and spectacular views. The forecast for the first day was cloudy but dry with temperatures around 22 degrees. The reality was cool with regular showers which kept the running to a comfortable temperature. There were refuelling stations every 10-12K with every type of sports nutrition you’ve heard of and quite a few I’d never come across. We quickly realised that our loaded backpacks which carried enough provisions for a weeks wild camping were totally superfluous as we took refuelling to a whole new level and Andy commented that he’d eaten less on all inclusive holidays.

Our plan was to run the route together as Team Clayton and soak up the whole experience. The end time wasn’t important. We all expected to comfortably complete the first 50K but the big question mark was how we were going to feel trying to get going again the next morning. We arrived mid afternoon at the half way camp where virtually every whim was catered for including unlimited hot food, bar, hot showers, massage, medic tents, pamper tent, sports nutrition, yoga class, live music, stretch out area and rollers and chill out zone complete with bean bags. In true Northern style we made full use of all the facilities. The overnight stay was in one man tents and runners and walkers arrivals continued to be announced over the speakers late into the evening. Between the wind rattling the tents and Rob shouting in his sleep we didn’t get much shut eye (apart from Rob) and at 0500am we all popped out of the tents bleary eyed and wondering how the legs were going to hold up.

A hot shower, porridge and full English later we all felt refreshed and good to go again and we set off just after 0600am although this was considered a late start and a big contingent had already left earlier.With the second day promising to be a bit warmer we all donned our Clayton vests. The scenery the second day was even more spectacular than the first and the early morning was calm and cool and it felt great to get the legs moving again. The route contained roughly 6000 feet of climbing and we were getting lots of shouts of “good effort” as we overtook lines of people without breaking pace as although the climbs were long and these weren’t hills by Northern standards. At the refuelling points everyone remarked on how we had stuck together and ran the challenge as a team. Mostly it was just pairs or individuals. Although most didn’t know where Clayton le Moors was many made comments about its infamous running history including Ron Hill and other Clayton le Moors legends.

After we had been running for a couple of hours Colin started grimacing as an old hip injury resurfaced and the next 20K proved to be the biggest test for Team Clayton as we battled through each 1K using a combination of encouragement, painkillers and shear determination. Andy’s stock phrase of “it’s just around the next bend” was no longer having effect and we were trying to decide if we had enough provisions in our backpacks to knock up a quick field stretcher. After force feeding Colin a handful of Randoms and lying that it was only 5K ( or one Parkrun) to go we dug deep for the final push and the glory that awaited at the finish which was at the Bronze Age stone henge at Avebury. At the finish line we had mixed feelings of pride of starting and completing as a team but sorry that it had come to an end. Although it was never about a fast time ( as we stayed much longer than most at the refuelling stops), Steve came away with the Vet 60 1st place which was the icing on the cake. Over a few beers we celebrated and relived our whole experience and talk was already about ideas for the next trip.

Race to the Stones Team Clayton

Junior FRA ‘do’

Four Clayton Juniors (Briony Holt, Ella Dorrington, Jenson Bentham and Christopher Brown) attended the Junior FRA ‘do’ at Marl Pits Rossendale. Part social, part prizegiving, the event was hosted as in previous years by Rossendale Harriers and combined running and coaching sessions, planning for the future and a talk from fell legend Steve Birkinshaw.

Briony was there to pick up her 3rd place award, presented by Steve Birkinshaw, for the season long English Championships U17G competition, a fantastic achievement in only her first year in that age group.

English Junior Fell Championships medal for Briony Holt. Photo Alan Dorrington

Sunday

Kentmere Horseshoe fell race

Horseshoe? Go up to the left, round the back and then down from the right. Simples. Photo: Alan Dorrington

This edition was won by Joshua Jardine MU23 in 1:32:55. Andy Armstrong MV40 was first Clayton finisher in 100th in 2:04:24, Jack Holt MV60 105th in 2:04:56, Alan Dorrington MV40 214th in 2:23:53 and Wendy Dodds FV60 241st in 2:30:48.

Clayton Juniors coach Andy Armstrong reports:

“The Kentmere Horeshoe is a 12 mile/3000ft fell race in the old school tradition. It starts on a narrow country lane (ensuring a mad scramble for positions as the race heads up out of the village) and it finishes in a farmer’s field where water is available out of the back of a car. The presence of Pete Bland’s iconic red van, coupled with tea and sandwiches in the village hall afterwards complete the picture. No medals, no Tshirt, no Tannoy!

Andy Armstrong descends off Kentmere Pike to the finish. Photo: Mick Dobson

Alan Dorrington heading to the finish in Kentmere village. Photo: Mick Dobson

Full Results

BOFRA Cracoe fell race

Briony Holt continued her super run of form with a solid 2nd place and 9th overall in the U17 race held on a fast and for BOFRA, relatively tame grassy course.

Briony Holt scaling the Cracoe wall. Photo: Carolyn Brett Muir

Full Results

Pendle Running Festival trail race

Day two of the Festival saw the Trail race with a game amount of climb around Barley, Newchurch and Whitehough.

The race was won by Burnley and Pendle regular Nick Gaskell in 31:40 and first Clayton runner home with a fantastic performance was 15 yr old Junior Nick Henessey in 6th place and 37:32.

Tall for his age? Junior Nick Hennessey was flying in the trail race. Photo: David Belshaw

Gareth Berry, Andy Bradley and Reece Lawrence battling it out in the trail race. Photo: David Belshaw

Full Results to follow

Interim Facebook results here

Ironman UK Bolton

Last but certainly not least given his efforts, Jon Cleaver has been quietly doing the lengths, kms and miles in preparing for the classic Ironman UK grueller, and joined fellow multiple kit option devotees at the start line in Pennington Flash on Sunday. Here’s how he got on – wonder if he’s going to get the tattoo now?

“Starting with an eye watering 03:45 wake up call I got myself changed and headed over to Penington Flash for the first event of the day 4km swim which involved 2 laps of the flash mainly trying to avoid getting kicked and elbowed in the head. I was pleased to come out at 01:18 which was exactly what I paced for in training. Next onto the bike going through Leigh over to Westhoughton, then Rivington for the start of two 50 mile loops and 5200ft of climbing I felt pretty good on the bike keeping on top of my feed and hydration. I came into T2 after 07:07 of cycling, considering this was probably my weakest event I was happy enough with the time. Then onto the run my strongest discipline having not done a marathon since April I was a bit rusty and my legs were shot at from the bike I had to summon all the strength I could muster on a pretty hilly road course over 1200ft in elevation. I finished the run in 03:45 which is not too shabby considering and heard the immortal words “Jonathan you are an Iron Man” at 12:32. Overall I placed 507 out of over 2000 making up a lot of ground on the run.”

Full Results

Parkrun

Burnley Junior Parkrun – a total of 77 runners took part.

Burnley parkrun – a total of 368 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun – a total of 76 runners took part.

Witton parkrun – a total of 94 runners took part.

Eglinton parkrun – a total of 104 runners took part.

Ayr parkrun – a total of 47 runners took part.

Dewsbury parkrun – a total of 113 runners took part.

Bramhall parkrun – a total of 387 runners took part.

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

TUESDAY 9 MAY

MEARLEY CLOUGH FELL RACE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full Results

THURSDAY 11 MAY

IAN CASEY MEMORIAL COWM 5K

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

Full Results

FRIDAY 12 MAY

PINHAW TRAIL RACE

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

Clayton runners at Pinhaw

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

Younger generation coming through at Pinhaw Trail Race.

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

Report from Craig Nicholls

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

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

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

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

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

See you all at Clowbridge Reservoir on Wednesday

Full Results

SATURDAY 13 MAY

BROUGHTON HEIGHTS (INTER COUNTIES)

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

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

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

Full Results

FAIRFIELD HORSESHOE

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

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

Full Results

SUNDAY 14 MAY

CHESTER DEVA AQUATHLON

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

GREAT WHERNSIDE JUNIOR UPHILL

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

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

U13 Race

U15 Race

Jackson Mckay in the U15 Race. Photo by Alan Dorrington

U17 Race

Briony Holt in the U17 race. Photo by Alan Dorrington

Full Results

PLUSNET LEEDS HALF MARATHON

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

Report from Paul Foster

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

Paul Foster at the PlusNet Leeds Half Marathon

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

Full Results

WORDEN PARK 10K

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

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

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Abingdon parkrun – A total of 343 runners took part

Bournemouth parkrun – A total of 491 runners took part.

 Burnley parkrun – A total of 351 runners took part.

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 129 runners took part.

Dolgellau parkrun – A total of 39 runners took part.

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

Pendle parkrun – A total of 91 runners took part.

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

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

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

TUESDAY 4 APRIL

BUNNY RUN 1

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

Christine Egerton at the Bunny Run Race. Photo by Woodentops

Full Results

WEDNESDAY 5 APRIL

GRISEDALE GRIND

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

Full Results

JOE SALT MEMORIAL COWM 5K

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

Full Results

LITTLEBOROUGH 5K

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

Full Results

SATURDAY 8 APRIL

COLEDALE HORSESHOE

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

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

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

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

Report from Teresa de Curtis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full Results

DONARD CHALLENGE

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

Paul Hesketh at the Donard Challenge. Photo by Richard Cowan

Full Results

WARDLE SKYLINE

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

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

Awaiting Results

SUNDAY 9 APRIL

 3 VILLAGE 10

Report from Jonathan Pye

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

Awaiting Results

FASTRAX 2K

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

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

Full Results

FASTRAX 5K

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

Jacob Watson powering to the finish. Photo by Woodentops

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full Results

FLEETWOOD 10K

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

Full Results

RADCLIFFE 10K MULTI-TERRAIN RACE

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

Full Results

RIVINGTON 10M TRAIL CHALLENGE

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

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

Full Results

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

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

Brueton parkrun – A total of 477 runners took part.

Burnley parkrun – A total of 391 runners took part.

Conwy parkrun – A total of 288 runners took part.

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 131 runners took part.

Pendle parkrun – A total of 105 runners took part.

Penrith parkrun – A total of 186 runners took part.

Skipton parkrun – A total of 187 runners took part.

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

Witton parkrun – A total of 80 runners took part.