Welcome to June’s Roundup

This month you’ve got a wealth of interesting Race Reports and articles to read. The Roundup is nothing without these, so special thanks go to this month’s contributors – Rachael White, Michelle Abbott, Katy Thompson, Craig Eccles, Donna Airey, Cassie Darling-Smedley, Irene Roche and Jason Pier.

As usual, please let me know of any mistakes or omissions and I’ll sort it out as soon as possible – just email roundup@claytonlemoors.org.uk

July and August’s Roundups will be amalgamated due to holidays. Please forward your race reports as usual though. Thanks!

 Modern Pentathlon Laser Run

by Rachael White

When is running not just running?,  When you run into a target area, shoot at targets with a laser pistol until you have 5 hits and then run 400-80 m, round a course and back into the shooting range to repeat the whole process several times in an exciting first past the post Modern Pentathlon Laser Run competition .

Helana White. Photo by Rachael White

This is what 2 Clayton Juniors Alfie and Helana did in the British Laser Run Championship Qualifiers on 23^rd June. They both train in Modern Pentathlon, (Alfie also Fences weekly) – and entered the completion against the top British Athletes.  Both were successful in their competitions, and  have now been selected by Pentathlon GB to represent Great Britain in the European Championships in Weiden, Germany in August and the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in early September.

Alfie White. Photo by Rachael White

Their passion for shooting and competing is infectious, so straight after the Trawden Burnley & Pendle Grandprix race, Helana & Alfie were joined by Ellisia and Robbie travelling west to Fleetwood for the School Games Qualifiers at Rossall School. – All four children were amazing (especially considering the run course had been marked out wrong and they ran an extra 400 metres). They have now been ranked against all other heats in the country and wait to see if they have made the national schools finals.

Robbie Smedley. Photo by Rachael White

It is great to see the Clayton Juniors using their run speed and stamina and fitness in other sports, not just the traditional running.

Ellissia Smedley. Photo by Rachael White

Witton Park Relays Race Report

by Michelle Abbott

Well I had the pleasure of managing 9 fabulous ladies teams for the Witton Park Relays, my first one as official road captain and I had an amazing response. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of ladies. Everyone gave it their all and we had some brilliant results across the board.

Judith had an amazing sprint finish, giving everything to finish in front. Photo by David Belshaw

I just want to to say thank you to all that took part with an extra thank you to Donna Airey who went out twice – you’re a star! Hopefully I will see plenty of you ladies for the next relays at Sport City in September, you can’t beat a good team event.

Aggies Staircase Fell Race Report

Report by Katy Thompson

After several years of doing results and a couple of years of being on holiday, this was my first chance to do my local race for 10 years. A fine evening saw 88 runners set off from Punstock Road for the first climb up to Darwen Tower, then back down to the top of Bold Venture Park and up the overgrown gully that is Jacobs Ladder. Over the moor and down to the bottom of Aggies Staircase, the shortest but steepest of the three climbs, now very eroded. Then it was back past the Tower and down to the finish at Punstock, midgy as usual.

The ladies’ prosecco and wine haul. Photo by Katy Thompson

I was pleased to be only a couple of minutes slower than 10 years ago. Being local, l stayed for the prizegiving, where we were given first Ladies team. I was a bit surprised as Chorley had got several ladies prizes and it turned out they were actually first team with 1st, 3rd and 4th to our 5th (Michelle Abbott), 6th (Lisa Ellis) and 8th (Me). But we got to keep the prosecco anyway!

Hendon Brook Race Report

by Craig Eccles

Having raced this three times previously over the years I knew exactly what to expect, the only difference this time round is that two years ago I had major knee surgery and was told by my surgeon that I’d never run again. Fortunately, with the right mind set and help of my superb physio and fellow fell runner, Lee Shimwell, I’ve managed to get back to running, not as fast as before but back all the same.

Being primarily a fell runner, Hendon Brook is my favourite road race, challenging but manageable.

As with all race days, I turned up to register nice and early only just missing out on race number “1” so instead I asked for my lucky number “13”. I passed the next hour chatting to other runners, some of which I haven’t seen for a very long time. It’s now 10.30am and nerves are setting in, just the usual, what if I don’t get round, how would I get back, etc, etc.

Due to the heat and the distance of the race, I decided that I’d not warm up and instead use the first mile or two as my warm up with a view of trying to preserve my knees.

 11am – the usual pre race briefing from John and we’re off, nice and steady pace, nothing silly.

Craig, lucky 13, near the start of Hendon Brook. Photo by David Belshaw

Feeling really good up to The Shooters water station my good friend and ex club member, Mick Hughes, caught me up.  He could have just said “Hi” and shot off but he suggested that we run together for a while – this actually lasted for the next 10 miles. The heat wasn’t too bad, the occasional areas of shade and gusts of wind were very welcome.  Thoroughly enjoyed running through Catlow Ford, Thursden Valley, Coldwell and down to Trawden.

At last we’re at the centre of Colne and heading down to the Admiral Lord Rodney, not far to go now, only two and half miles and a small matter of Lenches to tackle and it’s job done.

I’ve never had a problem with Lenches previously but with the knees as they are this time it got me good and proper.  Nothing for it but to walk as fast as possible, get up it and hopefully be able to go again once at the top. A quick check of the watch confirmed that I’m not going to break any records, but I already knew that. Using every bit of guts, determination and experience I managed to keep going at a reasonable pace. You would not believe the relief I felt at seeing the back end of the golf course knowing that I am now really close to finishing.

Turning the last corner into the school, and I have no idea where it came from, I managed a bit of a sprint to the finishing line clocking 2.15.46, nowhere near my fastest time of just under 1.50 but still just to finish was all this year was about, job done.

Craig using all his reserves for a sprint finish. Photo by David Belshaw.

Would I do it again? Absolutely, hopefully next year.

A massive thank you has to go out to absolutely everybody who gave up their time to provide water, food and support along the route.

Calderdale Way Marathon Race Report

by Donna Airey

Donna Airey with husband Alan at the Calderdale Marathon. Photo by Donna Airey

Baht’at Trail Marathon Race Report

Michelle and Cassie enjoying their hard-earned slushes. Photo: Baht’at Trail Marathon

Team Clayton at Trawden (Irene crouching with the Juniors at the front). Photo by David Belshaw

Jason Pier’s June

The month of June started with the Kelbrook fell race. A short tough course on a mixture of tarmac, trail and fell. Again there was a record attendance at the latest Pendle & Burnley Grand Prix event. As with my previous races I managed to get a good start for the steady climb up the road and across the field, before descending down across the river and up to the other side. The big hill that everyone talks about was soon upon us. At this point you can lose or gain quite a few places on your competitors. Luckily for me I managed to gain places simply just by scrambling my way to the top. With legs like jelly I started on the fast downhill return (which is the most enjoyable part of Kelbrook race) and after a sprint finish was over the line in 26.46mins. An almost 3 minute pb and more surprising for me was the 1st V45 award, the first race award I’ve ever won. Absolutely buzzing.

Jason sprinting to the finish at Kelbrook. Photo by David Belshaw

Next up for me was a couple of 5k races which were Burnley Parkrun and the Barrowford 5k. I’ve been working hard on my speed in training and these two races would test how well the training had gone. They are also ideal races to judge if you run better in a morning or evening race situation. Set myself a target time of sub 20 and spurred on at the end by Danny and Ryan (thanks lads) managed a parkrun pb of 19.11. With that time also now my 5k best I moved on to the Barrowford race looking for more improvement and so I entered the A race for sub 20 runners. With very consistent lap times and again spurred on by the many shouts of encouragement I finished with yet another pb, this time 18.35.

Jason digging deep at the Podium Race, Barrowford.

Sabden 6 trail race was next and a first time entrant for me too. With not doing this race before I wasn’t sure what to expect. It has everything, flat, steady climbs, fast downhill and of course a sting in the tail at mile 5. This time I didn’t have my usual good start and after getting boxed in on the narrow road I had a lot of catching up to do. I managed to claw back a number of places before the hill climbs started, but on reflection may have gone off too quickly. Found it hard going on the climbs to be honest, but stuck at it and all the time thinking what was to come at mile 5. Was it as bad as everyone was saying. Coming up the rough road you could hear the cheers for those already at the climb to the reservoir, and looking to my right there it was. I must admit I quite liked that climb and I must say the support and encouragement from everyone most certainly helped. Again much like Kelbrook my legs were like jelly at the top but knew I was on my way back to the finish. Another new race ticked off and a time of 45.31 so happy with the progress.

Looking strong at Sabden. Photo by SportSunday.

Last race of June was the Witton Park Relay. A great event organised by Richard Taylor which brings together club members of all abilities. It’s also a great team bonding event where everyone is rooting for each other and nobody feels under pressure. Great turn out from Clayton with many Junior, Men’s and Ladies teams taking part. Running as part of the Men’s C team along with Craig Stansfield and Iain Wilkinson we managed a respectable overall time of 55.06mins and a 35th place finish. Well done to all the Clayton teams and especially our Junior boys of Charlie Parkinson, Nick Hennessey and Jackson McKay who were not only 1st junior boys team but also broke the junior course record too.

Results Roundup

1st June – Kelbrook Fell Race (PBGP) – Results

1st MU18 – Nicholas Hennessey; 1st M45 – Jason Pier; 3rd M50 – Andrew Priory; 3rd M60 – Alan Archer; 1st M65 – Stephen Biscomb; 1st M75 – David Scott; 2nd WSEN – Claire Vincent; 3rd WSEN – Elizabeth Stephenson; 3rd W35 – Lisa Ellis; 2nd W45 – Janice Davies; 3rd W45 – Rachel Gilmore; 1st W60 – Julia Taylor; 1st W70 – Karin Goss; 2nd W70 – Christine Leathley

1st June – Long Duddon Fell Race – Results

3rd overall – Andy Laycock; 1st FV50 – Jean Brown; 1st FV60 – Wendy Dodds.

1st June – Pen-y-Ghent Fell Race – Results

2nd MV40 – Peter Coates; 1st LV60 – Nicola Dugdale

1st June – Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon – Results

3rd MV50 – Chris Funnell; 1st MV65 – Jeffrey Pickup.

1st June – Calderdale Way Ultra Races – Results

2nd June – Morecambe 10k – Results

5th June – Astley Park Trail Series 2/4 – Results

9th June – Marsden 10 – Results

12th June – Holcome Two Towers – Results

2nd M50 – Craig Stansfield; 1st M60 – Peter Dugdale.

13th June – Two Lads Fell Race, Horwich – Results

14th June – Podium, Barrowford (PBGP) – A Race – B Race – U16:30 Race – Junior Races

15th June – Pilling 10K – Results

15th June – Buckden Pike – Results

1st M60 – Peter Dugdale; 3rd M60 – Andrew Firth.

15th June – Great Lakes Fell Race – Results

1st M70 – Jack Holt

16th June – Father’s Day 10K, Lancaster – Results

1st MV60 – Alan Clarkson

16th June – British Masters 5K Road Championships, Horwich – Results

16th June – Kettlewell Fell Race (BOFRA) – Results

1st Lady – Briony Holt.

18th June – The Tor Fell Race, Helmshore – Results

3rd overall and 2nd MJ – Charlie Parkinson; 2nd M55 – Martin Brady.

18th June – Paddy’s Pole Fell Race – Results

1st MV40 – Peter Coates; 2nd MV50 – Alan Life; 3rd MV50 – Andrew Priory; 1st FV60 – Nichola Dugdale; 1st FV70 – Linda Lord.

19th June – Sabden Trail Races (PBGP) – Senior Results – Junior Results

2nd M7 – Alistair Motley; 2nd F13 – Eleanor Edwards; 1st F15 – Helana White; 2nd M15 – William Woodruff; 1st F17 – Sophie Ashworth – 2nd F17 – Bethany Wheatcroft; 1st M17 – Jackson Mackay; 3rd M17 – Peter Stevens; 3rd F40 – Lisa Stansfield; 3rd F50 – Helen Harrison; 1st F60 – Irene Roche; 1st F70 – Karin Goss; 3rd MS – Mark Magee; 2nd M60 – John Roche; 3rd M60 – Stephen Ainsworth; 2nd M65 – Robert Hirst; 2nd M70 – Barry Mitchell.

20th June – Aggies Staircase Fell Race – Results

3rd M50 – Alan Life; 1st W65 – Katy Thompson; 2nd M55 – Martin Brady. 1st Ladies Team (Lisa Ellis, Michelle Abbott, Katy Thompson).

27th June – Witton Park Trail Relays – Results

1st MJ Team – Charlie Parkinson, Nicholas Hennessey, Jackson Mackay; 2nd FJ Team – Helana White, Ella Dorrington-Levy, Briony Holt.

29th June – Whaley Waltz Fell Race – Results

30th June – Trawden 7 (PBGP) – Senior Results

2nd F60 – Irene Roche; 1st F70 – Karin Goss; 3rd F70 – Christine Leathley; 3rd M55 – Kevin Davies; 1st M60 – John Roche; 2nd M60 – Stephen Ainsworth; 1st M75 – David Scott; 1st MU21 – Nicholas Hennessey; 3rd MU21 – Alfie White.

Parkrun Roundup

Junior Parkrun Roundup

Thanks for this month’s Roundup go to Kath Brady (for uploading results to the Team Clayton Facebook page, keeping me up to date with who’s running where), to Mark Nutter for his brilliant race report, and to Jason Pier and Will Herman for writing about their running experiences this month.

As usual, if I’ve missed a race or achievement out, or if you’d like to mention a team member’s superb race effort, just let me know – roundup@claytonlemoors.org.uk

Race Reports

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Jason Pier’s May

Hameldon Hill

Jason at Hameldon Hill. Photo by David Belshaw

Due to me organising the Hameldon Junior Races for the last few years I’ve not been able to take part in the senior event. That changed this year with Marion Wilkinson taking over the role of presenting the junior prizes and Briony Holt relieving me of my junior tail runners job. (Thank you)  This enabled me to relax a little more and prepare for the race. I didn’t have the best of starts, getting boxed in going around the trees on the playing field. Once onto the road, I got into a good steady rhythm ready for the climb up to the top of the coppice. After reaching the top, and after my legs had recovered, I set my sights on a couple of my team mates with the aim of keeping as close to them as possible. I was feeling pretty good, and even managed to pass a couple of runners at the trig point. The long downhill return is always a fast affair and I had to give it my all to keep up with team mate and future Calderdale Way Relay Partner Gareth Berry. I was chuffed to bits to finish just behind him knocking 8 minutes off my previous best time.

Thanks to Michael Clarke, Jane Ryan and all the volunteers for putting on a great event.

Pinhaw Fell Race

Jason finishing strongly at Pinhaw. Photo by David Belshaw

First time runner at the Pinhaw Fell Race.

I arrived at registration at the cricket club in good time. Only been in the club once before and had forgotten how compact it was. After joining the long spiralling queue and waiting what seemed like ages, I had my number and was ready for the 5 mile race. Warm up complete, and after several good luck handshakes we were off. One good thing about running at a race for the first time is you don’t know what to expect. I’d heard from others that it was a long continuous climb up to the beacon, believe me it was. I managed to get up to the beacon in a decent time then it was all out on the downhill section. Lost a couple of places to the more experienced fell runners coming across the fell. Again had to work hard just to keep up with them. Luckily I pulled one place back and even managed to pass the first lady finisher at the Red Lion pub on the way to the finish line. Happy with my time of 37.25

Wholan Nook

Jason heading uphill at Wholan Nook. Photo by David Belshaw

Next race of the month for me was the Wholan Nook trail race. Another race I’d not done for a few years. The last time I ran this race it started down the lane at the far end of the lake. I took my place amongst the record number of runners and positioned myself near the front so I could get a good start. This race has everything, fast flat sections, testing up hill and fast downhill and is always a popular event. I managed to maintain a good pace all the way around and felt strong at the end picking off a couple of runners to record a time of 36.09

Again thanks to John Roche and all the volunteers.

Calderdale Way Relay

One of the main reasons for competing in the first few Grand Prix races was to judge my form against other club runners as I’d managed to be selected to run leg 2 for the B Team. I won’t deny it but I was a little worried in March when I found out I was paired with Gareth Berry. All sorts of thoughts went through my mind. ” I’ll never keep up with him”, “I’ll let the team down”, etc. After running the three races in early May I was starting to feel much more confident. I went on the official recce the week before just to make sure I knew where I was going. Race day came and we met up with Simon, Neil and Barbara leaving one car at the finish and driving the other to the start. Registration and kit check done we waited as the leg 1 runners started to come in. We took over from Iain Wilkinson and Nick Roscoe who had both run a great leg. Our leg took us up to Withins Reservoir before heading up to Stoodley Pike. Me not being as confident a fell runner on the steep decent as others a couple of teams passed us. Working hard as a pair we managed to retake a few teams heading down into Todmorden. The sting in the tail on leg 2 is Dobroyd Road. A hell of a climb on tarmac taking you up above Todmorden before the fast decent into and through the woods above Todmorden Sports Centre where we handed over to Charlie Parkinson and Keiron Mitchell. Got to say I loved the relays and was again happy with our time of 1hr 15 minutes. Cheers Gareth we made a great pairing.  Thanks to Wayne McIntosh and Paul Wale for sorting out the teams.

Burnley Lions 10k 

Last race of May for me was the Burnley Lions 10k in Colne. Great 2 lap course starting outside Colne cricket club. Testing climb up to the Alma Inn then past Colne golf club and back to the cricket club before starting lap 2. Again my thought was to position myself near the front to get away quick. Had a great tussle all the way around with team mate Andy Holt pushing each other right to the end. Very happy with a time of 41.27 on a tough course.

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A Word from Will Herman – Lakes Meets:

With the Bob Graham put to bed and a minor injury on the mend, I’m planning to start the monthly Lakes meets again in July. I will post full details in the coming weeks but the first date for the diary is Sunday 14th July. The venue is likely to be Wasdale and the route around 12m, taking in the less rocky summits around Haystacks.

Results Roundup

1st May – Lothersdale Fell Race – Results

1st May – Hollingworth Lake Race 1 – Results

1st FJU16 – Helana White; 2nd MU23 – Alfie White.

4th May – Bollington 3 Peaks Fell Race – Results

4th May – Coniston Fell Race – Results

Clayton Harriers at Coniston Fell Race – photo by Dave Motley

5th May – The John Purdy Memorial Springhill Hospice Cowm 5k – Results

5th May – Hameldon Hill Fell Race (PBGP) – Senior Results – Junior Results

3rd M45 – Andrew Holt; 3rd M60 – John Roche; 1st M70 – Dugald McCallum; 2nd FS – Clare Vincent; 3rd FS – Helen O’Rourke; 3rd F45 – Janice Davies; 3rd F55 Julia Rushton; 1st F60 – Linda Bostock; 2nd F60 – Irene Roche; 1st F70 Karin Goss; 2nd F70 – Christine Leathley.

1st F11 – Lottie Grace Smith; 2nd F13 – Eliena Lusty; 2nd M15 – Robbie Smedley; 1st F15 – Helana White; 2nd M17 – Peter Stevens; 3rd M17 – William Nicholls; 1st F17 – Sophie Ashworth.

6th May – Coiners Fell Race – Results

9th May – Ian Casey Memorial Cowm 5k Race – Results

1st M60 – Alan Clarkson; 2nd M70 – Ron Chappell

10th May – Pinhaw Trail Race (PBGP) – Results

3rd M45 – Andrew Webster; 3rd M50 – Andrew Priory; 2nd M55 – David Naughton; 1st M60 – Stephen Ainsworth; 2nd M60 – Alan Clarkson; 1st M65 – Stephen Biscomb; 3rd M65 – Jeffrey Pickup.

11th May – Pendle Cloughs Fell Race – Results

1st L and 1st LV50 – Jean Brown; 2nd V50 – Mick Proctor; 2nd V60 – Brian Horrocks; 1st V70 – Jack Holt.

11th May – Flower Scar Fell Race – Results

12th May – Wigan Trail 10k – Results

14th May – Mearley Clough Fell Race – Results

1st U18M and 3rd overall – Jackson Mackay; 2nd V50 – Alan Life; 3rd U18 – Christopher Brown; 1st U23 – Sean Leo Grover; 3rd L and 1st LU18 – Ella Dorrington; 2nd LV50 – Jean Brown;  1st V60 – Peter Dugdale; 1st V70 – Kieran Carr; 1st LV70 – Linda M Lord; 2nd LV70 – Karin Goss; 3rd LV40 – Teresa de Curtis; 1st LV60 – Nicola Dugdale.

15th May – Wholan Nook Trail Race – Results

1st F60 – Irene Roche; 2nd F60 – Jean Knightley; 1st F70 – Karin Goss; 2nd F70 – Christine Leathley; 2nd MJ – Nicholas Hennessey; 3rd MJ – Charlie Parkinson; 2nd M60 – Stephen Ainsworth; 3rd M60 – Alan Clarkson; 1st M65 – Stephen Biscomb;

18th May – Fairfield Horseshoe – Results

19th May – Calderdale Way Relays – Results

20th – 24th May – Dragon’s Back Race – Results

Craig Stansfield during the Dragon’s Back Race. Astonishing! Photo by No Limits Photography

21st May – Ogden Valley Round – Results

24th May – Burnley Lions 10k (PBGP) – Results

2nd MJ – Nick Hennessey; 3rd MJ – Alfie White; 3rd M45 – Jason Pier; 2nd M60 – Stephen Ainsworth; 3rd M60 – Alan Clarkson; 1st M75 – David Scott; 3rd F40 – Sarah Whittaker; 2nd F45 – Janice Davies; 3rd F55 – Julia Rushton; 2nd F70 – Karin Goss.

25th May – Isle of Jura Fell Race – Results

25th May – Ras Y Moelwyn – Results

Nichola Dugdale and Jean Brown with their category winners’ trophies at Ras Y Moelwyn. Photo: Andrew Firth

1st FV50 – Jean Brown; 1st FV60 – Nichola Dugdale.

25th May – Hutton Roof Fell Race – Results

26th May – Helvellyn and the Dodds – Results

26th May – Sedbergh – U19 Results – U17 Results – U15 Results – U13 Results

27th May – Austwick Amble – Results

27th May – Bowley Hill – Results

29th May – Fo(e) Edge – Results

1st MV60 – Alan Archer; 3rd LSEN – Sophie Ashworth.

29th May – Hollingworth Lake Race 5 – Results

1st F and 1st FJU16 – Helana White; 3rd M U23 – Alfie White.

30th May – Ingleton Waterfalls – Results

3rd M35 – Mark Taylor; 1st M60 – Peter Duedale; 1st F60 – Jude Ashworth.

30th May – That’s so Hebden Bridge – Results

Parkrun Roundup

Junior Parkrun Roundup

Clayton Harriers have been very busy racing not just all over the country (from fell to road and even the London Marathon – well done Colin White and Elizabeth Stephenson), but internationally too – see Donna Airey’s report of her fantastic Boston Marathon. It would be great to hear more from you about your race experiences – I hope this month’s report will inspire you to contribute. Email your words and pictures to roundup@claytonlemoors.org.uk

As usual, if anything is missing or incorrect, please email to let us know then it can be corrected.

Donna’s Boston Marathon

Report by Donna Airey

So I, if you haven’t heard already…..

I did a 132 day running streak, ran Jamaica Pond USA parkrun then ran a few miles in Boston. Boston Marathon, held on Patriots day and is the oldest marathon going in its 123rd year.The only way to get in is run a good for age time at another marathon or “buy” your way in.

Desperately trying to calm my nerves the night before, I came across the following quote. Boston is the cream of the crop in the marathon world, it has such history that you feel such honour to be part of it. The days leading up to marathon were treated like a holiday, cocktails, burgers, sightseeing and a lot of walking. Not ideal prep which also added to my pre race nerves.

As a point to point race, runners were transported to the start on American yellow school buses which I thought was well cool. At this point the weather was horrific. Thunderstorms and heavy rain. Athlete’s village was like a bog. Although I did smile thinking there was more mud there than I saw all XC season. By time we started it had fined up but was extremely humid.

I set off well, way faster than my “plan”. 10 miles in and the sun decided to show. By 14 miles I felt like there was no way I would finish and I hadn’t even hit the hills yet!l. Dropping the pace felt worse. The last 12 miles I decided I’d have to run/walk, best decision I made. This gave me chance to chat to other runner’s, high five dogs and every child willing and soak up every single second of it. The spectator’s were truly awesome, every single part of the route was deep with people. You could hear constant cheering, people offering all sorts of goodies, including beer (which I thought was mean). Those miles flew by.

Donna with a huge smile after finishing the Boston Marathon. Photo by Alan Airey

Big races have never appealed to me, Boston may just have changed my mind.
Proud to see me in my Clayton vest on the finish line on Boston Marathon!

Donna with her Finishers Medal. Photo by Alan Airey

Eskdale Elevation

Race Report by Will Herman

Eskdale Elevation

I’d been chasing an Ambleside AC vest for what seemed like hours. He’d slipped out of sight going over Whin Rigg. I’d caught him, nearly, traversing beneath Illgill Head, bare arms freezing in the bitter wind despite the sun. I’d lost him in the tussocks north of Burnmoor Tarn. And now he was on the skyline above – still running somehow – towards the summit of Scafell. It was a gap I could close if I could just keep pace. I slipped and landed heavily before clawing up and on to reach a faint trod and better ground, forcing the legs, breathing hard.

“Keep it going lad.”

I’d heard those same words, that accent, before. Unmistakable. Joss Naylor.

I smiled. It probably didn’t look like it. And ploughed into the steep slope above. Sensing a better line, a Pennine vest was traversing towards me, spurring another short burst to keep ahead. I cut across more boulders, off the loose path towards equally steep but grassy runnels leading an intricate but direct line to the summit. We topped out together, on opposite sides of the cairn, confusing the marshals with our sudden appearance from north and south. The Ambleside runner was nowhere to be seen. The Pennine vest followed me for a while and then disappeared too. I saw no other runners until the finish, still thousands of feet and several miles below.

Alone….

There can’t be many, if any races in the calendar that generate the same level of debate about route choice as the Eskdale Elevation. It all starts in the usual way – the opening charge leading up a steepish track onto the moor above Boot. But within minutes the field disperses. Not just the odd runner – the entire field. In every direction. This, and the rough ground that the route covers – from old forestry plantations to thick gorse, boulder fields and bottomless bogs – is what characterises the race. And what makes it special.

There are only three checkpoints. And even to the untrained eye, there are very obviously some decisions to be made about how to reach them. In the clag it’s a course that will require real competence with a compass. In clear weather, it is still remarkably easy to go wrong. In short, it is a race that requires mountain sense. It is everything a fell race should be. And if you thought it was all downhill from checkpoint 2 at the summit of Scafell, you would be right. But more than one faced a long climb back to Eel Tarn and checkpoint 3.

I’ve no idea which way the Pennine runner descended though he finished just shy of four minutes behind me. The Ambleside runner it transpired had finished some three and half minutes ahead in 6th place, while I was more than happy to note only seven runners gathered at the end as I passed the finish, 2nd V40 and 8th overall, with a time of 2:17:01.

Eskdale Elevation

What a brilliant race! And great to run it in the company of Clayton’s Ralph Baines and Andy Armstrong as well as friends from Pennine FR and Buckley Runners. So if you haven’t already, put this in your calendar for 2020. And make time for a recce beforehand.

Manx Mountain Marathon

Report by Katy Thompson

In the 1990s a small contingent of Clayton runners made the trip across to the Isle of Man each Easter to run the Manx Mountain Marathon, but in recent years only my son Paul, Simon Halliday and Jean Brown have represented the club in the race.  Paul has been across every year since 1996 and this year I decided it was time to go back.  Having run the full distance in 1996 and 2002, I knew I wasn’t fit enough to do that, so decided to do the Half Mountain Marathon over the last 13 miles of the race.  Having survived the Howgills Fell Race two weeks earlier, a similar distance with twice the climb, I was feeling quite confident.

After a 20 minute flight from Liverpool on Good Friday we were met by the friends we were to stay the night with.  Next morning Paul set off early for the coach to his start at Ramsay at 8am.  My race didn’t start until 1pm at St Johns where Paul had gone through in 6^th place a couple of hours earlier.

Paul Thompson (in the middle, to the right of the man in grey). Photo by Katy Thompson.

The view from the coastal path towards the end. Photo by Katy Thompson

It was very hot as 60 of us set off on the steep climb up Slieau Whallian, followed by a long slog up South Barrule.  From here the climbs are shorter and sharper, ending with a lovely run along the coastal path and down to the finish at Bradda Glen.   I had passed a lot of runners in the second half, and was pleased with my position of 28^th, second Lady Vet in just 3 hours.  Paul had finished 6^th in the full 30+ mile race in just under 6 hours.

Paul Thompson

It was lovely to sit in the sun outside the Bradda Glen café, but we had a plane to catch, so we walked into Port Erin for the bus to the airport.  I would love to go back again next year, and to stay longer to see more of the island.  Although the full race might be a bit too much for some, the Half is definitely one for the diary.

Teenager with Altitude

Race Report by Will Herman

I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many 1,000 yard stares at the end of a race. Many had run the Newlands Memorial rather than Teenager with Altitude, but regardless, everyone suffered in the sun that day – most being a good 20 minutes down on expected or past form.

Clayton Runners at Newlands Valley Races

From the off, Teenager was brutal. The climb up Causey Pike went well enough – in fact everything was going well until starting ‘that descent’. If you have never stood on the summit of Whiteless Pike and looked down on Bleak Rigg, there is no other way to describe it but stupidly steep. And it just keeps on coming. After which a relentless climb up Robinson leads to easier ground.

This second half of Teenager is fast runnable ground. Strangely enough, I passed more than one runner having a sit down. I had to have a word to stop myself doing the same. Coming off Maiden Moor I took a daft line, one which I knew was wrong, lost me a top 20 place, and saw me pass several Newlands Memorial runners more than once. All very confusing. And I still wanted to have a sit down.

On Catbells I simply lost the plot. I remember drinking the last of the water I’d scooped up beneath Dale Head after which the last descent was a blur of blisters and mild sun stroke.

Will Herman on a brutal Teenager with Altitude. Photo by Stephen Wilson

Not a race to underestimate and with 7,000ft of ascent, it’s up there with the longer lakes classics in more ways than one – thanks to Jean and others who cheered me on at the finish. A great turn out for the club and great to see so many Clayton vests on the hill ‘enjoying’ the sun.

Pendle Fell Race Report

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Report by Mark Nutter

In my second year of organising this fell race (the very first fell race I ran way back in 1984) I was pleased that it had again been chosen as the Lancashire Championships. I was pleased that the farmer had allowed me to retain the same route as last year, which involves cutting up through his fields to Buttock farm – a favourite of all runners as it takes out 1 mile of tarmac but only reduces the overall race route by ¼ of a mile. I was pleased the sun was shining and conditions underfoot were dry, making my flagging of the initial route through the farmer’s fields a breeze. I was pleased that Moorhouse’s Brewery was sponsoring the race, with bottles of beer for all finishers. I was pleased that 233 runners turned up too (50 more than last year), despite there being an English championship race being held on the same day, and clashing with other popular races. I was also pleased the Pete Bland’s van was on the car park. You can guess it, yes I was pleased!

So, on to the race. Conditions were ideal and times were going to be fast. Chris Holdsworth from Ribble Valley Harriers led the field from the whistle and maintained his clear lead to the finish, winning by nearly 2 minutes in a new course record time of 30.19. U23 Matthew Knowles from Lancaster & Morecambe AC was in 4^th place on the first main climb, but his descending skills paid off and rewarded him with 2^nd place overall in 32.04. The winner’s clubmate Thomas Corrigan finished in a creditable 3^rd position.

Photo by Woodentops

In the ladies race it was last year’s winner Catlin Rice from Ribble Valley Harriers who took the win again, this year in 22nd place overall in a time of 37.18, with half a minute to spare over Nik Tarrega from York Knavesmire Harriers in 2^nd place. Victoria Mousley enjoyed a fast run too, finishing just over a minute behind.

The vets categories produced some great competition too, with winners in every category up to V70 for both men and women – a creditable feat to the longevity of our sport. Full Results.

Prizegiving was held in the village hall, with all category winners receiving Pete Bland vouchers, a presentation pack from Moorhouse’s Brewery, T-Shirts and bottle openers. And that’s in addition to the free bottle of Moorhouse’s beer for all finishers!

The marshals and timekeepers all did a great job, as did John Schofield’s team on the results and the ladies in the village hall for putting on soup, tea and cakes. Many enjoyed their ‘post race debrief’ in the Pendle Inn where more Moorhouse’s beer was available in the form of Clayton-le-Moors Blonde.

The race has historically been held on the first Saturday in April, so next years’ race will follow suit on the 4^th April.

Get the date in your diaries for more FREE MOORHOUSE’S BEER – oh, and a good blast up Lancashire’s greatest hill!

Clayton Harriers enjoying their post-race Moorhouse’s beer. Photo by Woodentops.

Lancashire Junior Fell Race Championships

Report by Alan Dorrington

A record turnout of 230 Juniors accompanied the sunshine at Pendle on 6th April for the traditional fell season opener up our local hill. As last year, the race doubled as the Lancashire Fell Champs for Juniors (and Seniors) with medals available to Lancashire based runners and selection for the Fell Inter-Counties Championships up for grabs too for the U17 and U19 age groups and above.

The Pendle courses all feature steep starts, but with plenty of runnable ground in between (plus some hard climbing for the older age groups) before the final swoop to the finish and the traditional ditch at the end.

Robbie Smedley, back from injury. Photo by David Belshaw

Back from injury, Robbie Smedley showed his ability on the fells with a 4th place and Silver medal in the U15B Lancashire Champs. Helana White was the clear winner of the girls race and the Lancashire Champion, also coming in 4th overall.

Clear winner of the U15G Race – Helana White. Photo by David Belshaw

The U17 boys showed real strength in depth with 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th – well done Jackson, Peter, Michael and Will. It was also great to see Theo Burfield back racing after quite a long break with injury.

Jackson Mackay. Photo by David Belshaw

Ella Dorrington was 2nd (and Silver) in the U17 girls race and gained selection for Lancashire for the Inter Counties in June. She will be joined by Briony Holt who finished 4th in the U19 girls and earned selection too.

Results Roundup

2nd April – Pete Hartley Memorial Liver Hill Fell Race – Results

6th April – Pendle Fell Races – Senior Results – Junior Results

2nd M40 – Peter Coates; 1st M60 – Mike Wallis; 2nd M60 – Geoffrey Gough; 2nd F23 – Rhiannon Wickham; 1st F70 – Karin Goss.

1st F15 – Helana White; 2nd F17 – Ella Dorrington.

6th April – Howgill Fell Race – Results

1st M70 – Jack Holt; 2nd W50 – Jean Brown; 1st W65 – Wendy Dodds; 2nd W65 – Katy Thomspon.

7th April – Brun Valley Trail 10K – Results

3rd overall and 2nd MJ – Nicholas Hennessey; 2nd Female and 2nd F35 – Michelle Abbott; 3rd Female and 1st F40 – Cassandra Smedley; 2nd F40 – Lisa Stansfield; 3rd MJ – Aaron Lundie; 1st F45 – Rachel Gilmore; 1st M75 – Richard Lawson; 3rd F55 – Geraldine Varley; 2nd F65 – Christine Egerton; 1st F70 – Christine Leathley.

7th April – Darwen Heritage Half Marathon – Results

1st FV35 – Donna Airey; 2nd FV35 Lisa Ellis; 3rd MV40 – Craig Nicholls; 2nd FV50 – Helen Harrison.

7th April – Baildon Boundary Way – Results

7th April – ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon – Results

Kevin Davies – MV55 – 02:57:54 (Chip time).

10th April – Mollie Campbell Cowm 5k – Results

10th April – Loughrigg Fell Race – Results (Excel File)

13th April – Eskdale Elevation – Results

2nd M40 – Will Herman.

14th April – Radcliffe 10 Multi Terrain – Results

2nd M60 – Peter Butterworth.

17th April – Billy Knox Cowm 5k – Results

19th April – Salford 10k Road Race – Results

3rd Female and 1st F35 – Laura Hesketh; 3rd M65 – Stephen Biscomb.

20th April – Newlands Valley Fell Races – Results

1st F 50-59 – Jean Brown; 2nd F 60-69 – Wendy Dodds

21st April – Guiseley Gallop – Results–

3rd M60 – Peter Butterworth.

23rd April – Witches’ Clough – Results

24th April – Roger Colson Cowm 5k – Results

27th April – Three Peaks Fell Race – Results

1st Class Awards – Andy Laycock (21st), David Bagot (30th); 2nd Class Awards – Andrew Webster, Paul Hesketh, Avril Duckworth, Chris Funnell,

30th April – Orchan Rocks Fell Race – Results

30th April – Geoff Doggett Memorial 5k Cowm – Results

Upcoming Races

For more details see the Calendar

Our Races

• 14th May – Mearley Cough Fell Race
• 14th July – Towneley 10k Road Race
• 24th July – Greenway 5k Road Race
• 24th August – Pendleton Fell Race
• 28th September – Thieveley Pike Fell Races
• 16th November – Tour of Pendle Fell Race

Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix Races

• 15th May – Wholan Nook Trail Race
• 24th May – Burnley Lions 10k Road Race
• 1st June – Kelbrook Fell Race
• 8th June – Weets Fell Race

Rossendale Harriers Races

• 31st July – Lee Mill
• 7th August –  Pilgrims Cross
• 14th  August – Whittle Pike
• 21st August –  Golf Ball

Parkrun Roundup

Junior Parkrun Roundup

Welcome to the March Roundup.

As ever, if I’ve missed anything out, please let me know so I can make corrections. Race reports are desperately needed – you can email these to me – roundup@claytonlemoors.org.uk.

It’s been a busy month with the end of the Cross Country Season, and hardly time to pause for breath before the start of the Fell Season. Later in the Roundup you’ll find details of the senior fell training sessions, courtesy of Mark Nutter.

The Club’s Junior and Senior Awards Presentation evening was held on 22nd March at Burnley Football Club. Marion Wilkinson and John Roche were our comperes for the evening, announcing the winners of the awards, which were presented by Club President Dave Scott, with David Belshaw taking photographs.

Winners at the Awards Presentation (l-r) Richard Briscoe, Tara Robb, Carl Helliwell, Michelle Abbott, Donna Airey. Photo by David Belshaw

Juniors at the Awards Presentation, with junior compere Marion Wilkinson and the other junior coaches. Photo by David Belshaw

Multiple Award winner, Irene Roche, with senior compere (and husband!) John, and Club President Dave Scott. Photo by David Belshaw

All the prize winners are listed in the programme – Awards Evening 2019.

More photos from the evening can be seen on David Belshaw’s running photos page.

Fell Training News – Mark Nutter

Senior Summer Fell Training – Every Tuesday at 6.30pm

Now that Summer is coming, from April fell training now moves each month to various venues. There are usually 15-20 runners out each week but we can cater for more. Everyone is welcome, no matter what ability. Everyone stays together and no-one gets left behind (not usually anyway!). If we have sufficient numbers we can split into groups of similar ability – that way everyone gets a good run.

The runs take place on exposed fells so you will need to bring with you a bum bag containing waterproof jacket and trousers, hat and gloves. Most runs are about 90 minutes in duration, so a drink and an energy bar might be a good idea too. Post-run refreshments are always enjoyed at a nearby pub. There’s no need to ‘book’ a place – just simply turn up at the venue and be ready to run at 6.30pm.

The monthly venues are listed below and on the Clayton website, but if you need further details contact Mark Nutter on 07899 995181.

• * Note that the Summer Series Races are held on 23rd April, 21st May, 30th July and 13th August at these venues.

 Summer Series of Fell Races – Races with a Difference – Predict Your Time!

If you haven’t tried the Summer Series of races then you’re in for a treat! The 2019 Summer Series consists of five Tuesday evening races for members of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers only, with a minimum age of 16 years. As well as the usual prizes, there are prizes in each race for the closest pre-race predicted time to the actual time taken. Watches are only allowed if the time is not visible! A runner’s best three races will count for the overall series prizes.

Prizes in each race are usually alcohol or chocolate, with the overall series having printed T-shirts as prizes too.

Entry is just £4 per race (£4 for two races on 30th July) and is on the day only.

The first race on 23 April from Sabden is the original route of the Witches Clough fell race that was organized by Linda and Peter Lord in the late 1980’s. It featured on ITV’s ‘Treasure Hunt’ where Anneka Rice (in her helicopter) had to find and chase Linda dressed as a witch.  This route has not been used since so it promises to be a good start to the Summer Series.

As with the Summer Training, there’s no need to book a place – just simply turn up and be ready to run at 6.30pm.

Details of the races are listed below (along with a link to the maps) and on the Clayton website, but if you need further details contact Mark Nutter on 07899 995181.

Team Managers’ Reports

Road Report – Richard Stevenson

Men’s 12 Stage Road Relays

The Northern Athletics 12 stage Road Relay championships were held on Sunday 24th March at a bright and blustery Birkenhead Park. I was last at these relays 2 years ago in Blackpool but this year was my first as Team Captain, the event doesn’t disappoint and is a great experience with a chance to test yourself against some of the best road runners in the north of England. The event consists of 4 x long legs (approx. 8K) and 8 x short legs (approx. 4K).

Ryan Bradshaw got us off to a good start on the tough first long leg where it’s very easy to start too fast amongst the mass start. Craig, Matt, Iain and Danny all then put a great shift in on their legs to maintain our position before Jason, James, Gary and Andrew F managed to pick off a couple of teams to move us forward. By now the runners were very well spread out so it can be a lonely run on your leg but Dom and Briscoe managed this to maintain our position and handover to Andy Webster fresh from the Howarth Hobble a couple of weeks back he’d had a long wait for his leg to start but he powered around and picked off another team to finish in 46th place.

Today was all about the experience as a majority of the team were either new club members or new to relay racing so I’d like to thank them for stepping out of their comfort zones (some a long way) and put their names forward to have a go, hopefully they all enjoyed the experience and will be there at the NA Autumn Relays in September alongside more team mates who fancy giving it a go. Don’t be shy fellas!

46 Clayton-Le-Moors Harriers 3:53:32; 1 Ryan Bradshaw (49) 27:03; 2 Craig Nicholls (54) 15:05; 3 Matthew Duckworth (54); 28:14 4 Iain Wilkinson (53) 14:35; 5 Daniel Fleming (49) 27:43; 6 Jason Pier (47) 1:15:21; 10 Dominic Clayton (49) 15:30; 11 Richard Briscoe (48) 15:15; 12 Andrew Webster (47) 14:58

Cross Country Report – Donna Airey

The last XC was held at Cuerden Valley early March. What a great turn out for our seniors. The Ladies team battling for silver and bronze placing and the men to stay up in Division 1.

Cassie was our first lady back followed closely by Michelle who showed team spirit running in Rachel from Burnley AC who was struggling. Myself, coming in 3^rd Clayton lady to make up our A team which finished 5^th. Our B team, Lisa Ellis/Irene Roche/Rececca Bradshaw finished a good 16^th place.

Our V35 team finished 2^nd overall, V45 – 8^th and V55 – 4^th

 Ladies Final results

League 1 team -Silver, F35 – Bronze, F55 – Bronze. (no pressure next season ladies!)

The men had a battle of relegation on their hands. Ryan Bradshaw being our first counter back. The men’s team finished a fantastic 3^rd overall. Thank you to those who turned up and ran to help keep our men’s team in league 1!!!!

The Mid Lancs season overall has been fantastic. As always there has been blood, sweat, tears (from the men), cheers and cake.

A special mention to Helen Harrison, who had never done XC before, improved so much as the season went on. Completed 9 Palladium races and competed (finishing in our A team) at the National XC Champs.

Also, Jane Hyland, Sue Allen, Christine Leathley and James Dunderdale who completed all in the Palladium and Tara and Mark our XC Club Champ’s.

I really hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did!

Junior Report – Alan Dorrington

Cuerden Mid Lancs XC

There were team places and individual series medals up for grabs at the last round of the Mid Lancs Cros-country series at Cuerden at the beginning of the month. It’s a challenging course at Cuerden with lots of short sharp elevation changes meaning the racing is far from flat and fast.

Helana White used her climbing legs to good effect to take 2^nd in the U13G, and followed up by Amelia Halstead, Sianna Smith and Eleanor Edwards our U13G took a fine 2^nd place team on the day which clinched their 3^rd place team in the series overall. Coming back from injury, Robbie Smedley continued to build his fitness and took 7^th in the U13B.

Our U15G team of Ella Dorrington, Imogen Ferguson, Hannah Eccles and Beth Wheatcroft had raced hard all season and were rewarded with 3^rd place team in the series after a strong outing at Cuerden.

Jackson McKay was 7^th in U15B and Nicola Moynihan continued to race well with 4^th in U17G followed by Briony Holt in 5^th.

An individual Mid Lancs series win after a long hard-fought season went to Helana White in U13G whilst Jackson McKay was 5^th U15B in the series.

Well done to all our Juniors who raced all season long in this, and the Red Rose series – some great team spirit kept the results coming.

Clough Head Junior FRA Champs

The English Junior Fell Championships series started this month in the Lakes at a fantastic new venue for fell racing, Clough Head above Threlkeld. This was a proper fell course featuring plenty of steep climbing and for the U17 and U19 runners a tough and technical in places descent from high up on the fell.

Sadly there were no Clayton Juniors running in the U9 to U13 categories, but Robbie Smedley (10^th boy) and Helana White (3^rd girl) both had great runs in their first year at U15 level. Christopher Brown was 18^th in U15B with Guy Whalley getting stuck into Lakeland fell racing for the first time in 35^th. Hannah Eccles was 22^nd in the U15G.

In the U17s, William Nicholl was 24^th boy and Ella Dorrington 14^th girl both stepping up to courses that were considerably harder than what they would have run at U15 level.

Briony Holt climbed fantastically well on the U19 climb that went on and on and descended well too to take 4^th in U19G, whilst Charlie Parkinson also had a fine run against some really quick lads to take 9^th.

A special mention goes to the four Clayton Juniors who were selected to represent Lancashire in the Inter Counties XC Championships – Helana White, Jackson McKay, Nicola Moynihan and Briony Holt. Helana, Nicola and Briony were also selected for the Lancashire Schools team for the English Schools Championships this month – well done to all of them on their well-deserved selection.

Race Reports

Inter Counties Cross Country

Report by Rachael White

It was a busy March for the Inter-Counties athletes.

March 9th Inter-Counties Competition – Loughborough 

4 Clayton Junior athletes were selected to represent Lancashire, Briony Holt, Nicola Moynihan, Jackson Mackay and Helana White. We arrived to find the club tents were situated outside the main event field, which was disappointing as this left those in the tent feeling left out, and we were less able to cheer team mates on, whilst getting changed but this was outside Lancashire’s control.

Clayton Juniors representing Lancashire Schools (l-r Jackson Mackay, Nicola Moynihan, Briony Holt, Helana White). Photo by Rachae White

The day was a complete mixed bag of weather, from dry to very windy with rain thrown in. (Vicky McKay can testify to the wind after coming off worst when a flying tent flattened her, but that is a whole different story). The course is undulating and unforgiving, although it was not the mud bath of the previous year. All 4 athletes had great races, and had great results for Lancashire.

Jackson Mackay. Photo by Rachael White

Jackson’s race was first up, and he powered round in 71st (3rd Lancashire Counter).

Next was Nicola & Briony’s race, and they luckily avoided the mass fall at the start just behind them. Nicola was 99th (3rd Lancashire Counter), Briony, who is only just coming back from injury at Christmas was 173rd.

Helana was the last of the Clayton Juniors to race, and came in 16th (1st Lancashire Counter).

What stands out for me from this day is the team spirit that Clayton Juniors have. Everyone was checking on each other when they were spotted, yelling for their club mates around the course, running to take photos of each other and congratulating each other at the end. – This teamwork is what makes it such a great club.

Results

March 16th English Schools Inter-Counties Competition – Leeds

The following week-end was the English Schools Inter-Counties at Leeds, and this time we had two athletes, Helana and Nicola make the team and get on the team bus on the Friday night. This time the race was at Temple Newsam Park, Leeds. Nicola and Helana stayed with the team the night before the race, leaving us parents to travel on our own to watch them on the Saturday.

It was a VERY wet day, with more or less constant rain. – The course is great for spectators as it is looped, so you can stand still and see the athletes in several parts of their race.

Helana White. Photo by Dave Woodhead

First up was Helana, who had to start at the back of the pen as she qualified in 8th position. This is the first time she was old enough for this race, the team coach told her (and another Year 8 girl), to aim for top 200. – The course suited her, and with typical determination, and wanting to justify her place, she fought her way through to the front of the field, to come in 38th and 3rd Lancashire Counter. This helped the Lancashire Junior Girls team to get 2nd place overall.

Nicola Moynihan. Photo by Dave Woodhead

Nicola had to wait a little longer for her race (more rain and cold ensued). The seniorgirls had a long hard race, with the field now completely churned up, slippy and muddy. Nicola will say that she does not really like mud, and prefers road –but I am not so sure, as she had a cracking race against some top athletes and finished 134th place and 5th Lancashire Counter.

Both girls were at the bottom end of this age group – so will stay in the same age groups next year, when others go up.

Jason Pier’s March

After doing very little in terms of racing in 2018 due to one reason or another, I decided something had to change. January saw me go the whole month without a alcohol. (Something I’ve never managed before). I upped my training include a long run on Sunday’s, followed by treadmill sessions on Monday’s and Friday’s along with my usual training with the SoS group and Clayton Juniors. With the no alcohol rule and more sensible eating I soon shed some of the extra weight I’d gained with my inactivity. I felt much fitter and training became more enjoyable. Next was to choose a couple of races to focus on.

First up was the Podium 5k. Sat. 2nd March.

I arrived at a very wet and windy Steven Burke track hoping that my training would pay off and a new 5k pb would come my way. I’ve never managed to run under 20.57mins before so I entered the B race and after a good warm I was off. The first mile went great 6.00mins dead (slow down you fool or you’ll blow up). Next mile was more like it 6.30mins. With the wind getting stronger and more encouragement from Marion I tucked in behind another runner and gave it my all until the finish line. Quick glance at the clock and 19.41mins. Got to be happy with that after only 6 weeks training. Still room for improvement.

Results

Jason battling at a very wet Podium 5k. Photo by David Belshaw

Next up the Irwell Valley 20 miler. Sat. 10th March.

Along with my good friend and training partner Gary Moore we booked on the Irwell Valley 20 mile off road race. With both of us never running that kind of distance before this was definitely going to test us. Training went well with our first long run session being 12 miles. We upped the distance by a mile each week until we reached 18 miles. This seemed to work really well for us both. It also gave us the opportunity to find new training routes.

Race day came and the weather conditions were pretty awful with heavy rain, sleet and snow showers. After a slight delay we were off along with fellow Clayton runners Donna Airey, Robert Morrison and Colin White. Race pace over the first few miles was much quicker than I’d planned, but surprisingly I felt good, helped by Donna’s company for the first 12 miles, before she moved ahead of me. Miles 15, 16 and 17 saw my pace drop a little as I began to doubt I could finish the race. I managed to get back to my race pace for the last 2 miles all the time telling myself you can do this. 20 miles came and no finish line in sight, (few choice words came out). The course was actually 20.3 miles long. So I gave it everything I had for the last third of a mile to come over the line in 2hrs 44mins 57 secs. Absolutely buzzing to have finished 50th out of 338.

Thanks to Donna for helping me through the first half. Well done to Robert and Colin on your runs.

You can almost feel the pain…

Special thanks to Gary who’s been such a great training partner.

For anyone wanting a 20 mile race as part of their marathon training I can highly recommend this race. Very well organised with great marshals encouraging and cheering you along. Plenty of goodies at the end too.
Results

Results Roundup

2nd March – Cuerden Valley (Mid Lancs Cross Country League) – Results

2nd U13G – Helana White;2nd U13G Team (Helana White, Amelia Halstead, Sianna Smith); 3rd U15G Team (Ella Dorrington-Levy, Imogen Ferguson, Hannah Eccles); 2nd Ladies Over 35 Team (Cassie Darling-Smedley, Michelle Abbott, Donna Airey); 3rd Senior Men’s Team (Ryan Bradshaw, Matthew Duckworth, Daniel Fleming, James Dunderdale, Alan Dorrington, Andrew Holt); 3rd V60 Man – Brian Horrocks.

• Mid Lancs Series – Results

1st= U13G – Helana White

2nd March – Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round – Results

2nd MS – Andy Laycock; 1st M70 – Jack Holt; 3rd M70 – Kieran Carr; 1st F60 – Katy Thompson.

2nd March – Podium 5k – A Race Results – B Race Results

2nd in B Race – Peter Stevens.

3rd March – Ron Hill Accrington 10k – Results

1st Senior W60 – Irene Roche; 1st Senior M60 – John Roche.

10th March – Trafford 10K – Results

1st V40M – David Edmondson; 1st V35W – Laura Hesketh

10th March – Irwell Valley 20 Miles – Results

10th March – Roddlesworth Roller – Results

17th March – Thirsk 10 Mile Road Race – Results

17th March – Trimpell 20, Lancaster – Results

24th March – Birkenhead (Northern Athletics U15 & U17 5k Road Championships) – Results

24th March – Birkenhead (Northern Athletics Women’s 6 Stage Road Relay Championships) – Results

24th March – Birkenhead (Northern Athletics Men’s 12 Stage Road Relay Championships) – Results

24th March – Garstang Gallop 10k – Results

27th March – Brenda and Colin Robinson’s 5k Cowm Race – Results

Upcoming Races

Fell Races

Road races

Sun 14th Apr – Flat Caps 10k (Sowerby Bridge Snails)
Sun 14th Apr – 3 Bridges 10K, Lancaster
Wed 17th Apr – Billy Knox Cowm 5k Race
Fri 19th Apr – Salford 10K
Fri 19th Apr – Caldervale County 10 or 4 mile race (Hilly road race)
Wed 24th Apr – Roger Colson Cowm Reservoir 5k
Sat 27th Apr – Wray Scarecrow 10K
Tue 30th Apr – Geoff Doggett Memorial 5k
Or if you fancy a bit of off road running:Sun 7th Apr – Rivington 10 mile Trail Race (Mad Bull Events)

Sat 13th Apr – Burnsall Trail Half marathon (Due North Events)
Sun 14th Apr – Radcliffe Trail 10K (Radcliffe AC)Information about most of the above races can be found at: https://www.ukresults.net/2019cal.html

Parkrun Roundup

Junior Parkrun Roundup

It appears to have been a quiet month, race-wise. Don’t be fooled though – some of our veteran ladies and gents have been leading the way in the Kendal Winter League, with a special mention to Jean Brown (who seems to be amazing at evey discipline), Wendy Dodds (two 1sts), Linda Lord (a 1st at Giggleswick AND 2 Parkrun PBs), Katy Thompson, and Jack Holt. VM75 David Scott was also victorious at Lancashire Cross Country Championships – see his race report further down.

As a special feature, I asked David Edmondson, who recently won an England vest for 10K, to write about how he has managed to improve his form over recent years. I hope you find this interesting and useful.

As ever, many thanks to all our contributors for helping make the roundup possible. Cheers!

The Long Road Back: From Injury to an England Vest

by David Edmondson

I have been running competitively for over 40 years, to a moderate level of success. Frequently plagued by injury; like most. Especially over the last few years, maybe it’s inevitable? Since 2013 I’ve never felt like I was running well.

Now my wife Tracy who has been teaching Pilates for 14 years has been pointing out areas of improvement for some time, in particular to do with posture and dynamic posture: running gait in other words.

My problems included:
• Hyper extending knees
• Head too far forward
• Pelvis hiking
• Shoulders too far forward
• Week core
• Glutes not firing

You can see some of the faults in the cross country picture.

Cross Country

Over the last few years something has clicked, maybe my engineering background helped. We are very much design to run so why do we frequently get injured? I put months of thought and analysis into the problems a couple of years ago. In fact I enjoyed that so much I eventually resigned form my teaching career to join Tracy teaching Pilates. Some of my classes specialising in Running.

What did I find was the solution to my problems? A real concentration on getting that posture right, improving stability, running gait and crucially, ensuring my glutes are not only strong but firing properly. I’ve slowly altered my running gait, minimum necessary change each time. Much of these gains made through Pilates with some work that I’ve called Pilates Plus; the same principles but with weights or resistance. The picture form Telford 10K perhaps demonstrates some of these improvements; still with some gains to be made.

Telford 10K

How have I improved? I returned to road running last summer after perhaps 3 or 4 races since 2009. My 4th road race of 2018 I ran 10 miles in just over 63 minutes to grab the V50 Lancashire 10 Mile Champs and a few weeks later ran just over 37 minutes at the Telford 10K to get an England selection. Not stunning times but over the last 12 months I’ve only averaged 25 miles a week; my lowest average for some years! Now I have the correct movement patterns, stability and strength I can begin building the mileage up again and we’ll see what I can do?

I’m running for England V50 10K team in May and then hope to focus on an Autumn marathon; aiming for an England vest at that distance.

Lancashire Cross Country Championship 2019

Dave Scott, Lancashire Cross Country VM75 Champion. Photo: Donna Airey

Ladies’ Cross Country Report

by Donna Airey

Back to back XC races during October, November and December. It weird when your hit with the 4 weeks break. I, and I’m sure others too, was happy when it was back to putting the spike on.

First up (feels like ages ago now) was the Lancashire XC Championships at Witton Park. A fantastic course, drier than previous years but still good fun. Great turn out from the seniors with the ladies team finishing 5th overall. Everyone did fantastic, well done!
Our ladies Vet team finished an impressive 3rd and bagged themselves a bronze medal
Also impressive performances by Julia Rushton (2nd V55), Karen Goss (1st V65 and 1st V70) and Christine Leathley (2nd V65) who all finish on the Podium.

Some of the Ladies’ Team at the Lancashire Cross Country Championships. Photo: David Belshaw

Week after we were back to Mid Lancs League. Held on our turf, we once again had a good number of ladies taking part. Well organised by Trawden, results were up before I’d even got my spikes out the bag. Being able to hear when Burnley (well Fulham) scored was also a bonus!

We had good results and currently ladies stand in the league joint 2nd place in Division 1. V35 – 3rd. V45 3rd. V55 3rd. We need as many as you as possible for the 2 remaining fixtures, please!

5th “A”— 22 Tara Robb 25, Jean Brown, 29 Rebecca Rimmington
11th ‘B’ 118 — 36 CDarling-Smedley, 39 Michelle Abbott, 43 Donna Airey
F35 – 3rd— 13 Jean Brown, 16 Rebecca Rimmington,19 C Darling-Smedley
F45 – 4th— 9 Jean Brown, 26 Irene Roche, 28 Julia Rushton
F55 -4th — 4 Irene Roche, 29 Susan Allen, 30 Christine Leathley

The last January fixture was the Northern Athletics XC Championships held at Pontefract. Thank you to all that put their name forward to represent the club, especially after the committee decided to affiliate to NA so our members could take part in these big events.

My 4th year doing the Northerns and a different venue each time. There’s just something special about taking part in this big event, the atmosphere, the talent, the challenge of a longer course. Well done to those who ran and hope you all had a good day out and we see more of you put your name forward next year!

Junior Report

by Alan Dorrington

The first race of the month was one that many of our Juniors had been targeting all season – the Lancashire XC Championships. Witton Park can be very muddy at this time of year but conditions were surprisingly firm and even the infamous Saucer descent was relatively mud-free.

Helana White powering to the finish to become Lancashire Cross Country U13G Champion. Photo: David Belshaw

Helana White led the U13G race from early on with her usual focus and took a comfortable win to become Lancashire Champion and achieve her second County vest. Backing up her win with great runs also, her team mates Sianna Smith (13^th), Amelia Halstead (15^th) and Eleanor Edwards (23^rd) helped the girls to 2^nd Team.

U13 Girls’ Team (L-R Amelia Halstead, Helana White, Sianna Smith, Eleanor Edwards). Photo : David Belshaw

In the U11B, Charlie Fee continued to progress in 17^th  place and Fraser Anforth was 56^th. We had 5 girls running in the U11G race, with Eliena Lusty tantalisingly close to the top 10 in 11^th, Emily Nicholls 26^th, Lottie Smith 35^th, Phoebe Jackson 49^th and Ellisia Smedley 54^th.

U11 Girls’ Team (L-R Lottie Smith, Emily Nicholls, Phoebe Jackson, Ellisia Smedley, Eliena Lusty). Photo: David Belshaw

By comparison, unfortunately we had no boys running in the U13B race, for the first time coaches can remember – here’s hoping the boys bounce back and we can field a good team in future races.

Jackson Mackay finishing strongly to earn (hopefully) a Lancashire Vest. Photo: David Belshaw

Jackson McKay just missed out on automatic selection for the County team with 7^th in U15B so fingers crossed he still gets another vest, whilst Will Nicholls was 27^th, Lennon Jackson 42^nd and Will Barlow 43^rd.

U15 Boys (L-R Jackson Mackay, Will Nicholls, William Barlow). Photo: David Belshaw

Ella Dorrington led our U15G home in 18^th, closely followed by Imogen Ferguson (23^rd), Sophie Ashworth (27^th), Hannah Eccles (34^th) and Beth Wheatcroft (45^th).

U15 Girls’ Team (L-R Sophie Ashworth, Ella Dorrington-Levy, Bethany Wheatcroft, Hannah Eccles, Imogen Ferguson). Photo: David Belshaw

The U17B attacked the race with their usual commitment in a really strong field with Nick Hennessey 17^th, Charlie Parkinson 18^th, Michael Stevens 24^th and Peter Stevens 27^th and finally Caleb Thornber 31^st. Nicola Moynihan was our sole representative in the U17G race with a fine 9^th place.

U17s (L-R Charlie Parkinson, Caleb Thornber, Peter Stevens, Nick Hennessey, Michael Stevens, Nicola Moynihan). Photo: David Belshaw

The following week, our cross country Juniors returned to the local fixture in Towneley Park, as part of the Mid Lancs series. There were top 20 performances in the U11 from Eliena Lusty and Charlie Fee, and Helana White took a gritty second in the U13G with Amelia Halstead, Sianna Smith and Eleanor Edwards helping the girls to 3^rd team.

Jackson Mckay was just pipped into 2^nd after a close race in the U15B and with William Nicholls and Lennon Jackson, the boys took 3^rd team.

Our U17B team was on fire at their home fixture and with Nick Hennessey (4^th), Michael and Peter Stevens (9^th and 10^th) and Charlie Parkinson (11^th) they won the team prize. Fantastic work lads!

The Kendal Winter League is a well established series of races that can best be described as cross-country on steroids or fell racing-lite. Either way, they are a great way of keeping some fell fitness and experience going over the winter months and fell devotees Ella Dorrington and Christopher Brown attended several during this month. Ella placed  2^nd U17G at Giggleswick and 3^rd at Whitestones in Cumbria, whilst Christopher was 10^th in U15B at Scout Scar, 11^th at Giggleswick, and 7^th at Whitestones.

Finally, a sizeable team made their way across to Pontefract racecourse for the Northern Athletics Cross Country Champs, a high quality race with large fields. All our Juniors raced well against the best runners in the region, on a fast but draggy course round the infield of the racecourse.

1st January – New Year’s Day Awakener, Whitworth – Results

1st F55 – Yvonne Wickham; 2nd M50 – David McMullan.

5th January – Lancashire Cross Country Championship – Results

1st U13G – Helana White; 2nd U13G Team (Helana White, Sianna Smith, Amelia Halstead, Eleanor Edwards); 3rd Ladies (Vets) Team (Jean Brown, Michelle Abbott, Cassie Darling-Smedley); 1st VM75 – David Scott.

6th January – Scout Scar Fell Race (Kendal Winter League) – Results

1st LV60 – Wendy Dodds; 2nd LV50 – Jean Brown; 1st MV70 – Jack Holt;

13th January – East Lancs Hospice 10K – Results

1st M50 – David Edmondson; 1st M60 – John Roche; 2nd M45 – Robert Morrison.

12th January – Towneley Park – Mid Lancs Cross Country – Results

2nd U13 Girl – Helana White; 3rd U13 Girls Team (Helana White, Sianna Smith, Amelia Halstead); 2nd U15 Boy – Jackson Mackay; 3rd U15 Boys Team (Jackson Mackay, William Nicholls, Lennon Jackson); 1st U17 Mens Team (Nick Hennessey, Michael Stevens, Peter Stevens);3rd Ladies Over 35 Team (Jean Brown, Rebecca Rimmington, Cassie Darling-Smedley); 1st Vet 70 Men – David Scott; 3rd Vet 70 Men – Richard Lawson; 2 Ladies Over 50 – Carol Life; 3rd Mens over 45 – Craig Eccles.

13th January – Giggleswick School (Kendal Winter League) – Results

1st LV70 – Linda Lord; 1st LV60 – Wendy Dodds; 2nd LV60 – Katy Thompson; 2nd LV50 – Jean Brown.

19th January – Inskip Half Marathon – Results

1st V55M – Kevin Davies; 3rd V60M – Alan Clarkson; 1st V55W – Avril Duckworth.

20th January – Whitestone (Kendal Winter League) – Results

26th January – Northern Athletics Cross Country Championships, Pontefract – Results

27th January – Birkrigg Common (Kendal Winter League) – Results

1st LV60 – Katy Thompson; 1st LV50 – Jean Brown.

Parkrun Roundup

Junior Parkrun Roundup