Clayton-le-Moors Harriers are proud to be Club of the Year at the Lancashire Sports Awards 2018!
Also at these awards, Briony Holt was Highly Commended as Young Achiever of the Year, and Jason Pier, one of our Junior coaches, was Highly Commended as Volunteer of the Year. Well done Briony and Jason!
The club, Briony Holt and Jason Pier were nominated for their awards by Burnley Council.
It’s been a while since the last roundup. I’m using October as a practice, and I’m sure it will improve as I get more used to it. But remember, this is your club – you are a diverse group, racing on road, hills, trail, short races , long races, every month – I need your race reports!! We would all love to read about it. All you need to do is send a few words, and perhaps a photo, and I can include it in our round-up so everyone can read about it. The next generation of runners are also reading – so go on and INSPIRE THEM!!!
Sarah Helliwell, Ladies Fell Racing Manager
As many of our members know and for those who do not! I am the ladies fell manager. My role over the last 2 years has been to increase participation (especially female) on the fells locally and further afield! As a club Clayton Harriers has a long history of fell running, many a running legend (still winning national age categories this year!) and many experienced fell runners who are more than happy to share their knowledge and encourage are younger contingent into an amazing side of our sport. The beauty of fell running is the constant changing scenery and terrain, with the majority of races being in some of the most beautiful areas of our country, the Yorkshire Dales, Lakes, Snowdon, the Highlands and not forgetting our doorstep of the Pennines.
October is the month when the fell running calendar reaches it pinnacle with the Hodgson Brothers Relays in Patterdale and the British Relays, which was hosted by Ambleside AC in Grasmere this year. Both events usually include the top fell runners in the country, who thrash it out on the fells to be crowned the best teams. For anyone who has not run in a fell team relay event, the majority of these events are run as pairs. Therefore the pair needs to have a variety of experience between them. From being able to map read and navigate, support each other over some tough terrain and interesting weather conditions and to finally appreciate some spectacular scenery!
Hodgson Relays
The ‘Hodgson Brothers Mountain Relay’ is the longest-running mountain relay in the country and is one of the toughest relays to get an entry into. As a club we have supported the relay for many years with the ladies team and what is now known as the Z team and are lucky enough to have 3 teams consisting of a men’s open team, a men’s vet team and a ladies team. The race is a tough one, with 4 legs each throwing up their separate challenges, including hard climbs and steep descents on difficult terrain.
It was a fresh and mainly dry day as the Clayton teams assembled on the playing fields in Patterdale with the other 70 teams. Running the first leg was Richard Stevenson and Calum Holmes, Chris Funnell and Ivan Whigham and finally Rhiannon Wickham and Briony Holt. All 3 teams took the sensible option and left the field in a comfortable pace as nearly the 1st half mile on road and track to the foot of the climb, before making its way over to Angletarn which can mean suffering later on if you have gone too fast on the flat bit. It was great to see 3 young fresh faces of Briony, Rhiannon and Calum doing their first Lakeland fell relay, with all of then having a great run on leg 1 alongside Richard, Ivan and Chris. It was also an excellent start for the ladies as Rhiannon and Briony nearly beat the men’s vet team to the changeover point at Hartsop. Next time girls, we’ll have them
Leg 1 runners – Briony Holt, Rhiannon Wickham, Calum Holmes, Chris Funnell, Ivan Whigham & Richard Stevenson. Photo: Tina Holt
Leg 2 – starts off with a monster of a climb from the valley up onto High Street before eventually edging back round to Kirkstone over the craggy section before the decent back down to the pub. From what I heard there was a good view from the top of High Street, however quite a bit of suffering occurred as the young legs of Andy Laycock and Dave Bagot gained places for the men’s team. Whilst Z-team stalwarts Mark Nutter and Ralph Baines put distance between themselves and the ladies team with Anna Kelly and Claire Vincent running a solid leg for the ladies team.
At the end! – Katy Thompson, Tara Robb, Jean Brown, Chris Brown, Wendy Dodds, Barbara Savage & Mike Wallis. Photo: Sarah Helliwell
Leg 3 – kicks straight up from Kirkstone Pass onto Red Screes with runners deciding to either take the path or off piste option. Once on top the wind was starting to pick up as runners started to take a variety of options. In the words of Barbara she wasn’t going to argue with Wendy and once Wendy has her bearing on her compass there is no changing her 😉 no matter the terrain. Andy Firth made young Simon Stansfield work hard for the vets team, while Will Hardman and Chris Snell gained more places as they descended hard into Sykeside, where quite a group of team Clayton were now supporting and cheering the runners on. Young Chris Brown did a cracking job as a spotter and coming back down to the change-over to give the next leg runners some prior warning.
Russell Clarke & Carl Helliwell descending back down to Patterdale at the end of leg 4. Photo: Jo Perry
The wind was channelling down the valley as the leg 4 runners made their way up onto Fairfield then St Sunday. Old man Helliwell was made to work as Russell set of fast; however Carl came into his own on the climb making the younger man work hard. It was then back to Russell on the descent as he and Carl pushed the men’s team back to Patterdale and the men’s team came in 20th position. Next it was over to the vet’s team as Mike Wallis and Paul Thompson gained places back for the vet’s team and even cruised past Team Hodgson on their way back to 45th position, as Chris Hodgson said “they flew past us”. Lastly Tara Robb and Jean Brown made each other work hard and picked some good lines as they brought the ladies team home in 62nd position.
One thing that I feel I need to mention is that there was a 50 year age gap between Briony Holt (16) and Wendy Dodds (66) both running for the ladies team. I bet no other club could match that!
Vets team – Chris Funnell, Simon Stansfield, Andy Firth, Ralph Baines & Mark Nutter. Photo: Sarah Helliwell
Well done to everyone who ran and it was fantastic to see some new younger faces running in the relays teams. If this is something you would like to have a go at next year, get yourself onto the fells and especially up into the Lakes for more experience. This is a fantastic team event and one the club is proud to do.
Men’s Team – Will Herman, Russell Clarke, Carl Helliwell, Chris Snell, Andy Laycock & Dave Bagot. Photo: Sarah Helliwell
British Relays – Grasmere
All week the weather had been perfect, mild, clear and great running condition. So it was sods law that when Saturday morning arrived it was grey, overcast and when we turned off the M6 at Kendal the rain started! 250 teams had entered the championships and we had fielded 5 teams into the different categories. On a personal note I have been trying to encourage more women from the club onto the fells and especially up into the Lakes. So I was extremely pleased that we fielded 2 ladies team into the event. The British Relays has a different format to the Hodgson. Legs 1 and 4 are run as individual legs, with leg 4 opened to 16 years plus. Leg 2 and 3 are run as pairs, with leg 3 as a pure navigation leg, where the runners are only given the map for their route as they set off. They then have to find the best route to the different check points before making their way back to change over at the event field.
In the week up to the event Mark Nutter and the Z-team set the challenge of the ladies team trying to beat them, I put it towards the ladies and they said “yes, game on!” All the routes went up onto the fells north east of Grasmere, covering a variety of classic fells and climbs from Fairfield, Seat Sandal, Great Rigg, Stone Arthur, Heron Pike and Rydal Fell. The rain was coming down hard as the leg 1 runners set off, Carl Helliwell was running for the men’s team, Andy Stubbs for the men’s vet team, Chris Funnell for the Z team, Rhiannon Wickham for the ladies and Vicky Heys for the Ladies vet team. Carl came in first in 47th position giving the men’s a good start and lead over the vet’s team. Chris had also put the Z-team into a good position, however Rhiannon came in not too far behind (151), keeping the pressure on them, with Vicky bringing in the lady vets in 204th.
Carl after finishing leg 1, me trying to organise and worrying about numbers and dibbers! with 6 month old Fergus having a snooze on my back. Photo: Ralph Baines
Next was the paired leg with young Laycock and Bagot battling it out and pushing each other once again with a fantastic run by both and 32nd on their leg. Paul “I’ve forgotten my hat” Hesketh and Alan Dorrington ran for the vets, Andy Firth and Andy Howarth for the Z’s, Claire Vincent and Donna Airey (first timer) for the ladies and vet stalwarts Linda Lord (vet 70 and still putting many of us younger ones to shame!) and Kath Wallis all battled the elements and tough terrain leg 2.
Kath Wallis and Linda Lord (see if you can spot her) on leg 2. Photo: Beau Dog Photography
The navigation leg can cause a problem for some clubs as having good runners who can read run fast whilst reading a map, navigate and reach the checkpoints is a hard skill to do well. This is what led to Keswick AC down fall who were winning the relays by roughly 2 mins at the start of leg 3. The navigation pair got lost and lost nearly 32 minutes and 71 places! I feel that this is an area where we have been fortunate to have some very experienced runners. It was then over to Will Herman, Russell Clarke, Mike Wallis, Neil Hardiman, Ralph Baines, Mark Nutter, Jean Brown, Tara Robb, Wendy Dodds and Barbara Savage as they all set of into the clagg (fog) to find their checkpoints. All 5 teams had very strong runs on this leg and picked some good if different route choices between them all.
Mike Wallis and Neil Hardiman getting ready for the navigation leg. Photo: Ralph Baines
The last leg was a tough lung buster with a great steep descent, which was perfect for our young Briony Holt who completed the leg for the ladies team. This is what Briony had to say about her first experience at the British Relays:
“This year’s relays were held in Grasmere; well known for its brutally steep climbs, I’m pretty sure we all knew it was going to be tough (Andy Stubbs proved us right when we saw him hobbling back to the car upon our arrival – obviously being beaten by the better man – Carl)!
I was on the last leg which is run on your own, similar to leg 1. The weather was wet and foggy which made the already tough courses even harder. With runners finishing and some setting off, it was hard to know when to get ready. I started to warm up and soon after we got called over to the starting pen. The officials said to set off whenever people were ready to give people plenty of time to get to the top of Heron Pike. So off we went.
The uphill was 30 minutes of brutal climbing, with the check points acting as a rest spot. Then you went on a runnable path that took you from the top of Heron Pike to the third check point before the fast and technical descent to the finishing field. Although the uphill went on for ever, I loved the course especially the part just after Stone Arthur!
Thank you to the team managers for organising the teams for this event, and hopefully I’ll be able to run some more Lakeland relays in the future!”
The other runners on leg 4 were Chris Snell, Tim Edwards, Tracey Mitchell and the mythical legend of Peter Dugdale, who all brought the different Clayton teams home safely.
Paul Hesketh and Alan Dorrington running for the vet’s team. Photo: Beau Dog Photography
Andy Walmsley, the very experienced and wise manager for the Z-team has kindly passed on some words from the Z-team, this is what he had to say about the day:
“The Z team were able to field a strong and very [in some cases very-very !] experienced team.
In the weeks prior to the event, being short of work, we had managed to do some recces and all agreed that each leg was tough in its own way. Ambleside had devised a test even for the best.
The gauntlet was thrown down and the challenge accepted by the ladies! Perhaps our special lines would give us an edge?
Leg 1 a long fast climb steepening to the summit of Seat Sandal then a long fast descent with a sting in the tail climb and fast run in. Chris [Funnell] took it in his stride running a superb leg in1:04:19 setting the tone for the rest of the relay and putting us in 124th place!
Two Andrews [Howarth & Firth] set off on the Queen leg 2: big climb and long technical descent. The Ladies snapping at our heels …could we make experience count? Another great leg covered in 1:39:29 increasing our advantage over the Ladies but still close.
Ralph Baines running for the Z-team. Photo: Andy Firth
Over to the navigators ! Anything can happen on a navigation leg. We needn`t have worried, Mark and Ralph [Nutter & Baines] revelled in the challenge making good route choices to run into the finish comfortably before the mass start for leg 4 [which had been brought forward to protect the marshals ] having nailed it !
Leg 4 : big climb and fast hair raising descent ! Peter [Dugdale] who had been fired up for a fortnight and warming up for half an hour set off like a scalded cat. Surely all would be well?
Briony [Holt] set off two and a half minutes later in the mass start in hot pursuit! At the finish we didn`t know the true gap and waited a little nervously for leg 3 Ladies to arrive. Peter didn`t know how much advantage he had and just got on with it. Briony was on a stormer and passed Peter at Alcock Tarn. Peter did more “getting on with it.”
Briony for the Ladies arrived at the finish minutes before Peter but crucially he had enough of a buffer from previous legs to give the Zs a 3 min 45 sec advantage and a finishing position of 125th.
A good team performance, no mistakes and strong on each leg. Well done to the Ladies it was close! As for next year we will need to cling to the slender hope that the young and talented Ladies don`t make any progress before then!”
Andy Laycock and Dave Bagot on leg 2. Photo: Beau Dog Photography
The club had a fantastic day, with some very strong performances from a number of different runners. It was great that we could field 5 teams into the event consisting of 2 ladies teams. As Jean commented it has been a long time since we have had such a young ladies team at the British Relays and is hopefully a sign of good things to come. We ended up 4 minutes behind the Z team and made them sweat at times. We are getting closer ladies. There were a number of runners who ran the relays for the first time and it is important that we keep getting new and fresh blood onto the fells to carry on the Clayton legacy.
| Team | Time | Leg 1 | Leg 2 | Leg 3 | Leg 4 | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s | 4.33.33 | 47 | 32 | 57 | 71 | 42nd |
| Men’s vet | 4.55.02 | 98 | 130 | 69 | 38 | 72nd |
| Z- team | 5.29.12 | 124 | 191 | 82 | 166 | 125th |
| Ladies | 5.33.57 | 151 | 201 | 112 | 90 | 136th |
| Ladies vet | 6.08.30 | 204 | 230 | 145 | 190 | 193rd |
There are a number of ways to get out onto the fells throughout the year. Barley Badgers (Mark Nutter) run on a Tuesday night from the Pendle Inn at Barley at 6.30pm over the winter months. There are the Normads (Keith Prosser) who do steady off-road runs on a Tuesday night. John Roche takes his group off-road over the summer months. The ladies group meet every Thursday across East Lancashire and the Great Harwood group meet at 6.30pm every Thursday at Memorial Park. The juniors have great access to the knowledge and guidance of Alan Dorrington and Andy Armstrong who can give them vast experience and great training tips. Then over the summer months there are the PBGR races, the Rossendale series, the Darwen tower races and many of our own club events. However, to race in the big relays you need to get some Lakeland experience, there are always a variety of races over the summer and usually the Grasmere and Ambleside Sports races are always a good starter. The BOFRA races are always a good introduction and also have junior races.
One thing that can be said about fell running is that you cannot meet a bunch of people who are so down to earth, love eating cake (or ice-cream in the summer months) after a race and where you will see the winner of the race enjoying a pint of real ale with the last person of the race in the pub afterwards, sharing each other’s adventures.
Hope to see you on the fells soon.
Sarah Helliwell
Helana White was crowned the U12 Girls BOFRA Champion 2018 (British Open Fell Runners Association) at the BOFRA awards evening. These traditional, challenging fell races vary in location including Alva, Coniston, Burnsall and Farleton Knott. – Each different venue offers new terrain and challenges.
The best 8 scores from a possible 15 races are counted for the overall series scores. Helana only needed to complete the minimum 8 races to secure the victory, as she won her first 7 races , scoring maximum points, and came 2nd in her 8th race (she had had worked out she only needed to come in the top 6 to secure the series, so decided to save her legs as she had a triathlon in Blackpool the following day). The BOFRA win comes on the back of being awarded Joint 2nd place in the FRA League, and finishes off a successful year on the fells, a discipline she loves to race.
A BIG thanks goes to Alan, Andy, Richard and Jean for organising and supporting the Junior Fell training throughout the Spring and Summer, without their support & help Helana would not have this award. – Helana had targeted this series at the beginning of the year as her main goal, and is thrilled to have won it.
Grit and determination on Helana’s face. Photo: Dave Woodhead
Helana with her shield and trophy. Photo: Rachael White
7th October – Withins Skyline Results
13th October – Leigh (Red Rose Cross Country League) Results
This is the XC race that our juniors prioritised. Helana White came a close second in U13 Girls, overtaken on the line. Our Teams achieved 2nd U13 Girls’ Team, 3rd U13 Boys’ Team, and 2nd U17 Men’s Team.
13th October – Ulverston (Mid Lancs Cross Country) Results
Donna Airey (Ladies’ XC Captain)
Ulverston was the 1st fixture in the Mid Lancs league and was the last fixture back in March. I remember the course well cold, windy and undulating but missing mud. Glaxo Hoad Hill must have read my complaint and decided for this fixture to give us some mud, and lots of it. It was also cold, windy and extremely wet. Great XC conditions! We had a good turnout considering the travel time. 10 Ladies and 14 men, with the ladies gaining a vital 5 points to help our start to secure our league 1 status. The men had a great start too with Mark Magee being our first male counter on his 1st XC race. Well done to all those that ran.
Cross Country League begins again! (A report from Ulverston with the senior men)
Mick Hughes (Men’s XC Captain)
How fast does this time of year come round?! .. Many of us were perhaps only beginning to contemplate digging out those spikes when suddenly the 13th October was upon us and both the Mid Lancs and Red Rose Leagues started with a clash (Ulverston and Leigh the fixtures). Proper cross country conditions too, plenty of rain and mud (slightly more so at Ulverston as I believe Leigh was a little firmer under foot).
I am honoured to have been asked to captain the men and after plenty of networking and rallying the troops I was most happy with a great response and brilliant turn out at each fixture. With the club predominantly concentrating on Mid Lancs, I travelled up to Ulverston to support the teams on as I had a half marathon early Sunday so was not able to run myself (as much as I was tempted!). Over 10 senior men and a great atmosphere amongst both the guys and ladies that made the journey undeterred by the weather and long drive to Ulverston. A similar turnout at Leigh and I believe with good performances from both venues.
The team at Ulverston was a mixture of well seasoned XC veterans and a few first time XC debuts at both the venue and for the club. Mark Magee (one of our excellent new harriers with real talent) was first Clayton to finish his laps and cross the line in 29th position in 38;05, followed by strong performances from Matt Duckworth (38;43) and Ryan Bradshaw in 39;08.
Despite great times and performances, I was more concerned that the team spirit would be great and that inclusion continues within our representation at these events with lads and ladies of all abilities putting themselves forward and having a good ‘away day’ team experience. The main thing is that both our men and ladies remain competitive and doing well in these leagues. I was not disappointed, this proved the case and there were good reports from all ages and abilities within the athletes I spoke to and had feedback from both at Ulverston post-race and at Club training the following week. Ulverston impressed me with its high corners and short steep muddy banks, laps of that circuit looked a great one to do regardless of ability.
I have experience of Leigh and know how despite the fairly flat circuit, the laps can easily wear you down, especially when the wind hits you on the cross sections and wide open sections. Nevertheless a strong Clayton showing and many good race reports and leading performances from the likes of Michael O Donnell, John Wilcock, Alex Cran and Gareth Berry coming in excellent times in the low 40’s(!) with others attending as their first XC fixture and experiencing racing in the mud. I know ever last runner was cheered in at Ulverston and hopefully likewise across the miles at Leigh.
Thanks must also go to Jason Pier and Donna Airey for organisation and support at both venues, Helen Stevens for collating the Roundup and of course those who stand and cheer us on week in week out across the counties fixtures.
I look forward to the next fixture (Red Rose League at Bolton) Sat 10 November, where I will also be lining up alongside the guys and getting stuck in myself!
Well done all our teams on a great start to the season, Keep up the great attendance and team spirit!…. see you in the mud!
Dave Scott – the rain and the mud can’t dull our mood! Photo: Mick Hughes
Jez Bradshaw & Martin Brady looking strong. Photo: Mick Hughes
Mark Magee on his way to an excellent debut. Photo: Mick Hughes
Off we go – the season starts! Photo: Mick Hughes
Richard Stevenson, 1st M40.
1st MJ Michael Stevens (13th overall – 37:20), 1st F60 Irene Roche (50:40)
Michael Stevens smiling to the end. Photo: David Belshaw
Irene Roche – 1st F60: Photo David Belshaw
Wendy Dodds, 1st W60.
Here are October’s Personals Bests at our local Parkruns (Burnley, Clitheroe Castle, Hyndburn, Pendle, Witton). If anyone achieved a PB elsewhere, please let me know.
| Date | Venue | Name | Cat | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/10/18 | Burnley | Martin Terry | VM55-59 | 20:59 |
| Guy Whalley | JM11-14 | 21:49 | ||
| William Barlow | JM11-14 | 23:29 | ||
| Sophie Mcintosh | SW25-29 | 28:33 | ||
| Marion Wilkinson | VW75-79 | 29:12 | ||
| Clitheroe Castle | Emily Nicholls | JW10 | 28:59 | |
| 20/10/18 | Burnley | Amelia Halstead | JW11-14 | 22:28 |
| Pendle | Connor Jones | JM11-14 | 20:36 | |
| 27/10/18 | Burnley | Mark Magee | SM30-34 | 17:22 |
| Hannah Eccles | JW11-14 | 23:06 | ||
| Rebecca Bradshaw | SW25-29 | 24:31 | ||
| Eliena Lusty | JW10 | 25:33 |
Here is the link to this week’s Parkrun Consolidated Club Report
I’m really sorry but the 2018 Pendleton race next week (25th August) is cancelled.
Road work on the nearby Clitheroe bypass has forced a diversion through Pendleton village and the traffic flow has increased substantially.
I had planned a shorter race route avoiding the main street but having spent some time in the village, speaking with local people, it is evident that the usual race day parking cannot be safely accommodated.
Please can you let as many people know about this. Apologies for the short notice and hope to see you all on August Bank Holiday Saturday 2019
Best wishes
Mike Eddleston
RO Pendleton
Notice of Annual General Meeting
7.15pm Monday 24th September, 2018
The Woodman Inn
129 Todmorden Road
Burnley
BB1 3EX
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is your opportunity to influence how your club is run as well as ask questions or raise concerns.
At the AGM the committee post holders for the coming year are appointed together with the posts of President, Ladies’ Captain, Men’s Captain and Auditor. Any member can stand for a post subject to them being proposed and seconded by another member at least 14 days before the meeting. If you are interested in standing for a post and would like more information about what’s involved, please contact me.
The AGM also allows members to put forward proposals for consideration and voting. Proposals for the AGM must be seconded by another member and submitted in writing to me at least 14 days before the meeting.
Peter Browning, Secretary.
AGM documents are at http://www.claytonlemoors.org.uk/about/agm-affiliations/
3 March – Mid Lancs XC League Round 6
This was the cross-country final that nearly wasn’t. Whilst the Beast from the East did it’s best to snowdrift the country into a complete standstill, the M6 northwards and western fringes of the Lake District were strangely replete of snow, allowing the Mid Lancs XC crowd to head north for this new fixture up in Ulverston, at the Glaxo site on the very edge of Morecombe Bay.
A bone hard and undulating course, with a somewhat coolish breeze coming off the Bay greeted the runners, with trail and fell shoes being the preferred option for most runners.
Helana White to the fore. Photo:
Juniors
Amelia Halstead capped off a breakthrough xc season with a fine 4th place in the U11G, not far behind the winner and putting her into a series 4th overall. Her regular team mates Ellisia Smedley, Emily Nicholls and Joni Higgins helped the Clayton girls to 10th overall.
Charlie Barnes led the U11B home in 28th, and with Fraser Anforth and Josh McKay the boys took 12th palce in the team competition.
Helana White continued to blaze a trail at the front of the U13G with a fine 3rd, with Ella Dorrington in 9th and the fast improving Imogen Ferguson in 22nd. A few tense hours waiting for final results confirmed the U13G team in 3rd place overall just behind Blackburn and just ahead of Trawden, a great result for them after a full season of working hard toward that team prize.
Robbie Smedley in 3rd was followed by William Nicholls 13th, and Matthew Jackson 14th and this allowed them to claim 3rd place in the U13B team prize by one point.
Only Sophie Ashworth ran in the U15G race to14th, with the last minute start line addition of her race number!
Jackson McKay went out hard in the U15B race in an attempt to stamp his authority on the front group and it nearly paid off as he came in a hard fought 4th, with Michael Stevens 10th and brother Peter 13th. Lennon Jackson and Theo Burfield battled away for 22nd 25th. With Harrison Codd who ran in earlier races, the boys came 5th overall.
Josh Hall was our sole U17B in 7th whilst Brinoy Holt in U17G took a fine 2nd place overall in the series.
Imogen Ferguson was flying in Ulverston. Photo: Cassie Smedley
Seniors
Donna Airey capped off a great season with 13th to give an overall season placing of 16th Senior Lady (8th Vet), whilst Tom Brewster took 15th to give and overall senior Men 9th place.
David Edmondson had a consistent season and took 2nd overall in the Vet 50 competition (7th Vet overall), Andy Holt a top ten in V40 with Calum Holmes 6th in U20 Men. Dave Scott was first in the V70 Men.
Gold Team Prizes (and promotion to Division 1) were awarded for the season to the Division 2 Ladies and V65 Ladies teams, with Silver for our Division 1 Senior Men, and Bronze for the V55 Ladies and V40 Men.
Donna Airey reports:
“Ulverston was the final fixture in the mid Lancs League, A new venue and it didn’t disappoint. In fact, personally one of my favourite’s. Cold, windy, and undulating. Just missing some mud! Great turn out considering the snow around Burnley and hour and half drive up the M6. With the XC season now over, many thanks those who have taken part. Special thanks to Jason for everything he does and those who have helped with the tent. We’ve had plenty of seniors turn up to most fixtures even with some being over an hour’s drive away. We’ve seen some newcomer’s taking part, hope you have all enjoyed it and we will see you again next season. Well Done everyone, here are some of our overall performances”
And that, as they say, was a wrap for cross-country 2017/18
10 March – Inter Counties XC
Briony, Ella, Helana, Josh, Robbie and training partner Jack Villiers with their vests. Photo: Rachael White
There’s mud, and then there is MUD. The 5 Clayton Juniors selected to run for Lancashire had probably never run in worse conditions underfoot and probably never want to again. However, it didn’t deter Helana White, Ella Dorrington, Robbie Smedley, Briony Holt and Josh Hall from donning their shiny white and red Lancashire vests and getting stuck in. All of them did their Club and County proud and we expect to see more of them, and their teammates in Lancashire colours.
Robbie Smedley. And some mud.
Photo: Woodentops
10 March – Stan Bradshaw Round
Andrew Holt on his way to a cracking 27th. Photo: David Belshaw
As if one wasn’t enough… Beast from the East 2 arrived in time to threaten loads of fell races this particular and the Stan Bradshaw Round on our beloved Pendle Hill was no exception. However, a judicious course alteration from organiser Colin Woolford and some heroic marshalling meant the race avoided the cancellation that befell many other races in the region.
The now shortened course followed the normal start route to CP1, CP2 then left along the next wall to Ogden Clough, down to upper Ogden Dam and what was CP5, then up to Fell Wood to an amended CP6 giving roughly 12k in all. And a thoroughly testing day out with cold winds, frozen turf in places and deep drifts to wade through in others.
There were 21 Clayton runners led home by Chris Holdsworth in 3rd overall. Tara Robb was 1st Clayton Lady home (5th Lady overall).
Michelle Butschok, wrapped up against the cold. Photo: David Belshaw
Chris Holdsworth, moving quick enough not to need tights! Photo: David Belshaw
25 March – FRA English Junior Championships
It was the usual late March start for the FRA English Junior Championships series, and like 2 years ago, Todd Crag in Ambleside was the setting for the first race of the season. The snow had gone, the sun shone and the racing was fast but technical on a rough and steep Lakeland course.
Jenson Bentham was 12th in the U13B with Helana White chasing hard for 3rd place in the U13G.
Jackson McKay took 5th and Ella Dorrington 16th in the U15B and G races, whilst Peter Stevens got the better, just ahead of brother Michael in the U17B race, taking 22nd and 23rd respectively. Briony Holt was 5th U17G.
Jenson Bentham. Photo: Dave Rylance
Ella Dorrington. Photo: Dave Rylance
Briony Holt. Photo:
7 April – Pendle Fell Races
Wet and claggy weather was booked for Pendle again this year, to celebrate the incorporation of the Lancashire Fell Running Championships into this long-running club fixture. Two new organisers also took over this year, Mark Nutter (Senior race) and Alan Dorrington (Junior races).
Juniors
Jackson McKay – U15B Lancashire Fell Champion. Photo: Woodentops
In the Juniors there were Lancashire medals for Jackson McKay who was Lancashire Champion in U15B, Helana White with silver in the U13G and Ella Dorrington with silver in the U15G. Many of our other Juniors also took part in the races, with several top ten performances from the likes of Jenson Bentham (7th) and Matthew Jackson (8th) in U13B, Robbie Smedley (6th) and William Nicholls (7th) in U15B and Imogen Ferguson 7th in U15G.
Peter Stevens also impressed in the U17B, narrowly missing out on a medal in 4th, with Josh Hall in 6th. Sophie Ashworth was 5th in U17G with a very muddy and shoeless Millie Stubbs in 7th and Beth Wheatcroft returning from injury in 8th.
Helana White – a silver medal in the U13G. Photo: Woodentops
Ella Dorrington – also a silver medal in the U15G. Photo: Woodentops
Peter Stevens just missed out on a Lancashire medal in 4th. Photo: Woodentops
Seniors
Jim Hickie wonders how his new watch is supposed to work, while Mr Go Pro man behind captures it all for Youtube. Photo: Woodentops
In the Under 19 Men’s race, held as part of the Senior race won by evergreen V40 Rob Hope, Nick Hennessey had a fantastic run to become Lancashire Champion.
There were top ten places in the Senior Men’s race for Matt Perry and Andy Laycock (9th and 10th) and a fine 6th place overall and 2nd U23 Lady for Rhiannon Whickam. Peter Coates took a bronze Lancashire medal in the V40s, and Geoff Gough a silver medal in the V60 Men.
Irene Roche was a silver medallist in the Ladies V50, Karin Goss Lancashire V60 Champ and Linda Lord Lancashire V70 Champ.
14 April – FRA English Junior Championships
There was a new (to FRA Junior Champs) venue for the 2nd round of the FRA English Junior Championships with Trawden AC taking the race to Blacko and the hills surrounding the iconic Tower. The sun shone, the barbecue was pretty tasty and there was some great racing over traditional grassy Pennine hills (and bogs).
Helana White bagged her first ever win in the Junior FRA series with a powerful performance to see off her closest rival, based upon disappearing up the hill at a vast rate of knots to put in some distance between them. Her strategy paid off and she was a clear winner in the U13G race (and 8th overall), a fantastic achievement at this level.
I got this – Helana White in determined mood at the start of her U13 race. Photo: David Belshaw
Ella Dorrington improved on her last FRA outing with 8th in the U15G and Briony Holt had a solid run for 6th in U17G.
Emily Nicholls celebrates her Birthday in style in the U11 race. All was well afterwards. Photo: David Belshaw.
22 April – Ron Hill 10k
Clayton Ladies Claire Vincent and Michelle Abbott were age group winners in the Senior Ladies and W35 Ladies categories respectively at this popular local 10k, whilst Calum Holmes took the U23 Mens win and 6th overall.
Calum Holmes sets off quick with Nick Hennessey.
28 April – 3 Peaks Fell Race
Is it a fell race, a trail race or a marathon with mountains? That all depends on your perspective but what it clear is that it is a classic, and a hard one to pace, to boot.
David Bagot led home the usual large Clayton contingent in 3 hours 27 mins.
Photo: Chris Holdsworth.
Andrew Webster took on the 3 Peaks for the first time this year – here is his report:
“I had never done this race before and was a bit nervous as I had struggled on the recce a few weeks ago on the back 2 peaks but I had had lots of good advice off people before race day.
I got there in plenty of time and caught up with several other Clayton runners before we lined up in our expected time orders. I had a stroke of luck and set off with Simon Stansfield who had given me advice about pacing and leaving a little for descent off Ingleborough. I had set myself 2 race goals – avoid the bus and walk the hills and run everything else so I made cutofffs. It was pleasant trotting on with Simon to the base of Pen y Ghent and Ii think I paced it ok – Igot up in just under 48 minutes. The descent off was nice and there was a temptation to tear off on the good running to Ribblehead but I managed to contain myself and kept a consistent pace. At Ribblehead I was heartened to see Andy Bradley in front of me him being the 1st other club member I had seen since Pen y Ghent. I was prepared for Whernside being tough but not the biblical bog at the bottom – I actually saw 1 bloke go in almost to his waist. Swerve that 1 I thought! I managed to get to the summit of Whernside only feeling like chucking up a little and on the plus side my calves where that sore they had actually gone past pain and were just numb ( a blessed relief!!). I managed to gain a little speed coming down and didn’t knock any walkers over thankfully and before I realised it I was at the Hill Inn and oh joy inside cut offs!! Only by about 18 minutes but I do admit I was relieved! at this point. I really knew I would finish the race and gathered myself for the looming bulk of Ingleborough.
Two fields in I saw Richard Briscoe and again this raised my spirits to see a fellow club member and managed to stagger past him. Just before starting the climb it hailed for just 2.5 seconds but I thought my world was going to end as I wasn’t feeling quite myself at this point and though this is all i need! The climb didn’t seem as bad this time and I was lifted to see Steve Berry near the top shouting encouragement and giving me a drink of water. He said ” Andy’s just a minute in front of you – he’s yours to take!” I replied that all I wanted taking was a me in a helicopter from the summit but he just laughed ( I was deadly serious but he’d thought I was joking!). On my way to the trig I saw Andy Foster coming down and we said hello.
This was the bit I was most bothered about now as I was tired and it is horrible on that limestone coming back ( in fact on our recce Alex ended up with 3 stitches in his knee falling along the route back). But I remembered Simon’s advice about the race really starting from here and luckily I had paced it so that I steadily overtook quite a few on the way down including Andy who had a bad cramp attack and was slowing rapidly. Even more unusually I didn’t fall. These Yorkshire folk must like value for money in a race, as several times on the way in people shouted just a mile and a half to go when it was more like 4. Even so I managed to gain a few more places till the finish took me by surprise popping out from that tunnel straight onto the field!!
It was a great event and a fantastic experience I will definitely do again. I was very pleased with my time as I had reckoned around 5 hours to 5 and a half mark but got in in 4:45. My thanks to the organisers, marshalls and support on this race – it truly is a classic and I’d recommend it to every club member wholeheartedly.
Martin Brady (2nd from L) and Andrew Orr (R)receiving their trophies for 21 3 Peaks completions. Photo: Andrew Firth.
28 April – Fellsman
Fellsman regular Andy Armstrong and first timer Alan Dorrington set about this classic old-school ultra in the Dales, finishing together at the end of its 61 mile route with over 11,000ft of climb in just over 18 and a half hours.
For Alan it was a step into the unknown, given he hadn’t run more than 6 hours before but a combination of frequent refuelling with sausage rolls, pasta, hotdogs and flapjack and Andy’s experienced pacing and grit when he was unable to eat any of the above mentioned buffet for the last part of the race, saw them both round in good order. A great, if slightly lengthy day out over the many of the highest parts of the Dales.
Andy Armstrong and Alan Dorrington not taking things too seriously at the Fellsman. Photo: SportSunday
No let up in the winter weather this month with gales, snow, ice and then a proper cold snap heading toward the UK at the end of month. Of course none of that deterred the Clayton runners from hitting muddy fields, wintry fells, snowy mountains and the roads in between.
3 February – Lancashire Schools Cross Country
Helana White (609) waiting for the B of the Bang… Photo: Rachael White
Clayton Juniors were to the fore at the recent Lancashire Schools Cross-Country Championships. There were fine age group wins for Helana White and Briony Holt, top 10 places for Harry Cole, Ella Dorrington and Jackson McKay and a host of fine supporting performances as our Juniors ran for their individual District teams.
Year 7 Girls – Helana White 1st, Rachel Stevenson 59th
Year 7 Boys – Harry Cole 8th, Jenson Bentham 24th, Finley Stubbs 31st
Junior Girls (Yr 8 and 9) – Ella Dorrington 10th, Sophie Ashworth 26th, Imogen Ferguson 59th, Keira Stevenson 64th
Junior Boys – Jackson McKay 9th, William Nicholls 20th, Lennon Jackson 39th
Inter Boys – Nick Henessey 20th, Michael Stevens 22nd, Peter Stevens 26th,
Inter Girls – Briony Holt 1st, Millie Stubbs 8th, Caitlin Welsh 31st.
Apologies to anyone I have missed – as our Juniors were running for their District teams it is harder to spot them in the results.
4 February – Blackburn Winter Warmer
Jon Cleaver reports from this popular event:
A very strong field lined up for the 2018 Winter Warmer at Witton Park on a chilly Sunday morning with the sun on our backs which made for very good racing. The course itself is a toughie and from past performances one which normally sees you at least 2 minutes short of your PB. It starts with a climb of around 450ft climbing out of the park and then most of the work is out of the way. I managed to hold on to a pack holding the top 5 until the descent which found me lacking a bit for speed to keep with them. There is a little kicker of a hill at mile 4 before you start on your way back through the park which again is flat or descending until you see the track. I’d managed to gain a couple of places back but was starting to get a bit concerned when I looked behind and saw a lad from Salford starting to make some distance on me. Not to be deterred I held on and pushed for the last lap around the track for a top 10 finish.
Nick Hennessey. Photo: David Belshaw
There were some outstanding runs from the younger Clayton lads picking out a couple of exceptional results from Nick Hennessy 38:11, Ryan Bradshaw 37:22 & Josh Hall 42:30.
Great start to the road championship for 2018 and well done all whom turned out to run and cheer us on.
Editors update: Clayton took the 2nd team prize behind the winners, Blackburn Harriers
4 February – Kong Mini Mountain Marathon Series Rd 1
Sparkling condtions over to the Carneddau at the Kong Mini Mtn Marathon. Photo: Alan Dorrington
Alan Dorrington headed over to North Wales for the 1st round of this 4 hr score event series, held out of Bethesda on sunny day with low temperatures and with significant snowfall higher up to spice things up..
“With 4 hours to find as many controls of varying point value and heavy penalties if late back to the finish, this type of event requires a systematic plan that can be varied according to the conditions underfoot, and according to any mistakes that may or may not be made in finding well hidden controls over a wide area. My initial plan to pick off higher scoring controls with some ridge running over Carnedd Gwenllian was abandoned due to tough running in wind-slabbed snow, so I opted to target controls at lower elevations for the next 2 1/2 hours. A bit of a wobble with some poor map interpretation meant a panic to get back over some fairly big climbs and back to the finish in time to avoid penalties, as well as losing out on some controls on the homeward sweep. All in all, the Kong events are a great way to see some areas that you wouldn’t normally visit, as well as sharpen up on navigation for some of the longer, harder fell races.”
10 February – Windy Hill fell race 9 miles and 1280ft
Jon Cleaver enjoying a windy Windy Hill. Photo: Cannonball Events
A new-ish fixture on the fell calendar, this 9 mile B category race visits the hills around Hollingworth Lake. No that the runners would have seen much of the great scenery around there this year…
Report from Jon Cleaver:
Well this race certainly lived up to its name! On a very wet & cold day I layered up well with 2 hats, 2 pairs of gloves and 4 tops to ensure I kept warm and braved the moors around Littleborough & Blackstone Edge.
Starting out at the Rugby Club near Hollingsworth Lake you climb up over the M62 and onto the moors about 3 miles in there is a climb which goes on for a mile and climbs around 900ft. Once you got to the top you got hit with a wall of wind and rain. The path followed the old Roman road for quite a bit which was treacherous due to ice. This lost me a bit of ground on the top 10 due to lack of grip in my mudclaws. On the way in you have about 2 miles of really good trail and finally some good old fashioned 2 foot deep mud making it quite a quick run in!
Even though the elements were against us I really enjoyed it and could have been caught with the occasional smile on my face (hard to believe I know!). Overall I came 11th in 01:08:53 (8.8miles 1565ft).
11 February – Barbondale fell race
Briony Holt digs in at Barbondale.
Hail hill and hurt – Andrew Holt reports:
2nd of five races of Kendal Winter League for myself and Briony and one we’ve been wanting to do for a couple of years as it’s well known as the steepest of the series. The location is nestled in the hills behind whernside linking the dales to the howgills, not that we could see much due to the snow and cloud
After a struggle parking we arrived with time to shred our calf’s walking the route – for Briony 300m of ascent then a 200m run to the top and for myself the same 300m ascent in 800m followed another 800m runnable but uphill at the top. Then straight down for the both of us
The ground was slippy, wet, sprinkled with ice at the top but nothing of value on the way up or down. The weather cleared at the top for a while and I decided to wear a top and gloves as it was completely different to the conditions in the valley below. And the views,when the weather cleared were more than worth the effort.
And we’re off – 13 minutes eyeball popping power walking followed by 5 minutes running to the trig. I did my usual grind it out start and pulled myself into 40th or so at the top (it was nice to be on the flat near the top before the front runners passed us on the way down) and gained another 4-5 places overtaking just before the hill steepens and thankfully staying upright into the finish
The awesome Wendy Dodds and Katy Thompson took a 1/2 in their respective categories with Briony a brilliant 2nd overall and I squeezed in a top ten finish for my age. A brilliant series that’s well worth a look
17 February – Mid Lancs XC League Round 5
Team warm up for the U11 Girls. Photo: David Belshaw
Charlie Barnes and Fraser Anforth. Photo: David Belshaw
Helana White giving it 110% for a fine 3rd place. Photo: David Belshaw
Millie Stubbs. Photo: David Belshaw
A new venue up the M6 for the penultimate round of the Mid Lancs XC series saw the Clayton tent pitched in the middle of Ryelands Park, Lancaster.
The U11 Girls team of Amelia Halstead, Ellisia Smedley and Joni Higgins were straight into warm up and off round the grassy course which had a few twists and turns rather than lots of straights. Amelia continued her good form and took 7th, with Ellisia and Joni in 57th and 61st. In the U11 Boys, Charlie Barnes was 45th and Joshua McKay 62nd.
Helana White scored her best performance of the Mid Lancs series so far, with a really gutsy run to 3rd place in the U13 Girls, with Ella Dorrington in 8th and the ever-improving Imogen Ferguson in 40th. The girls also took 3rd in the team competition, setting them up nicely for a possible series team placing.
William Nicholls also had a great run for 16th in the U13 Boys, with Robbie Smedley, Finley Stubbs and Matthew Jackson supporting.
Millie Stubbs was the sole U15 Girl in 12th, whilst Jackson McKay also came in 12th in the Boys race, closely followed by Harrison Codd in 13th and Lennon Jackson in 23rd.
Briony Holt took 3rd in the U17 Girls race, despite suffering the after effects of a tough England Mountain Running Team training camp earlier in the week.
Clayton Ladies looking chirpy before the race. Photo: David Belshaw
Deborah Greenwood looking slightly less chirpy… Photo: David Belshaw
Tom Brewster. Photo: David Belshaw
Donna Airey led the Ladies home in 25th, as well as the Ladies Over 35 team to a fine 2nd place backed up by Michelle Abbott and Cassie Smedley.
Another consistent improver, U20 Calum Holmes was the first Clayton man back to the finish in 18th, leading the Men’s team of Tom Brewster, Thomas Walker, Andrew Holt, Mark Aspinal and Chris Funnel to 2nd in the team competition. With the addition of John Wilcock, the Vet men took 3rd Over 40 and 2nd Over 50 team also.
25 February – Hoppits’ Hill fell races
Ella Dorrington descending at Hoppits. Photo: Alan Dorrington
Organised by fell running royalty in the form of Nicky Spinks, this low key local race around the hills near Dewsbury incorporates relaxed Junior races and is a lovely warm up for Juniors looking ahead to the fell season starting in the Spring months. Not that it was that warm with the Best from the East on the way, though the snow was yet to arrive.
Ella Dorrington was the sole Clayton runner there amongst the Juniors but made up for that by coming 2nd overall in the U15 race, as well as 1st girl in the combined U15 and U17 race. Chocolate prizes presented by Nicky capped off a lovely day out.
“Keep going. Sometimes you may feel as if you’re not improving or you may be injured, but if you keep going, you will get there.”
James Boult interviews Briony Holt, who represented England in the 2017 Mountain Running Junior Home Internationals held in Peebles, Scotland.
Briony, first of all congratulations on your call up. Tell us, how does it feel to represent your country?
Unbelievable. When I first started running in my red pe shorts and Adidas t-shirt, I never would have imagined getting an England vest. To think that I was 9 when I ran my first BOFRA race, running through knee deep rivers and coming towards the back of the pack, I knew I enjoyed it despite how much I said I didn’t! As it turns out, that race is now one of my favourites!
Briony on her way to 4th place at the U17F Junior Home International, Peebles, Scotland in September 2017. Photo Woodentops
Describe the Junior Home Internationals and how it felt to come away with the Gold?
It was an incredible experience and the perfect way to end a long season of running. When I first got called up about the selection, I was over the moon and immediately started thinking about what it would be like; my assumptions were wrong! The place we stayed in was an adventure campsite ( not your typical premier inn ), the food was delicious and the course was pretty much a cross country! But this all added to the overall experience and really showed how much of a novice to international racing I was! For our team to get gold as well was just the cherry on top. With half of our team being the youngest of the age group, we were hoping for maybe a bronze, possibly a silver, but never a gold!
It’s a testament to your amazing form that you got selected. You’ve consistently been one of the most successful Juniors in your age group and you’re a former British Fell Champion. To what do you owe your success?
Many people over the past few years have helped me along the way, whether it’s my parents becoming the weekend taxi, to the coaches and Clayton, to my fellow competitors, I’ve been given advice and support with training and racing which I will be forever grateful for. I think that as long as you have a passion for the sport, you will continue to excel in many different ways from your own ability right up to your own confidence.
And following on from that what is your long-term ambition? What is your main goal for the future?
My main over-riding goal would be to represent Great Britain in the World Mountain Running Championships. After seeing this event two years ago in Wales, it really opened up my eyes as to how far you can go in the world of fell running and how much people appreciate the sport. However, this year I’m focusing on passing my GCSE’s in summer and just maintaining a good level of fitness ready for the summer ahead.
Briony on her way to 1st girl in the U17 BOFRA Farleton Knott race in August 2017. Photo Geoff Thompson
How has the influence and support of your parents helped with your success thus far?
As much as I try not to be soppy, my parents do deserve a mention. They have supported me massively throughout the years, from driving me three hours up the country to buying me £70 shoes for me to rip them on a rock or something similar. Every time I’ve raced, I’ve always managed to spot them shouting encouragement on the side of a cliff whilst I’m hurling myself down it. So thank you mum and dad for all of the support. As much as I’m a typical stroppy teenager, I do appreciate it!
What first got you into running?
Curtis had started running at our local track, Seedhill. As any younger sibling would, I wanted to do everything he did so me and my friend went down with him. Because we we’re only young, we weren’t allowed to compete, however we could train, so we went down there every Monday night to just try out all of the different activities that athletics brought. This brought me on to trying different branches of running such as fell running and cross country which is where I am today.
What is your favourite race and why?
My favourite race has to be Coniston Gullies hosted by the BOFRA organisers. It’s a classic BOFRA race which is steep to the top and then try to survive on the way down, and that’s what I love about fell running. Afterwards, everyone goes in the lake for a swim which always adds to the friendly atmosphere.
What is your favourite pre-race meal?
On the morning of a race, I always like to have poached egg on toast as it sets me up for the race ahead.
Briony at the Junior Inter Counties, Cowpe, Rossendale in June 2017.
Speaking of pre-race; do you have any rituals or superstitions?
I always prefer to race in my more mile lilac socks because I bought them at the Inter Counties cross country and that was where I had my best race that season! Also, I have a fear of losing a shoe so my laces have to be wrapped around several times and tucked in!
What was the main reason for choosing Clayton as your preferred running club?
My friend first told me about Clayton Harriers when we were going to the Astley Park mile races. Marion Wilkinson was warming up the juniors and despite me running for a different club, she still acknowledged my family. This feeling of inclusivity was one of the main reasons why we moved and have remained at Clayton for six years.
What do you do to relax / how do you spend your downtime?
Usually, during the evening I relax by going on my phone and messaging friends. I’ve also been hooked recently on the latest dramas on TV; my personal favourite being the tunnel!
How do you find balancing school life and friends alongside training and racing?
Due to me being in year 11, exams and revision have been my priority. Finding time to train has been hard but I’ve managed by either going for a run around my area or going on the turbo trainer. Racing is more easier to fit in as it’s usually at the weekends so I have time to revise when I get home or another day.
What advice would you give to any aspiring junior athletes?
Just to basically keep going. It isn’t about being a fantastic junior (although that is a bonus), it’s about keeping going and progressing in to your senior years where all of the opportunities come about, such as representing your country. Sometimes you may feel as if you’re not improving or you may be injured, but if you keep going, you will get there.
Q: What is your biggest achievement so far?
Probably gaining my England Vest last season, however, my best race has to be English Schools Fell in 2014 as it was my first English Schools and managed to get 2nd place.
Any comments / final thoughts?
Good luck to anyone who has any future races and I hope to meet some more of the adult fell runners as I progress in to a senior!
It’s been (mostly) about cross-country during this otherwise quiet month, with the Lancashire Championships, and Mid Lancs League as well as some other mud-based action further afield. Worthy of special mention, is the club’s Junior section who continued training hard right through the Christmas break, with both the younger and older Juniors putting in the time despite the weather. This led to both individual and team awards for their efforts, with ALL the Juniors being part of the success that is Team Clayton.
We also learnt this month that Danny Collinge, one of the Junior section’s big inspirations and role models as well as ambassador for Clayton overall is soon moving on to pasture’s new. Danny’s fantastic exploits have graced this report many, many times over the years and behind the scenes his help, support and encouragement for Juniors (and Seniors too) has been hugely valued and much appreciated by so many in the Clayton family. In common with all of us at the Club, I would like to thank Danny and wish him the all the very best for his running in the future – thank you.
7 January – Lancashire Cross-Country Championships, Witton Park
Our U11 Girls team charges off the line! Photo: David Belshaw
We’ll start with our Clayton Juniors as they came away from the Championships with a fantastic medal haul and a good collection of Lancashire vests earned for the Inter Counties race in March.
Amelia Halstead (in blue headband above) pulled off a stunning victory in the U11 Girls with a finely judged run from behind to overhaul all but one of the hard-charging front runners on the second lap, and all finished off with a gutsy sprint to the line to take the win. Amelia had been moving up the placings in Red Rose and Mid Lancs league races so her Championship win was not unexpected but richly deserved nonetheless. Ellisia Smedley, Emily Nicholls and Joni Higgins all battled hard and made up the Clayton team finishers.
In the U11 Boys race, Charlie Barnes (in 31st) led home Brayden Clarkson, Joshua McKay and Fraser Anforth for a team finish.
All eyes were on Robbie Smedley, Matthew Jackson, William Nicholls, Finley Stubbs, and Jenson Bentham in the U13 Boys race for both individual results and the team prize. Robbie Smedley had a fine run to take the Bronze and with it Lancashire selection whilst Matthew Jackson also placed in top ten (and reserve for the County team) and with the others, secured 2nd place in the team competition.
Helana White and Ella Dorrington were both aiming for Lancashire vests in the U13 Girls race and after one of their customary big battles with each other, as well as the rest of the field, both secured their vests with Helana 6th (in her first year in the age cat)and Ella 5th. Behind them, Imogen Ferguson and Rachel Stevenson brought their lovely smiles and cheery demeanour to our U13G team.
Robbie Smedley clinched 3rd place. Photo: David Belshaw
Ella Dorrington. Photo: David Belshaw
Helana White pushes to the line. Photo: David Belshaw
In the U15 Boys race, Jackson McKay finished 12th, Michael Stevens 17th, twin brother Peter 24th and Adam Stevenson 29th. The normally fast Lennon Jackson also ran but appeared to not particularly enjoy the experience and finished a little behind the others…
Briony Holt. Photo: David Belshaw
Millie Stubbs, Kaliska Clarke, Beth Wheatcroft and Keira Stevenson all ran in the U15 Girls with Millie 13th after chasing hard for a top ten place.
Briony Holt secured Lancashire selection with a strong 4th place in her first year in the U17 Girls age group, whilst Josh Hall and Nick Hennessey were 10th and 16th respectively in the U17 Boys race.
Danny Collinge came home 11th in the Senior race and earned a reserve place on the Lancashire team.
Finally, in the Vets race, our team of David Edmondson, Richard Stevenson, Andrew Holt and Michael Toms were 3rd, with Tara Robb leading the Clayton Ladies in (26th), and Donna Airey the Vet Ladies (16th).
12- 14 January – The Montane Spine Challenger
Nicholas Olszewski, Andrew Armstrong and Andrew Morley lined themselves up for this epic challenge, 108 miles along the Pennine Way to Hardraw in the Yorkshire Dales. Freezing temperatures, torrential rain and biting winds did nothing to deter their resolve and they all finished close together in 39 hours. Yes, 39 hours of non-stop running, walking and general forward movement. There are photos circulating of discolated fingers, trench foot and the like but it’s probably safer to show some of the photos I took whilst encouraging them near Malham Cove. Special mention too to Adrienne Olszweska who was probably as sleep deprived as them travelling around supporting on the road stops.
Our Spine Challenger racers near Malham. Photo: Alan Dorrington
13 January – Mid Lancs Cross-Country League Towneley Park
If there was a prize for smiling whilst racing, here’s your winner Rachel Stevenson. Photo: David Belshaw
With barely enough time to clean off dirty spikes from the weekend before, our Clayton athletes were back in action on home turf at the 4th Mid Lancs League round in Towneley Park. Conditions were surprisingly fast and firm leading to some quicker racing than in the heavy going at Witton Park the week before, though a cold wind in the finish straight made fast finishes tough going..
Amelia Halstead built on her win at the Lancashire Championships the week before with a great 2nd place in the U11 Girls, whilst in the U13 Girls Ella Dorrington produced her best Mid Lancs performance this season in 3rd, backed up by Helana White in 6th. With Imogen Ferguson they took 3rd place in the team competition.
Robbie Smedley, William Nicholls and Matthew Jackson worked well to take 3rd team in the U11 Boys race, and Briony Holt placed 2nd in the U17 Girls race.
The leading Clayton runners in Senior Ladies and Mens were Tara Robb (30th) and Tom Brewster (27th) whilst the Senior Men (Tom Brewster, David Bagot, Calum Holmes, David Edmondson, Richard Stevenson and Thomas Walker) took 3rd team and the Vet 40s also secured 3rd team (David Edmondson, Richard Stevenson, Andrew Holt and Michael Toms).
Josh McKay. Photo: David Belshaw
Jackson McKay and Michael Stevens chase a local rival. Photo: David Belshaw
Nerina Gill. Photo: David Belshaw
Kaliska Clarke showing good form at the finish. Photo: David Belshaw
14 January – East Lancs Hospice 10k and 2k
Your winner! Danny Collinge. Photo: David Belshaw
Road racing is a bit thin on the ground this time of year but this traditional New Year fundraiser for the Hospice always attracts a good field including those wanting to test their legs a bit before the season starts properly in the Spring.
In one of his final appearances for the club before moving on to pastures new, Danny Collinge took a very convincing victory by well over a minute from Matt Nuttall of Blackburn Harriers with a very impressive time of 33:50. Callum James was next in for Clayton in a great 9th overall and 1st Junior with Nick Hennessey 2nd Junior and 16th overall.
Cassie and Michelle. Pairs race winners… Photo: David Belshaw
A fine run from Callum James. Photo: David Belshaw
The inseperable duo of Cassandra Smedley and Michelle Abott were 4th and 5th women, and Joanne Motley 8th. Angela Shian and Vickey Heys were 6th and 7th in the women’s V40 and V45 cats respectively with Charlie Clutterbuck 4th in Mens V70+.
There were plenty of Clayton Juniors in the 2k race held alongside the main race, with Matthew Jackson back on his preferred tarmac surface placing 2nd overall and 1st U13B, chased in by Helana White in 3rd overall and 1st U13G.
They’re off! Photo: David Belshaw
Toby Birtwhistle eyes up the finish line. Photo: David Belshaw
28 January – Kendal Winter League Whitestones
Andrew and Briony Holt risked forever changing the interior of their car (for the worse) at this renowned uber-mudfest, part of the super tough Kendal Winter League where fell races masquerade as cross-country races, the sheep wear Inov8s on the fell and, well you get the drift… they’re quite hard.
Andrew reports:
After promising myself I’d do as many of these races as I can this year life and work have conspired against me making this one-the fourth in the series-my first.Todays race wasn’t particularly promising either- a heavy cold since Thursday and awful conditions when we awoke.
Briony was excited to be back on the fells however, and once we passed Settle on the way up the rain eased off.I’ve watched this race but not ran it yet and it’s steep at the start, technical, and with this years extra dose of mud more than challenging along the top of the course.The distance is just over four miles with 250m of ascent, a challenging run.
We started and it’s a mad rush to get the 300 or so yards to the single track ascent to the top of the first hill. I misjudged it and found myself scrambling through the gorse next to the path trying to keep momentum up the hill. On top the course flattens for a mile or so, and is cross crossed with bogs and tussocks sapping our legs.
Unlike the recent cross country races I was faster than the people around me on the flat-hard ground and anything technical or boggy I would fall back a couple of places. We ran around the top of the valley into the strong wind to the summit of the next peak adjacent to where we start.
I counted twenty or so people in front of me, and I was neither gaining nor being overtaken so in kind of a run-come-bog trot traversed around the head of the valley to the descent. I managed to drag maybe three people in on the final hill prior to dropping onto the finish, but was reminded again these are fell runners as they came past me downhill like I was stood still!
I finished 20th overall, v happy and looking forward to the Fell season starting proper.
Briony came 2nd in her first fell race this year, and despite dragging herself up the first hill with a combination of eyeballs and willpower finished with her usual smile enjoyed it immensely.
Stephen Fish and Chris Brown were the other orange hoops on show and looked strong in their respective races
Andrew Holt not in the mud at Whitestones but in warner times at the Farleton Knott fell race. Photo by Geoff Thompson
Are you new to fell running and unsure how to use a map and compass?
Do you usually simply ‘follow the guy in front’ at a race, hoping he knows where he’s going?
Have you ever wondered where you are on the hill?
Do you fear the mist and wonder how to find your way?
Do you worry about getting lost on the hill?
Would you like to increase your confidence in navigating your way round a fell race?
If you can answer ‘YES’ to ANY of these questions then this workshop is for YOU!
The club is holding a Navigation Workshop to help you increase your confidence on the hill. You will learn how to read a map, use a compass and gain new navigational skills and strategies to give yourself the edge over your competitors.
Colin Woolford at the Boulsworth Bog Fell Race. Photo by the Woodentops
Clayton members Colin Woolford and Mark Nutter will be your tutors for the day. Between them they have over 40 years racing experience over the fells in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, competing in many ‘AL’ races, Mountain Marathons, Adventure Races and Orienteering events where navigational skills are essential. They will be sharing their knowledge with you, to give you the edge on your next race!
Following the Workshop there will be a NAVIGATION THEMED RACE / EVENT to test your newly learnt skills!
The workshop is FREE and open to all members of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers over the age of 18. Places are limited to 15 on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
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Workshop outline:
Mark Nutter at the David Staff Memorial Fell Race. Photo by Helen Jones
Saturday 17th March 2018 at Whitehough Outdoor Education Centre, Barley New Rd, Barley, Burnley BB12 9LF.
Arrival at 09.00, grab a coffee and meet your clubmates.
Indoor / outdoor workshop to understand the map and compass, including basic navigation strategies and route choice.
Lunch (a light lunch!). By all means bring your own snacks. We have use of the on-site kitchen so usual tea / coffee / refreshments are included.
Navigation Event – The Race – putting your skills to the test using map, and compass!
Review and close at 16.00.
Attendees will need to bring with them their own compass (as per FRA rules) and usual running gear including full ‘FRA kit’.
If you are interested and wish to book a place please contact: Ladies -Fell Team Manager Sarah Helliwell; Men – Mark Nutter.
If you want further information please contact either:
Colin Woolford: 07747 112346 or colinw75@hotmail.com
Mark Nutter: 07899 995181 or mark.nutter100@gmail.com
Remember, places are limited to 15 and on a ‘first come first served’ basis.
I first met Don in the mid 1950s when joining Clayton-le-Moors Harriers, writes Alistair Patten. Our winter Saturday afternoon runs were from working men’s clubs in the Accrington area near where Don lived on Avenue Parade. After the run whilst waiting for the mud to dry we were served tea in pint glasses. Summer runs on a Wednesday evening were from pubs in the local area and this is where we headed for the hills chasing after Stan Bradshaw followed by pints of beer. When Don and I worked in Blackburn we would often meet up at Witton Park for a run at lunchtime – a 5 mile run, quick shower then eat a sandwich whilst getting dressed.
Don took up orienteering and took part in the first event in England from Whitewell on the 24th November 1963 and was one of the 15 finishers. In 1964 South Ribble OC was formed and Don became a founder member of the first orienteering club in the country.
In 1965 Don took part in his first Three Peaks race and by 1995 had completed 22 races. Unknown to many Don also took part in the annual Three Peaks cyclo cross race and won the over 50s prize once. As Don favoured the tougher challenges he competed in the Fellsman Hike as a member of The Rucksack Club. When the Fell Runners Association was formed he became a keen member and from 1965 he finished in 25 of the annual Mountain Trials. After retiring from running Don volunteered for checkpoint duties.
He became a member of the BG club in 1971 with a time of 22 hours 17 minutes and became member number 7. Don was always a keen rover scout and took part in annual meets. For his services to scouting he was awarded King Scout.
Don became a munroist number 2692 in 2001 after completing the munros, tops and firths. I travelled to Ireland with him in 2001 along with a small group of his friends to polish off the last peaks. Don loved the Scottish mountains and in February each year we headed north with a group of hardy Clayton stalwarts. One year in Glencoe we were traversing a steep slope when there was a loud crack and an avalanche swept past us, we crept out of danger and decided to abort the climb. Arriving back at the YHA at midday we found an open door and due to the cold all got into our bunks. Don had acquired an ex RAF pilot’s survival suit which he was using as a sleeping bag but looked more like a Michelin man. Our laughter alerted the warden so we ere kicked out until the official 4 pm. As everybody knows Don could sleep for England.
My favourite memory of Don was in 1969 when we took part in the 2nd two day mountain marathon from Limefitt Park. On the first day I had a bad fall in some old quarry workings and gashed my hand. Don thought we should retire but at the overnight camp managed to get proper first aid. On the second day we made good progress and as we were approaching The Tongue Don dropped back on the climb. He was completely drained of energy and showing the whites of his eyes. After giving him glucose and sugary food he recovered and on the run in to the finish he left me behind. As we were lying 4th our kit had to be inspected but we could not light our stove as we had lost our matches. Frank Travis was about to disqualify us when Don flew into a violent rage complaining about Brasher’s kit which he thought was illegal. During this outburst from Don and amid all the confusion some kind person dropped a box of matches on the floor for us. Have never known Don to lose his temper like that – maybe he was on a sugar overdose.
Honorary member Donald Talbot died on Tuesday 21st November, aged 86. A Service of Thanksgiving took place on Thursday 30th November at 1 pm at Fullwood Methodist Church, Watling Street Road, Fulwood, Preston PR2 8EA.