News – Page 10 – Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

Run to the Hills

It’s been a chilly and hilly kind of week with some harsh weather adding plenty of challenge for our hardy fell runners. There’s also been some coastal cross country, rugged recces, fast 5Ks and a touch of romance as well. There is definitely a fire burning in the hearts of our runners that no amount of arctic blast can extinguish.

SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY

CARNETHY 5 HILL RACE

There were some extremely testing conditions for this Scottish fell race with strong winds, sleet and snow to contend with. 472 runners finished the race with two Clayton Vet runners amongst them. Jack Holt was our first finisher in 190^th place overall and 3^rd M60, and Wendy Dodds was 281^st overall and 1^st F60.

Runners at the Carnethy 5 Hill Race. Photo by Katrina Johnstone

Pos	Name		Time
190	Jack Holt	M60	01:16:04
281	Wendy Dodds	F60	01:22:11

Full Results

MID LANCS CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE – ROSSALL SCHOOL, FLEETWOOD

It was a cold and blustery day on the coast as the Mid Lancs Cross Country League moved to the fixture at Rossall School near Fleetwood with the impressive school buildings as a backdrop to a much drier course than many so far this season.

Our Juniors put in a strong showing with some great results for the U11 Boys who continue to dominate their category this season. Helana White had a great run in the U11 girls, Jackson McKay was 4^th in the U13 boys and our U15 girls’ team finished in 3^rd position. We are still very much in contention for a win in both the U11 Boys and U15 girls category. Sadly we didn’t have enough numbers for teams in all the age groups but well done to all of our junior runners for some strong performances.

U11 GIRLS

Team Position 11^th

Pos	Name	Time
6	Helana White	7:22
65	Emily Nicholl	9:37
69	Ellisia Smedley	10:39

U11 BOYS

Team position 1^st

Pos	Name	Time
1	Dexta Thompson	6:33
3	Robbie Smedley	6:46
11	Jenson Bentham	7:10
27	Matthew Jackson	7:39
47	Joshua McKay	8:20

U13 GIRLS

Ella Dorrington missing from the results

Pos	Name	Time
54	Bronia Olszewska	13:26

U13 BOYS

Team Position 5^th

Pos	Name	Time
4	Jackson McKay	10:40
19	Lennon Jackson	12:06
30	William Nicholls	13:00

U15 GIRLS

Team position 3^rd

Pos	Name	Time
10	Millie Stubbs	12:24
16	Liberty Thompson	13:14
17	Natasha Olszewska	13:15

U15 BOYS

Pos	Name	Time
22	Jay Bowman	17:28

U17 MEN

Pos	Name	Time
10	Simon Wilshaw	24:55
13	Reece Lawrence	25:47

LADIES U20

Pos	Name	Time
4	Bethany Quinn	30:45

LADIES RACE

Eighteen ladies made the trip over to Fleetwood to run in the penultimate fixture of the Mid Lancs League. On a cold and blustery days our ladies got down to some great running despite the chill and the wind. Donna Airey was our first lady and 29^th overall followed in by double act Michelle Abbott and Cassie Smedley. Beth Quinn was our sole U20 lady.

Cassie Smedley chasing Michelle Abbot at the Mid Lancs XC. Photo by David Wood

Team Positions

A Team – 8^th (D Airey | M Abbot | C Darling-Smedley)

B Team – 14^th (I Roche | J Bennett | B Quinn)

Over 35 – 4^th ( D Airey | M Abbott | C Darling-SMedley)

Over 45 – 4^th (I Roche | J Bennett | J Rushton)

Over 55 – 2^nd ( I Roche| J Taylor | C Egerton)

Pos	Name		Time
29	Donna Airey	L35	28:18
30	Michelle Abbott	L35	28:36
31	Cassandra Darling-Smedley	L35	28:36
41	Irene Roche	L55	29:15
55	Joanne Bennett	L45	30:06
60	Bethany Quinn	L20	30:45
62	Julia Rushton	L45	31:16+
76	Bianca Bennett	L	32:33
81	Janine Pollard	L45	32:53
92	Jane Hylands	L45	33:59
96	Adrienne Olszewska	L45	34:43
108	Deborah Greenwood	L45	36:18
111	Julia Taylor	L55	36:30
118	Karen Clarkin	L45	37:10
126	Judith Carey	L35	38:45
127	Christine Egerton	L65	39:34
136	Christine Leathley	L65	43:27
138	Susan Allen	L55	44:40

VET 70 MEN

Richard Lawson was our only V70 in the race and he finished in 3^rd place.

Pos	Name	Time
3	Richard Lawson	35:49

V70 runner, Richard Lawson. Photo by David Wood

MENS RACE

Nineteen Clayton men raced at this fixture. Danny Collinge was our first man in 13^th place overall. Jacob Watson was next in 28^th place well out of his comfort zone but possibly beginning to enjoy cross country running. Dave Motley, Matt Duckworth, Alan Life and Andrew Orr made up our A Team who finished in 7^th place overall. Our V50 mens team finished in 2^nd place.

Jacob Watson swapping the road for XC. Photo by David Wood

Team Positions

Over 40 – 7^th (A Life | A Orr | J Roche | G Berry)

Over 50 – 2^nd (A Life | J Roche | J Wilcock)

Pos	Name		Time
13	Danny Collinge	M	36:31
28	Jacob Watson	M	38:28
44	Dave Motley	M	40:06
82	Matthew Duckworth	M	42:46
93	Alan Life	V50	43:54
96	Andrew Orr	V40	44:06
99	John Roche	V50	44:12
112	Gareth Berry	V40	45:12
114	John Wilcock	V50	45:17
129	Andy Quinn	V40	46:35
141	Mick Hughes	V40	47:54
152	Craig Nicholls	V40	48:39
161	Dave Moynihan	V40	48:59
172	Christopher Lawrence	V50	51:26
180	Andrew Howarth	V50	52:29
181	James Hickie	V50	52:33
182	Peter Browning	V50	52:43
183	Carl Carey	V40	52:48
198	Stephen Fish	V60	59:20

Full Results

SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY

FASTRAX 5K RACES – RACE 2

On a cold and blustery morning, the second race of this fast 5K race saw a quartet of Clayton Harriers racing in a field of 68 runners.

Nick Hennessey at the Fastrax 5K. Photo by David Belshaw

Nick Hennessey was our first finisher in 21^st place overall and Michelle Abbot was our first lady in 47^th place.

Julia Rushton at the Fastrax 5K. Photo by David Belshaw

Julia Rushton was 1^st F50 and Jack McGuire was 1^st M60.

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
21	Nicholas Hennessey	MJ	(010/011)	00:18:56
47	Michelle Abbott	F35	(004/006)	00:23:01
52	Julia Rushton	F50	(001/004)	00:24:15
66	Jack McGuire	M60	(001/001)	00:29:14

Full Results

JUNIOR 2K

There were twenty-one runners in the 2K race and nine of our juniors, including some of our youngest members, took part. All of them ran superbly in tough conditions with many of them finishing faster than last time despite the weather.

And they are off! The juniors at the start of the Fastrax 2K race. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
3	Matthew Jackson	M11	(001/001)	00:08:23
4	Helana White	F10	(001/002)	00:08:34
5	William Nicholls	M12	(002/002)	00:08:42
9	Charlie Barnes	M8	(002/004)	00:09:11
14	Jake Anforth	M10	(001/001)	00:09:35
16	Emily Nichols	F8	(001/002)	00:11:07
18	Charlie Plant	F7	(001/002)	00:11:14
19	Darcey Hirst	F8	(002/002)	00:11:22
21	Olly Plant	M6	(001/001)	14:28

Full Results

VALENTINES 10K

Who said that romance was dead; it certainly isn’t at Clayton-le-Moors Harriers with a valentine race for Lucy and James.

Report from Lucy Scott

The weather forecast wasn’t great as we set off to run the Valentines 10k which is part of the Lancaster Race Series. Wind aside, we knew we were in for a fast and flat 10k and the route certainly lived up to its reputation, which was a welcome relief after the Blackburn Winter Warmer last week!

Romantic racers Lucy Scott and James Dunderdale.

120 runners gathered at the start and set off very quickly over the bridge and heading down a cycle path. We were pretty sheltered from the wind on the way down for the first 5k but encountered some gales on the way back up. The cycle path was great for running on with very little turns, a simple out and back run not too dissimilar to the Windmill 10k.

Overall, a great little run if you are after a new personal best as me and James were! Along with our new PB’s, a medal, a flower and some chocolate were awarded on the finish line!

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
24	James Dunderdale	M	0:43:46
53	Lucy Scott	F	0:49:49

Full Results

STAN BRADSHAW PENDLE ROUND RECCE

Sunday saw the second of two race recces lead by race organiser, Colin Woolford. Conditions were a bit testing to say the least but we are a hard bunch and a bit of wind and snow wasn’t going to put us off!

Stan Bradshaw recce

Report from race organiser, Colin Woolford

Thank you to the 26 or so runners who came out to play over the last two recces of the Stan Bradshaw Race Route, both in decidedly poor weather conditions – you brave souls! Sunday’s 40-50 mph winds, snow and ice on the top and toward the end of the run, horizontal snow certainly kept us moving!

Heading down just ahead of the snow storm.

I hope this has given you a refresher of the route or if having never done it, inspired you to come and have a go on March 4th.

It’s been a pleasure meeting club members, and friends of the club, I’d not crossed paths with as well as extra time on the hill with those more familiar.

See you on the hill.

WINDY HILL FELL RACE

Four Clayton men braved the weather to race at the Windy Hill Fell Race. Andrew Laycock was our first finisher in 8^th place overall. He was joined in the race by Garry Wilkinson, James Boult and Wayne McIntosh and between them there was a 3^rd place finish as a men’s team.

Men’s team – 3^rd (A Laycock| G Wilkinson | J Boult)

Report From James Boult

After a sunny and bright 2016 race, I hoped for more of the same if I wanted to beat my time in what was my first Fell Race 12 months ago. What greeted me, and the 200 other competitors at Littleborough Rugby Club instead was the beginnings of snow and an icy chill which made conditions slightly treacherous and harsh underfoot.

James Boult at the Windy Hill Fell Race. Photo by Steve Bateson

With a couple of Fell races already under my belt for 2017 in what has been a slow return to racing, I felt good going into what was my toughest challenge, and furthest distance, of the year so far. Having never raced under such wild conditions I knew it would be an experience, however I underestimated just how much of an experience it would be. With sideways snow and hail pelting us as we set off, and then increasing as we made the steady climb up to the kissing gate, most of the race was spent with heads down and eyes stinging. Strong winds were thrown in as we navigated the treacherous open tops, with already slippy rocks even slippier with ice and small drops in the stones covered by patches of snow which only made themselves known when you fell though them. With no visibility the usually stunning views were masked behind a wall of white, and I had to rely on the fluorescent vest of the runner in front of me to keep on the right path at times.

Conditions improved for the final mile, but the snow and rain from the night before made the ground slippery and the XC style finish became a mudbath. I finished frozen to the bone but achieved what I set out to do; a top 100 finish and a couple of minutes faster than my time from than last year in what is one of my favourite races to kick off the year.

Report from Wayne McIntosh

A quartet of Claytoners headed over to Littleborough in wintery conditions for this year’s Windy Hill fell race. Largely described as a very runnable 9 miles with one memorable climb thrown in. I had done this race twice before and after a poor run last year I was hoping for some improvement. I felt good in the early part of the race, holding position well around mid-pack. Then came the long climb up to the gods, well Blackstone Edge but with visibility down to around 50m and the wind driving a horizontal blizzard it wasn’t the most pleasant part of the race. I got to the top of the climb without dropping any places and knew from here on in the course played to my strengths with some rough running over Blackstone Edge and windy Hill and a cracking descent to the finish.

I think I managed to pick up a few places to finish 133/200 and 1:32 – 4 minutes up on last year, on a day when most of my usual rivals were a good 15 minutes back. Good runs from the rest of the Clayton lot with Andrew Laycock first back in 8th place.

Andrew Laycock at the Windy Hill Fell Race. Photo by Paul Taylor

Pos	Name	AG	Time
8	Andrew Laycock	M	01:06:58
30	Gary Wilkinson	M50	01:14:46
101	James Boult	M U23	01:24:43
143	Wayne McIntosh	M	01:32:02

Full Results

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Burnley parkrun – A total of 318 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
5	Jonathan PYE	18:02	SM25-29
8	Nicholas HENNESSEY	18:42	JM15-17	New PB!
32	Gordon BARRETT	21:56	VM50-54
39	Aaron LUNDIE	22:17	JM11-14	New PB!
42	John WILCOCK	22:29	VM50-54
45	Michelle ABBOTT	22:38	VW35-39
63	Wayne MCINTOSH	23:38	SM30-34
70	Brian WILDMAN	23:59	VM50-54
73	Charlie BARNES	24:10	JM10	New PB!
77	Dawn TERRY	24:27	VW50-54
102	Sophie ASHWORTH	25:16	JW11-14
105	Bethany WHEATCROFT	25:34	JW11-14
122	Ian HARGREAVES	26:28	VM50-54
143	Donna SCOTT	27:33	VW50-54
145	Stuart BARKER	27:35	VM50-54
164	Ron CHAPPELL	28:15	VM65-69
210	Charlie PLANT	30:07	JW10
229	Robert HIRST	31:06	VM65-69
290	Olly PLANT	36:43	JM10
291	Daniel PLANT	36:43	VM35-39

Heaton parkrun – A total of 611 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
6	Laura HESKETH	18:26	SW30-34	First Timer!

Pendle parkrun – A total of 78 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	David WALKER	19:10	VM35-39
25	Barry MITCHELL	26:02	VM70-74
28	Martin BRADY	26:30	VM55-59
43	Yvonne WICKHAM	30:56	VW50-54
45	Helen HARRISON	31:19	VW45-49	First Timer!

Yamba parkrun – A total of 43 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
6	Nerina GILL	23:27	VW45-49	First Timer!

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Trogs, Trails and Winter Warmers

What a great week! A record breaking win at the Grizedale trail marathon for Chris Holdsworth, superb results at the Blackburn Winter Warmers, plenty of trogging at Wadsworth, orienteering at Spring Wood, and Clayton juniors all over the Lancashire Schools Cross Country Championships. Read all about it! Plus information about the next recce day for the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round.

SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY

LANCASHIRE SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

An impressive fifteen of our junior members took part in the Lancashire Schools Cross Country Championships at Witton Park in Blackburn and they were representing schools in 5 different areas; Burnley, Blackburn, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale. There were excellent performances from each and every one of our runners.

Report from Briony Holt

This year’s Lancashire Schools was held at the usual place, Witton Park. The weather was gorgeous ( lovely Winter sun ) and the course was relatively dry with a couple of bogs now and again. With all of the schools in Lancashire competing, I knew it would be busy so the “dry” course wouldn’t be so dry for long! We arrived well before my race just to find out that the race timetable had changed! Lennon Jackson hadn’t heard the news realising that he had turned up 2 hours early! Luckily, my race was the same as it was on the letter meaning I had plenty of time to warm up.

Briony Holt running for Pendle and qualifying to run for Lancashire

The course wasn’t the dreaded ‘saucer’ as everyone thought. They had changed it making some of the senior runners have to go 3 times around the initial field you see upon arriving! However, this wasn’t as bad as it sounds because the race went quickly.

As I watched other Clayton members race, the time passed and it was soon time for me to race. Coach Phil Hall was great at advising me where the driest parts of the course were and where to push on. I was over the moon to come 4th and consequently gained selection for the Lancashire squad in March!

We had several other juniors from Clayton running for different boroughs which made the start lines colourful as they were all wearing different race vests! Everyone ran really well in a highly competitive field showing great sportsmanship after the race. Well done everybody!

Year 7 Girls

A great run for Ella Dorrington earned her 6^th place and first counter in the Rossendale team which finished in 5^th place.

Pos	Name	Team	Time
6	Ella Dorrington	Rossendale	9:04
66	Imogen Ferguson	Burnley	11:32

Junior Boys (Year 8 & 9)

Jackson McKay ran strongly in some stiff completion to finish in 12^th place. Adam Stevenson and Jay Bowman joined him in representing Burnley schools but sadly were one man short of a team on the day. Lennon Jackson is missing from these results but he put in a great show of grit and determination after losing a shoe on the first lap and finishing his race regardless!

Pos	Name	Team	Time
12	Jackson McKay	Burnley	15:32
42	Adam Stevenson	Burnley	17:34
47	Jay Bowman	Burnley	17:51

Junior Girls (Year 8 & 9)

Our junior girls were representing 3 different teams with just Millie Stubbs with enough runners to make a team which finished in 5^th place.

Pos	Name	Team	Time
33	Millie Stubbs	Hyndburn	16:05
44	Sophie Ashworth	Burnley	16:45
45	Natasha Olszewska	Blackburn	17:14
53	Liberty Thompson	Burnley	17:44
60	Keira Stevenson	Burnley	18:53

Inter Girls (Year 10 & 11)

A fantastic run from Briony with a great finish to grab 4^th place in this competitive girl’s race. Briony was representing Pendle schools but there were not enough runners to make up a team. Lucy Stevenson was running for Burnley schools and her team finished in 7^th place.

Pos	Name	Team	Time
4	Briony Holt	Pendle	16:48
56	Lucy Stevenson	Burnley	24:36

Inter Boys (Year 10 & 11)

Nick Hennessey and Stanley Grewal were running for Burnley Schools and finished in 15^th and 30^th places respectively.

Pos	Name	Team	Time
15	Nicholas Hennessey	Burnley	21:43
30	Stanley Grewal	Burnley	23:16

Full Results

PFO – SPRING WOOD

Mark Nutter, Jean Brown and Christopher Brown all took part in the Pendle Forest Orienteers event at Spring Wood in Whalley. This was the third event in a series of four offering a range of competitive levels.

Mark Nutter and Jean Brown took on the Green course which was the most technically challenging course consisting of a minimum distance of 3.1km and 140m of ascent. Mark Nutter was second overall with a time of 38:04 and Jean Brown was 4th and first lady with 61:31.

Junior member Christopher Brown took on the Orange course consisting of a minimum 1.9km and 95m of ascent. He was second with a time of 33:16

Full Results

WADSWORTH TROG

Nine hardy club members took to the bogs and trogs of Wadsworth for this early season, long fell race organised by Calder Valley Fell Runners. It’s 19 miles over rough, moorland terrain with 3650ft of ascent thrown in and is affectionately referred to as ‘the beast’.

Report from Alan Dorrington

Forewarned is forearmed, or so they say. I had run the Wadsworth Trog for the first time last year, surviving and even enjoying the bogs and the rough single track paths on the moors north of Hebden Bridge. This year, armed with knowledge of the route, a good forecast as well as coming off the back of a streaky December spent running 256 miles for charity, I had reasonably high hopes of running hard over the 19 miles of what is known locally as ‘The Beast’.

Alan Dorrington channelling his inner Mark Knopfler at the Wadsworth Trog. Photo by Woodentops

Heading up onto High Brown Knoll for the first time, I felt pretty good and kept the Clayton vests of Martin Terry, Andy Armstrong and Neil Hardiman in sight up to the first checkpoint. This was the pattern for the first half of the race, Neil catching me when the terrain went downhill and me slowly reeling in him on the climbs with Martin and Andy around 100 yards ahead. Over the bogs to Checkpoint 4 at Cock Hill I had the privilege of running with Nicky Spinks, marvelling at her ability to just glide across the difficult terrain whilst I lurched and stumbled my way behind.

Climbing on the road then bridleway to Stairs Edge I reeled in Martin and Andy just as we dropped down to Harbour Lodge and Checkpoint 6. Me being a less than average descender, Neil caught me again here and he, Martin and Andy pushed on up Harbour Hill and over to Top Withins. I however suddenly went in to reverse – maybe as I had been pushing too hard at first, maybe because I hadn’t eaten enough, who knows? Either way I was going backwards fast, runner after runner coming past and my mediocre descending got even worse on the rough single track paths. It wasn’t pretty and I had a real funk on, proper bottom lip quivering stuff. Seeing as we were at the furthest point from the finish, there was no option but to soldier on, though I am ashamed to admit I was going through bail out options in my head for later on the route as we climbed over to the Withins ruins and dropped down the flagged (as in stone) descent to the reservoirs. There wasn’t anything to do other than keep going but to my surprise, with some food and a bit of a self-imposed talking to, I began to pick off runners on the climbs and get going again. As the weather was sunny (as opposed to the rain of last years Trog) the return toward Hebden rewarded runners with great views over Calderdale and beyond, helping lift my spirits.

Barbara Savage and Vicky Heys at the Wadsworth Trog. Photo by Woodentops

By Checkpoint 10 and the second climb of High Brown Knoll from the West, I was going well again on the climbs and finished strongly, save for an emergency pit stop and a slight going off route incident. Even the final death-march up the fields to the finish was completed at a run and after the final gratuitous lap of the cricket pitch I finished in pretty good shape. To my surprise I was 3 minutes quicker than last year and had ‘only’ lost around 8/9 minutes on Neil and Andy, despite the major mid-race wobble. The Trog was the 3rd fell race of around 20 miles or more that I’ve done (all the others being fairly short races) and I’ve still a lot to learn about pacing, and simply toughing it out. To that end, this years Trog was a great learning curve but more importantly was a fantastic, if rather squelchy day out over some fabulous moorland scenery.

Pos	name	category	time
50	Martin Terry	MV50	03:22:04
54	Neil Hardiman	MV40	03:25:45
56	Andrew Armstrong	MV40	03:26:44
74	Alan Dorrington	MV40	03:34:29
97	Nicholas Olszewski	MV50	03:47:35
127	Simon Stansfield	MV40	04:06:17
168	Vicky Heys	FV40	04:52:11
169	Barbara Savage	FV50	04:52:11
171	Angela Shian	F	04:53:47

Full Results

SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY

BLACKBURN WINTER WARMER 10K

535 runners completed this year’s Winter Warmer 10K race organised by Blackburn Road Runners. As the first race in the 2017 Club Road Race championship the turnout was good with 26 club members lining up at the start with a particularly high turnout of lady runners.

Clayton ladies at the Blackburn Winter Warmer. L-R Sharon Wilson, Karen Clarkin, Lisa Ellis, Jane Rylands, Deborah Greenwood, Geraldine Varley and Anita Jones.

Danny Collinge was our first Clayton finisher in 3rd place overall with Jacob Watson joining him in the top 10 with an 8th place finish. Reece Lawrence was 2nd junior male.

Amanda Duffy at the Blackburn Winter Warmer 10K. Photo by David Belshaw

Amanda Duffy followed by James Dunderdale at the Blackburn Winter Warmer 10K. Photo by David Belshaw

Amanda Duffy was our first lady finisher in 126th place overall, Beth Quinn was 2nd junior female and Marion Wilkinson was 1st F75.

Training partners Cassie Smedley and Michelle Abbot crossing the finish line together at the Blackburn Winter Warmer 10K. Photo by David Belshaw

Race Report from Marion Wilkinson

Standing on the start line on a perfect winter morning after watching our wonderful juniors do their race, the same old questions come into my head. Why I am doing this and the reasons for it, are what drives me on. I can’t stop the advancing years but I can stop becoming unfit. That means I can continue to be involved with the juniors and understand and experience their feelings when they race.

We’re off! Only taken 20 steps and already Danny is leaving the track and on his way to a 3rd place finish. I can see a never ending line of runners heading out of the park and up Buncer Lane, this is the tough bit of the race where you have to focus.

Then it’s the part of the course that I love – DOWNHILL! I manage to pass a few runners thank goodness for my weight training classes as my legs feel strong. Andy’s voice on his loud hailer can be heard and I’m almost home. I know there are 4 Clayton ladies behind me and I intend to keep them there; after all it’s a club champs race and age does not diminish my competitive streak.

Team Positions

Ladies A Team – 2^nd place (A Duffy | C Smedley | M Abbott | C Vincent)

Ladies B Team – 7^th place (N Gill | L Scott | B Quinn | L Ellis)

Ladies C Team – 16^th place (J Hylands | D Greenwood | M Wilkinson | G Varley)

Mens A Team – 4^th place (D Collinge | J Watson | J Cleaver |R Lawrence)

Mens B Team – 13^th place (M Hughes | R Morrison | A Quinn | J Dunderdale)

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat/Pos	Time
3	Danny Collinge	M S	(003/128)	00:34:37
8	Jake Watson	M S	(007/128)	00:36:06
27	Jonathan Cleaver	M S	(017/128)	00:38:31
68	Reece Lawrence	M J	(002/004)	00:42:36
98	Mick Hughes	M40	(020/063)	00:44:29
111	Robert Morrison	M40	(023/063)	00:45:15
113	Andy Quinn	M45	(020/050)	00:45:24
126	Amanda Duffy	F35	(003/031)	00:46:08
127	James Dunderdale	M S	(051/128)	00:46:11
152	Cassandra Smedley	F35	(004/031)	00:47:41
153	Michelle Abbott	F35	(005/031)	00:47:41
154	David Moynihan	M50	(012/036)	00:47:44
167	Claire Vincent	F S	(006/046)	00:48:12
198	Nerina Gill	F45	(004/039)	00:50:08
236	Lucy Scott	F S	(008/046)	00:52:41
241	Ian Hargreaves	M50	(020/036)	00:52:54
256	Beth Quinn	F J	(002/004)	00:53:43
263	Lisa Ellis	F S	(010/046)	00:54:19
332	Jane Hylands	F45	(018/039)	00:57:36
361	Stuart Barker	M50	(032/036)	00:58:31
386	Deborah Greenwood	F45	(027/039)	00:59:25
438	Marion Wilkinson	F75+	(001/002)	01:04:10
447	Geraldine Varley	F55	(010/019)	01:04:08
451	Karen Clarkin	F40	(034/044)	01:04:43
482	Anita Jones	F60	(004/005)	01:07:37
496	Sharon Wilson	F40	(040/044)	01:09:07

Full Results

BLACKBURN WINTER WARMER JUNIOR 2K

218 runners lined up to take part in the Blackburn Winter Warmer 2K race. Dexta Thompson was 2nd overall and 1st M 11-13 with Robbie Smedley hot on his heels in 3rd.

Dexta Thompson and Robbie Smedley leading off at the Winter Warmer 2K race. Photo by David Belshaw

Helana White was our first girl finisher in 12th place overall, 3rd girl and 1st F8-10. Siblings Kady Thompson and Felix Thompson battled each other to the finish with Kady just pipping her little brother over the finish line.

Sibling rivalry between Felix and Kady Thompson at the finish of the Winter Warmer 2K. Photo by David Belshaw

Sibling rivalry between Felix and Kady Thompson at the finish of the Winter Warmer 2K. Jake Anford is hot on their heels. Photo by David Belshaw

It’s a great race for younger runners as the course is completely within the grounds of the park and athletics track.

Emily Johnson enjoying the Winter Warmer 2K race. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat/Pos	Time
2	Dexta Thompson	M 11-13	(001/015)	00:07:30
3	Robbie Smedley	M 11-13	(002/015)	00:07:32
10	Lennon Jackson	M 11-13	(005/015)	00:07:57
11	Mattew Jackson	M 8-10	(003/047)	00:08:10
12	Helana White	F 8-10	(001/060)	00:08:13
23	Liberty Thompson	F 14-17	(002/004)	00:08:58
36	Jake Anforth	M 8-10	(013/047)	00:09:24
37	Kady Thompson	F 8-10	(007/060)	00:09:26
38	Felix Thompson	M 5-7	(003/040)	00:09:26
75	Charlie Plant	F 5-7	(002/029)	00:10:42
134	Ellisia Smedley	F 8-10	(044/060)	00:12:37
139	Emily Johnson	F 5-7	(011/029)	00:12:46

Full Results

LONG MYND VALLEYS

Wendy Dodds was our sole runner in this 18.5km fell race with 1370m of ascent organised by Mercia Fell Runners. She was 132^nd overall and 1^st W65. There were 199 finishers.

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat/Pos	Time
132	Wendy Dodds	W65	(001/002)	2:31:46

Full Results

MONTANE® TRAIL 26 – GRIZEDALE

There were168 finishers in the Grizedale trail marathon organised by Epic Events. The course is a figure of eight taking in a loop of Grizedale Forest before the second loop which takes runners over to Lake Windermere and back. Christopher Holdsworth was our sole runner and, not only did he win the race, he smashed the course record set by Marcus Scotney by 13 minutes.

Report from Chris Holdsworth

A 5.30am start, a sore foot that hadn’t eased with rest and a grim, drizzly, foggy morning was not how I’d hoped the day would begin when I booked on to Grizedale 26. Nevertheless, it certainly didn’t put a dampener on the day in the end!

Chris Holdsworth breaking the course record at the Grizedale Trail Marathon. Photo courtesy of Sport Sunday

The marathon began at 9.40am, shortly followed by the half marathon at 10am. The marathoners (and half marathoners) would complete a 1500ft loop to the west of Grizedale forest, which was mostly on undulating, very runnable tracks. At the half way point we made our way back to the visitors centre and headed out for another loop, making our way over to Windermere. This half was much trickier underfoot and included much sharper climbs – the one at mile 24 being a particularly “memorable” one…

I’d known about Marcus Scottney’s course record (3:10) beforehand, and knew on a good day I could break it, and possibly even dip under the sub 3 hour mark. I set off feeling quite sluggish, but soon eased into the race recording the first half in 1.20ish. Going out for the second loop strangely gave me a second wind and quite comfortably made it to the 22 mile mark feeling strong. The last couple of miles were a case of “mind over matter” and knew I was on for a good time and to break the 3 hour mark if I could just hold on. I ended up finishing in 2:57:34, recording 26.7 miles and 3,600ft climbed, breaking the record by 13 minutes.

The course was great and the atmosphere even better. If you like your hills, trails and long distances I definitely recommend giving Grizedale 26 a try!

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
1	Christopher Holdsworth	M	02:57:34.2

Full Results

SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY

Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round Recce

Its 4 weeks away! For those thinking about stepping up in distance and doing a longer fell run (Stan Bradshaw is 16km/ 10 miles and this year is on Saturday March 4th) and are unsure if this race is for them, come try it out and run the route with the Race Organiser.

From Barley Car park (look for the Red VW Transporter). Please bring running kit appropriate for the weather, if you have never been kit checked before under FRA rules, I am happy to advise if yours passes the standard. Whatever you eat/drink on a longer run may be worth considering as this will not be run at race pace – we were two and half hours last time, in the 2016 race the last placed person was about 2 hours 15 mins. Please bring map of the race and compass also – I will have a few spare maps to share out if need be. The race map is also available from Pete Bland Sports.

Remember the aim of a recce is to gain some familiarity with a race route so on the day you can keep your head down and run, rather than wonder which way to turn next!

Either email me at stanbradshawrace@yahoo.com or comment on the Facebook post I will put on to Team Clayton later this week to let me know you are coming.

I will be accepting race entry forms and cash/cheque. The entry form with route grid references (for the route) can be found here.

Parkrun roundup

Burnley parkrun – A total of 336 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
3	Jonathan PYE	18:42	SM25-29
26	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	22:07	JM15-17
32	Daniel PLANT	22:37	VM35-39
34	Gordon BARRETT	22:44	VM50-54
35	Sean CLARE	22:47	VM50-54
37	David MOYNIHAN	22:56	VM50-54
38	Michelle ABBOTT	22:59	VW35-39
39	Cassandra Darling SMEDLEY	23:01	VW35-39
70	Stephen AINSWORTH	24:32	VM60-64
74	Chris LAWRENCE	24:46	VM50-54
78	Nina KEWIN	24:57	VW35-39
81	Dawn TERRY	25:06	VW50-54
86	Wayne MCINTOSH	25:15	SM30-34
94	Heidi KEWIN	25:38	JW11-14	New PB!
95	Aaron LUNDIE	25:38	JM11-14
96	Andy QUINN	25:39	VM45-49
102	Annabel WILCOCK	25:50	JW15-17
104	John WILCOCK	25:53	VM50-54
116	Lisa JOHNSON	26:23	VW40-44
125	Donna SCOTT	26:53	VW50-54
138	Andrew WEBSTER	27:23	VM45-49
211	Robert HIRST	29:57	VM65-69
218	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	30:23	VW65-69
225	Stuart BARKER	30:36	VM50-54
226	Ron CHAPPELL	30:39	VM65-69
273	Christine LEATHLEY	33:28	VW65-69

Burnley junior parkrun – A total of 36 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
3	Nathan KEWIN	8:39	JM11-14
7	Heidi KEWIN	9:14	JW11-14
9	Bethany WHEATCROFT	9:45	JW11-14
10	Imogen FERGUSON	10:12	JW11-14

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 144 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
124	Robin PRICE	34:13	VM70-74

Pendle parkrun- A total of 86 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	David WALKER	19:13	VM35-39
5	John HARTLEY	22:02	VM60-64
23	David Ian SCOTT	26:40	VM70-74
36	Martin BRADY	29:38	VM50-54
45	Yvonne WICKHAM	30:52	VW50-54

Westerfolds parkrun – A total of 214 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
67	Paul Laurence WALSH	27:17	VM60-64	First Timer!

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Hoofstones, Whitestones and good deeds!

Another busy week for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers. There has been plenty of action across the board, with a select group travelling to Knowsley for the Northern Cross Country Championships, fell running, and road racing at both 10 mile and 10K distances where a helping hand was extended by our chivalrous chaps to a fellow runner when she needed a boost. All very focussed this week and not a great deal of coddiwompling going on unless you take into account some of the recce runs that have been going on over the weekend!

SATURDAY 28 JANUARY

HOOFSTONES FELL RACE

This race is a navigational challenge which takes runners to the highest point around Todmorden – Hoofstones Heights Trig Point – The Trig is situated on the East/West Watershed. There is route choice from checkpoint 1 – 4, as long as no fences or walls are climbed.

51 runners took part this year and there were two Clayton Harriers amongst them both finishing in the top ten. Dave Edmondson was our first man in 3^rd place and Andy Laycock was 8^th.

Race Report from Andy Laycock

Typical cold and wet Pennine weather greeted us for the start of the race at the Staff of Life in Todmorden. Worryingly billed as a ‘navigational challenge’ it began with a flagged climb up to checkpoint 1, where the flags finished and open moor began. Then we were faced with a choice; the direct line across Stansfield moor or a short detour to pickup a fast and runnable track leading to the second checkpoint. Navigating to Hoofstones – checkpoint 3 and the highest point of the route – was straightforward, but icy and boggy ground made progress slow. The descent down past Wolf Stones and back across the moor caught me out as I dropped too far west, having to climb back up and along to the last checkpoint cost me five places – 3rd to 8th. Then from here it was a quick sprint back down the flagged path to the finish line. All in all a great race, very well organised and an early reminder to brush up on my navigation.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
3	Dave Edmondson	M40	1:11:12
8	Andrew Laycock	M	1:14:29

Full Results

NORTHERN ATHLETICS CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Six junior members made the trip to Knowsley to compete in this year’s Northern Athletics Cross Country Championships

Clayton Juniors at the Northern Athletics Cross Country Championships.

U13 Boys

Pos	Name	Time
42	Dexta Thompson	12:20
96	Robbie Smedley	13:04
174	Lennon Jackson	14:15

U15 Girls

Pos	Name	Time
38	Briony Holt	17:43
166	Liberty Thompson	22:02

U17 Men

Pos	Name	Time
117	Curtis Holt	24:24

Senior Women

Report from Karen Clarkin

This was my second attempt at cross country, trying to get my head around racing and overcoming my nerves. What a venue to pick!! It was ankle deep in mud for 2 x 4km laps with inclines. Thankfully the rain had stopped just in time for the ladies race. Tough run, but I really enjoyed the day. Special thanks to Louisa and girls for cheering us on in the tough conditions.

Clayton Ladies at the Northern Cross Country Championships. L-R Judith Carey, Karen Clarkin, Elizabeth Mullan and Donna Airey. Photo by Woodentops

Team position 40^th (D Airey | E Mullan | J Rushton | K Clarkin )

Pos	Name	Time
181	Donna Airey	42:29
194	Elizabeth Mullan	43:03
297	Julia Rushton	50:17
341	Karen Clarkin	58:30
347	Judith Carey	1:00:10
355	Susan Allen	1:04:10
358	Christine Leathley	1:10:56

Senior Men

Report from Carl Carey

Initially I wasn’t going to do this. Driving for an hour, doing the race, driving back, later starting time and a longer distance (12km) than I’d ever done before on cross country. I was eventually coerced by the female contingent of Clayton so I signed up. Weather was awful in Burnley and on the journey to Knowsley which didn’t encourage me much but hey, I needed the training so off we set.

The ladies did their race first, and after finishing, reported to me that it was all relentless mud. Donna, Liz and Judith had some good battles although Judith decided to take a dive in the mud in the beginning! Karin Clarkin was a counter in the ladies team on only her second cross country.

Then it was my turn. Off we set, me, Pete and Jim. There was a good number of runners there, and the races which had gone before us had churned it up nicely! Literally on the first mud we hit, there were men dropping out everywhere, having lost their shoes in the death grip mud. Having been shown by Coach Roche how to tie my shoes, I had no such problems. The mud, as correctly reported, was relentless. There was no respite at all, with a few sneaky rocks hidden in which I found, and a few hills too. 15mm spikes were no use whatsoever but I managed to stay on my feet. First lap was a bit of a tester to see how it was, then the next two I was able to push a bit, but the mud soon wore you down. At the end, having passed lots who were walking at different points, I managed a quick finish on the straight, grateful to see the finish. One of my worst performances, but I was determined to enjoy this one and use it for good experience.

An enjoyable day with the Clayton crew, and actually not feeling the effects too much. Thanks to Chris Thompson for holding our numbers for us, and Jason Pier for organising it.

Pos	Name	Time
51	Daniel Collinge	45:48
574	James Hickie	1:08:22
595	Peter Browning	1:10:06
645	Carl Carey	1:16:28

Full Results

SUNDAY 29 JANUARY

HUNTERS 10K

Just over 300 runners took part in this 10K race formerly known as the Vernon’s 10K. Two Clayton men took part. Robert Morrison was the first Clayton finisher in 76^th place and with a time of 44:16. Colin White was hot on his heels 4 seconds later in 77^th.

Robert Morrison at the Hunter’s 10K. Photo by Lucy Tickle

Report from Colin White

Only two Clayton Harriers ran this local(ish) event in Preston. Over 300 people arrived at the cold start line for this event. It was well marshalled, well organised and clearly signposted. Both Rob and I set off at a fairly slow pace, choosing to move through the field when we found our pace. The course is undulating, once over the icy bridge at Avenham Park, we really found our pace and picked up speed a little. Rob, was slightly ahead and helped a fellow runner who was struggling for approximately 1 mile, before picking up the pace even more when he saw me breathing down his neck. We both finished the course with PB’s , and another 10k under the belt.

Colin White at the Hunter’s 10K. Photo by Lucy Tickle

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
76	Robert Morrison	MV40	44:16
77	Colin White	MV40	44:20

Full Results

KENDAL WINTER LEAGUE – WHITESTONE FELL RACE

149 runners took part in this popular winter race series organised by Helm Hill. Wayne McIntosh was our sole runner in the senior race, finishing in 118^th place.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
118	Wayne McIntosh	M	51:02

Christopher Brown was our sole junior runner finishing in 8^th place overall and 6^th boy in the U13 race in a field of 66 runners.

Chrostopher Brown at the KWL Whitestones U13 Race. Photo by Geoff Thompson

Pos	Name	Time
8	Christopher Brown	6:54

Full Results

ST ANNES 10 MILER

Report from Stephen Biscomb

Not my usual distance of 10K, but this 10 mile race was well organised and luckily the conditions were very mild for the Fylde coast. We started from St Annes pier up to Lytham Green and back. Managed to get below my target time of 73 minutes. (71.30) my position in the M60 category was 4th. It was amazing to see four more M60s in the top 51. Just goes to show that us old men are getting fitter.

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
51	Stephen Biscomb	M60	(004/013)	01:11:33

Full Results

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Burnley parkrun – A total of 298 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Jacob WATSON	17:59	SM30-34
2	Jonathan PYE	18:34	SM25-29
3	Chris SNELL	18:46	VM35-39
5	Nicholas HENNESSEY	19:16	JM15-17
8	Dave MOTLEY	19:46	VM35-39
9	Paul HESKETH	19:49	VM50-54
11	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	19:54	JM15-17	New PB!
15	Daniel PLANT	20:38	VM35-39
17	Gareth BERRY	20:48	VM40-44
22	Simon WILSHAW	21:25	JM15-17
24	Finley STUBBS	21:39	JM10	New PB!
25	James BOULT	21:53	SM20-24
38	David MOYNIHAN	23:01	VM50-54
44	Aaron LUNDIE	23:13	JM11-14
46	Millie STUBBS	23:19	JW11-14
52	Michelle ABBOTT	23:33	VW35-39
54	David Ian SCOTT	23:43	VM70-74
66	Nina KEWIN	24:17	VW35-39
68	Jenson BENTHAM	24:24	JM10
69	Wayne MCINTOSH	24:25	SM30-34
90	Dawn TERRY	25:26	VW50-54
95	Lisa JOHNSON	25:38	VW40-44
96	Annabel WILCOCK	25:41	JW15-17
97	John WILCOCK	25:44	VM50-54
108	Richard LAWSON	26:32	VM75-79
136	Sophie ASHWORTH	27:53	JW11-14
137	Heidi KEWIN	27:53	JW11-14
139	Stuart BARKER	27:57	VM50-54
147	Yvonne WICKHAM	28:20	VW50-54
156	Helen HARRISON	28:33	VW45-49
160	Stephen AINSWORTH	28:39	VM60-64
196	Ron CHAPPELL	30:29	VM65-69
198	Lucy STEVENSON	30:31	JW15-17
254	Olly PLANT	34:58	JM10

Burnley junior parkrun – A total of 67 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
6	Aaron LUNDIE	9:02	JM11-14
18	Bethany WHEATCROFT	10:08	JW11-14
22	Heidi KEWIN	10:57	JW11-14
30	Imogen FERGUSON	11:53	JW11-14
32	Charlie PLANT	12:00	JW10
48	Jessica MCBRIDE	13:34	JW10
50	Emily JOHNSON	13:43	JW10
51	Olly PLANT	14:19	JM10

Chester parkrun – A total of 188 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
47	Nerina GILL	24:43	VW45-49	First Timer!

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 107 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
84	Robin PRICE	32:22	VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 173 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
92	Eileen JONES	29:43	VW60-64

Lytham Hall parkrun – A total of 202 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
75	Philip NAYLOR	25:38	VM35-39	New PB!

Pendle parkrun – A total of 74 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
2	David WALKER	19:15	VM35-39
8	John HARTLEY	21:51	VM60-64

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 436 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
2	Jonny MCKENNA	16:46	SM30-34
210	Beth QUINN	27:12	SW18-19	First Timer!

ByAdrienne Olszewska

Long ones, fast ones and hilly ones

Even a quiet week still has plenty enough to report on. The Hebden kick starts the year for our longer distance and ultra runners and this year a couple of juniors joined in as well. There was also half marathon and fell racing action this weekend as well as recognition for our talented juniors in the North West triathlon awards.

SATURDAY 21 JANUARY

THE HEBDEN

The LDWA (Long Distance Walkers Association) put on challenge events all around the country following routes that are mostly on footpaths and other rights of way, across open fields and moors, avoiding tarmac as much as possible. The main challenge is usually 20 miles or over. These events are increasingly popular with runners looking for challenging training events and they are pretty cheap to do as well.

The Hebden is one of the most popular local LDWA events and is usually fully booked by Christmas. It is a great start to the New Year with its undulating tour of the valleys around Hebden Bridge taking in Hardcastle Crags, Colden Clough and Crag Vale with well over 4000 ft of ascent.

Ten Clayton-le-Moors Harriers tucked into the tea and toast before the start of the LDWA Hebden challenge event. 246 runners and walkers completed the long route.

First Clayton was Martin Terry who zoomed round in a mere 3:34:49. Paul Hesketh and Neil Hardiman followed in 24^th and 26^th place with times of 3:43:47 and 3:44:14. Andrew Armstrong and Alan Dorrington were 75^th and 76^th in 4:23:47 and 4:24:02. Barbara Savage was the first Clayton lady in 129^th place and just over the 5 hour mark with 5:04:19.

Andy Armstrong and Alan Dorrington having way too much fun on the start of the climb up to Stoodley Pike. Photo by Sportsunday

Joggling along at the back was Team Olszewski consisting of Nick, Adrienne and junior members Natasha and Bronia. The girls are possibly the youngest people to complete the full route on this event and did so in just over 8 hours.

Full Results

SUNDAY 22 JANUARY

INSKIP HALF MARATHON

There were four club members in this half marathon. Alex Cran was our first finisher in 75th place with a time of 1:26:57 and Nerina Gill was our first lady finisher in 268th and with a time of 1:50:18

Top L-R Alex Cran, Michael Hogan Bottom L-R Nerina Gill, Julia Rushton. Photos by Susan Wolstenholme

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
75	Alex Cran	M45	1:26:57
110	Michael Hogan	M45	1:32:30
268	Nerina Gill	F45	1:50:18
308	Julia Rushton	F50	1:55:32

Full Results

KENDLE WINTER LEAGUE – GIGGLESWICK SCHOOL FELL RACE

Report from Andrew Holt

Andrew Holt in the Giggleswick Race

As we had no runs planned for this weekend the choice, if we fancied a run was either a park run or perhaps a little fell race not far from us in Giggleswick. The fell race makes up part of the Kendal winter league which is a series of low level fell races most Sundays organised by Helm Hill. These races are highly rated by the fell running community, well attended and, having watched Briony run one or two over the last few years, seem good fun.

Plug over, the weather was great (sun, warm, hard underfoot, and not a breath of wind) loads of people running and watching and a location worthy of a Harry Potter movie.

Briony’s race was one big lap and the adults’ race consisted of two laps. The race involved river crossings, steep inclines, 6ft cliff drop offs and even a 3 points of contact scramble which was immense fun and gave us a welcome breather. I’m told I ran well finishing a respectable 30^th or so. Briony won her race despite focusing on cross country for the last few months, and was her usual humble self, breaking the course record in the process.

Briony Holt racing at Giggleswick

We weren’t alone of course, other runners we saw in the orange vest were Wendy Dodds, Peter Browning and Katy Thompson. All of whom were friendly and welcoming and all finished with a smile on their face.

Peter Browning in the Giggleswick race

Easily one of my favourite races and highly recommended

TRIATHLON ENGLAND (NORTH WEST) AWARDS

Congratulations to Ellie Root and Helana White for winning 4^th place in their respective age categories, Youth and T1. Excellent results for both of them as they were up against strong competition from Tri Clubs from Lancaster to Merseyside.

World champion para-triathlete Lizzie Tench presents awards to Helana White and Ellie Root at the North West Triathlon Awards

The girls were presented their awards by Lizzie Tench, the world no.1 para-triathlete.

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Bolton parkrun – A total of 285 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
92	Katy THOMPSON	26:23	VW60-64

Burnley parkrun – A total of 377 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
2	Jacob WATSON	17:52	SM30-34
4	Jonathan PYE	18:14	SM25-29
6	Laura HESKETH	18:18	SW30-34
7	Chris SNELL	18:27	VM35-39
8	Jonathan CLEAVER	18:43	VM35-39
9	Matthew DUCKWORTH	18:44	SM25-29
10	Nicholas HENNESSEY	19:18	JM15-17
17	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	20:02	JM15-17
18	Simon WILSHAW	20:16	JM15-17
20	John HARTLEY	20:25	VM60-64
22	Nick ROSCOE	20:44	VM45-49
30	Robbie SMEDLEY	21:27	JM11-14
39	Finley STUBBS	22:14	JM10
41	Gordon BARRETT	22:24	VM50-54
50	Cassandra Darling SMEDLEY	22:52	VW35-39
51	Chris LAWRENCE	22:53	VM50-54
59	Michelle ABBOTT	23:21	VW35-39
60	David MOYNIHAN	23:23	VM50-54
61	Jenson BENTHAM	23:27	JM10
62	David Ian SCOTT	23:29	VM70-74
68	Alison DUGDALE	23:40	VW45-49	New PB!
69	Nina KEWIN	23:41	VW35-39
80	Wayne MCINTOSH	24:29	SM30-34
88	Bethany WHEATCROFT	25:05	JW11-14
90	Ian HARGREAVES	25:08	VM50-54
98	Sophie ASHWORTH	25:40	JW11-14
106	Annabel WILCOCK	25:59	JW15-17
107	John WILCOCK	26:01	VM50-54
113	Andy QUINN	26:14	VM45-49
167	Donna SCOTT	28:12	VW50-54
174	Stuart BARKER	28:20	VM50-54
214	Robert HIRST	30:04	VM65-69
223	Charlie PLANT	30:20	JW10
224	Daniel PLANT	30:20	SM30-34
247	Richard LAWSON	31:01	VM75-79
251	Marion WILKINSON	31:04	VW75-79
292	Ellisia SMEDLEY	33:49	JW10
302	Olly PLANT	34:31	JM10	New PB!

Burnley junior parkrun – A total of 52 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Aaron LUNDIE	8:21	JM11-14
4	Liberty THOMPSON	8:59	JW11-14
7	Bethany WHEATCROFT	9:25	JW11-14
13	Felix THOMPSON	10:28	JM10
14	Charlie PLANT	10:57	JW10
29	Emily JOHNSON	13:00	JW10
35	Olly PLANT	13:38	JM10

Bushy parkrun – A total of 1291 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
938	Eileen JONES	29:33	VW60-64	First Timer!

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 131 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
107	Robin PRICE	33:41	VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 225 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
53	Wendy DODDS	25:00	VW65-69

Lytham Hall parkrun – A total of 296 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
108	Philip NAYLOR	26:26	VM35-39	New PB!

Pendle parkrun – A total of 98 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Christopher HOLDSWORTH	16:48	SM25-29
2	David WALKER	19:04	VM35-39	First Timer!
13	Susan BURNS	22:51	VW55-59
36	Dawn TERRY	26:31	VW50-54
66	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	32:27	VW65-69
81	Christine LEATHLEY	35:52	VW65-69

Skipton parkrun – A total of 237 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
136	Yvonne WICKHAM	28:43	VW50-54

Southport parkrun – A total of 311 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
10	Alan LIFE	19:25	VM50-54	First Timer!
92	Carol LIFE	25:19	VW50-54	First Timer!

Witton parkrun – A total of 105 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
28	Julia RUSHTON	26:47	VW50-54

ByAdrienne Olszewska

What January blues?

No sign of the January blues here at Clayton-le-Moors Harriers! There’s been plenty of great results in cross country, fell racing and on the trails to well and truly blow away the cobwebs. We’ve had new members racing for the first time, returners racing for us again, not to mentions all the regulars and irregulars, out racing and reccying.

SATURDAY 14 JANUARY

ASHURST BEACON RACE

John Francis was our sole representative at this race finishing in 154^th place

Full Results

MID LANCS XC LEAGUE – TOWNELEY

It was a bumper turnout for Team Clayton with well over 70 members of all ages racing on the familiar ground of Towneley Park. It was another great race for the U11 boys and U15 girls who had some great individual placings and 1^st place teams. Our Vet 55 ladies are looking strong and there was a team win for them.

U11 Girls

Helana White was our first U11 girl and 7^th overall in the U11 Girls’ race.

Helana White in the U11 girls’ race. Photo by David Belshaw

Team position 9^th (H White | K Thompson | R Stevenson)

Pos	Name	Time
7	Helana White	8:01
41	Kady Thompson	9:09
62	Rachel Stevenson	9:58
66	Emily Nicholls	10:18
73	Ellisia Smedley	11:03

U11 Boys

With 3 boys in the top five finishers, it was another great performance from our U11 boys. Dexta finished in 1^st place with Robbie Smedley in 3^rd and Finley Stubbs in 5^th (4^th in team placings when non-counters removed)

Robbie Smedley in the U11 Boys’ race. Photo by David Belshaw

Team position 1^st ( D Thompson | R Smedley | F Stubbs)

Pos	Name	Time
1	Dexta Thompson	7:12
3	Robbie Smedley	7:25
5	Finley Stubbs	7:57
17	Matthew Jackson	7:57
24	Jenson Bentham	8:06
55	Jake Anforth	9:03

U13 Girls

Ella Dorrington was our first finisher in 28^th place.

Heidi Kewin in the U13 girls’ race. Photo by David Belshaw

Team position 8^th (E Dorrington | H Kewin | B WHeatcroft)

Pos	Name	Time
28	Ella Dorrington-Levy	11:20
47	Heidi Kewin	12:17
53	Bethany Wheatcroft	12:44
60	Bronia Olszewska	14:02

U13 Boys

Jackson McKay was our first finisher in 4^th place overall.

Team Position 5^th ( J McKay | L Jackson | W Nicholls)

Pos	Name	Time
4	Jackson McKay	10:35
28	Lennon Jackson	11:59
44	William Nicholls	13:07

U15 Girls

A third place finish for Briony Holt with some strong performances from her team mates keeping the U15 Girls’ Team in 1^st place.

Team Position 1^st (B Holt | M Stubbs | N Olszewska)

Pos	Name	Time
3	Briony Holt	11:17
12	Millie Stubbs	12:22
18	Natasha Olszewska	13:22
21	Liberty Thompson	13:51

U15 Boys

Nick Hennessey had a strong run and finished in 4^th place overall.

Team Position 5^th ( N Hennessey | S Grewal | A Stevenson)

Pos	Name	Time
4	Nick Hennessey	14:11
21	Stanley Grewal	15:28
24	Adam Stevenson	16:34

U17 Men

Simon Wilshaw was our first finisher in 16^th place closely followed by team mates Curtis Holt in 17^th and Reece Lawrence in 19^th.

Curtis Holt and Simon Wilshaw racing in the U17 men’s race. Photo by Nick Olszewski

Team Position 5^th (S Wilshaw | C Holt | R Lawrence)

Pos	Name	Time
16	Simon Wilshaw	21:54
17	Curtis Holt	21:58
19	Reece Lawrence	23:23

U20 Ladies

Bethany Quinn was our sole U20 lady and she finished in 4^th place.

Pos	Name	Time
4	Bethany Quinn	29:10

Ladies Race

Report from Ladies’ Captain Irene Roche

It must have been close to a record turnout for the ladies at Towneley Park Cross Country this weekend. With lots of regulars, some returners and a few new ladies.

First timers, Karen Clarkin, Geraldine Varley and Julia Taylor had positive comments at the finish. I think they said they will do another. Very well done girls.

Clayton Ladies out in force at the Mid Lancs XC in Towneley Park. Photo by Nick Olszewski

A special mention goes to Donna Airey who sacrificed her BFC season ticket for event. An excellent run from Donna too, so glad you joined us to help with team points.

Elizabeth Mullan chasing Donna Airey at the Mid Lancs XC. Photo by Nick Olszewski

The course itself offered some mud to tussle with but I have certainly seen it worse. With the temperature being quite mild also, I think we had the luck to have a good day to take part.

Many thanks to all who ran.

Team Positions:

‘A’ Team 9^th (D Airey | E Mullan | C Darling-Smedley)

‘B’ Team 14^th (M Abbott | I Roche | T DeCurtis)

Over 35 Team 5^th (D Airey | C Darling-Smedley | M Abbott)

Over 45 Team 4^th (I Roche | J Bennett | J Knightley)

Over 55 Team 1^st ( I Roche | J Knightley | J Taylor)

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
33	Donna Airey	L35	25:27
35	Elizabeth Mullan	L35	25:30
37	Cassandra Darling-Smedley	L35	25:33
43	Michelle Abbott	L35	26:20
44	Irene Roche	L55	26:20
56	Teresa de Curtis	L45	27:08
60	Joanne Bennett	L45	27:17
62	Jean Knightley	L55	27:32
77	Bethany Quinn	L20	29:10
83	Lucy Scott	L	29:45
86	Janine Pollard	L45	29:51
88	Helen Burnett	L45	30:02
97	Sarah Helliwell	L	30:54
101	Jane Hylands	L45	31:13
113	Adrienne Olszewska	L45	32:24
119	Deborah Greenwood	L45	32:55
123	Julia Taylor	L55	33:28
129	Judith Carey	L35	34:11
130	Geraldine Varley	L55	34:57
132	Karen Clarkin	L45	35:13
137	Susan Allen	L55	37:32
142	Christine Leathley	L65	39:39
144	Sharon Wilson	L35	40:21

Vet 70 Men

Richard Lawson was our only runner in the Vet 70 race.

Pos	Name	Time
3	Richard Lawson	31:57

Senior Men’s Race

Another great turn out for the Clayton men at this local fixture. Despite losing fast lad Danny Collinge during the race our men pushed on to earn a fourth place finish for the team. Jacob Watson was our first man in 39^th and 37:51.

Jacob Watson at the Mid Lancs XC, Photo by Nick Olszewski

Team Positions

Over 40 Team 6^th (P Coates | C Helliwell | A Holt | A Orr)

Over 50 team 6^th (J Wilcock | A Life | A Howarth)

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
39	Jacob Watson	M	37:51
44	Dave Motley	M	38:37
53	Peter Coates	V40	39:05
55	Chris Snell	M	39:07
59	Carl Helliwell	V40	39:14
69	Matthew Duckworth	M	39:46
95	Andrew Holt	V40	41:15
105	Andrew Orr	V40	41:40
114	Alex Cran	V40	42:03
143	Andrew Payne	M	43:38
147	John Wilcock	V50	44:00
156	Nick Roscoe	V40	44:23
164	Andy Quinn	V40	44:52
174	Mick Hughes	V40	45:26
183	Alan Life	V50	46:22
194	Andrew Howarth	V50	47:35
197	James Hickie	V50	47:35
200	Sean Clare	V50	47:43
203	Craig Nicholls	V40	48:02
206	Colin White	V40	48:43
209	Christopher Lawrence	V50	48:56
210	Gary Moore	V40	49:10
212	Carl Carey	V40	49:16
213	David Scott	V70	49:20
225	David Moynihan	V40	51:14
230	Geoff Smith	V40	52:03
232	Peter Browning	V50	52:16
251	Stuart Barker	V50	61:13

Full Results

PETZL NIGHTRUNNER – RIVINGTON

The snow passed over Rivington a couple of days before race day and left Rivington NightRunner with a lovely, clear night and a little bit of the white stuff on the moor for added grip. With a huge moon lighting the way, Saturday night saw an impressive turnout of crazy runners celebrating the last NightRunner of this series and amongst them two Clayton Ladies. Photos of the event were provided by Sport Sunday.

Report from Julia Rushton

The Petzl Rivington night runner was listed as a trail race; this gave the impression that we would be running on relatively tame footpaths. Wrong! I’ve done easier fell races.

We started the race with a steep mile and a half climb on a rocky cobbled path that was tough on the legs as well as the lungs. We continued on rocky paths that needed total concentration to avoid falls. Running in the dark with a couple of hundred people wearing head torches looked fantastic over the hills and against the rising moon. The downward route took in a boggy field, a marshal warned us to watch out for the big hole before the bridge. I didn’t see the bridge until I’d fallen thigh deep into the hole, a cheery chorus of “she’s found the hole” went up around me as I was pulled out.

Nerina Gill and Julia Rushton crossing the line at the Petzl Rivington Night Runner. Photo courtesy of SportSunday

Back on the rocky paths to the finish Neri and I had decided to be sensible and came down at what John Roche would describe as tea and biscuits pace. 1300 feet of climb over 6miles on rough ground, back on tarmac and I tripped over a speed hump on the finish straight. Lovely tee shirt though and I will be tempted to be back again next year.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
249	Nerina Gill	FV40	01:28:46.15
250	Julia Rushton	FV50	01:28:58.05

Full Results

SUNDAY 15 JANUARY

EAST LANCS HOSPICE 10K

Sixteen club members tramped the trails around Great Harwood and Rishton in this popular, fund raiser for the East Lancs Hospice. Danny Collinge won the race with Jon Cleaver taking 1^st M35, John Hartley 1^st M60 and Reece Lawrence 1^st MU18.

Team Clayton at the East Lancs Hospice.
Back Row – Mick Hughes, Ian Hargreaves, Michelle Abbott, Donna Airey, Colin White. Front Row Reece Lawrence and Danny Collinge

The men also took 1^st place in the team results with Danny Collinge, Jon Cleaver and John Hartley making up the team.

Five Clayton Ladies took part. Helen O’Rourke was our first finisher in 71st place.

Report from Jon Cleaver

Great turn out with over 400 runners on a wet and windy morning! This race is predominantly traffic free along the bridleways & canal with a bit of tarmac along the way. It was never going to be a PB course with the conditions underfoot being more like an XC rather than road, but after a racing layoff due to injury after the Ribble Valley I wanted to give it a good go.

John Cleaver heading to the finish at the East Lancs Hospice 10K. Photo by David Belshaw

On the way out it was really boggy and full of puddles, but once your feet are soaked it doesn’t really matter anymore, about 2.5 miles in you have a slog up hill and around the recreation area before a fast descent back down and along the canal bank towards the finish. I had a couple of runners breathing down my neck for the last 2 miles and quite frustratingly got jumped 50 yards from the end which stopped me getting in the top 10.

Overall I ran a minute faster than last year and came 11th, considering the injury I have been carrying and lack of training in recent weeks I am pretty pleased with that. Well done Danny for taking the win!

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat Pos	Time
1	Danny Collinge	MU23	1	00:34:31
11	Jon Cleaver	M35	1	00:37:58
27	John Hartley	M60	1	00:41:03
36	Reece Lawrence	MU18	1	00:42:41
71	Helen O’Rourke	F	5	00:45:48
75	Robert Morrison	M40	11	00:45:51
86	Paul Wale	M45	17	00:47:01
87	Mick Hughes	M40	15	00:46:55
100	Donna Airey	W35	3	00:47:48
101	Colin White	M40	17	00:47:52
104	Christopher Lawrence	M50	9	00:48:13
120	Nina Kewin	W35	4	00:49:32
130	David Moynihan	M50	14	00:50:14
136	Ian Hargreaves	M50	15	00:51:04
251	Helen Harrison	W45	17	00:58:07
273	Clare Wilson	W35	13	00:59:34

Full Results

EAST LANCS HOSPICE JUNIOR RACE

A dozen junior runners lined up in a field of 44 to race at Great Harwood. Dexta won the race in 7:35 and there were age category wins for Lennon Jackson (MU16), Helana White (FU12), Amelia Halstead (FU10) and Charlie Plant (FU8). The girls took 2^nd place in the teams with the boys taking 1^st and 3^rd place in the teams.

Olly Plant. One of our youngest runners at the East Lancs 2K race. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat Pos	Time
1	Dexta Thompson	MU12	1	07:35.0
5	Lennon Jackson	MU16	1	08:00.0
6	Matthew Jackson	MU12	2	08:11.0
7	Jenson Bentham	MU12	3	08:25.0
10	Aaron Lundie	MU16	2	08:31.0
11	Helana White	FU12	1	08:31.0
16	Liberty Thompson	FU16	5	09:16.0
18	Amelia Halstead	FU10	1	09:27.0
23	Claudia Bentham	FU16	6	09:39.0
24	Felix Thompson	MU8	2	10:34.0
25	Charlie Plant	FU8	1	10:53.0
34	Olly Plant	MU8	4	13:07.0

Full Results

LAMB’S LONGER LEG

Race Report from Andrew Firth

It’s a bit of a funny name, and I’m not sure why the Longer Leg, but since the race is based at the Lamb Inn, on the Chinley Road just out of Hayfield in the Peak District clearly that’s where the name comes from. It’s surprisingly quick to get to Hayfield from East Lancs, just under the hour on a Sunday morning when the notorious traffic through Mottram is quiet. It’s only a short race, just over 3 miles, but worth the effort with two climbs and two slippery descents, which in today’s weather was exceptionally wet and difficult underfoot.

It’s a low key race, doesn’t appear in FRA calendar and is also strictly pre entry so it’s tends to attract low numbers. If anyone fancies doing it in future years the entry details appear on Hayfield races website. The organiser only made an appearance at 10 o’clock, cutting it a bit fine for a 10.30 start. However the 70 or so runners lined up at the start only a few minutes late, most wearing waterproof tops.

I had a bit of a watch malfunction at the start, and by the time I sorted it out I was dead last as we trudged up the track. I buckled down to the task and slowly gained a few places, dodging really boggy patches as well as a surprising amount of remaining snowdrifts. At the top of the track you turn onto the track that eventually leads to Rushup Edge for a short period followed by a sharp left and quick slippery descent losing all the height we had gained. Traverse around the bottom of Dimpus Clough before a steep haul up to South Head, then the route virtually retraces the outward leg, except we go right to finish in the field next to the pub.

I was happy with performance having been last at the start. The only other Claytoner was Ivan Whigham who finished 32^nd.After the race myself Dinah, Ivan and Kirsty retired to the pub for a well-earned Sunday roast – both myself and Ivan felt compelled to have the lamb, but I’m not sure who got the long leg!

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
32	Ivan Whigham	M55	38:40
50	Andrew Firth	M55	42:28

Full Results

SOREEN STANBURY SPLASH

Seven Clayton Harriers splashed their way around this popular Woodentops’ fell race. Dave Bagot was our first finisher in 15^th place, followed only seconds later by Louisa Powell-Smith who won the ladies race and was 16^th overall.

Louisa Powell-Smith, winner of the ladies race at the Stanbury Splash. Photo by Woodentops

It was also the first race for Wayne McIntosh since he returned to the club so a big welcome back to him.

The Mac is back! Welcome back Wayne McIntosh. Photo by Woodentops

Report from James Boult

From Penistone Hill Country Park, the start of many of Woodentops’ well-established fell races, began the 34^th Soreen Stanbury Splash fell race in typical January conditions. With a quarry already made boggy by a Junior Race beforehand, a couple of hundred fell runners assembled for the usual pre-run briefing from Dave Woodhead. Rain and wind, two weather conditions that seem to permanently occupy the surrounding areas over Penistone Hill, came in force making an already boggy course saturated in mud.

With many of the Clayton contingent racing the East Lancs Hospice 10K over in Great Harwood, I elected for a trip over the boarder to kick start my racing schedule for 2017. After enduring a torrid winter plagued by injury, the Woodentops’ races have helped get my motivation back after a frustrating few months of inconsistency. From a 2016 which saw forty minutes knocked off my half marathon times to end up at 1:33, ten minutes knocked off my 10K time to go down to 41 minutes and five minutes knocked off my 5K time to see an 18 minute personal best, the only discipline I was yet to see improvement in was fell; and the last two Woodentops’ races have helped me get confidence on an area which had been my downfall.

James Boult at the start of the Stanbury Splash. Photo by Woodentops

Starting from the quarry the course heads off along a steady and muddy towpath to one of the courses many descents and climbs. Heading along the footpath towards Bronte Bridge the course heads down right through a soft and muddy descent which ends at the Sladen Beck, an ice cold river which is crossed before a hands and knees job on the other side. Hitting the bridleway you head on up to what becomes the Pennine Way. This gradual climb ends in another sharp descent into Ponden Beck, another water crossing with another even steeper climb at the end of it. Ascending gradually and with burning quads, the lead runners could be spotted through the rain and mist as they flew across the tops back towards the Quarry. The route then heads on what would be a scenic loop around Ponden Clough and Kirk had it not been for a thick mist which limited visibility.

The footpath around the Clough is sharp and small, and with rain and mud it made it quite treacherous. What was visible through the fog was the daunting drop that one wrong movement could see you falling straight down into the unknown. The course then heads back to the quarry across a fast, muddy footpath before re-joining the Pennine Way and taking the course in reverse.

This muddy, wet course is the perfect start to a 2017 fell running season and is one which comes highly recommended for next year. A clearly popular race, the Stanbury Splash is a must for seasoned fell runners and a must for fell runners just starting out or wanting to boost confidence. Tough climbs, fun descents and plenty of mud, it is the perfect fell race for a cold January morning.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
15	Dave Bagot	M	52:32
16	Louisa Powell-Smith	L	52:40
96	Alan Life	V50	61:51
140	Jeffrey Pickup	V60	65:42
183	Chris Whiteoak	M	70:14
186	James Boult	M	70:39
267	Wayne McIntosh	M	81:01

SOREEN STANBURY JUNIORS

Christopher Brown was our sole junior runner in the junior races and he finished in 13^th place. There were 104 runners in the main junior race so well done Christopher!

Pos	Name	Time
13	Christopher Brown	7:49

STAN BRADSHAW PENDLE ROUND RECCE DAYS

As reported in last week’s roundup, Colin Woolford who is the race organiser of the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round is organising some recce days for club members and friends of the club. The first one was on Sunday so read on to find out what it entailed. If you are interested in the next recce it will take place on Sunday 12 February at 10:00am. Meet on Barley Car Park ( look for the Red VW Transporter) and bring running kit appropriate for the weather.

Recce Day Review by Ladies Fell Captain, Sarah Helliwell

After not running properly for over 6 weeks I decided that I needed a goal to get me back on track and miles back into my legs. I decided that the Stan Bradshaw would be the first aim of the year, so I decided to take up Colin’s kind offer of a recce. It was raining, the mist was down, you couldn’t see Pendle, however that didn’t stop 15 of us turning up at Barley. As we set off a number of us knew that the XC fixture the day before was going to make the run a little bit tougher for our legs.

Sarah Helliwell at the XC

The weather around the trig was blustery, very wet and visibility was poor. Perfect to practice the route in. As we made our way around the route, Colin pointed out bits of advice on how and where not to go wrong. He also gave us advice on how to use our map efficiently and what to do if we end up on our own and are unsure of where to go. If members are wanting a spring challenge of a slightly longer fell race in our local area then this is the one. It will certainly get you going for the summer fell season, where there are plenty of local races to take advantage of. You may even find yourself as a contender for the club championship, which are all local races this year using some classic courses.

Getting to grips with tricky conditons

Colin is doing another recce on the 12th February so look out for details on the Team Clayton Facebook page. Even if you are not planning on doing the Stan Bradshaw it is great experience with solid advice from a qualified mountain leader and fellow fell runner. A massive thank you to Colin for giving up his time and well done to all who ran; there was an excellent turn out on the female front. The encouragement to get people out on the fells this year is really apparent, with a good 20 plus regularly turning up at Barley Badgers on a Tuesday (6.30pm Pendle Inn, Barley).

Happy runners after an excellent recce of the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round.

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Burnley parkrun – A total of 305 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
2	Jonathan PYE	18:31	SM25-29
10	Gareth BERRY	20:59	VM40-44
35	Daniel PLANT	23:09	SM30-34
45	Michelle ABBOTT	23:48	VW35-39
50	Robert MORRISON	24:05	VM40-44
52	Colin WHITE	24:09	VM40-44
64	Nina KEWIN	24:28	VW35-39
75	Julie DAWES	25:09	VW45-49
81	Wayne MCINTOSH	25:26	SM30-34
96	Lisa JOHNSON	26:08	VW40-44
98	Ian HARGREAVES	26:10	VM50-54
109	Annabel WILCOCK	26:39	JW15-17
110	John WILCOCK	26:43	VM50-54
123	Donna SCOTT	27:00	VW50-54

Burnley Junior parkrun – A total of 31 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Nathan KEWIN	8:29	JM11-14
3	Heidi KEWIN	9:15	JW11-14
4	Bethany WHEATCROFT	9:23	JW11-14
21	Emily JOHNSON	13:19	JW10

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 167 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
39	Wendy DODDS	24:35	VW65-69

Highbury Fields parkrun – A total of 283 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
244	Eileen JONES	29:51	VW60-64	First Timer!

Lytham Hall parkrun – A total of 210 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
185	Philip NAYLOR	34:57	VM35-39

Pendle parkrun – A total of 75 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
3	Paul HESKETH	21:33	VM50-54
17	Martin BRADY	25:21	VM50-54
26	Barry MITCHELL	26:12	VM70-74
31	Dawn TERRY	27:33	VW50-54

Witton parkrun – A total of 75 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
73	Julia RUSHTON	48:13	VW50-54

ByJim Hickie

Awards Evening – final list of 141 guests

ByAdrienne Olszewska

2017 gets off to a champion start

What a great start to 2017! One thing is for sure; Clayton-le-Moors Harriers don’t wait to kick start the new year. With parkrun doubles and classic fell races on New Year’s Day you were out and about as you mean to go on. And then, on the first proper weekend, a superb showing at the Lancashire Cross Country Championships with medals and champions galore.

SUNDAY JANUARY 1

NINE STANDARDS FELL RACE

150 runners shook off the excesses of Christman and New Year to line up for the Nine Standards Fell Race over an 8 mile course with 1801ft of climb.

Wendy Dodds at the Nine Standards Fell Race. Photo by Andy Jackson

Wendy Dodds was our sole representative in this race and she finished in 109^th place as 1^st V60 lady.

Pos	Name	Category	Time
109	Wendy Dodds	FV60	01:21:19

Full Results

WHITWORTH NEW YEAR’S DAY AWAKENER 5K

A quartet of Clayton men took part in the popular Whitworth NYD Awakener 5K. Stephen Green was our first finisher in 37th place followed by David McMullan in 38th. Robert Hirst was 85th and Ron Chappell was 89th. There were 98 runners.

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
37	Stephen Green	M60	(002/005)	00:24:44
38	David McMullan	M45	(008/014)	00:24:48
85	Robert Hirst	M65	(004/005)	00:33:11
89	Ron Chappell	M65	(005/005)	00:34:25

Full Results

SATURDAY 7 JANUARY

LANCASHIRE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

U11 Boys

55 runners took part in the U11 boys event with Dexta Thompson running strongly to take the win. Robbie Smedley battled hard to earn a bronze medal and third place. Finley Stubbs in 9^th place and Matthew Jackson in 16^th ensured a first place finish for the team. The U11 squad was completed by Jenson Bentham and Joshua McKay

U11 Champion, Dexta Thompson. Photo by David Wood

Team Position – 1^st (D Thompson | R Smedley | F Stubbs | M Jackson)

Pos	Name	Time
1	Dexta Thompson	6:21
3	Robbie Smedley	6:37
9	Finley Stubbs	6:52
16	Matthew Jackson	7:08
22	Jenson Bentham	7:18
43	Joshua McKay	7:54

U11 Girls

Helana White was our first U11 girl in 8^th place in a field of 55 runners. The team finished in 7^th place overall.

Helana White running well in the U11 race. Photo by David Wood

Team Position – 7^th ( H White | K Thompson | R Stevenson | E Smedley)

Pos	Name	Time
8	Helana White	7:12
26	Kady Thompson	8:05
49	Rachel Stevenson	9:07
51	Ellisia Smedley	9:27

U13 Boys

Jackson McKay had a great fun and finished 3^rd overall earning a bronze medal for himself. Lennon Jackson was 27^th. Sadly not enough U13 boys for a team at this event.

Pos	Name	Time
3	Jackson McKay	11:27
27	Lennon Jackson	13:34

U13 Girls

Ella Dorrington was the first Clayton girl in 12^th place.

Bethany Wheatcroft in the U13 race. Photo by David Wood

Team Position – 6^th (E Dorrington | K Stevenson | B Wheatcroft | B Olszewska)

Pos	Name	Time
12	Ella Dorrington	13:32
48	Keira Stevenson	16:11
51	Bethany Wheatcroft	16:33
54	Bronia Olszewska	17:42

U15 Boys

Our U15 boys ran well in a small but very competitive field. Nicholas Hennessey was our first finisher in 13^th place.

U15 Boys in action. L-R Stanley Grewal, Aaron Lundi and Adam Stevenson. Photo by David Wood

Team Position – 4^th (N Hennessey | S Grewal |A Stevenson | A Lundie)

Pos	Name	Time
13	Nicholas Hennessey	13:59
22	Stanley Grewal	14:48
29	Adam Stevenson	16:23
33	Aaron Lundie	19:19

U15 Girls

Our U15 girls put in a strong performance in a very competitive group with a 3^rd place finish and bronze medal for Briony Holt. Some great running from her team mates secured a bronze medal for the team as well.

A rather packed podium. Bronze medal winning U15 Girls Briony Holt, Mille Stubbs, Natasha Olszewska and Liberty Thompson

Team Position – 3^rd ( B Holt | M Stubbs | N Olszewska | L Thompson)

Pos	Name	Time
3	Briony Holt	15:00
14	Millie Stubbs	16:22
23	Natasha Olszewska	17:49
30	Liberty Thompson	19:28

U17 Men

Curtis Holt was our first finisher in this group which was very fast and competitive.

U17 Men. L-R Reece Lawrence, Simon Wilshaw and Curtis Holt. Photo by Andrew Holt

Team Position – 5^th ( C Holt | S Wilshaw | R Lawrence)

Pos	Name	Time
20	Curtis Holt	21:49
21	Simon Wilshaw	22:27
22	Reece Lawrence	23:04

U20 Men

Pos	Name	Time
13	George Pier	45:52

Ladies Race

What a champion bunch of ladies we have!

Clayton Ladies racing in the mist at the Lancashire XC Championship. Irene Roche leads with Teresa de Curtis not far behind. Photo by Steve Bateson

Eleven ladies turned up to race and left with a haul of medals to be proud of. We can boast the Lancashire ladies champion, the champion lady vets team and lots of age category medals as well.

Lancashire Cross Country Champion, Louisa Powell-Smith in action. Photo by David Wood

A really great race for Louisa Powell-Smith who took the race win and the 1^st L35 win as well the gold medal for the ladies vets team (on her birthday too!).

Lancashire Lady Vet Champions! L-R Cassie Smedley, Louisa Powell-Smith and Donna Airey.

Julia Rushton was 3^rd L50. Irene Roche was 1^st L55 and Susan Allen was 2^nd L55. Christine Leathley was 2^nd L65.

Lady V55 Champions. Irene Roche (gold), Sue Allen (Bronze)

Team Position – 5^th (L Powell-Smith | L Hesketh | D Airey)

Vets Team – 1^st ( L Powell-Smith | D Airey | C Smedley)

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
1	Louisa Powell-Smith	L35	24:25
14	Laura Hesketh	L	27:02
37	Donna Airey	L35	31:54
40	Cassandra Smedley	L35	32:38
44	Irene Roche	L55	33:44
45	Teresa de Curtis	L45	34:00
48	Angela Shian	L35	34:49
49	Julia Rushton	L50	35:36
64	Judith Carey	L35	44:13
66	Susan Allen	L55	46:14
68	Christine Leathley	L65	51:20

Mens Race

Danny Collinge was the first Clayton man in 14^th place overall. The team finished in 7^th place. Success was in the air for our vet men with a silver for the team. Mark Aspinall got a Gold medal for the V55 and James Hickie joined him on the podium with a bronze medal. Stephen Breckell got a silver medal for the V65 category and David Scott was 1^st V70.

Danny Collinge at the Lancashire Cross Country Championship Photo by David Wood

Vets Team – 2^nd ( M Aspinall | R Stevenson | P Coates | A Orr)

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
14	Danny Collinge	M	34:00
50	Mark Aspinall	V55	38:15
58	Richard Stevenson	V40	39:10
60	Peter Coates	V40	39:20
65	Matthew Duckworth	M	39:50
85	Andrew Orr	V45	42:32
90	Alan Life	V50	43:18
97	John Wilcock	V50	44:07
124	James Hickie	V55	48:40
130	Christopher Lawrence	V50	49:29
131	Stephen Breckell	V65	50:03
133	David Scott	V70	50:48
137	Carl Carey	V45	54:49

Full Results

SUNDAY 8 JANUARY

CENTRAL LANCS HALF MARATHON

Dan Plant and Colin White took part in the Central Lancs New Year Half Marathon. Dan was our first finisher in 74th place overall and a time of 01:31:45. Colin White kick started his 2017 race diary with a brand spanking new PB of 1:38:56.6.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
74	Daniel Plant	M	1:31:45.0
121	Colin White	MV40	1:38:56.6

Full Results

FASTRAX JUNIOR 2K

We had a great turnout of juniors despite the Lancashire Cross Country Championships the day before. It was also a great opportunity for some of our youngest members to race.

Start of the Junior 2K Fastrax race. Photo by David Belshaw

Lennon Jackson was 2^nd overall and first boy in this 2K junior race. Helana White was our first girl and second girl overall.

Matthew Jackson with Helana White chasing at the Junior Fastrax race. Photo by David Belshaw

A very successful event for our juniors who took first place in every age group we entered!

Emily Nichols with flying feet at the Junior Fastrax race. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
2	Lennon Jackson	M13	(001/001)	00:08:00
3	Matthew Jackson	M10	(001/001)	00:08:29
4	Helana White	F10	(001/001)	00:08:35
8	Bethany Wheatcroft	F13	(001/001)	00:09:38
10	Charlie Plant	F7	(001/003)	00:11:12
11	Emily Nichols	F8	(001/001)	00:11:21
14	Olly Plant	M6	(001/001)	00:13:35

Full Results

FASTRAX 5K RACE

A baker’s dozen of Clayton Harriers took part in this super-fast 5K race. The top spot went to young runner, Max Wharton of Liverpool Harriers with Danny Collinge chasing him for second place and 1^st senior male. Michelle Abbot was our first lady finisher and also 1^st L35. Julia Rushton was 1^st L50

Fastrax 5K. Photo by David Belshaw

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
2	Danny Collinge	M	(001/010)	00:16:03
10	Jonathan Pye	M	(003/010)	00:17:54
13	Jordan Mcdonald	MJ	(005/008)	00:18:09
16	Paul Hesketh	M50	(002/008)	00:18:28
19	Nicholas Hennessey	MJ	(006/008)	00:18:42
23	George Pier	MJ	(007/008)	00:19:22
26	Reece Lawrence	MJ	(008/008)	00:19:45
32	Sean Clare	M50	(005/008)	00:21:28
35	Richard Briscoe	M	(010/010)	00:22:12
36	Chris Lawrence	M50	(007/008)	00:22:13
38	Michelle Abbott	F35	(001/001)	00:22:38
40	Julia Rushton	F50	(001/001)	00:23:40
42	Martin Griffin	M55	(002/002)	00:24:08

Full Results

GARSTANG 10K

Report from John Hartley

On a misty, but very mild, Sunday morning I set off over to Garstang to do their annual 10K road race. This being quite a tough and undulating course, I was chuffed at the finish when I saw the results and I had won the V60 category. Two other Clayton runners took part; Stephen Biscomb and Martin Brady. There were 480 finishers

Pos	Name	Cat	Cat/Pos	Time
40	John Hartley	M60	(001/012)	00:39:53
87	Stephen Biscomb	M60	(003/012)	00:42:45
159	Martin Brady	M50	(019/043)	00:47:34

Full Results

SCOUT SCAR FELL RACE

The Scout Scar fell race marks the start of the Kendal Winter League race series organised by Helm Hill. It is a classic 5 mile blend of fast hilly cross-country on rough limestone tracks with stupendous views (weather permitting of course).

Report from Stephen Fish

SCOUT SCAR – 4.5 miles/800’ – 08/01/17

Three Clayton runners, Wendy Dodds, Katy Thompson and myself, made the trip up to Cumbria to compete in the ever popular Kendal Winter League, Scout Scar race. This is held in a beautiful area of carboniferous limestone, just outside Kendal and was the first event in the excellent series of races hosted by Helm Hill Runners. The weather was mild (for a change) and quite misty, although navigation wasn’t a problem with approximately 150+ runners competing and a well-marked course.

Stephen Fish at the Scout Scar Fell Race. Photo by Andy Holden

Stephen Fish at the Scout Scar Fell Race. He says this is his pain face – looks like he’s having a great time to me! Photo by Andy Holden

Once the multitude of juniors had finished their races, we finally got under way. Wendy quickly disappeared into the distance, as I got into my rhythm to try and keep Katy in sight. Around the half distance mark, on a long gradual descent, Katy came past me again and gained quite a bit of distance, at which point I gave up any chance of staying with her. With around 1 mile to the finish there is a gradual climb and I was surprised to catch and pass Katy and had to work really hard to keep it that way into the finish funnel. I never saw sight of Wendy anywhere around the route, she had a flyer!

I can thoroughly recommend this popular series of races, especially the Barbondale race on February 12th.

Clayton Results:

Wendy Dodds – FV60 – Well in front of me!

Stephen Fish – MV60 – 45.29

Katy Thompson – FV60 – Approximately 20 seconds behind myself.

New Year’s Day parkrun

Congratulations to Alan Life, Martin Brady, Chris Lawrence and Christine Egerton on completing the New Year double parkrun at Skipton and Pendle!

Burnley parkrun – A total of 128 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
3	Matthew DUCKWORTH	18:45	SM25-29
4	Nicholas HENNESSEY	18:56	JM15-17	New PB!
11	James BOULT	20:37	SM20-24
13	Gareth BERRY	20:39	VM40-44
15	Stephen AINSWORTH	21:07	VM60-64
19	Robbie SMEDLEY	22:17	JM11-14
25	Lennon JACKSON	22:55	JM11-14
26	Helana WHITE	22:58	JW10
27	Aaron LUNDIE	22:59	JM11-14
31	Colin WHITE	23:18	VM40-44
33	Cassandra Darling SMEDLEY	23:30	VW35-39
36	Michelle ABBOTT	23:51	VW35-39
37	Nina KEWIN	23:58	VW35-39
38	Alan CLARKSON	24:03	VM55-59
42	Ian HARGREAVES	24:20	VM50-54
48	Matthew JACKSON	24:59	JM10
58	Bethany WHEATCROFT	25:58	JW11-14
74	Paul WALE	28:08	VM45-49
83	Stuart BARKER	29:17	VM50-54
87	Helen HARRISON	29:55	VW45-49
98	Adrienne OLSZEWSKA	31:31	VW45-49
107	Ellisia SMEDLEY	33:31	JW10	New PB!
108	Anita JONES	33:32	VW60-64

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 172 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
167	Robin PRICE	37:18	VM70-74

Pendle parkrun – A total of 138 runners took part

os	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
12	John HARTLEY	21:51	VM60-64
19	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	22:41	JM15-17
22	Alan LIFE	23:09	VM50-54	New PB!
46	Chris LAWRENCE	25:06	VM50-54	New PB!
50	Martin BRADY	25:21	VM50-54
61	David Ian SCOTT	26:16	VM70-74
67	Dawn TERRY	27:01	VW50-54
120	Christine LEATHLEY	36:56	VW65-69
132	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	41:22	VW65-69

Skipton parkrun – A total of 175 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
48	Alan LIFE	23:28	VM50-54
53	Martin BRADY	23:45	VM50-54	New PB!
55	Chris LAWRENCE	23:49	VM50-54	New PB!
93	Carol LIFE	26:29	VW50-54	New PB!
146	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	31:30	VW65-69	First Timer!

Parkrun roundup Saturday 7 January

Burnley parkrun – A total of 308 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
3	Chris SNELL	18:47	VM35-39
7	Dave MOTLEY	19:45	VM35-39
15	Nick ROSCOE	20:53	VM45-49
43	Michelle ABBOTT	23:13	VW35-39
44	Martin BRADY	23:14	VM50-54
53	Robert MORRISON	23:30	VM40-44
58	Daniel PLANT	23:53	SM30-34
64	Colin WHITE	24:08	VM40-44
65	Ian HARGREAVES	24:08	VM50-54
67	Nina KEWIN	24:15	VW35-39
80	Andy QUINN	24:46	VM45-49
86	Julie DAWES	24:57	VW45-49
98	Donna SCOTT	25:40	VW50-54
101	Andrew TAYLOR	25:51	VM55-59
103	Lisa ELLIS	26:02	SW30-34	New PB!
104	Annabel WILCOCK	26:13	JW15-17
146	Carl CAREY	28:02	VM45-49
151	Stuart BARKER	28:15	VM50-54
181	Robert HIRST	29:44	VM65-69
185	Helen HARRISON	29:52	VW45-49

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 145 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
134	Robin PRICE	37:13	VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 181 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
42	Wendy DODDS	24:52	VW65-69
57	Nerina GILL	26:16	VW45-49	First Timer!
101	Eileen JONES	30:08	VW60-64

Pendle parkrun – A total of 72 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
4	John HARTLEY	21:35	VM60-64
27	Barry MITCHELL	26:29	VM70-74

Penrith parkrun – A total of 196 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
5	Jonathan PYE	19:25	SM25-29

Puarenga parkrun – A total of 75 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
11	Roger James BREWSTER	21:45	VM60-64	First Timer!

Skipton parkrun – A total of 230 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
112	Yvonne WICKHAM	27:55	VW50-54

UPCOMING CLUB EVENT

Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round Recce Sunday 15th January

For those thinking about stepping up in distance and doing a longer fell run (Stan Bradshaw is 16km/ 10 miles and this year is on Saturday March 4th) and are unsure if this race is for them, come try it out and run the route with the Race Organiser!

From Barley Car park (look for the Red VW Transporter). Please bring running kit appropriate for the weather, if you have never been kit checked before under FRA rules, I am happy to advise if yours passes the standard. Whatever you eat/drink on a longer run may be worth considering as this will not be run at race pace (it will be a gentle trot out!) and I believe we will be on the hill for two hours. Please bring map of the race and compass also – I will have a few spare maps to share out if need be. The race map is also available from Pete Bland Sports.

Remember the aim of a recce is to gain some familiarity with a race route so on the day you can keep your head down and run, rather than wonder which way to turn next!

Meeting time. My original plan was to run in the morning, however, I have been asked by several members if we can run this in the afternoon as there are other races/events happening that Sunday morning. I am happy to do this so will start at a time the majority of you want to run at. Either 10.00 am or 1.30 pm.

Either email me at stanbradshawrace@yahoo.com and state the time (10 or 1.30), call me or better still, comment on the Facebook post I will put on to Team Clayton later this week. The time will be confirmed on Friday.

I will be accepting race entry forms and cash/cheque on this recce and the one on February 12th. The entry form with route grid references (for the route) can be found here http://www.claytonlemoors.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Stan-Bradshaw-Entry-Form-2017.pdf

Clayton members only please for the recces

ByAdrienne Olszewska

2016 – What a Year!

So what did we do this year? Well…You have raced 2K, 5K, 10K, 4 milers, 5 milers, 7 milers, 10 milers, half marathons, 20 milers and full marathons. You’ve raced in ultras from a mere 32 miles up to 105 miles with thousands of feet of ascent thrown in just for fun. You’ve run in different continents; Australia, Africa and Europe. Fell races number in the hundreds for the year with too many to reel off but covering Lancashire, Pennines, Lake District, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Peak District and Yorkshire. You have got down and dirty in Cross Country Leagues and championships. You have competed in team relay events on the roads, trails and fells. You’ve joined Ben Smith in his 401 marathons campaign when he was in the area. And top it off some of you have just completed a 31-day running streak in December.

We’ve welcomed 46 new members and had to say farewell to a handful as well this year. We were especially sad to hear of the passing of Tony Aspin, Mick Raine and Valerie Lawson.

When you are not running you are organising races, marshalling races, helping out at parkruns, helping out with training sessions and supporting your club mates in all kinds of ways. There have been 52 roundups this year with contributions and reports from 75 club members over the year. That’s an amazing number and something to be really proud of as I don’t think many clubs can boast such a huge amount of participation from its members. In the words of Ron Hill: “Clayton; what a club!”

MONDAY 26 DECEMBER

Whinberry Naze Fell Race

Report by Alan Dorrington

Cancelled last year during the horrendous Boxing Day floods, the Whinberry Naze Dash fell race was back this year with its usual eclectic mix of hangovers and fancy dress. Austerity seemed to have caught up with the dress code and there were no multi-occupant Chinese Dragons or Egyptian pyramids this year, but nonetheless the individual fancy dress on show wasn’t too shabby. A multitude of Elfs, some sexy, some not so, a couple of huntsman complete with dogs, Zorro, a bike carrying cyclist and Where’s Wally were among the outfits I caught sight of.

Whilst it was a crisp dry day and water engress would pose no threat to the many costumes, the vicious wind up on the tops would cause difficulties for some competitors with less than skin tight costumes (see Zorro’s cape for example).

A classic straight up and pretty much straight down route which makes up in climb what it lacks in imagination, the race starts up a very steep tarmac track and just keeps on going. Luckily they persuade Santa to do just one more gig before putting his feet up and he is always at the trig turn at the top with a tube of Smarties for each breathless runner. Those who are either less competitive or more foolhardy, attempt to eat them whilst breathing heavily and trying to descend a short greasy path to a long boggy run back for home. I’ve been running a charity challenge every day in December and had run 170 miles in the previous 2 weeks so was less than sprightly up the first steep climb, getting going up a bit more up to the trig at Cowpe Lowe before enjoying the scenic views (for once) over the Rossendale Valley on the way down.

Once finished down the steep and now slippery tarmac track, everybody was able to compare how well their outfits had fared up on the hill, and enjoy any wardrobe malfunctions as a consequence. A great way to run the Christmas fug off without getting too serious.

Awaiting results

Worden Park 10K

374 Runners ran off their Christmas dinners at the Worden Park Boxing Day 10K in Leyland, amongst them were four Clayton runners. First past the finish for the club was Mark Wightman in 48^th place. Next in was Stephen Biscombe in 68^th. Battling it out right to the end were Robert Morrison and Colin White in 78^th and 79^th respectively with Robert claiming a 3 second lead.

Pos	Surname	Category	Time
48	Mark Wightman	MV55	00:42:36
68	Stephen Biscomb	MV60	00:44:10
78	Robert Morrison	MV40	00:44:44
79	Colin White	MV40	00:44:47

Full Results

TUESDAY 27 DECEMBER

Ribble Valley 10K

There was a whopping turnout of Clayton Harriers in the Ribble Valley 10K with over 50 tangerine stripes on view. This popular road race attracts a quality field and the finish times are always fast. Danny Collinge was our first man home in 33^rd place overall with a time of 32:26. Dave Bagot and Jacob Watson made the top 100 with sub 35 minute times. It seems that despite the excesses of Christmas, this race has brought out the best across the board with our runners as too many of them to mention ran a blinder and smashed their PBs.

Well done Team Clayton!

Race Report from Dave Motley

Fast and furious 10k and with another quality field, most of Clayton got new PBs including me. 2017 looks promising. Up the Clayton!

Race Report from Nerina Gill

My husband says every time you get a few runners together all they talk about is injuries. So I don’t want to make my report on the Ribble Valley 10k all about my dodgy ankle. But it was my first race in almost six months thanks to a nasty attack of tendinitis that put paid to my running for all of August and most of September. It’s been a long hard road back.

I got to the start expecting little. I felt flabby, a tad hungover, and full of Christmas stodge. But marathon training starts this week, so the hard work has to start somewhere, and racing is still the best way I know to get fit. I had several John Roche sessions under my belt, but nothing beats the pressure of a number on your chest.

I set off thinking I was taking it fairly easy, but within minutes I was out of breath. I tried to hang on to the people I knew, but even though the course was more undulating than hilly, I couldn’t keep up the pace. I dug in, and soon the 5k marker was in sight. Mr and Mrs Roche came up in my shoulder, and instructions were issued. I tried to relax, keep breathing etc, but tagging on just wasn’t an option. Within a few hundred yards they were gone.

Soon the road started heading downhill, and I picked up the pace, but I was frustrated. Downhills are usually my forte, but my legs were refusing to follow instructions. I hit the bridge, and remembered the outward section. Oh God, it was going to be uphill to the finish. Argh! No chance of a sprint for the line, my legs were dead. I clumped over the finish, vowing to stop eating and drinking instantly (yeah right) and looked at the time.

What seriously? A PB feeling like that? Not sure how, but I’d love to do that course properly fit. Plenty of hills await in January and February, but what a great race to do in that awkward period between Christmas and New Year. PBs were claimed by loads of people we passed, so it was a race very forgiving of Christmas excess. I usually work over Christmas, so it’s the first time I’ve been able to run it, and I can’t wait to give it another go. Next year, I’ll be fitter, lighter, and less hungover. No, really…

Race Report from Lisa Johnson

Having not run the Ribble Valley 10k (or any 10k) for some time it was with some trepidation that I lined up on the start line with my mum. It wasn’t helped by the fact that at this race, you are allowed to collect your t shirt before you race – temptation to grab it and go and sit in the car was quite strong! It was good to see so many familiar Clayton faces on the start line and on the course and the atmosphere was, as usual, very friendly and encouraging. I kept up with the legend that is Dave Scott for a while but then the inevitable happened and he overtook me.

Slight mishap at the water station where I chipped my tooth opening the water bottle but perhaps that took my mind off the running as I managed to beat my previous 10k pb set probably about 15 years ago. Seeing Mr Belshaw and his camera outside the pub was welcome and then it was just the small matter of slogging up the hill to the finish line to wait for my mum and cheer her in.

Race Report from Danny Pilkington

After a trial run (and swim) before the 2015 race got cancelled due to the horrific floods I was really eager to get going on the race this year. Although cold and foggy, the weather in the morning was good.

I already had my race number through the post but no safety pins (I have made a note to start my own collection) so was ready to go early on. There were plenty of Harriers around registration on the morning which was good to see.

The race started on time and off we went, straight over Edisford bridge and up a hill. I started off well but after 4k of an undulating (and picturesque) route, The food from Xmas day and boxing day forced me to slow down.

I finished 1:19 behind my PB (which was set at Lytham so I will take this) and despite my struggles half way round, I thoroughly enjoyed the route. The stewards were spot on, encouraging people round and I don’t think I was the only one suffering from

Eating and drinking too much. The online times came through quite quick and as ever, the friendly feel of the Clayton family was on show throughout. There were lots of PB’s around too which, considering the undulating style of the course is a massive achievement.

Well done to all those hitting their PB’s.I can’t wait for next year’s race and will do my best not to overindulge over Christmas and boxing day.

Report from Judith Carey

We did a recce of the route a few weeks ago so that we felt prepared on race day and I was surprised at my pace, so I was gunning for a PB at this race. Although I was nervous because I’d run everyday in the Marcathon challenge and wasn’t sure how I would hold out.

Jane Hylands offered to run round with me and pace me and we were off! I really enjoyed the undulating route in the beautiful local scenery we live around and Jane kept me at a steady pace.

Around 6k I started to flag and then I heard the shouts and cheers from the Birtwistles which were gratefully received and lifted my pace! Then with 1k to go and an uphill finish I pulled out my fastest 1km split out of the 10! Knocking 6 minutes off my 10k time and coming in at 1:00:31. It was great to see so many Claytoners get PB’s too include Carl 😊

The marshals were great and the km markings were really helpful.Definitely a race to do again, help run off the turkey and mince pies!

Pos	Name	Category	Time
33	DANNY COLLINGE	M	00:32:26
70	DAVE BAGOT	M	00:34:05
89	JACOB WATSON	M	00:34:51
120	RICHARD STEVENSON	MV40	00:36:25
126	MATTHEW DUCKWORTH	M	00:36:42
134	DAVE MOTLEY	M	00:37:03
135	LAURA HESKETH	F	00:37:04
139	CHRIS SNELL	M	00:37:07
144	JONATHAN CLEAVER	M	00:37:16
219	MICHAEL TOMS	MV50	00:39:19
220	JOHN HARTLEY	MV60	00:39:23
253	JOHN WILCOCK	MV50	00:40:39
260	MICHAEL HOGAN	MV45	00:40:54
282	NICK ROSCOE	MV45	00:41:38
301	DANIEL PLANT	M	00:41:58
305	MICK HUGHES	MV40	00:42:06
310	ANDY QUINN	MV45	00:42:19
312	ALAN LIFE	MV50	00:42:11
357	REECE LAWRENCE	M JNR	00:43:39
447	CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE	MV50	00:45:48
449	HELEN OROURKE	F	00:45:40
452	DONA AIREY	FV35	00:45:24
453	PAUL WALE	MV45	00:45:45
466	MICHELLE ABBOTT	FV35	00:46:14
468	BRIAN WILDMAN	MV50	00:46:30
485	CASSANDRA SMEDLEY	FV35	00:46:50
497	STUART PROCTOR	M	00:47:24
499	CARL CAREY	MV45	00:47:15
501	IRENE ROCHE	FV55	00:47:05
503	JOHN ROCHE	MV55	00:47:08
511	CRAIG NICHOLLS	MV40	00:47:36
526	DAVID SCOTT	MV70	00:48:00
535	JULIA RUSHTON	FV50	00:48:01
549	LISA JOHNSON	FV40	00:48:16
558	MARTIN BRADY	MV50	00:48:55
561	IAN HARGREAVES	MV50	00:48:44
562	TERESA DE CURTIS	FV45	00:48:23
572	NERINA GILL	FV45	00:48:52
589	JANINE POLLARD	FV45	00:49:12
597	KATH BRADY	FV50	00:49:20
628	JANE RYAN	M	00:50:04
688	JO PERRY	F	00:51:24
694	RACHEL TODD	FV40	00:51:29
696	SUSAN CLARK	FV45	00:51:34
697	LISA ELLIS	F	00:51:35
749	DANIEL PILKINGTON	MV40	00:53:55
821	MARK KNOWLES	MV40	00:56:07
947	JANE HYLANDS	FV45	01:00:22
950	JUDITH CAREY	FV35	01:00:31
951	KARIN GOSS	FV65	01:00:13
960	MARION WILKINSON	FV75	01:00:48
1042	SHARON WILSON	FV40	01:06:38

Full Results

Wansfell Pike

An out-and-back route, this race starts with an unforgiving short, sharp ascent of Stock Ghyll Lane to the fell gate/ stile. A runnable section to a 2nd gate leads on to a thigh burning section of steep stone steps which head directly upwards. A short section of open fell follows, over rough grass and onwards to the rocky summit. This is the only check point and although runners can take their own preferred route, most competitors ascend to the right of the summit, descending down the left or northern side, crossing back onto the main path near the bottom, creating a circular route.

Although short and sweet this race should not be underestimated. The route is very steep and extremely rough underfoot. Slippery, wet conditions can make the descent treacherous and if the mist is down the ability to navigate is essential.

Four Clayton Harriers took part with Mark Nutter finishing first for the club in 75^th. He was joined by Andrew Firth and Simon Stansfield. Wendy Dodds was our sole lady competitor.

Pos	Name	Category	Time
75	Mark Nutter	MV50	30:01
81	Wendy Dodds	FV60	30:51
101	Andrew Firth	MV50	33:27
103	Simon Stansfield	MV40	34:05

Full Results

SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER

256 Challenge

Report from Alan Dorrington

In a bid to ward off the long winter nights, the tendency to stay on the couch and avoid going out, let alone the Christmas excess, December is now the month for running challenges – Streaky December, Run Every Day, Marcothon and now the 256 Challenge.

The 256 is the idea of ultra writer and photographer Ian Corless and involves a pyramid of 256 miles for the month, running every day in December. You run 1 mile on the 1st, 2 on the 2nd up to 16 on the 16th and then, luckily, it goes back down to a final 1 mile on NYE. Not so bad you would think, until you look at the cumulative mileages – middle weeks of 56 miles followed by 99 miles followed by 70 miles. Nearly 10 marathons for the month, 4 in the hardest week and days and days where the previous 7 days mileage hovers close to 100. For some runners, big mileages like that are a regular feature but being fairly new to regular running, it was definitely a step in to the unknown for me.

Fortified by the knowledge that I never really run more than 20 – 25 miles a week, I decided I would run the challenge to raise money for M3 Project, the charity I manage that works with homeless young people. How hard could it be?

The answer was hard but not impossible. Worries over niggles and aches persisted in the first 7-10 days before my body simply accepted that it had no option but to run every day, for an ever increasing mileage. The aches went away, and whilst fatigue started setting in, it never really became desperate just hard mentally to go out day after day and run the required mileage. I was tired, spectacularly so, and with an appetite the likes of which I have never known. The Big Week of 100 miles (99 just wouldn’t do) came and went ok in a Groundhog Day of long runs, but it was the week after the Big Week that was the hardest – a bad day physically and mentally on the 19th when I had 13 miles to run was the lowest point. Christmas Eve Eve (9 miles) and Christmas Day and the 7 miler were turning points where I knew it was done, in the bag.

A final mile on NYE seemed almost an anti-climax but the knowledge that I had run through and well beyond what I ever imagined I could do will stay for a long, long time. For me personally, the biggest takeaway was the sense of surprise that if you ask your body to do something huge, look after it diligently and feed it, it can and will do it. With the support of 2 other friends who also completed the challenge at the same time, over £4000 has been raised to help homeless young people in East Lancashire. Who knows, I might even keep on running every day for a while longer yet…

If you would like to donate please follow this link

Auld Lang Syne Fell Race

A baker’s dozen of Clayton Harriers ran in this hugely popular festive fell race. Christopher Holdsworth was celebrating his birthday in style by finishing in second place. Conditions were good if a bit “wuthering” (that’s a cold, biting wind if you are a southern softy). Louisa Powell-Smith was 2^nd lady in the race.

Coming on New Year’s Eve, fancy dress is very much a part of this race and Neil Hardiman and Barbara Savage certainly got into the swing of things in a most ecclesiastic fashion!

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
2	Chris Holdsworth	M	42:30
29	Louisa Powell-Smith	F	48:47
62	Peter Coates	MV40	52:52
70	Russell Clarke	M	53:30
154	Nicholas Roscoe	MV40	59:25
176	John Wilcock	MV50	61:18
179	Dave Motley	M	61:24
245	Sean Clare	MV50	64:27
270	Vicky Heys	FV40	66:13
310	Barbara Savage	FV50	69:18
311	Neil Hardiman	MV40	69:19
316	Colin Woolford	MV40	69:40
398	Robert Hirst	MV60	82:30

Full Results

Bowstones Fell Race

The Bowstones are a pair of ancient Anglian cross shafts situated beside the old ridgeway between Disley and Macclesfield overlooking the gorgeous Lyme Park, with extensive views across the Cheshire Plain, to the city of Manchester and the hills of the Peak District.

The run starts from the Boards Head Pub in Higher Poynton and winds its way uphill, crossing the Macclesfield Canal, into Lyme Park, joining the Gritstone Trail up to the Bowstones themselves, before passing Lyme Hall and the deer sanctuaries near Lyme Cage, eventually winding back down to Higher Poynton.

It’s a tough challenge, but the views (and the free bottle of beer to all finishers) make it more than worthwhile.

Chris Snell was our sole representative in this year’s race. He finished 16^th in a field of 389 runners. A cracking finish to his running year.

Race report from Chris Snell

I booked on to Bowstones race due to Auld lang syne becoming full almost immediately and my Brother (Stockport Harriers) had booked to race and mentioned there were a few places available. Registration was between 8-930 in Cheshire so early start for myself and coach Gemma.

On the start line I didn’t recognise any faces but vests from Pennine, Dark Peak, Horwich, there was a decent turnout. I set off from the front and felt good for the first mile steady bridleway climb, I slipped behind from the leading group but as usual thought head down run hard and see how it goes. The rest of the race after the first mile climb is forest track and grass paths within Lyme Park and has 3 bs climbs so not too bad and great practice for less experienced fell runners.

The route finishes with the same 1-mile bridleway so a fast finish.

I finished in 16th place and my brother 38th so I keep bragging rights for another race.

Pos	Name	Category	Time
16	Chris Snell	M	0:46:42

Full Results

FESTIVE PARKRUN ROUNDUP

It may have been Christmas but that hasn’t stopped you from running in multiple parkruns on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve in locations as far flung as Penrith, Whitley Bay, Swansea and even South Africa.

CHRISTMAS EVE PARKRUNS

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers love parkrun. So much in fact that rather a lot of you did the double on the Christmas weekend and ran on Christmas Day as well.

Burnley parkrun – A total of 271 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
11	Jonathan CLEAVER	19:29	VM35-39
12	Simon WILSHAW	19:37	JM15-17	New PB!
16	Nicholas HENNESSEY	20:37	JM11-14
19	Stephen AINSWORTH	20:52	VM60-64
26	Daniel PLANT	21:19	SM30-34
36	Helana WHITE	22:46	JW10
37	Colin WHITE	22:50	VM40-44
44	Matthew JACKSON	23:21	JM10
48	Michelle ABBOTT	23:37	VW35-39
61	Aaron LUNDIE	24:23	JM11-14
68	Nina KEWIN	24:41	VW35-39
91	Dawn TERRY	25:51	VW50-54
115	Barry MITCHELL	27:00	VM70-74
120	Annabel WILCOCK	27:07	JW15-17
121	Bethany WHEATCROFT	27:09	JW11-14
122	John WILCOCK	27:16	VM50-54
123	Lisa ELLIS	27:22	SW30-34
131	Brian WILDMAN	27:47	VM50-54
134	Donna SCOTT	27:55	VW50-54
135	Bianca BENNETT	27:56	SW25-29
149	Carl CAREY	28:38	VM45-49
167	Stuart BARKER	29:39	VM50-54
181	Ron CHAPPELL	30:14	VM65-69
185	Helen HARRISON	30:18	VW45-49
203	Jack MCGUIRE	31:16	VM60-64
209	Sophie MCINTOSH	31:35	SW25-29
210	Robert HIRST	31:40	VM65-69
239	Judith CAREY	34:07	VW35-39
267	Martin TERRY	39:27	VM55-59	First Timer!

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 108 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
93	Robin PRICE	34:01	VM70-74

Pendle parkrun – A total of 99 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
6	John HARTLEY	22:06	VM60-64
27	Martin BRADY	26:02	VM50-54
29	David Ian SCOTT	26:16	VM70-74
75	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	33:44	VW65-69
83	Christine LEATHLEY	36:48	VW65-69

Skipton parkrun – A total of 154 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
81	Jude ASHWORTH	27:18	VW55-59
125	Eileen JONES	30:48	VW60-64	First Timer!
127	Jon SHARPLES	31:09	VM60-64	First Timer!

St Albans parkrun – A total of 482 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
126	Katy THOMPSON	23:39	VW60-64

Whitley Bay parkrun – A total of 243 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
70	Wendy DODDS	25:04	VW65-69	First Timer!

Witton parkrun – A total of 88 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Louisa POWELL -SMITH	18:47	VW35-39	First Timer!
38	Nerina GILL	26:17	VW45-49
46	Julia RUSHTON	27:02	VW50-54

CHRISTMAS DAY PARKRUNS

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 109 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
112	Robin PRICE	35:48	VM70-74

Pendle parkrun – A total of 62 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Jonathan CLEAVER	20:04	VM35-39	First Timer!
3	Kevin DAVIES	20:40	VM55-59
6	Daniel PLANT	21:55	SM30-34	First Timer!
8	John HARTLEY	22:04	VM60-64
11	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	22:37	JM15-17	New PB!
19	Alan LIFE	24:38	VM50-54
23	Donna AIREY	25:21	VW35-39	First Timer!
24	Chris LAWRENCE	25:24	VM50-54	New PB!
32	Natasha OLSZEWSKA	28:05	JW11-14
33	Carl CAREY	28:15	VM45-49	First Timer!
37	Carol LIFE	29:38	VW50-54
38	Yvonne WICKHAM	30:35	VW50-54
45	Adrienne OLSZEWSKA	32:21	VW45-49
49	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	33:41	VW65-69
51	Judith CAREY	34:01	VW35-39	First Timer!

Witton parkrun – A total of 82 runners took part

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
40	Julia RUSHTON	30:01	VW50-54
41	Nerina GILL	30:01	VW45-49

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARKRUNS

Burnley parkrun – A total of 291 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Danny COLLINGE	17:13	SM20-24
8	Nicholas HENNESSEY	19:22	JM15-17
9	Jackson MCKAY	19:30	JM11-14
12	Simon WILSHAW	19:57	JM15-17
14	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	20:01	JM15-17
16	Gareth BERRY	20:29	VM40-44
19	Adam QUINN	20:41	JM11-14	New PB!
23	Stephen AINSWORTH	21:03	VM60-64
25	Andy QUINN	21:27	VM45-49
27	Mick HUGHES	21:36	VM40-44	New PB!
47	Chris LAWRENCE	23:11	VM50-54
51	Aaron LUNDIE	23:19	JM11-14
53	David Ian SCOTT	23:23	VM70-74
57	Carl CAREY	23:33	VM45-49
58	Michelle ABBOTT	23:39	VW35-39
63	Alison DUGDALE	23:47	VW45-49	First Timer!
70	Ian HARGREAVES	24:00	VM50-54
73	Nina KEWIN	24:12	VW35-39
84	Nathan KEWIN	24:50	JM11-14
93	Brian WILDMAN	25:12	VM50-54
94	Donna SCOTT	25:17	VW50-54
98	Lisa JOHNSON	25:33	VW40-44
116	John WILCOCK	26:36	VM50-54
117	Annabel WILCOCK	26:38	JW15-17
119	Bethany WHEATCROFT	26:46	JW11-14
120	Beth QUINN	26:53	SW18-19
122	Heidi KEWIN	26:58	JW11-14
171	Ron CHAPPELL	29:27	VM65-69
173	Stuart BARKER	29:29	VM50-54
203	Jack MCGUIRE	30:51	VM60-64
211	Marion WILKINSON	31:00	VW75-79
219	Judith CAREY	31:37	VW35-39
269	Helen HARRISON	36:56	VW45-49

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 108 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
94	Robin PRICE	33:57	VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 319 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
82	Wendy DODDS	24:34	VW65-69

Finsbury parkrun – A total of 224 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
183	Eileen JONES	31:03	VW60-64	First Timer!

Heaton parkrun – A total of 486 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
19	Michael TOMS	19:38	VM50-54

Knysna parkrun – A total of 352 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
173	Deborah GREENWOOD	33:00	VW45-49	First Timer!

Lytham Hall parkrun – A total of 280 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
136	Philip NAYLOR	28:14	VM35-39	New PB!

Pendle parkrun – A total of 90 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
3	Paul HESKETH	21:02	VM50-54
5	Briony Josephine HOLT	21:25	JW11-14	New PB!
6	John HARTLEY	21:31	VM60-64
29	Martin BRADY	25:23	VM50-54
39	Natasha OLSZEWSKA	27:38	JW11-14
49	Adrienne OLSZEWSKA	30:05	VW45-49
62	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	33:35	VW65-69
71	Bronia OLSZEWSKA	36:20	JW11-14

Penrith parkrun – A total of 172 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
6	Jonathan PYE	19:04	SM25-29

Swansea Bay parkrun – A total of 292 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
166	Yvonne WICKHAM	27:37	VW50-54

Witton parkrun – A total of 99 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
19	Helana WHITE	23:59	JW10
25	Colin WHITE	24:43	VM40-44
42	Nerina GILL	27:18	VW45-49
98	Julia RUSHTON	49:14	VW50-54

ByAdrienne Olszewska

‘Tis the season to be jolly

There’s definitely a lot of Christmas spirit in the air. It’s been a week of challenge and festive fancy dress. Quite a few club members are taking part in run every day in December challenges; Alan Dorrington is running everyday for the M3 Project while others are taking part in the Marcothon or Run Every Day December challenges as a fitness boost over the winter.

SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER

HURST GREEN TURKEY TROT

For those that don’t know, the Hurst Green Turkey Trot is a 5 mile trail race with a bit of everything. Fancy dress costumes are actively encouraged and the sight of a burly, tattooed male runner dressed as a fairy princess is nothing out of the ordinary!

42 Clayton-le-Moors Harriers threw themselves into the festive madness of this year’s Hurst Green Turkey Trot. Fast becoming an annual tradition with lots of our members, this race certainly brings out the sillier side in runners.

Team Clayton at the Turkey Trot. Photo by David Belshaw

Team Clayton at the Hurst GreenTurkey Trot. Photo by David Belshaw

Our first Clayton finisher was Louisa Powell-Smith who was 6^th overall in the race and 2^nd lady runner in the race as well as 1^st F35.

Louisa Powell-Smith at the Hurst Green Turkey Trot. Photo by David Belshaw

Breton was the first Clayton man in 8^th place overall and 2^nd M40 dressed as the Tango Man. Geoffrey Gough was 1^st M55, Ivan Whigham was 1^st M50, Joanne Bennett was 1^st F45, and Anita Jones was 1^st F60.

A junior race took place as well but sadly there are no results for this event.

Report from Jonathan Cleaver

It was my first time doing the Turkey Trot and I was not disappointed. So many people made a huge effort in fancy dress and there was a relaxed atmosphere. The run itself is a 2.5 mile ascent part Road and part mud through the infamous elephant trap which got you soaked to the waist! The 2.5 mile descent was brilliant fun through the forest and flying down the track through the mud to the finish.

Jonathan Cleaver flying down through the woods at the Hurst Green Turkey Trot. Photo by David Belshaw

A fun prize giving by Chris Barnes followed which was a good laugh as well. Great turn out from Team Clayton and top performance particularly from Louisa who showed the boys up on the day!

Pos	Name	Cat	CatPos	Time
6	Louisa Powell-Smith	F35	(001/018)	00:33:04
8	Breton Holdsworth	M40	(002/020)	00:33:37
11	Dave Motley	M	(005/044)	00:33:20
15	Jonathan Cleaver	M	(006/044)	00:34:09
16	Matthew Duckworth	M	(007/044)	00:34:29
23	Geoffrey Gough	M55	(001/013)	00:36:57
30	Lee Smith	M	(012/044)	00:37:49
31	Matt Perry	M	(013/044)	00:37:49
32	Ivan Whigham	M50	(001/025)	00:37:58
36	Peter Coates	M40	(004/020)	00:38:07
40	Ryan Wilkinson	M	(016/044)	00:38:24
41	Ryan Belshaw	M	(017/044)	00:38:24
61	Adam Shaw	M	(025/044)	00:40:37
64	Stephen Ainsworth	M60	(002/006)	00:41:06
71	Paul Wale	M45	(010/024)	00:42:10
78	Andrew Howarth	M55	(007/013)	00:43:01
90	Chris Funnell	M50	(011/025)	00:44:14
91	Andy Bradley	M50	(012/025)	00:44:14
96	Donna Airey	F35	(004/018)	00:45:24
100	Michelle Abbott	F35	(005/018)	00:46:13
101	Cassandra Smedley	F35	(006/018)	00:46:15
104	Jo Perry	F	(009/026)	00:47:13
123	John Roache	M50	(015/025)	00:51:15
128	Mick Hughes	M40	(012/020)	00:52:55
129	Carl Carey	M45	(019/024)	00:52:56
131	Joanne Bennett	F45	(001/019)	00:53:06
135	Janine Pollard	F45	(002/019)	00:53:22
153	Mark Knowles	M40	(014/020)	00:56:07
158	Angela Shian	F40	(012/026)	00:56:33
159	Irene Roache	F50	(002/015)	00:56:33
160	Vicky Heyes	F40	(013/026)	00:56:33
161	Jean Knightley	F55	(002/012)	00:56:33
176	Charles Clutterbuck	M70	(005/006)	00:57:39
200	Helen Burnett	F45	(008/019)	01:00:31
201	Michelle Butschok	F40	(017/026)	01:00:32
202	Karen Clarkin	F40	(018/026)	01:00:34
203	Judith Carey	F35	(014/018)	01:00:35
216	Geraldine Varley	F55	(005/012)	01:02:52
217	Julia Taylor	F55	(006/012)	01:02:53
220	Anita Jones	F60	(001/002)	01:03:26
239	Sean Clare	M50	(024/025)	01:09:55
240	Paul Hesketh	M50	(025/025)	01:09:58
244	Sharon Wilson	F40	(026/026)	01:10:25

Full Results

TOUR DE HELVELLYN

Three club members took part this in this year’s Tour de Helvellyn, a 38 mile trail ultra in the Lake District; Martin Terry, Nicholas Olszewski and Andy Armstrong. Martin Terry finished in 20th place with a time of 7:00:50, Nicholas Olszewski was 66th in 8:04:46 and Andrew Armstrong was 69th in 8:06:05. There were 201 finishers this year.

Report from Andy Armstrong

The Tour de Hellvellyn is a 38 mile trail/fell race, traditionally run on the shortest Saturday of the year. This is the sixth year of this low key classic event which follows a circuit over and around Hellvellyn starting and finishing in Askham on the edge of the Lake District. Support is minimal; checkpoints provide drinks and savoury nibbles but the competitors have to carry their own fuel around the unmarked course. Competitors choose their own start time; a reasonably competent runner can complete the circuit in the daylight however many start and finish the race in darkness.

This year’s weather was a huge improvement on previous years (the event’s brief history has seen snow, torrential rain, gale force winds and flood damaged trails) and a clear dry day promised some excellent times. Three Harriers made the trip up north and the best performance was by Martin Terry who achieved a personal best (but slightly frustrating!) result of 7 hours and forty seconds.

Andy Armstrong with Nick Olszewski at the Tour de Helvellyn. Photo by Stephen White of Granddayout Photography

Nick Olszewski and I ran round together and it took us an hour longer to complete the course, largely due to my woeful lack of long race fitness; this was my longest event in well over a year. Despite that, we had a great day out and the weather made for great sightseeing on the way round!

Full Results

THE STOOP

306 runners took part in this year’s festive Stoop Fell Race. 11 Clayton Harriers donned their Santa Hats and huddled together with the other runners in the quarry to stave off the icy cross wind that was blowing on an otherwise fine and dry day. Danny Collinge was our first finisher in 9^th place overall.

Danny Collinge at the Stoop Fell Race. Photo by Woodentops

Cassandra Smedley was our first lady finisher in 210^th place and dressed as a Christmas tree for the second time this weekend having run in the Turkey Trot the day before. Teresa de Curtis was making her fell racing debut and followed shortly afterwards in 215^th place despite turning her ankle on the course.

Report from James Boult

A strong summer turned to an injury-ridden winter and problems with motivation and fitness were starting to take their toll. Managing to struggle through a couple of Parkruns and a return to training only to be struck with shin pain, another layoff seemed on the cards. After a week off followed by JR’s winter wonderland on Tuesday, which finished pain free, I decided to tackle one last challenge of the year before Christmas – Woodentops’ The Stoop fell race over the border.

The 8km, 250m’ BS race from Penistone Country Park starts in the Quarry next to what Dave Woodhead told us at the start was “the highest cricket pitch in England” and heads onto the Harbour Lodge track. With more bog and mud than you could handle, the route heads on a steady, scenic climb up onto the tops to Stoop Standing Stone. A fast, long descent loops the course back before a final climb back to the cricket pitch.

L-R James Boult, Beth Quinn and Orlaith O’Mahony at the Stoop Fell Race.

Orlaith, Beth and I made the trip over for the race where we joined a handful of other Clayton runners tackling the event. A large field braved the icy crosswinds beforehand, clad in free Santa hats (which were a must for the race – it was the number 1 rule!) and some in fancy dress and we were released from the quarry at just after 11:45. Quickly finding rhythm I managed to move through the pack, only to be slowed by the first of what seemed to be about 7k worth of mud, bog and water. Ending up waist deep at one point and going knee deep countless times, I remembered just how much fun a proper, wintery fell race could be. Descents are not my strong point and this was no different (what’s new?!). Losing just about every place I had gained, and then probably a handful more for good measure, I tackled the course’s descent. Not a tricky one but when your ankles are like champagne flutes you tend to take more care than is probably necessary. Being overtaken by a man quite literally falling through the air, only to be stopped by bog a few metres ahead was a high point of what was a poor and disappointing descent. (But, ankles are still intact so I guess it’s not all bad.)

A steady climb back up to the finish line saw a time of 44:23 and a midfield finish, somewhere abound 120th I think in what was a great, muddy, fun-filled morning across the border and a nice way to conclude racing for 2016 – with two of my favourite team mates for company.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
9	Danny Collinge	M	35:13
37	Chris Snell	M	39:02
120	James Boult	M	44:26
201	Colin Woolford	M40	50:15
210	Cassandra Smedley	L	51:38
215	Teresa de Curtis	L40	52:18
243	Orlaith O’Mahony	L	55:59
282	Adrienne Olszewska	L40	62:38
290	Robert Hirst	M60	65:12
301	Beth Quinn	L	74:15
302	Jack McGuire	M60	77:04

Full Results

THE STOOP JUNIOR RACES

U8 Race

50 children took part in the U8s race with lots of them in fancy dress. This is a rip-roaring and fun race up, down and around the Penistone Hill Quarry. Organised and officiated by larger-than-life Dave Woodhead, this is a fun event for junior runners with a generous goody bag for all of the finishers. Felix Thompson was our first U8 boy with Ellisia Smedley the our first U8 girl and Emily Johnson completing the team.

Emily Johnson running in fancy dress at the Stoop U8 Race. Photo by Geoff Thompson

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
19	Felix Thompson	BU8	3:45
32	Elisia Smedley	GU8	4:12
47	Emily Johnson	GU8	5:10

U10/U12/U14 Race

84 children took part in the U10/U12/U14 race. Dexta Thompson was 3^rd overall. Helana White had a great run dressed as Father Christmas to finish in 35^th place and 1^st U10 girls. This group also ran around the quarry but on a slightly extended route.

U10/U12/U14 Race. Photo by Geoff Thompson

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
3	Dexta Thompson	U12B	6:49
10	Robbie Smedley	U12B	7:06
22	Christopher Brown	U12B	7:44
35	Helana White	U10G	8:11
49	Natasha Olszewska	U14G	8:47
61	Alfie White	U14B	9:35
66	Bronia Olszewska	U12G	9:52

Full Results

Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round route recce

As Race Organiser for the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round I am very keen to see this race full to bursting with orange hoops! The date for the 2017 running is Saturday March 4^th at 11.00am from Barley Village hall.

The crux of this message goes out to those thinking of stepping up in fell race distance. The SBPR is a 16km/10 mile category ‘B’ run (i.e. not as steep as it could be!) around the tracks and trods of Pendle Hill, it is advertised as not being suitable for novices, partly through that distance, but mostly because of the potential weather that occurs at that time of year, early March in recent years has very much been “still winter”.

I would put forward the case that if you have run some of the other, shorter Pendle fell races, the Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix fell races, Woodentops events or have been Badgering from Barley over the winter on a Tuesday night, then you are not a novice and this is the ideal race to step up in Fell race distance terms!

To that end, if you are still not sure – come and try it out. I am going to host two recce’s of the SBPR race route, one on January 15^th and one on February 12^th. We will meet in Barley car park at 10.00am and run the route at a steady 1.45-2 hour pace (the winning time last year was 1 hour 12, slowest runner was 2 hours 10), covering the route, its terrain and what to aim for in poor visibility etc to hopefully inspire some new middle distance fell runners in the club.

Please bring your full running kit as per FRA rules (Waterproof whole body cover, hat, gloves, map of the route, compass, whistle, emergency food) as we will be on the hill in winter for a few hours. If you are not sure if your kit would pass a race inspection, bring it and I will confirm that for you on the day. (I will bring some spare maps left over from the Navigation course in the summer if you do not have one of those to hand).

I of course will be accepting race entry forms and money on these Sunday mornings (and Tuesday nights!)

Please drop me a message to stanbradshawrace@yahoo.com or through Facebook – the Team Clayton page, if you are interested in joining one or both runs. I will post reminders on Facebook and the newsletter after Christmas and just before each run. Clayton members only please!

If I don’t see you Tuesday night or on the Christmas Eve run – Have a good Christmas and Happy New Year!

Colin Woolford

Parkrun roundup

Burnley parkrun – A total of 235 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
1	Danny COLLINGE	15:53	SM20-24	New PB!
6	Kevin DAVIES	18:44	VM55-59
7	Nicholas HENNESSEY	19:03	JM11-14
8	Jackson MCKAY	19:08	JM11-14
10	Simon WILSHAW	19:39	JM15-17	New PB!
14	John HARTLEY	20:06	VM60-64
19	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	20:42	JM15-17
22	Stephen AINSWORTH	21:04	VM60-64
24	Colin WHITE	22:18	VM40-44
31	Chris LAWRENCE	22:40	VM50-54	New PB!
32	Andy QUINN	22:47	VM45-49
49	Michelle ABBOTT	23:45	VW35-39
66	Nina KEWIN	24:10	VW35-39
76	Jake ANFORTH	24:26	JM10
88	Bethany WHEATCROFT	25:16	JW11-14
89	Annabel WILCOCK	25:22	JW15-17
90	John WILCOCK	25:24	VM50-54
94	Lisa JOHNSON	25:29	VW40-44
110	Lisa ELLIS	26:31	SW30-34
112	Donna SCOTT	26:33	VW50-54
119	Julie DAWES	26:56	VW45-49
126	Beth QUINN	27:14	SW18-19
127	James BOULT	27:15	SM20-24
142	Stuart BARKER	28:26	VM50-54
143	Ron CHAPPELL	28:32	VM65-69
146	Mick HUGHES	28:48	VM40-44
169	Robert HIRST	29:49	VM65-69
190	Marion WILKINSON	31:05	VW75-79

Delamere parkrun – A total of 210 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
136	Helen HARRISON	29:32	VW45-49	First Timer!

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 164 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
46	Wendy DODDS	24:19	VW65-69

Marple parkrun – A total of 127 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
125	Ron HILL	37:08	VM75-79

Pendle parkrun – A total of 54 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
7	Paul HESKETH	22:32	VM50-54
15	Martin BRADY	24:58	VM50-54
18	David Ian SCOTT	25:55	VM70-74
37	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	33:25	VW65-69
45	Christine LEATHLEY	35:41	VW65-69

Witton parkrun – A total of 60 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
20	Nerina GILL	26:00	VW45-49
60	Julia RUSHTON	48:09	VW50-54

Woodhouse Moor parkrun – A total of 250 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
2	David BAGOT	17:04	SM20-24	New PB!

ByAdrienne Olszewska

The boys are back!

A quiet week for the ladies with just a couple of die-hard racers. This week we are mostly mad about the boys. Five Clayton men took to the hilly roads around Longridge and six men raced hard in the Mytholmroyd fell race. It was great to see Chris Holdsworth back on to his winning form backed up by some great perfomances from his team mates.

SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER

LONGRIDGE 7 MILE CHRISTMAS PUDDING RUN

Five Clayton men took part in this tough, undulating seven mile road race over the Longridge fells .Richard Stevenson was our first finisher in 9th place overall. Just hitting the top 20 was Daniel Isherwood followed by Daniel Plant in 43rd, Stephen Biscomb in 66th and Martin Brady in 121st. There were 331 runners in the race.

L-R Richard Stevenson, Daniel Isherwood, Daniel Plant, Stephen Biscomb and Martin Brady

Report from Richard Stevenson

A small gathering of Clayton men turned up for the Longridge Xmas Pudding event, which is a well organised race with a challenging (700 ft elevation) scenic route on country lanes around Longridge.

I’ve done it a few times now and really enjoy the atmosphere plus you get the added bonus of a Xmas Pudding for all finishers. Well done to Daniel, Dan, Steve & Martin, hopefully there might be a few more Clayton runners next year.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
9	Richard Stevenson	MV40	00:44:15
20	Daniel Isherwood	M	00:46:06
43	Daniel Plant	M	00:49:09
66	Stephen Biscomb	MV60	00:51:47
121	Martin Brady	MV50	00:57:27

Full Results

MYTHOLMROYD FELL RACE

A fantastic run for Chris Holdsworth as he continues his return from injury with a hard fought win at this end of season fell race.

Chris Holdsworth, winner of the Mytholmroyd fell race. Photo by Woodentops

A bit of a battle between Dave Bagot and Peter Coates earned them 8th and 12th place and gave our men’s team first place to boot. Carl Helliwell was snapping at their heels in 14th. Stephen Fish and Andrew Walmsley completed our contingent of men with Linda Lord our sole representative for the ladies.

Linda Lord at the Mytholmroyd fell race. Photo by Woodentops

Report from Peter Coates

Mytholmroyd Fell race is a 6 mile fell race with 500 metres of climbing, organised this year by Calder Valley Fell Runners. It was also the 7th and final race of the Clayton Fell Championship. Myself and Dave Bagot were tied on points and it was basically going to come down to whoever finished ahead of the other in this final race.

David Bagot chased by Peter Coates at the Mytholmroyd fell race. Photo by Woodentops

I stuck with Dave for the first half of the race which started with a steep climb out of the valley but eventually the elastic snapped and Dave got a bit of a lead on a very runnable path section and then extended his lead on the final climb before the slippery descent to the finish in Mytholmroyd. Well done to Dave thoroughly deserved.

Chris Holdsworth was overall race winner and led from the start in front of a couple of class runners in Ilkley’s Jack Wood and Calder Valley’s Karl Gray. Well done Chris absolute superb performance. Clayton with Chris, Dave and myself won the first team prize.

Report from Dave Bagot

This was a race I wouldn’t have normally done had it not been a club championship race, but it was a cracker and would definitely recommend, with a record entry of 179 people completing the tough 7 mile course. The route set off straight into a steep climb, and with over 700ft of climbing in the first mille, the field really spread out. The route then undulated for the next mile or so before a really fast, yet slippery, descent.

Up until this point I had been closely tailed by Pete Coates (both tied in 1st place going into the final race of the club fell championships), but I manged to stretch a slight lead on the decent before edging away along the road section that followed. We were then sent up another steep climb which I managed to run a good amount of and so drawing in the 2 runners ahead of me. A very fast few miles followed, ending with a tricky descent into the finish. At the finish I was pleased to see that Chris Holdsworth had won his first fell race back after a few months out injured. The win was even more impressive given the strong front runners he was up against with Jack Wood and Karl Gray finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively. I managed 8th place, followed by Pete Coates in 12th – which was enough to see us win the team prize. Carl Helliwell wasn’t far behind in 14th, followed by a group of Clayton runners with Stephen Fish in 139th, Linda Lord in 144th, Andrew Walmsley in 145th.

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
1	Chris Holdsworth	M	00:45:54
8	Dave Bagot	M	00:52:27
12	Peter Coates	MV40	00:53:36
14	Carl Helliwell	MV40	00:53:40
139	Stephen Fish	MV60	01:16:04
144	Linda Lord	FV60	01:17:38
145	Andrew Walmsley	MV60	01:17:41

Full Results

PEAK RAID 3 – CROWDEN

This was the final event in a series of 4 3-hour mountain marathon (long scoring orienteering event) that were staged in the Peak District.

Katy Thompson and Jean Brown took part as solo competitors. Katy finished in 72nd place with an overall time of 2:48:59 and 245 points. Jean finished in 76^th place with a time of 02:47:36 and 235 poinjts

Full Results

SHITTERN SANTA SAUNTER

This 8km / 350m (4.97m / 1148ft) race takes place mainly over open moorland above Glossop with some tracks. The route takes in the summit of Glossop Low, shooters path junction, Dog Rock and Lightside top fence.

Report from Ivan Whigham

This race was run for the first time by the Glossop mountain rescue and was 4.7 miles with 1000 ft of ascdnt. Climbing was well marshalled and flagged although it was very claggy on top. I was top twenty and I was the only Claytoner about 70 ran.

Awaiting Results

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Burnley parkrun – A total of 249 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
4	Richard STEVENSON	18:48	VM40-44
5	Jonathan PYE	18:56	SM25-29
6	Dave MOTLEY	19:02	VM35-39
10	Nicholas HENNESSEY	19:24	JM11-14
11	Kevin DAVIES	19:26	VM55-59
15	Simon WILSHAW	20:01	JM15-17
29	Reece Adam LAWRENCE	21:10	JM15-17
32	Lennon JACKSON	21:30	JM11-14
37	Matthew LAW	22:15	SM25-29
41	Adam STEVENSON	22:32	JM11-14
43	Andy QUINN	22:37	VM45-49
46	Chris LAWRENCE	22:43	VM50-54	New PB!
48	Aaron LUNDIE	22:43	JM11-14	New PB!
50	Matthew JACKSON	22:53	JM10
53	David Ian SCOTT	23:07	VM70-74
54	Michelle ABBOTT	23:14	VW35-39
56	Helana WHITE	23:15	JW10
69	Andrew WEBSTER	23:52	VM45-49
71	Nina KEWIN	24:09	VW35-39
93	Julie DAWES	24:58	VW45-49
95	Annabel WILCOCK	25:01	JW15-17
96	John WILCOCK	25:07	VM50-54
97	Donna SCOTT	25:09	VW50-54
98	Lisa JOHNSON	25:20	VW40-44
107	Bethany WHEATCROFT	25:51	JW11-14
118	Liberty THOMPSON	26:28	JW11-14
124	Lisa ELLIS	26:48	SW30-34
127	Helen HARRISON	27:00	VW45-49	New PB!
143	Yvonne WICKHAM	28:16	VW50-54
170	Ron CHAPPELL	29:54	VM65-69
186	Richard LAWSON	30:48	VM75-79
198	Robert HIRST	31:16	VM65-69
202	Christine Jennifer EGERTON	31:32	VW65-69
216	Christine LEATHLEY	32:35	VW65-69

Coventry parkrun – A total of 485 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
303	Eileen JONES	29:24	VW60-64	First Timer!

Dewsbury parkrun – A total of 120 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
107	Robin PRICE	34:07	VM70-74

Fell Foot parkrun, Newby Bridge – A total of 108 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
25	Wendy DODDS	24:36	VW65-69

Pendle parkrun – A total of 57 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
21	Martin BRADY	25:23	VM50-54
26	Natasha OLSZEWSKA	26:39	JW11-14	New PB!
41	Adrienne OLSZEWSKA	30:30	VW45-49

Witton parkrun – A total of 65 runners took part.

Pos	parkrunner	Time	Age Cat	Note
18	Nerina GILL	25:53	VW45-49
31	Julia RUSHTON	28:23	VW50-54