Seniors Trail – Page 9 – Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

Northern Athletics Road Relay Championships 2014 & The Rest of the Weekend Action

Northern Athletics Road Relay Championships 2014

‘These rumours had everyone talking and some of the Clayton-le-Moors faithful used this confusion as a smoke screen to raid the Trawden cake and cookie tins undetected’

On arriving at the Trawden tent, where we once again decided to take up the kind offer of a tent share, all the talk was about how poorly marked the course was and how much chocolate cake Spencer had eaten the night before. Despite his full stomach Spencer was soon away on the first leg and returned in a magnificent 28th place. Next away was Richard Briscoe who was clearly in a rush to get to Burnley to watch his beloved Clarets as he managed to post a great time and hand over in 39th position – An excellent run considering the caliber of runners in and around him.

The youngest member of the team, Jacob Boyle was keen to challenge Spencer’s earlier time as he set off on the 3rd leg. Only to find on his return that the organisers had started to lose control of who and what time was on each leg. However the most important thing was that Jacob had managed to hold onto his position, which was a great performance by the youngster. The confusion began to gather momentum and by the time Adam Shaw, Jonathan Pye and Paul Wale had completed there legs, rumours of a potential mass start were in full swing. These rumours had everyone talking and some of the Clayton-le-Moors faithful used this confusion as a smoke screen to raid the Trawden cake and cookie tins undetected.

To add to all this confusion runners were now returning to the change over area complaining of being misdirected by marshals (who I add, were not wearing hi-vis jackets) around the course and unfortunately our very own John Wilcock was to fall victim to this on leg 7. This error by the marshals cost John approx 2-3 mins and probably several more in motivation after having to climb the first hill all over again! The small consolation for John was it was also happening to some of the elite teams fighting it out for national qualification which saw some heated discussions at the organisers tent! Matt Law and Lee Passco started the Clayton-le-Moors Harriers fight back by both posting fantastic times and gaining the team a place or two back.

Next it was myself, my hopes of having a pack of runners to run with and against had not materialised, so off I went with only a few targets in my sights. After only just returning to competing after a hernia operation I was a little unsure as to how fast to go out, but three hills in the first mile soon had me settling for a steady start. With the hills behind me I was able to open it up a bit in the last section and managed to claw back another two positions. Captain Tom Brewster was next up and he showed exactly why he is proving to be a great road captain by leading by example and notching up an amazing gain of four places!!

The rumours of a mass start had been confirmed and all remaining runners were to go off together once all twenty five qualifying teams had completed the race. This would mean our final leg runner, Dave Motley, would have the advantage of running in a pack to try and gain the team a few more places. Dave managed to post the teams fastest short leg time of the day, which brought the team home in a respectable 48th position

Yet again another great team day out and despite the lack of organisation and communication of the event everyone seemed to enjoy the day. Thanks to Tom for organising the team and to my entire fellow team members and their families for a fantastic day out representing Clayton-le-Moors Harriers!!

Thanks to Lee Smith for this weekends race report! Full results here.

The Rest of the Weekend Action

As a multitude of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers descended upon Heaton Park’s 12 Stage Northern Athletics Road Relay Championships, fewer races were attended this week. Nonetheless, Harriers made their presence felt at the Haworth Hobble. Thirty Two miles of Moors were covered by a great turn out of 10 Harriers. First around the extensive course was James Baldwin in an excellent time of 04:50:06 and in 25th position. This was followed shortly by Andrew Orr in 28th recording a time of 04:52:30. Martin Terry and Andrew Armstrong came in at 52nd and 70th respectively, whilst running duo Mick Dobson and Ivan Wigham sneaked in under the century mark with a 99th placed finish. Wendy Dodds was the first F60 around the track and the solitary female Harrier to compete, well done! Full results found here.

Elsewhere, at the Trimpel 20, confusion has arisen over the missing finishing time of ‘Marathon’ Captain Dave Motley. Although the results may not state it, he posted a spectacular time of 2:10:09! Snapping at his heels was Paul Hesketh who also posted an impressive result with a time of 02:11:32. Now a former Harrier, Derrick Marsh also had an excellent race 02:41:39. Well done and we wish you all the luck in the future!

Lastly, at the Sweatshop St. Annes 10 Mile Nick Gaskell continued his blistering form by coming in at 9th overall. Stephen Biscomb and Brian Wildman also had excellent races at the 10 mile course.

Once again, well done to all who ran this weekend and be sure to check our Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest Clayton-le-Moors Harriers news and race information.

ByAndy Armstrong

Haworth Hobble; Sat 15th March

Eight Clayton members made the trip over to Haworth for this classic 32 mile trot around the gritstone moors of North Yorkshire. Originally a pairs only event, this is now a predominantly singles race and part of the RunFurther ultra series (where it’s classed as a short race!)

Conditions were cool and dry at the start but after a small delay the field were soon out on the windy tops of Bronte country. The mostly runnable route brings runners over the Pennine Way and then via the Gorple Road to Hurstwood. It then slowly loops round to visit Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and Heptonstall (via Stoodley Pike) before returning over the moors to Haworth.

First Clayton home was Jamie Baldwin (newly re-invented as an ultra runner) in 4h50m and 25th out of 355 finishers, followed by Martin Terry (5h10m) and Andy Armstrong (5h22m). In the pairs; Mick Dobson and Ivan Whigham completed their first Hobble in 5h42m and Dave Naughton donned his Dr Dre headphones to partner Alex Braysford round in 5h54m. Wendy Dodds was our sole Clayton lady (come on ladies, where are you?), finishing in 6h14m and first V55.

Congratulations to KCAC for running a well organised event with hot dogs, hot cross buns, loads of biscuits (and even whisky tasting at Mankinholes), followed by a hot feed at the finish.

ByPeter Booth

March Newsletter

Here is the latest edition of the Harrier, including reports on a number of events and races, plus all the usual features. March Newsletter 2014

ByChristopher Holdsworth

Flower Scar Fell Race 2014 + The Weekend Action

Flower Scar Fell Race 2014

‘Behind me the plains were desolate. No bodies were around to reconvey me back on the path should I derail and I had found myself in a position I had hoped not to – I was in no mans land..’

On a somewhat prosperous morning of weather, the tension that derives from the anticipation of navigating a check pointed fell race subsided. With clear skies abound and the wind at minimal velocity, relief set in amongst the fell runners – especially on my part. However, a recce under the belt and advice from John Lloyd could not fully disperse my anxiety after last weeks debacle.

After being rounded up in a pen for a headcount and a spate of kit checks, the race was shortly underway with vests from Clayton-le-Moors, Calder Valley and Wharfedale leading the initial climb. Within minutes we had scrambled up one side of the valley and joined up on the stretch of moorland leading towards Flower Scar hill. Four runners ahead began drifting away, exchanging places as they made their initial navigational choices. Behind me the plains were desolate. No bodies were around to reconvey me back on the path should I derail and I had found myself in a position I had hoped not to – I was in no mans land.

Having initially made some of the time back on the front runners up Flower Scar hill, the depletion of stamina once the behemoth had been scaled meant that the front runners had become a dot in the distance. Cock Hill Woods loomed and my lonesome descent through the forrest begun. This unusual landscape, reminiscent of a North American logging vicinity, was strewn with machinery and an artists canopy and kiln. This race had ceased to be deemed as such and had instead become a solo effort in returning to the finish line through some outstanding scenery.

Although at times my ingrained map of the route faltered, there were no real errors made on my part. Only one change had occurred to my knowledge, the abolishment of the steps instead made for an enduring and tiresome climb back up to familiar land. After the long descent back down and only a couple of calamitous falls overall, my navigational run was over in a time of 51:40. If 5th place wasn’t meant to be last week, this solo effort on the moors, hills and bogs of Todmorden stamped my rightful claim to be 5th seven days later.

There were brilliant efforts all round in this tough fell race, not least from the other Clayton-le-Moors Harriers. In at 30th and second Clayton back with a great effort was Neil Hardiman, making it in just under the hour mark at 59:16. Ivan Whigam, 5th in his age category made it through the finish at 63:35. Whilst Mark Nutter put in a solid effort arriving back at 65:22. Full results are here.

The Rest of The Weekends Action

Over at the High cup Nick Spencer Riley carried on his great run of form by finishing 3rd overall. Peter Butterworth flew the flag for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers in Wigan this weekend. He finished 33rd over all in a time of 46:35 at the Standish Hall Trail Race. In Blackpool the first of the Clayton-le-Moors Harriers Road Championship races got underway with excellent performances all-round. Read ‘Fell’ Captain Dave Motley’s account of the race for more details, whilst the results are here. The juniors arrived in mass to take on Burnley Park Run with an excellent run from Jordan McDonald being the first Harrier around in a time of 18:57. Well done to all those who ran this weekend, especially to those who braved the winds of Blackpool!

ByChristopher Holdsworth

Windy Hill Fell Race 2014 + The Weekend Action

Windy Hill Fell Race 2014

Windy Hill Start

A late arrival to the Hollingworth lake based fell race foreshadowed how I would arrive at the finish. Pushing past the furore of fell racers ready to make their way over the 9 mile course, I reconvened with the usual Clayton fell running faces – all of us ready to tackle what was ahead. There was an excitement amongst the men, knowing that with a good performance the team prize was within our grasp. With the race rundown by Cannonballs John LLoyd concluded we assailed the early steady climb.

Once the initial charge over the start line was over, the rabble descended into packs all vying to tussle over the potential finishing places. Up ahead the ever present pack leader, Spencer Riley, found himself in a battle over 1st position, with his two other male competitors ready to take the spot should he slip up. This battle came to a compelling fruition once we had passed the M62 bridge. The trail opened up, the track long and arduous, yet each competitor contended for first place.

Reaching the foot of the mountain we had to climb, the fast pace ceased with the leading pack beginning their ascent of the ever ascending moorland. Having front row seats to Spencer’s skirmish for first place had me forget about my own three way feud between 4th, 5th and 6th. Persevering up the hill, I caught up with the two runners ahead, whereas Spencer seemed to lose a little ground.

Arrival at the summit ushered a surreal sense of locality. We’d emerged from the boggy moors to what seemed to be the rocky highlands. With outstanding views in all orientations, this route quickly climbed the mental league table of favourite fell races. Harsh and uneven terrain engaged the runners and manifested each of our resolute capabilities. It was here where the race opened up with 5th dropping to 6th, whilst 4th pushed on. The burning of our rock climbing thighs were quickly cooled as we reached the very summit, all of us ready to pound down to the other side.

It was here how clear it was to see that the front pack had pulled even further away. With Spencer now leading, he had shown his tenacity by not only clambering back to pole position, but by creating a large margin from the rest of us. A former front leader had dropped back into 4th and among the ancient roller-coaster like pathway we exchanged this position back and forth. Now completely isolated from those in front and behind, the passing remarks from the marshals assuring us of having little left to go aided the little stamina we had left – we pushed on..

Screen Shot 2014-02-17 at 09.49.25

Unfortunately, we pushed on a little further than intended. Looking at the Strava results indicated that we extended our run by a further 1.6KM, rendering our efforts along the way void as there was no track left for us to make the error up. However, after a good moan and sulk, an experience and memory was invoked and not least between the runner I had shared the heart sinking realisation with. 4th was his to be had by this point, a prize at the end awaiting him too, but we ran back in unison and had a laugh at our own expense. The sort of camaraderie that can only be found upon the Fells. (Maps shown indicate the difference in routes taken)

After arriving back over the finish line, passing through it the wrong way, I was happy to learn that even through my fault Clayton had secured the team prize. Better yet, Spencer had secured the top spot for the men. Having had a full view of his enduring battle for top spot, I can assure you that he fully deserved his accolade with many more 1st place positions to come in the future I’m sure. Fantastic runs from Matt Perry in 6th with a time of 1:02:03, Ryan Wilkinson in 35th and Alan Life in 50th rounded off a spectacular day for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers.

(Photos courtesy of Garry Wilkinson)

Weekend Roundup

In other news, the veteran M70 John Francis tackled the 44th annual Parbold Hill Race in Lancashire, finishing in with a great time of 1:26:09. There was also terrific runs from James Ireland and Tony Scott at the Central Lancs 5k, who came in at 123rd and 184th respectively. Also, runners from both Clayton-le-Moors Harriers and Trawden ran 25km over the hills of Colne and surrounding locations, putting miles in the tank for the forthcoming long distance races.

ByPeter Booth

Ron Hill Accrington 10K Run

10.30am Sunday 30th March from Accrington Town Hall.

World famous Accrington runner and Clayton legend, Ron Hill will lead hundreds onto Hyndburn’s roads as he puts his name to a brand new 10K event in the borough. This event also celebrates the 40th anniversary of Hyndburn Borough Council.

Starting from Accrington Town Hall the event takes runners up Manchester Road to Baxenden before looping back down the tree-lined, former railway track ‘greenway’, finishing back in the town centre.

The Ron Hill Accrington 10K is open to anyone over the age of 18 with prizes available for the first three runners home in the categories of male, female and veterans. It costs £8 for affiliated running club members or £12 on the day.

Charities and good causes locally set to benefit from the event include Finley’s Disney Dream, East Lancashire Hospice and Derian House Children’s Hospice.

Enter now at: http://bookitzone.com/robert_grigorjevs/3m2FFX

ByTom Brewster

Clayton Score Top 10 finishes at Witton Park Trail Relays!!

A muddy Captain Brewster on the ascent!

The Third running of the Witton Park Trail relay was held Sunday 2nd Feb, 63 teams from the local area turned out to contest the short but fast mixed-terrain event; Clayton Harriers had an impressive 40 runners present in the form of 10 teams: 5 men’s, 2 ladies/mixed and 3 Junior teams.

With most of the field having carried out a recce of the course to judge how muddy it was (Very muddy!) the leg 1 runners lined up ready for the 11am start with Seniors, vets and juniors all kicking off at the same time.

Fell climbing ace Spencer Riley gave the men’s A team a healthy start gaining 3rd place off the first leg, the position was maintained for the remaining three legs with strong runs from team-mates Matt Perry, Jonny McKenna and Chris Holdsworth to take 3rd place overall.

Captain Tom Brewster also got the men’s B team off to a good start coming home in 6th off the first leg, again the position was maintained by very consistent runs by Paul Shackleton, Nick Gaskell and Dave Motley allowing the team to snatch 6th place in the final standings.

The Senior men’s C team were lead off the line by Leon Passco, he handed over to the ever reliable Richard Briscoe who’s stirling effort was followed up by strong runs from Ryan Wilkinson and Dave Bagot to achieve 13st spot.

Not to be outdone by their senior counterparts the Clayton Juniors had a fantastic run out with the boys A team claiming 15th overall, Jordan McDonald coming in a mere 5 seconds and one place behind senior man Tom Brewster on leg 1 to give his team a boost in the standings, his performance was echoed with excellent runs from George Pier, Tom Bradley and Kenan Eti.

The Clayton men’s vets’ team were next in the standings, represented by Sean Clare, John Wilcock, “Coach” John Roche and Dom Car achieving an excellent 21st place.

Not far behind the Vets came the 4th senior team, securing 23rd place and consisting of Adam Shaw, Lee Passco, Matt Law and new-boy Tim Pigott.

Clayton Junior boys “B” team were once again hot on the heels of the senior men, scoring 28th place were young guns Curtis Holt, Alexander Townrow, Tom passco and Ryan Clarke.

The Clayton mixed team were next to complete the relay, Dave Hogan, Katy Thompson, Irene Roche and Paul Wale all enjoying excellent performances to net 44th place.

Next in the standings were the Clayton all-Ladies team of Vice-captain Rebecca Rawcliffe, Jean Knightly, Tanya Ashworth and Georgina Slater, recording an impressive 56th place and finishing 4th out of 6 all-women teams.

Last but by no means least to get a mention are the Clayton Junior Girls, missing a runner on their final leg did nothing to deter Clayton’s rising stars as Eleanor Root, Beth Quinn and Alice Pier all posted times to challenge their senior peers and finish 61st overall.

A massive thanks from the team captains to all runners who represented, as a club we had a fantastic day and it was very encouraging to see so many keen runners turning out so enthusiastically to run for their club – your captains are very proud and we hope to improve on yesterdays performances in the Summer relay!

Full results: http://www.ukresults.net/2014/wittrelayfeb.html
Event Pics: http://www.runningpix.co.uk/XCTrailpics/WittonParkRelay1408D/index.html

ByPeter Booth

February Newsletter

You can now access the Feb ‘Harrier’ here. This month we feature Richard ‘Bomber’ Bellaries’ exploits on Pendle, a report on the Barrow XC fixture and details of this year’s club championship races, as well as all the usual Run of the Month competitions, fixtures, training and results.

ByTom Brewster

Witton park Trail Relay – Senior/Vets/Mixed Teams

The Following senior/vets/mixed teams have been entered for the trail relays at Witton Park in Blackburn this coming Sunday; Word on the street from those who have recce’d the course is that its very muddy and full-fell shoes will probably be the order of the day!

Team 1
Spencer Riley
Matt Perry
Jonny McKenna
Chris Holdsworth

Team 2
Tom Brewster
Paul Shackleton
Nick Gaskell
Dave Motley

Team 3
Leon Passco
Richard Briscoe
Ryan Wilkinson
Dave Bagot

Team 4
Adam Shaw
Lee Passco
Matt Law
Tim Pigott

Team 5 (Vets team)
Sean Clare
John Wilcock
John Roche
Garry Wilkinson

Mixed team 1
David Hogan
Paul Wale
Anna Kelly
Irene Roche

Ladies Team 1
Rebecca Rawcliffe
Jean Knightly
Georgina Slater
Tanya Ashworth

Best of luck to our lads and lasses taking part!!

ByPeter Booth

January Newsletter

A little belatedly, the January Newsletter can be found here. It has details of the Club Celebration and Awards’ Evening on 1st February, 2014 Club Championship races, English and British Fell Championship counters, and a New Year’s message from the President, plus all the usual features, recent results and fixtures for January and February.

Category Archive Seniors Trail