News – Page 26 – Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

Pendleton Fell Race 2014 & The Rest Of The Weekend’s Action

Pendleton Race Report

“Back down the fields now and every year I lose at least 3 places on them, it’s fast running – good for cross country & road runners, I look round & see a tall lad in green – No ! Not this year pal…”

I arrived at Pendleton a little late for me, 1.35pm – slight motivational issues but thought nothing “ventured nothing gained – so let’s try my luck”. A decent Clayton-le-Moors turn out & 98 race competitors in total on a surprisingly warm sunny day. A fellow Clayton runner says to me jokingly “Have I come out of retirement” – I’ve been training enough but racing? – hmm not been focused on it – We shall see…

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

We are checked into the starting field by our numbers – new this year & are all chatting mainly about what position we are going to come in the club. I’m expecting to be around 6^th or 7^thbecause some fast Clayton lads are running that race a lot more than me. I work on “you’ve got to put it in to get it out”, but I’ve turned up to represent the club so I’m happy enough.

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

We all start to line up 3, 2, 1…. we are racing! Around the field behind the Village Hall & I’m nearer the front than I expected to be, wondering if I’ve set off too fast but feel okay as I haven’t ran for two days. I trained from the Sunday to the Wednesday to the point my legs were extremely tired & achy – I figured to run this race well, I need to be really fresh.

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

We hit the main street & it’s a slight incline, time to work only being a 5m race. I push myself hard from the start, no taking it steady yet. Having done the race before I am well aware that the hard part is keeping going when it starts to climb steep; that is yet to come. As we go through the gate on to the fields, I’m aware of one or two of my Clayton club mates jostling with me for position, so I push harder and a Dark Peak lady runner, who is really strong & determined, was on my shoulder.

Courtesy of Dave Potter

The first little descent was down Swardean Clough. Through the fern & up the other side, this is where the race starts for me, as it’s keeping going when your legs are telling you “I want to walk”. We are heading up to the road & one of my mates is walking. He’s over-trained – he would usually run me into the ground. I decide to give him some words of encouragement even at the risk of losing a place but I like to play nice so why not?

Courtesy of Dave Potter

We keep climbing, and I’m aware of the Dark Peak Lady runner behind me – she’s not losing ground on me but I won’t let her gain any either – she will have to earn it.

Courtesy of Dave Potter

We cross the road & gets lots of support off other Clayton members watching, but to be honest, I’m just aware of not wanting to walk and get to the top of the hill. The climb drags up & I can see the leaders in front reaching Apronful Hill – the first climb but still know my Dark Peak “friend” is right behind me, my head drops and I make a conscious effort to lift it up again & “dig in”.

Courtesy of Dave Potter

We turn to go down to Ashendean Clough, I should be able to make a gap now between me & Dark Peak but as we cross the Howcroft Brook she’s just behind me.

Courtesy of Richard Taylor

I’m making my way through the fern to find the path up to the climb to the “memorial“ cairn and my new dark peak “friend” puts a few little runs in when I’m walking & comes past me. I’m trying to get my legs moving again & I decide to follow her lead, I’m not letting her beat me quite so easily, so every time she runs I do too.

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

I turn at the cairn, take a look to see runners coming up the hill – there is good gap – but I’m aware I always lose a few race places on the way back as it gets faster, but I’ve been doing a Monday night speed session so hope it’s going to pay off. I’m trying to catch the Dark Peak runner as we run down the long descent, which gets steeper down to cross Howcroft Brook again. The gaps closing but not as much as I wanted, but by the time we cross the Brook I know I can get past her with the support of fellow Clayton members as we cross the road.

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

As I run past her I give her some encouragement, as she dragged me up to the cairn, & say to her in a few words I don’t mind her beating me but I don’t want anyone else coming past me now. We are running the race in reverse so back down and out of Swardean Clough – this is the moment “my wheels” may not go quick enough. Back down the fields now and every year I lose at least 3 places on them, it’s fast running – good for cross country & road runners, I look round & see a tall lad in green – No ! Not this year pal.

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

I dig in. My thought is, “If I’m wanting to slow down so is everyone else” but tell myself “half a mile to go”.

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

As I’m about to go through the gate onto the main road I turn round again, the tall runner in the green vest has gained on the Dark Peak runner & as it happens, goes past her, I tell myself quarter of a mile to go and “push, dig” – a little mantra I say to myself over and over when I want to stop as I run down the road, getting nearer to the finish. I try & sprint, daring not to look round as I know the tall lad in green is not far behind me. I turn to the finish, my lungs feel like they want to explode but I’m very happy.

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

My race position was much better than expected, and happier still that my Monday evening road speed training paid off and no one came past me on the run back in.

Courtesy of CSHoldsworth Art & Race Photography

Pendleton is a superb short race and I’m very pleased I made the effort to get myself to the start as I knew I would be if I did.

Thanks to Michael O’Donnell for this week’s excellent race report! Full results can be found here.

The Rest of the Weekend’s Action

Plenty of races to discuss this week. We’ll start at The Burnsall Classic Fell Race, where we three Clayton-le-Moors Harriers competed. The first of our runners through the finish had an excellent race. Andrew Robinson completed the fell race in 20:55 and was also the 1st V60 too! The next two men across the finish should also be highly praised, as both of them went on to race at Pendleton a few hours later. Ivan Whigham completed his race in 22:37, whilst Mick Dobson finished home in 22:50. Well done all three men!

Lot’s of Harriers putting in double shifts this weekend! Like Mick and Ivan, Martin Brady also competed at another fell race besides Pendleton. He competed at The Tour of Noorland Moor Fell Race, and completed the second race of his weekend in 51:50. Another Harrier took to Noorland Moors in Chris Funnel, who also had an excellent race finishing in 46:30.

More double duties to discuss yet… Jacob Boyle competed in 2/3 of the fantastic Cannonball Events that were held this weekend. The first of which was the Watergrove Trail Race in Shore, Littleborough. Competing against some of the top runners in the country, he managed to finish in 6th place, in a time of 18:48. The day after, he race at the final Cannonball Event Sheep Fell Over Fell Race, again having a great race, finishing a place higher than the day before in 5th, and in 18:48. Also in this race to compete twice this weekend was Christopher Holdsworth. Also one of the many Harriers to take to the hills of Pendleton, he achieved a 3rd placed finish in 18:02. The 3rd Harrier through the finish, and securing team prize for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers was Garry Wilkinson in 7th and under the 20 minute mark in 19:43. This happened to be Garry’s first win in the V50 category, though he was also the 1st Vet across the finish. Well done!!

In this race, Adam Hamer competed in his first ever fell race. He had a tremendous race, finish not far off his 5k pb (not bad for a hilly course) in 32:05. Expect to see his name cropping up more often on the results for fell races soon! Jack Mcguire put in a stirling effort as always, bringing home the Clayton men in 38:03. Well done everyone!

ByChristopher Holdsworth

Sierre-Zinal 2014‏ & The Rest Of The Weekend’s Action

Sierre-Zinal 2014‏

‘Throughout the race there was enthusiastic spectator support; brass bands, alpine horns and children offering sponges, drinks and food. We all received medals, certificates and a timely massage at the finish’

A small band of claytoners and friends traveled to Zinal a small village, a typical alpine village, in the Swiss Alps for the famous Sierre-Zinal Mountain race; known as the 5 4000m peaks (views). We caught the 0730 bus down to Sierre for the start at 9:30.This was preceded by 2000 walkers covering the same route starting at 0500 and a junior race (from Chandolin) at 0915.

All 1500 runners set off to the first checkpoint after 5 miles and 4300 ft of continuous climbing. After this checkpoint the course flattened out and the route was on forest roads to Chandolin, the route undulated on mountain paths to top of the course at Nava (alt: 8000 ft) then a short descent to Zinal through forests. Throughout the race there was enthusiastic spectator support; brass bands, alpine horns and children offering sponges, drinks and food. We all received medals, certificates and a timely massage at the finish.

Race: 19 miles / 7200 ftWeather: 18(deg) / cloudy but good visibility

Results:

Killian Journet (Spain)2:31first male

Stevie Kremer (USA)3:03first female

Rob Simpson (GB)2:35 (5th overall) first GB male

Victoria Wilkinson (GS)3:19 (9th overall lady) first GB female

Mick Dobson 4:08

Ivan Whigham 4:18

Andrew Firth 4:51

Pete Thompson 5:33

Robin Nicolson 5:41

Pete Dugdale 6:25

Mick Dobson had a superb run, Ivan Whigham suffered from cramp, Andrew Firth had a storming run, Pete Thompson was his first race after major surgery (on his big toe), Robin Nicolson treated this as a training run for his first “ben” whilst Peter Dugdale (King of Pendle) suffered from altitude & dehydration

Thanks to Ivan Whigham for this week’s race report!

The Rest of the Weekend’s Action

The harrowing realisation of how tough Sedbergh Hills Fell Race has swept the Harrier camp this week. There have been several cries and declarations that it was the toughest race of their lives, and with over 6000ft climb overall, it’s easy to understand why!

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We had nine Harriers complete the race, who are all very fragile in the days after (especially Ryan Wilkinson). A fantastic effort by Spencer Riley led our runners home, when he finished in 15th place, with a time of 02:19:11. He finished only 1 place behind Rob Hope and 2 places in front of Mark Mcgoldrick, highlighting what a super effort this really was!

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David Bagot was our next Harrier home in 02:49:07, whilst bruised and battered Ryan was home in just under the 3 hour mark in 02:58:46. Next over the finish was Jean Brown 03:02:38, shortly followed by Kieran Carr in 03:04:27. Wendy Dodds put in another stellar effort, finishing home in 03:07:32, and Katy Thompson finished in 03:50:01. Both ladies were the only F60s to compete at the race! Richard Briscoe ended his torturous adventure around the fells in 03:24:50, whilst John Russius brought the men home in 03:43:21. Great performances from all!

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ByJim Hickie

Lottery Funding Award of £8900

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers are delighted to announce the award of a grant of £8904 from Sport England, which will support our talented group of juniors. The grant has been awarded to the ‘Burnley Running Community’ project which lasts for one year. The awarding of the grant is largely down to the hard work of club members Marion Wilkinson, Jason Pier, Andy Armstrong and everyone involved, that have helped make our juniors the success that they are.

A large part of the award is to provide additional coaching for eleven of our older juniors, to encourage sustained participation into adult running. These members are now able to attend weekly gym strength & conditioning classes for a year at St Peter’s Leisure Centre in Burnley. The award also supports the training of additional coaches for our club, promotion and publicity, as well as mini bus travel to races and driver training.

The grant will help the club to sustain the high level of quality that is emerging through the ranks. Without such support, it can become an uphill task to maintain the enthusiasm needed to keep our youngsters in the sport as they become young adults. All of our thanks and gratitude goes to Sport England for helping us to develop our juniors into our senior runners of the future!

However, it isn’t just the juniors that will receive the benefits. The award has enabled Burnley Getin2 Running to hold adult beginners group sessions, which are held in the distraction free parks of Burnley. Led by qualified leaders, these sessions are held at Thompson Park on Mondays at 6:30pm, Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at 10am. There is also a session at Towneley Park on Thursdays at 6pm. For further information visit runengland.org, or call 01282 425011. We look forward to seeing more people taking up running to get fit, and hope that some will decide to become a part of our success and join us.

ByChristopher Holdsworth

Boulsworth Fell Race 2014 & The Rest Of The Weekend’s Action

Boulsworth Fell Race 2014

‘As I approached the final stretch I could hear the footsteps of runners approaching in my ear. I really began to dig in as I heard the dulcet tones of Mr Roche in my head shouting “have a word Martin..”

Running, why running my good lady wife, Alison, would say…………………

It all started back in 2012 when I wanted to get back on a bike and take to the open roads. Back in my younger days I had been a very keen cyclist but unfortunately, due to injury, I had to retire. The longing to do something I had always enjoyed remained with me and so I went and bought myself a bike naively thinking I could get back on a saddle and start where I had left off. Sadly not the case! The years had taken their toll on my fitness levels and so I started to do a bit of running to try and build up my stamina.

It was at this point that I was told about John “have a word” Roche and his sessions at Towneley park. I went along to the beginners group, did an odd park run, progressed to the next group, and made myself a member of the club in 2013 taking in a few races along the way.

This year I made the decision to enter as many of the Pendle & Burnley Grand Prix races as was possible and had finally reached the last race of the season, Boulsworth Fell Race.

Race Day…

We arrived at Trawden Playing Fields on a cool, windy and VERY WET morning. I was really looking forward to today’s race and it was really nice to see that lots of runners had turned out despite the weather conditions.

I didn’t know what to expect as I had not run it before but some had told me it was a “toughie”. As we set off up the long climb all I wanted to do was reach the top, but keeping in mind to take it easy at the start and not be tempted to rush off. As I approached the top of the climb a big sigh of relief came into play as I could see there was some level ground that lay ahead.

Courtesy of Trawden 7

It was at this point I could see a long line of runners in front of me tackling the main stretch of the course. I started to focus and raced ahead as I knew once I had reached the summit I could then look forward to the downhill part of the race, and the finish line. Keeping a nice steady pace I continued down the hill, passing others along the way, motivating me even more to the finish. As I approached the final stretch I could hear the footsteps of runners approaching in my ear. I really began to dig in as I heard the dulcet tones of Mr Roche in my head shouting “have a word Martin”, and I really didn’t want to be caught in my final footsteps to the finish line.

What a relief I had finally made it and completed this challenging course and my 13^th race of the season. YES, I had managed to run in all of them! I hope to continue with the Pendle & Burnley Grand Prix in 2015 and hopefully improve my times. Watch this space!

Congratulations to all competitors who have taken part in the Grand Prix and look forward to seeing many of the friendly faces in 2015.

Thanks to Martin Griffin for this weeks race report! Full results can be found here.

The Rest of the Weekend’s Action

Only three other races this week! (that I’m aware of) With a third from Sierre-Zinal 2014‏ which will be featured as next week’s race report!

Firstly, we had two harriers competing over at the 2014 Blackpool Airshow 10k. Ted Orrell finished as the 1st M75 in his category, in 00:50:09, whilst Julie Toman finished in 00:54:11. Well done on what I would imagine was a blustery day over in Blackpool!

Over in Preston we had 9 Harriers compete at the Welcome Tavern 10k Challenge. Terry O’Leary continued his great run of form, finishing 5th just five seconds ahead of Kevin Davies. Full Clayton-le-Moors Harriers results are as follows –

5 00:38:04 284 O’Leary Terry Clayton le Moors Harriers M
6 00:38:09 285 Davies Kevin Clayton le Moors Harriers V50 M
10 00:40:35 281 Hogan Michael Clayton le Moors Harriers V45 M
16 00:43:20 283 Clarkson Alan Clayton le Moors Harriers V55 M
26 00:46:26 272 Brady Martin Clayton le Moors Harriers V50 M
33 00:47:02 274 Wildman Brian Clayton le Moors Harriers V45 M
41 00:48:55 278 Moore Lee Clayton le Moors Harriers M
57 00:52:05 279 Duffy Amanda Clayton le Moors Harriers V35 F
86 00:59:53 269 O’Brien Kevin Clayton le Moors Harriers V70 M

Clayton-le-Moors are certainly broadening their horizons this week! Paul Shackleton ran at the British Masters Track and Field Championships. He did amazingly well and secured a silver medal in the V50 300 meter steeplechase!! Amazing effort Paul. In his own words ‘And some people think Clayton is just a fell club!’

In other news, Breton Holdsworth completed his ‘pigramige’ into the V40’s by completing the seriously impressive challenge of running over 40 miles in one go. He ran from Bolton Abbey to York Minister with the help from Nick Gaskell, Johnny McKenna, Micheal O’Donnell, Dave Motley, Joanne Motley, Chris Singleton, Christina Singleton, Christopher Holdsworth, Adam Shaw, Lee Smith, Ryan Wilkinson and Jim Hickie, who all joined in at various stages. There was also support from cyclists Neil Worswick and Adam Hamer, whilst Sophie McIntosh and wife Paula Holdsworth supported in the car. Breton would like to thank all of those who have supported him, as well as to everyone who made a donation. A massive £565 has been raised so far for North West Air Ambulance, if you’d like to make a donation the link is here – https://www.justgiving.com/Breton-Holdsworth/

As previously mentioned, a race report from the Sierre-Zinal 2014‏ will be featured next week by Ivan Whigham. Well done to everyone who ran this week, with a special mention going to Jacob Boyle for his fantastic win at Boulsworth Fell Race!

ByDave Motley

Worsthorne Moor Fell Race & the rest of the weekends action.

Worsthorne Moor Fell Race

I heard a voice from afar ‘stop running like you’re dancing!’ I turned round to see a sprightly young gentleman (you can pay me later John) running towards me, who I have now come to know as John Roche

How my journey began……..

Just over a year ago I was running along(well a leisurely trot might be more apt!) Red Lees Road, Cliviger, in my own little world, when I heard a voice from afar ‘stop running like you’re dancing!’ I turned round to see a sprightly young gentleman (you can pay me later John) running towards me, who I have now come to know as John Roche. After criticising my running style, the cheeky beggar was going to run straight past me but I insisted he gave me a mini session on my technique there and then-elbows in, knees up! John told me about his beginners training at Towneley and after a lot of blood, sweat and feeling sick I was moved up to his more advanced group before Christmas. Irene Roche encouraged me to join Clayton, I would never have had the confidence to do this without Irene’s encouragement and confidence in me. The support and encouragement I have received from Clayton has been amazing and I have made some great friends.

Courtesy of Steve Bateson

Race Day

Today I did the Worsthorne Moor trail race. It was tough, especially the long uphill start, but John’s training sessions have improved my stamina and Irene’s wise words to ‘tip tap’ up the steeper bits came in very useful. Every time I wanted to relax a bit I could hear John’s voice ‘have a word!’. The ice cold beer I had at the end with Michelle Butchok in the Billet made it all worthwhile. Just Boulsworth fell race to conquer now, with support from Jean Knightley(you can’t back out now Jean!) then I’ll have achieved my goal of 9 Grandprix runs!! I can’t thank you enough John for telling me to stop running like I’m dancing. That chance meeting really has changed my life for the better

Courtesy of Steve Bateson

28 of our members took part in the penultimate race of the Burnley & Pendle Grandprix. The race a tough 6.5 mile route starts with a tough climb up Gorple Rd before swinging out to Gorple & Hurstwood reservoir and returning to the start in Worsthorne. First Clayton member to pass the post, with a monster hangover, was Mr Orange himself Breton Holdsworth (6^th), Phil Hall proved he’s still one of the best around taking the V50 prize with skipper, Dave Motley in 13^th.

Courtesy of Steve Bateson

Full Clayton Results:

6. Breton Holdsworth 43:15

7.Phil Hall 44.19

13.Dave Motley 45:00

17.Paul Brannon 45:51

25.Dave Bagot 48:10

26.Richard Stevenson 48:37

28.Alan Life 49:09

29.Carl Helliwell 49:29

35.Chris Funnell 50:32

44.Richard Briscoe 52:49

45.John Wilcock 52.54

53.Andy Quinn 53:53

54.Peter Browning 54:05

60.Stephen White 55:23

67.Dave Naughton 56:40

70.Alex Braysford 56:48

72.Dave Scott 57:15

76.Martin Griffin 58:48

78.Stephen Ainsworth 59:07

85.Jean Knightley 1:00:40

88.Tanya Bunkham 1:02:38

96.Sarah Helliwell 1:04:34

97.Rachel Todd 1:05:13

98.Ron Chappell 1:05:54

100.Ted Orrell 1:06:53

104.Michelle Butschok 1:10:23

107.Stuart Barker 1:14:46

108.Christine Leathley 1:18:20

Full results can be found here

Thanks to Rachel Todd for this fantastic report

The rest of the weekends racing

Friday night saw the third running of the Padiham 5 Mile. The route from memorial park goes up & down the Padiham greenway to the canal and back. Clayton were out in force with a number of members taking part. Terry O’leary continued his recent impressive form finishing 1^st Clayton back in 5^th place. Jordan McDonald was 1^st junior back in 10^th and there were other outstanding junior performances from Kenan, Thomas, Ryan & Edward.

On Saturday in the picturesque village of Hellifield, two of our members took part in the annual gala race. 3^rd back overall with a really strong performance was Jacob Boyle, with the other ever present Clayton runner finishing in 20^th, Richard Briscoe.

Also on Saturday in really tough conditions 9 of our members took part in one of the Lakeland Classics, Borrowdale Fell Race. This epic race covers 16.5mile and 6500’ of climbing taking Bessyboot, Esk Hause, Great Gable and also the highest point in England, Scafell. As some of you are aware from media reports, there was an incident in which one runner suffered a fall from Scafell, I believe the runner was rescued and is now in a stable condition in hospital. However this shows the importance of carrying full kit, recceing courses and being able to read maps on these tough routes.

Spencer Riley was our 1^st member back in 24^th Place. Our Lakeland specialist Dave Nuttall finished in 82^nd with Andy Robinson not far behind in 96^th. Fell legend Wendy Dodds finished 1^st V60 in 150^th with fantastic runs from Nicholas Olszewski, Barbara Savage, John Rusius and Paul Wale.

24. Spencer Riley – 3:40.03

82. Dave Nuttall – 4:09:48

96. Andrew Robinson – 4:14:46

150. Wendy Dodds – 4:37:23

200. Nicholas Olszewski – 4:55:06

213. Barbara Savage – 4:59:57

226. John Rusius – 5:11:25

254. Paul Wale – 5:33:27

Terry O’Leary had a busy weekend and was one of two members out in Preston for the Wagon & Horses 10mile. Terry finished 14^th in a time of 62:53, with ever present road expert Steve Biscomb running 10miles in 73:10.

ByPeter Booth

August Newsletter

The brand new edition of the Harrier is here! On time! Follow the link to catch up on loads of recent results for junior and seniors. There’s a report from Mike Wallis about the Saunders Mountain Marathon and an update on the Summer Series. Not forgetting all the usual features: Run of the Month, Covering Old Ground, Milestones & Training info.

Ring 18th September in your diary – it’s the club AGM & 5000 metre track race – details on p4. August Newsletter 2014

ByChristopher Holdsworth

Welcome Tavern 5k Race Report

Welcome Tavern 5k Report

Instead of doing the normal midweek fell training with the club, I thought that I would have a change – the Welcome Tavern 5k over at Preston. I thought, ‘I’ll get there early’ so I left home at 6pm and it wasn’t a very good start to the night! I’d realised that I’d left my Garmin watch, which I use all the time to time myself, so didn’t have time to go back.

The race was reasonably flat with two hills and was based in a park near Lostock Hall. Unfortunately, I started a bit too fast and was with the leaders for the first mile. I wanted to break my 19 min record (when will I ever do it!) but I was 18 seconds off. Another Clayton runner Lee Moore had a great run in 22 mins.

Was a good night with a pie and peas supper after the race.

Full results will be here

Thank you very much Richard Briscoe for submitting this race report!

We welcome all race reports and would like to hear from all of you in your midweek adventures, as well your weekend ones too for that matter! You needn’t wait to be asked to submit a report, simply post your report here. It doesn’t just have to be reports either, if you have any photography that you’d like to share, please post those too! Thanks.

ByChristopher Holdsworth

Towneley Park 10k 2014 & The Rest of the Weekend’s Action

Towneley Park 10k 2014

‘My decision to pace myself paid off as I knew that the small climb out towards Todmorden road was just the start. Upping my pace and trying not to lose my place within the pack I carelessly plodded along until it dawned on me what was coming next…’

A brief Introduction…

As one of Clayton’s newest recruits, I thought I’d give a little bit of a background story about myself and how I (Jacob Watson) became a member of this legendary running club.

Like all runners who positioned themselves at the top of the Avenue in Towneley Park, my journey to the start line didn’t begin on the morning of the 27^th of July. Mine started back in 2012 after a rather self-indulgent Holiday in America, when I realised that I’d inadvertently put on a few pounds. To remedy this I decided to make a change to my lifestyle and took up what I called ‘jogging’. Like most new runners I could barely run to the end of the street, however within a few weeks I was jogging up to 3 miles every few days.

2013 came about and at the end of July I signed up to my first parkrun. That was it, I was hooked! I’d noticed a few white and orange vest during my first few runs but didn’t think much of it at the time (other than noticing that they seemed to be winning a lot!)

2014 saw a few personal bests at Parkrun and I started paying more attention to these white and orange vests, so much so that in April I took the decision to join in on one of John Roche’s speed sessions. “Why didn’t I do this ages ago” I thought to myself! The experience was the polar opposite of the lonely evening runs I’d been doing and I was starting to enjoy running more than ever.

Months passed and after a few more club training sessions I took the plunge, filled in the application form, bought the club vest and I haven’t looked back! In my short time with the club I’ve met some great runners who have given me sterling advice. I’ve pushed myself much harder than I would have done running by myself and I’ve seen some huge improvements. Most importantly though is the fact that running has gone from something I’d do every few days to stay in shape and turned into something I genuinely enjoy and look forward too.

Race day!

Courtesy of Steve Bateson Photography

Fast forward to the present day and I’m stood in Towneley Park at the top of the Avenue waiting for the race to get underway. John Roche was on hand to give some words of advice about the changes to the route before handing over to the race starter. “Ready…. Go” and we were off! The temptation to go full pelt down towards the crossroads at the bottom of the hill was there, however I took the decision to hold back as I had an idea of some of the climbs to come. The downhill stretch from the Avenue was short-lived as we turned left and ran back up towards Towneley Hall followed by a right after Stables Café. My decision to pace myself paid off as I knew that the small climb out towards Todmorden road was just the start. Upping my pace and trying not to lose my place within the pack I carelessly plodded along until it dawned on me what was coming next.

Courtesy of Steve Bateson Photography

Turning left onto Mount Lane I thought to myself “This is a lot steeper than I remember”. A few words of encouragement from Kevin Davies gave me the motivation I would need to get myself up to the top. I knew it was a relatively long and steep climb, but I also knew it was pretty much all downhill from the top. The climb seemed to go on forever and my energy was waning as we turned left for the final part of the hill. Some of the runners I’d tried to keep pace with had left me for dust but I knew what was coming next.

Courtesy of Steve Bateson Photography

The final two miles were certainly the fastest and I was glad to have paced myself during the beginning of the run. I caught back up with the pack as we turned left off Red Lees road and back towards Towneley Park. Next was a much needed descent down past the golf course and towards the crossroads at the bottom of the Avenue.

Courtesy of Steve Bateson Photography

This felt good but I knew there was one last (relatively small) climb before the end. We turned off to the right at the crossroads and then back up to the final hill and I knew I had enough energy left in the tank to put in a good finish. We ran back down towards the crossroads one last time, turned right and the finish line was in sight! A few cheers from the crowd gave me the extra push I needed to put it all in and cross the line. I checked my Garmin and while it wasn’t my fastest time, I couldn’t have cared. I knew I’d ran well and most of all I enjoyed the experience. Towenely Park 10k will definitely be on my race calendar for 2015!

Courtesy of Steve Bateson Photography

Race results

Jonny McKenna was first Clayton vest over the line (and second overall) with a very impressive time of 34:52, followed by Christopher Holdsworth who managed to creep in at sub 36 with 35:59 to take 3rd. Jordan McDonald continues to shine after being first Clayton at Todmorden 5k on Thursday. He ran a very impressive time as first junior in 37:57. Well done Jordan!

Courtesy of Breton Holdsworth

Phil Hall managed an exceptional time of 38:15 as first M50 and Stephen Biscomb continues to impress as first in the M60 category with a fantastic time of 42:28.

Courtesy of Breton Holdsworth

Irene Roche claimed first finisher in the F55 category with a superb time of 47:41 and David Scott grabbed first M70 with a seriously quick 48:15. David was followed by Dawn Terry, who claimed first in the F50 category with a speedy 48:19, closely followed by Ted Orrel who bagged a fantastic time as first M75 with 51:50. Marion Wilkinson was first in the F70 category with a great time of 58:55. Good efforts all round! Clayton-le-Moors Harriers Results in Full:

Pos	Name	Category	Time
2	Jonny McKenna	M	34:52
3	Chris. Holdsworth	M	35:59
6	Breton Holdsworth	M	36:47
7	Jordan McDonald	MJ	37:57
10	Phil Hall	M50	38:15
13	Paul Hesketh	M45	38:52
16	Paul Brannon	M55	38:55
18	Jacob Watson	M	39:04
20	Dave Motley	M	39:23
25	Roger Brewster	M55	39:59
30	Russ Clarke	M	40:54
31	Carl Helliwell	M	41:03
34	Richard Briscoe	M	41:34
43	Stephen Biscomb	M60	42:28
48	Kenan Eti	MJ	43:02
53	Alan Clarkson	M55	43:34
57	Andy Bradley	M45	44:15
59	Andy Quinn	M40	44:47
67	Gordon Barrett	M50	45:35
71	Peter Browning	M55	46:48
79	Irene Roche	F55	47:41
85	David I Scott	M70	48:15
86	Dawn Terry	F50	48:19
90	Brian Wildman	M45	48:37
99	Martin Griffin	M50	49:32
102	Julia Rushton	F50	50:01
103	Lee Moore	M	50:05
109	Jean Knightley	F55	51:09
110	Tanya Bunkham	F	51:19
112	Ted Orrell	M75	51:50
117	Jackie Kershaw	F40	53:33
119	Richard Lawson	M70	53:43
121	Rachel Todd	F40	53:54
123	Ron Chappell	M65	55:17
125	Sarah Helliwell	F	55:29
129	Stuart Barker	M45	56:23
132	Robert Hirst	M60	57:28
133	Marion Wilkinson	F70	58:55
134	Michelle Butschok	F40	58:59
141	Andrew Brewster	M50	1:03:13
142	Christine Leathley	F65	1:04:14
145	Jack McGuire	M55	1:07:47

Thanks to Jacob Watson for the race report! Full results found here.

The Rest of the Weekend’s Action

With the race at Towneley being a Road Championship Race, as well as a Grand Prix race, this section will be slightly shorter than usual. That being said, we have a few exciting results to share! Clayton-le-Moors Harriers running couple, Nicholas and Adrienne Olszewski, took on the Lakeland 50, whilst Andrew Armstrong went a step further and tackled the Lakeland 100. The three lunatics all had fantastic outings. Nicholas finished just over the 12 hour mark in 12:03:24 and was also the 1st M54. Adrienne was able to keep going for a consecutive 16:13:51 hours. What an amazing effort from the Olszewski’s!

Courtesy of Nicholas Olszewski

In the 100 mile race, Andy Armstrong finished as the 4th man in the M45 category. His race lasted a whopping 32:32:29! Completing 100 miles in a week is quite the accomplishment, so for Andy to do it over the course of this weekend is one of the hardest feats out there! Well done all three of you!!

Our club seems to spawn the most resilient and faithful fell runners of all the clubs competing today. When the speedsters are done racing 10k’s, when the dreamers are done climbing miles of arduous mountains; there will always be the reliable few who come out of the woodwork to compete at our local fell races. Two of those are Ivan Whigham and Andrew Robinson, who ran at this years Turnslack Fell Race 2014. Andrew narrowly outran his fellow club member, finishing in 01:29:26, whereas Ivan finished in 01:30:00 exactly. Most importantly however, both men were able to take 1st prize in their respective age categories of V50 an V60. Great effort men!!

There, I think that’s enough padding for one weekend! Don’t forget to check out our training section, and come and join in!

ByAndy Armstrong

fra championship, Junior Three Seasons Challenge

Juniors at Large; Wednesday 23rd July

The FRA junior championship has now drawn to a close and Briony Holt’s win at Kettlewell has secured her joint first place in the under 12; well done Briony!

The winners cup is on a timeshare; Chloe Rylance of Ambleside gets to look after it for six months then I’m sure it’ll have pride of place in the Holt household.

Our Three Seasons Challenge has finally finished with thirteen members making the trip to Widdop. The results table has been updated and we’ll organise a prize giving early in the Autumn term. Well done to all who took part,whether you just managed to get to a few races or you won your age group. It’s especially encouraging to see more younger runners coming through in the under 8 and under 10 categories, proof that Marion’s Thursday sessions are increasingly popular and are producing results.

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Also in the news; Jordan McDonald was nominated for a Burnley Sports Award as a Rising Star. He attended the prize giving dinner on Thursday 10th July and got to meet five times Olympian and world record swimmer Mark Foster.
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Team Root has been busy at multi sport again; Ellie Root came 6th girl out of 14th in Tri-stars 3 in the Wirral Triathlon on Sunday 29th June and both Ellie & Grace Root took part in the Salt Ayre Triathlon, Grace was 4th girl (out of 6) in supersprint and Ellie was 8th girl out of 22. After Wirral Ellie is currently standing in 10th position in the North West Junior Tri Championships.

Well done to all our runners at the Trawden 7 junior races, you get a mention and a picture in Chris Holdsworth’s race round up HERE.

That’s all for this week, well done to you all, apologies to anyone I’ve missed!

Pictures courtesy of;

Woodentops

Andy Ford/EightImaging

ByChristopher Holdsworth

Kentmere Fell Race 2014 & The Rest of the Weekend’s Action

Kentmere Fell Race 2014 Competitor 88 – Peter Browning (V55)

‘The sweat poured off us in the high humidity, and the narrowness of the track through the ferns allowed no overtaking. I soon realised that immediately behind me was the redoubtable Wendy Dodds, covering my every move and ready to surge past as soon as the path widened..’

July 20^th saw the fourth of the six counting English Championship fell races of the 2014 season. On line race entries opened months ago, and it was said that up to 600 runners had signed up for it, and in the pre race information we were encouraged to get to registration early to avoid the queues. In the event, only 364 names appeared on the results list, so what happened to the other 236 entrants at £10.00 a go who didn’t show up? You do the math as the Americans say.

Courtesy of Garry Wilkinson

Leaving Clayton-le-Moors at around 10am, the day was cloudy and breezy and not that warm. However things had changed once we reached the Kentmere valley: the sun was out and it was much warmer, although the darker clouds to the north east threatened something worse. Six Clayton-le-Moors men and three women had made the trip north. Three of the men had not yet reached the veterans category which was good, but all three girls were over 60. Where are the youngsters?

Courtesy of Garry Wilkinson

Away we went on the 19.8km (how far?) route and as we climbed the Garburn track on our way to the fell, the heat was oppressive. After around fifteen minutes we headed up through the ferns towards the ridge and things got even hotter. The sweat poured off us in the high humidity, and the narrowness of the track through the ferns allowed no overtaking. I soon realised that immediately behind me was the redoubtable Wendy Dodds, covering my every move and ready to surge past as soon as the path widened. I congratulated her on her beating Ivan and Dobbo at the Wasdale Fell Race last week, and asked if she was still feeling a bit tired. “Yes a little” was her reply, giving me all the encouragement I needed.

Courtesy of Garry Wilkinson

Eventually we gained the ridge and thankfully things cooled down a little. Usually I am good in hot conditions but this was really hard work. The race follows the ridge via Ill Bell up onto High Street, before turning back south towards Kentmere Pike. Ahead of me, the other five Clayton-le-Moors lads were pushing ahead, but above the weather was changing. The black clouds had moved in, and the rain began to fall. I slipped on the wet grass and banged my elbow which immediately began to swell alarmingly, but what can you do other than get on with it? The rain increased in intensity bringing welcome relief to the heat, and fortunately there was no lightning, although the rain seemed to get harder and harder. Down from Kentmere Pike, across the valley floor, and back to a very soggy finish field. 2 hours 17 minutes, a personal worst, but happy to finish. Nurse Joanne Motley examined my elbow and in so many words, told me not to be so soft – no fracture and the swelling going down.

Courtesy of Garry Wilkinson

For the record, the results that mattered were as follows:

1) Tom Addison (Helm Hill) 1.27.55

49) Spencer Riley 1.47.29

50) Dave Nuttall 1.47.53

62) Helen Berry (Holmfirth 1^st lady) 1.50.20

86) Dave Motley 1.53.24

144) David Bagot 2.02.39

172) Lee Smith 2.05.56

173) Ryan Wilkinson 2.06.04

244) Peter Browning 2.17.05

254) Wendy Dodds (2^nd LV60) 2.20.34

318) Linda Lord (1^st LV65) 2.38.29

321) Katy Thompson (4^th LV60) 2.40.11

Thanks to Peter Browning for this weeks report! Full results can be found here.

The Rest of the Weekends Action

This weekend was most certainly for the fell runners – plenty of mountainous climbs, lengthy descents and stormy weather to traverse through. However! Our road contingent were still out in force as they took on the Blackpool Summer 10k. Jacob Watson, going by his pseudonym ‘Lesley‘, had an outstanding performance finishing in the top 10 for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers. He ran the course in 00:38:14, not bad for a V50!! Next across the finish was Terry O’Leary in 13th, managing a sub 40 time of 00:39:22, whilst Mick Hogan squeezed under the 20 counter, finishing 19th in 00:40:40. Road legend Stephen Biscomb continued his conquest for the Road Palladium, once again finishing as the 1st V60 in 00:43:09. Another dependable road runner, Martin Brady, finished the race in 00:45:35, whilst Lee Moore came through in 00:48:09. Well done chaps!!

Onto the other two of the three big fell races this weekend now. Firstly we head to the Yorkshire Dales, where four Clayton-le-Moors Harriers made the trip over to The Ingleborough Fell Race 2014. Ivan Whigham had an excellent race, finishing as the 1st MV50 in 01:03:53. The second Harrier through was Richard Briscoe, 42nd in 01:06:01. Peter Dugdale came in just above the century mark in 103rd place, achieving a time of 01:19:15, whilst MV70 John T Francis brought the race to a finish in 01:45:00.

The other big fell race of the weekend was The 2014 Snowdon Mountain Race. The fell running regulars were all taking part, with Neil Hardiman the first Harrier back in 01:02:16 – 5th in his age category! Next across the finish was Mark Taylor, who managed to claw back over 50 positions to finish in 328th and 01:14:21. Our third Harrier and first lady across the finish was Barbara Savage, who once again had an excellent race and finished as the 1st F50-54! Our next two Harriers to finish were Paul Wale and Andrew Dugdale. The completed the fell race in 01:19:34 and 01:19:46 respectively. Rounding of an excellent day for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers we had Nichola Horsfall, who had a superb race as she finished as the 4th F55-59! Well done to all who ran.

Special mention goes out to junior runner Briony Holt who ran at the English Fell Running Championships in Kendal. She earned herself joint 1st place in the U12’s category. Well done Briony!!