GOODBYE!

This will be the final post on the RMIinfo blog.

From now on all news content will be integrated into the main website. News reports will be displayed on the front page, and within the relevant subsections. This is all part of the process of upgrading the club website, and will allow more members to contribute directly to the content of the website.

I would like to say thank you to all the members who have made contributions to the blog over the years, and ask that you continue to submit articles for the new website.

I would also like to say a really big thank you to Norman Matthews who started the club news blog and has spent many hours over the last few years taking and uploading photos, searching through race results, and writing reports.

I'm going to miss the blog.

AM.

Horwich Triathlon

Sunday 2nd May 2010.

A cool morning greeted almost 200 competitors for the Horwich Triathlon which consists of a 800mts swim in Horwich Pool then its a 42 k Cycle followed by an 11k run which includes running up to the Pike and down into Rivington. Horwich had four people doing it with Ian Hamer finishing 23rd in 2:28:42. Ainsley Murphy had a great Triathlon finishing 55th in 2.40.07 next was Tony Hesketh 117th in 2.55.43 and finally Ed Swift finished in 3.50.19 for 189th.

Belmont Winter Hill Fell Race 8th May

A large field of 118 started this race which was also the Greater Manchester Fell Championships. The weather was cool and dry with good conditions underfoot. Within half a mile of the start six had broken away with Alastair Murray just clear of a group contain Simon Parkinson and Dionne Allen. After the first tough climb Alastair had extended the lead which he held on to the finish and was well clear of second to achieve a well deserved victory, Simon Parkinson ran strongly for third place. Albert Sunter had a superb run just holding off Dionne for first over fifty with Dionne an excellent second lady. With Ian Hamer 10th we easily won the Team award. With the Ladies also winning with Michelle Devine and Rachel Metcalfe both well placed and backing up Dionne. Tony Hesketh was first o/60 with Tony Varley second. With 17 runners from Horwich we were the largest club represented a superb turnout.

Result
1	A Murray	35.22
3	S Parkinson	37.58
8	A Sunter o/50	39.16
9	D Allen F/23	39.20
10	I Hamer o/40	39.29
14	A Porter o/40	40.38
15	D Fleming o/50	40.39
17	B Walton o/50	40.41
21	T Hesketh o/60	41.30
32	M Kay	42.57
37	M Devine F	43.11
38	P Ramsdale o/50	43.20
54	P Leighton o/40	45.42
64	T Varley o/60	47.03
77	M Birbeck o/40	48.31
78	R Metcalfe F	48.58
88	G Stone o/50	50.58

Horwich also won the Greater Manchester Champs Team Gold with the team of Alastair, Andy Porter and Doug Fleming. (Albert didn't tick the box)

Link to results at ukresults.

Link to photos at SportSunday.

Tony

Chorley 4.4M Trail Race Series : Race 1

Wednesday 5th May 2010.

The local midweek race season kicked off this Wednesday with the first race of the Chorley 4.4 Mile Race Series and the Harriers were very well represented, picking up the Mens team prize. Individually, Richard Howarth came second overall, Steve Nolan was first V50, Pete Bland was first V60, Derek Kay was first V65 and Abigail Sunter was first junior lady.

Results
1	Anthony Ford (Sale)	22:21
2	Richard Howarth	24:05
4	Alastair Murray	24:28
9	Steve Nolan	25:35
18	Paul Boardman	27:46
61	Pete Bland	32:07
63	Carl Balshaw	32:10
68	Mark Swindell	32:49
75	Derek Kay	34:07
96	Abigail Sunter	38:37
108	Michele Sunter	42:59

Full results.

ENGLISH FELL CHAMPS 2010 RACE 2 - CONISTON 9M / 3500'

Saturday 1st May 2010.

The weather stayed pretty good despite some forecasts for the second race of this years English Fell Champs. The route is a tough one, with a typically long lakeland climb for starters, it was hands on knees time for all but the elite. This is followed by some rough running between Wetherlam and Swirl How, and some good running from there to the Old Man, for those who have any good running left in them. To finish (you) off there is the classic descent off the Old Man, with a alot of route choice, and the potential to get lost in a quarry.

The race was won for the ninth time by Ian Holmes, taking full advantage of his descending skills, and route knowledge. The results for the harriers running was as follows.

Results
34	01:17:48	JAMES KEVAN
69	01:22:14	ALASTAIR MURRAY
71	01:22:25	DAVE MILLIKEN
96	01:25	MICHAEL GREEN
142	01:29:41	KARL WARD
183	01:34:10	BRIAN WALTON
205	1:36:52	GARY CHADDERTON
212	1:37:38	MICHAEL CROOK
249	01:40:58	STEVE JACKSON
269	01:43:42	PAUL MURRAY
302	01:48:30	GERALDINE WALKINGTON
343	1:53:13	SUZANNE BUDGETT
347	01:54:06	RACHEL METCALFE

423 finished - results.

Here is a link to a video of the race.

Race 3 of the English Champs is Ennerdale. Entries are already open and details can be found here. Entries are also open for Race 4 : Sedbergh 3 Peaks (Limit 500 - see FRA Calendar for details) and Race 5 : Holme Moss (Limit 400).

Great Hameldon Hill Race

2nd May 2010.

Just two Harriers ran this local fell race, with Graham Schofield finishing 4th overall and first V50 in 41:08, and Paul Boardman finishing 26th in 44:58.

Full results.

Wray Caton Fell Race, May day Monday, 6.75m, 1100ft.

Five Harriers competed in a field of 139 finishers in this excellent fell race on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, part of the Wray Scarecrow Festival. Conditions were ideal leading to Borrowdale's Chris Steele smashing Mark Croasdale's 3 year old record by 50 seconds and Spectrum's Liz Whitfield also lowering the ladies' mark by 32 seconds.

Doug Fleming was first of the chevron vests, 26th in 50:52, closely followed by fellow V50 Neil Wrigley, 29th in 51:24. Peter Leighton (V40) was 58th in 56:20, followed by myself, very happy with a eight minute improvement over last year, 83rd in 59:30 and then Allan Blinkhorn (V60) now back racing on a regular basis after a long layoff, 128th in 70:40. Another name from the past, but not yet back in a club vest was Trevor Dibben, in his first race for a couple of years.

Full results at http://www.ukresults.net/2010/wraycaton.html

GS

Katie Misses Outright Win by Five Seconds.

European Duathlon Championships Nancy France 1st May.

In a fantastic race Katie Ingram just missed out by a sprint finish at the end of this Elite International race. Having led the first run - the eventual winner Ruth Van der Mejden and Katie - came into the bike change over together- Van der Mejden stayed right on the tail of Katie in the second run then made an all out sprint for the line to win by just five seconds. Although very disappointed to have missed out on the win, on reflection Katie is very pleased in only her second Duathlon to be the runner up in such a prodigious International race. Katie is now looking forward to a weeks well earned rest of easy training, after her efforts in Mexico and France.

FULL RESULTS.

Ashurst Beacon Fell Race 5.9 mls 950 ft Ascent

A large field started this race that had been postponed from January with seven Harriers racing. First to finish after an excellent run was Simon Parkinson in fourth, Paul Boardman ran well for 12th and second o/45, Tony Hesketh was first O/60 in 28th closely followed by Lisa Heyes who was third Lady. Pete Bland was second O/60 well pleased with his run.

Results
1	R Burney (Liverpool Harriers)	35.42
4	S Parkinson	40.05
12	P Boardman o/45	42.19
18	I Hepburn	43.22
20	D Fleming o/50	43.37
28	T Hesketh o/60	45.10
33	L Heyes	45.39
53	P Bland o/60	49.27

122 Finishers.

Full Results.

TH

Hawkshead Trail Race

This race attracted a large entry with over 500 runners tackling the tough 10 miles with hills a plenty, the race was won by James Walsh of Leeds City in 60.48finishing well clear. Our first finisher was Gareth Booth with an excellant sixth place after a cracking run. Next was Tony Hesketh 38th and first O/60 well pleased with his run, Andy and Sarah Gorman both ran well finishing only ten minutes apart.

Results
1	J Walsh (Leeds City)	1.00.48
6	G Booth	1.12.26
38	T Hesketh O/60	1.23.45
101	A Gorman O/40	1.32.27
220	S Gorman O/35	142.03
286	P Heneghan O/60	1.46.56
403	A Blinkhorn O/50	1.56.57

537 Finishers

Full results.

TH.

Dionne wins Anniversary Waltz

Anniversay Waltz Fell Race, 24th April 2010.

11.5 M / 3600'

Dionne Allen continued here recent good racing form with a victory at this tough lakeland fell race, from Stair village in the Newlands Valley, placing 42nd overall in a time of 2:03:02.

Karl Ward was also running for the club finishing 40th in 2:02:10, with Geraldine Walkington clocking a time of 2:28:59.

For the first time this year there was an alternative to the traditional route for those who find 11.5 miles over the lakeland fells too easy. The "Teenage with Altitude" fell race added a few extra peaks to the start of the usual route to make it up to 15.4 miles and 7600 FOC. Only one club member, Ian Charters, was up to the task, and finished 39th in 4:02:26. Read about Ian's experience of the race along with some stunning pictures on his blog.

Full results and details of both races can be found here.

Weekend Snippets - April 24th / 25th 2010.

Garstang Gallop 10k, 25th April 2010.

Three club members took part in the Garstang Gallop, with Paul Muller once again leading the way finishing 4th overall and 1st V50 in a time of 36:28. Doug Fleming came 14th in 41:02 and Malcolm Whitehead came 32nd and 2nd MV65+ in 44:30.

Full results here.


Bolton 10k, 25th April 2010.

Four club members took the local option in running the Bolton 10k this weekend. Steve Nolan finished 9th overall and first V50 in 34:58. Dave Jackson finished 20th in 37:27, Ian Hamer finished 25th in 38:28, and our only lady representative, Michelle Devine finished 6th in 43:14.

Full results here.


Three Peaks Fell Race, 24th April 2010.

Three club stalwarts took part in the 2010 running of this grueling fell race over Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. Graham Schofield was first to finish in a time of 03:44:46, with Albert Sunter clocking 04:05:46, and Tony Varley on 05:13:25.

Full results here.

London Marathon

Sunday 25th April 2010.

Five (correction) Horwichians took part in this years London Marathon. First home was Richard Howarth finishing an impressive 88th overall in a new PB of 2:34:23. Next was Rob Jackson in a time of 2:54:28. New member Sean McMyler also finished inside three hours in 2:58:21. Luke Carter clocked 4:19:46 and Martin Banks finished in 4:56:03.

Full results can be found here.

James Wins in Astley Park

Chorley Park Series Race 1.

Friday 23rd April, 2010.

James Kevan stormed to victory in the first of this years friday night races around Astley Park in Chorley. James was pleased with his time of 16:22, a PB for the race. Martyn Bell continued his comeback, battling for second place throughout, and only narrowly missing out to take 3rd in a time of 17:03. Next for Horwich was James' brother Danny, finishing 12th in 18:43. Paul Boardman, 18th in 19:25, and Andy Townsend, 22nd in 19:59, completed the Horwich representation.

Full results.

Race 2 is on 21 May.

Radcliffe 10k Trail Race : 18/04/2010

Central Lancs Grand Prix Race

Horwich RMI Road championship Race

Once again a good turnout of Horwich runners (18) especially at the front end. We had 2nd 3rd and 4th overall with Ali Murray 2nd, Martyn ( Belly Boy ) Bell 3rd and Col ( The Belly ) Rigby 4th. In the Grand Prix it is 10 to count and our leading 3 were well supported by Stevie Nolan 10th, Simon Parky 12th, Dave Jackson 21st, Dennis Mason 24th, Dionne Allen 27th and 2nd lady, Paul Boardman 26th and Garry Chadderton 39th. We easily took the honours in both the team prize for the race and best team on the day in the Grand Prix. Well done to everybody who ran and supported the race and hope you can all be at the Haigh Hall 4 miler in May which is the next round of the Championship.

Results link.

If anybody fancies a nice tough little fell race on Wed 28th April try the Ashurst Beacon Race, see you there.

Pete Bland

Katie 12th in World Cup Triathlon.

Sunday 18th April 2010.

Katie Ingram took on her first full triathlon in Mexico when competing in the second round of the World Cup series finishing a superb 12th. Looking at her times and the circumstances in the race it has given Katie plenty of confidence for her next race, when the experience of racing in Mexico can be put to good use.

NM.

Katie sent this report:

Being the lowest ranked athlete I had a disadvantage from the start as I ended up last on pontoon which meant I had the worst start position and got squashed to the back as it bottlenecked after 100m. So I got boxed in and then ended up in the wrong pack, so onto the bike I was in the 3rd group and they were all holding in line with no one keen to work hard, there was no organisation to the pack, nobody wanted to work to help pull the group back so I had to settle for being in the 3rd group as front pack had put about 3mins into us.

I had the 2nd fastest run of the day and felt great on the run (fastest was the girl who won by 3 secs) so all in all not a bad start to my triathlon career. I did the best I could with the situation and more experience of swim/where to be/how hard I need to start and possibly trying to break away on my own on the bike and I should definitely improve.

Results link.

Track Closure on Thursday 29th April 2010

Hi all,

I have been advised by Bolton Arena, that the Outside Track will shortly be closed for "cleaning and remarking".

It starts on Monday 26th April for track cleaning only, which is fortunately still leaving us with the track free for use as normal on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights of that week!

However, on Thursday 29th April 2010, the remarking starts, so on this day there will be NO TRACK OR FIELD ACCESS.

Normal access will resume the following week. Obviously note that Monday 3rd May is actually a Bank Holiday, so there is NO training that day either!

Will all coaches please inform their athletes of this closure.

Kind regards
Mark Dacre
Junior Coach
Horwich RMI Harriers & AC

Radcliffe 10k - CHAMPIONSHIP REMINDER

Sunday 18th April 2010, 11:00 a.m.

Just a quick reminder that this Sunday is the second race in this years Club Road Championships, at the Radcliffe 10k, starting at 11:00am.

This race is also a counter the Central Lancs Grand Prix, so we need a really good turn out.

Full details can be found here : http://www.ukresults.net/forms/100418radcliffe.pdf

Weekend Snippets - April 10th / 11th 2010. PART 3.

ON THE ROADS...

Three Bridges 10k - Sunday 11th April 2010.

Just two from Horwich made there way to Lancaster for this 10k. Suzanne Budgett finished first FV45 and 53rd overall in a time of 41:48 and Ed Swift finished 166th in a time of 51:39.

Full results.

Weekend Snippets - April 10th / 11th 2010. PART 2.

ON THE TRAILS...

Gin Pit 5 Mile Trail Race - Sunday 11th April 2010.

Six Horwichians took part in this popular biannual trail race, with some excellent age group results. Steve Nolan took the honours in the V50 category, with Steve Jackson doing the same for the V55, and Paul Murray for the V65. Pete Bland missed out on the top spot finishing second in the V60 category.

7	Steve Nolan	28:26
35	Steve Jackson	33:28
55	Pete Bland	34:47
62	Paul Murray	35:44
69	Gordon Stone	36:10
78	Kelvin Fox	37:21
87	Mark Collier	39:00

Full results.

Weekend Snippets - April 10th / 11th 2010.

ON THE FELLS...

FRA British Championships 2010 - Round 1 :

Saturday 10th April 2010. Silent Valley. AM. 9.5m/4900'.

Two of our members made the trip to Northern Ireland for the opening race of this years British Fellruning Championship in the Mourne Mountains. Darren Kay finished 10th in 1:48:29 and Mick Green finished 64th in 2:13:56.

Full results can be found here.

Here is a link to a youtube video which gives you a taste of the event.


Wardle Skyline Fell Race. BM. 7m/1250'- Saturday 10th April 2010.

Six Horwich members ran this fell race over the pennine moors around Wardle near Rochdale.

1st	Adam Osborne (Leeds City)	45:41
17th	Rob Haworth	51:03
51st	Doug Fleming	55:07
55th	Tony Hesketh	56:00
68th	Stephen Diaz	57:41
86th	Peter Leighton	59:44
209th	Colin Waterworth	1:17:10

Well done to Tony Hesketh who was first in the V60 category.

Full results.


Llanbedr To Blaenafon. AL. 15m/4500'. - Saturday 10th April 2010.

Whilst visiting family in South Wales this weekend I took in this classic point to point race between Llanbedr and Blaenafon, by way of the peaks of Crug Mawr, Sugar Loaf and Blorenge.



The warm and sunny conditions made it hard work, but i managed to stay in contention for the lead until half way up the notorious climb of Blorenge, which reduced me to scrambling on all fours, and allowed the eventually winner to get away.

I finished 2nd in a time of 2:14:48.

Full results and details of the race can be found here.

AM.

RIVINGTON PIKE FELL RACE 2010

Saturday 3rd April 2010.



After an uncertain week the weather held good for this years pike race. The underfoot conditions however were less than perfect for fast times, and left some who preferred to have a more cushioned road shoe for the gruelling finishing on the tarmac lacking traction on the top part of the course. Despite the mud the route was once again lined with many cheering spectators that contribute to the unique character of this historic race.

The race up front was a battle between Blackburn Harriers and Pudsey & Bramley. Thomas Cornthwaite was first to the pike and retained the lead on the descent to win from Ricky Lightfoot, Rob Hope and Danny Hope.

As usual Horwich RMI Harriers were very well represented with 27 runners out to tackle the race. First Horwich home, and winner of the Pike Race Challenge Cup, was Alastair Murray in a PB of 18:59, just holding off old Horwichian Paul Dugdale for 7th place. Graham Schofield took 15th overall and first V50. Third Horwich counter was Rob Jackson in 21st, completing his 26th consecutive pike race despite a cold, who along with Steve Nolan in 22nd completed the winning mens vets team. Tony Hesketh (correction) took the prize for first V60 in a time of 23:09, and John Coope was first V75 in a time of 32:52. Our only ladies representative was Nicole Kirkham finishing second LV50 in 29:18.

Men
1st	Thomas Cornthwaite (Blackburn)	17:31
7th	Alastair Murray	18:59
15th	Graham Schofield	20:04
21st	Robert Jackson	20:53
22nd	Steve Nolan	21:11
26th	Denis Mason	21:28
27th	Simon Parkinson	21:29
31st	Paul Boardman	21:49
36th	Gary Chadderton	22:19
41st	Ian Hepburn	22:32
44th	Tim Roe	22:50
46th	Doug Fleming	23:07
49th	Tony Hesketh	23:09
50th	Mick Crook	23:09
52st	Stephen Diaz	23:12
56th	Albert Sunter	23:33
62st	Wilf Brindle	23:54
65th	Peter Ramsdale	24:07
75th	Colin Wood	24:42
84rd	Brent Brindle	25:18
91th	Paul Kaye	25:58
110th	Robert Whitaker	27:19
131th	Mark Collier	28:38
143nd	Anthony Turner	29:44
145th	Lawrence Pinnell	29:50
147th	Mark Sammon	30:08
148th	Ed Swift	30:11
165th	John Coope	32:52
166th	Allan Blinkhorn	33:05

Ladies
1st	Laura Richers (Leigh)	21:46
14th	Nicole Kirkham	29:18

A big thank you to the race organisers, marshals and helpers that make the race possible, especially Pete Bland, Rob Green and Colin Jones.

Full results at http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2010/pike10.htm

A selection of photos here courtesy of Ian and Pauline Charters.

More photos here courtesy of Thomas Irwin.

Pike Race 2010 - Thomas Irwin

A few more photos here courtesy of Dave Pinnington.

WEEKEND SNIPPETS : 2nd - 4th April 2010

Salford 10k - Good Friday : 2nd April 2010.

James Kevan and Russell Maddams once again showed they are in excellent form by both running sub-33 on this 2 lap flat course, which can produce some fast times, wind permitting.

1st	Mark Buckingham (Holmfirth)	29:59
11th	James Kevan	32:41
15th	Russell Maddams	32:53

Full Results at http://www.ukresults.net/2010/salf10k.html


Caldervale Country 10, Gartstang, Lancs - Good Friday : 2nd April 2010.

Paul Muller achieved his usual high standards when finishing first V50 and 9th overall in a competitive race over 10 miles.

1st	Ian Grime (NEB)	54:09
9th	Paul Muller	59:11

Full Results at http://www.ukresults.net/2010/caldervale10.html


South Port Good Friday Races - 2nd April 2010.

Two Horwich men made their way to Southport for these traditional races around Victoria Park. Brendan Bolland finished 18th in a time of 22:28, and Ian Hepburn finished 35th in a time of 24:21.

Full Results at http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2010/sport.htm


Askham Fell Race - Saturday 3rd April 2010.

One Horwich lady made her way up to Cumbria for this race run from the village of Askham in the Lowther Valley, taking in the summit of Arthurs Pike. On a day when conditions appeared to be right for setting records, Suzanne Budgett finished second Lady, and first LV40, setting a new LV40 record in the process.

Full Results at http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/results/race10/10_askham.htm

THURSDAY HILL SESSION - CANCELLED

The Hill Session on Thursday 1st April has been cancelled. Normal service will resume from 8th April, when we should be able to go off road for the first time this year.

Darren wins at Arant Haw

Sunday 28th March 2010.

Darren Kay took a convincing victory in the final fixture of this years Kendal Winter League, over what will be familiar terrain from Sedbergh taking in the summit of Arant Haw.



Full results : http://www.helmhillrunners.co.uk/KWL2010/arant_haw_2010.htm

PIKE RACE - HELP NEEDED

Helpers and Marshall are still needed for this years Rivington Pike race, this coming Saturday.

Please contact Pete Bland at peterbland@btinternet.com or on 07551 404047 if you can spare any time.

Katie National Duathlon Champion. - 28th March

Katie Ingram showed her potential when winning the British Elite Duathlon Championship at Prestwold Airfield, Loughborough today in 1.03.19. - (Entered as Horwich!)

In her first full Duathlon - and still a complete novice in terms of race experience, Katie won by 49 seconds from second placed Emma Dews -1.04.08.

The course was held on a closed track circuit at Prestwold airfield which consisted of a 5k run, 20k bike and 2.5k run to finish. Conditions were extremely windy, but Katie took charge from the first run and led onto the 8 lap bike course. She nearly held the lead but got closed down on the final bike lap by top cyclist Emma Dews but managed to take the lead on the final run.

Winning the British Championship will now give her a place on the GB Duathlon team to compete at the Europeans in France on 2nd May.

Katie is now only three weeks away from her first Triathlon at World level when she competes in the World Cup series in Mexico on the 18th April

Results: http://www.stuweb.co.uk/swp/default.asp?a=63&resultid=239221

NM.

NORTH OF ENGLAND 12 STAGE ROAD RELAYS

Horwich RMI Harriers
North of England 12 stage Road Relays
6 x 4.9 miles and 6 x 3.03 miles ( according to Gareth )
Wythenshawe Park
Sunday 21st march 2010

The Result:

10th Overall

Leg	Distance	Runner	Time/pos	Captains comments
1	4.9miles	Gary Priestley	23.52/18th	Gave 100% on a tough leg with a very fast start
2	3.03miles	Gareth Booth	16.34/17th	Injured for 7 days but limped to a respectable time. Thanks.
3	4.9miles	Richard Howarth	24.01/14th	If this is what marathon training does – bring it on.
4	3.03miles	Neil Pendlebury	16.14/14th	Injured for months, 2 track Sessions and the boy is back.
5	4.9miles	Rob Jackson	25.40/15th	Not bad after an 80 mile Week. Gave everything.
6	3.03miles	Steve Nolan	16.30/16th	Thanks to Steve after only being called up this week.
7	4.9miles	Russell Maddams	24.20/14th	Drove 200 miles, ran with a slight cold, did brilliantly.
8	3.03miles	Paul Muller	16.23/12th	Never fails to impress, solid.
9	4.9miles	Ali Murray	24.22/11th	Improving every race, hard training is the key.
10	3.03miles	Martyn Bell	16.12/10th	The big man is back, more to come as well, quality.
11	4.9miles	James Kevan	23.33/10th	James put this one down to overloads of cake on holiday!!
12	3.03miles	Col Rigby	16.27/10th	You never lose it.

A tremendous result considering the talent on display, 10th in the North of England will do. This was a team performance and was a great day out thoroughly enjoyed by all, especially me, thanks lads. We also ran a B team on the day who seemed to enjoy themselves just as much, It gives a few more runners the chance to perform on the big stage and for them to check their current fitness.

Lastly – Gareth rang me Sunday night to ask who had run the fastest short leg and I told him it was Belly Boy, he spent all day Monday thinking it was Col – nice one Gareth.

Pete Bland

Full results.

Greater Manchester County Championship Fell Race

This year Greater Manchester Athletics are pleased to announce a County Championship Fell Race which will be staged at the Belmont Winter Hill Fell Race on Saturday 8th May. Race starts at 1.15pm and covers 4.5 miles and 1000ft of climb. Start from GR673163. Entry to the race is £4.50 on the day.

Under 12s 1.5 mile/300ft

Under 14s 2 mile/400ft

Under 16s 2.5 miles/600ft

The junior races all start at 12.30pm.

Medals will be awarded to the first three athletes home and to the first team. (Three to score)

Further details regarding the race can be obtained from Dave Bateson- dave.bateson@talk21.com

Further details regarding the Greater Manchester Fell Championships can be obtained from Andi Jones- roadrunneraj@btinternet.com

Andi Jones.

12 STAGE RELAYS - LOST T-SHIRT

If anyone has picked up a black "Team Inov-8" t-shirt with silver writing from the tent at the 12 stage relays could they please contact James Kevan on j_kev3000@hotmail.com.

Number One in the Country.

Katie Ingram went to the top of the National 5k road table when placing 8th overall in the Derby 5k mid week races. Her time of 15.54 took 30 seconds off her PB. This tremendous time would have placed her third overall last year in front of runners the calibre of Helen Clitheroe. Her current form suggests that she could prove to be a revelation in her first World Cup Triathlon race in Mexico on the 18th April.

Results link.

NM.

UK Inter Counties XC 2010

Cofton Park, Birmingham, 13th March 2010.

Two harriers were selected and ran for their counties at this years inter counties cross country.

Both in the top quality senior men's race incorporating the trials for the world cross, Gary Priestley running for the winning team of Lancashire came 118th and Russell Maddams running for Cumbria came 151st.

Full Results.

TRIMPELL 20

Sunday 14th March 2010.

Richard Howarth made the trip to Lancaster to run this race in preparation for next months London Marathon and was rewarded with an impressive PB of 1:52:06 and 4th place.

Results.

HAWORTH HOBBLE

Saturday 13th March 2010.

On Saturday morning three Horwich Harriers set off before dawn for Haworth to compete in this year's Haworth Hobble, also known as the Wuthering Hike. The three had varying experience of the 32 (or 33?) mile event : Ian Charters had run it numerous times, my debut was back in 1986 and guess at about 15 completions whilst this was Pauline Charters' debut.

The bright sunshine encountered whilst driving over was replaced with a chilly mist on Haworth Moor soon after the 8am start. To overcome the numerous navigation teasers that the route poses, Pauline was running as a team pair with John Swift of Chorley AC and my plan was to accompany them until checkpoint three at Long Causeway, some 13 miles into the route, so that I didn't blow up and suffer for the rest of the race which I did the last time I competed, two years ago. This I did before starting to work through the field, eventually finishing in 6:47:00 and very satisfied that I only took 2:42 for the 14 miles from the psychological half-way point at Mankinholes Youth Hostel, overtaking about 60 runners. Meanwhile Ian was well on his way to finishing in his usual excellent time (5:43:18). We then cheered Pauline and John in (7:39:19) - from the results I could see that they had also passed a few in the second half of the event.

A very well organised event and a glorious day out running in the Pennines, especially if you pace it right and can cope with the distance and climbs, reputed to be more like 5300ft rather than the advertised 4500ft.

I've written a slightly longer more personalised report on my Pyrenees training blog at http://gordonsgr10.blogspot.com/ for those who may be interested (also photos that Pauline took should hopefully appear soon)

Gordon Stone.

BURNLEY 10K

Sunday 14th March 2010.

Glyn and Derek Kay made the trip to Burnley clocking times of 37:45 and 46:15 for 10th and 64th places. Derek was also first V65.

Results.

HAIGH HALL RELAYS

Saturday 13th March 2010.

After several last minute drop outs Horwich fielded just two teams for these low key friendly relays.

The Horwich team of Alastair Murray, Martyn Bell, Dave Jackson and Sean McMyler was very much in the running and finished a creditable 3rd. The vets team, with an eventual running order of Steve Jackson, Colin Wood, Carl Balshaw and Pete Bland finished 19th.

Alastair Murray also claimed fastest leg of the day.

A big thanks from all who ran to Pete Bland for organising the teams, and a last minute decision to run and complete the vets team.

Results.

RODDLESWORTH ROLLER

Sunday 14th March 2010.

Thirteen harriers ran this local undulating multi terrain race.

A strong turn out for the men saw the club take first mens team and first vets team, as well as second and third vets teams. Behind clear winner Alasdair Russell from Kendal, Horwich runners took the next four places with Paul Muller, also first V50, Rob Jackson, also first V40, Steve Nolan, and Graham Schofield. Next was Gareth Booty in 7th, with Ian Hamer in 8th, and first V45. Paul Boardman came 11th, Gary Chadderton came 15th and James Simmonite 18th. Tony Hesketh was 24th and first V60. Paul Hesketh was 64th, and Mark Collier 66th. Our only ladies representative was Karen Murray finishing 4th lady.

A few pictures - sorry if I missed you - some of you were just too fast.









Full results.

Weekend Snippets : 6th - 7th March

A few results I have noticed from the weekend.

Haweswater Half Marathon.

Paul Boardman made his way up to the Lake District and finished 52nd from 517 finishers in a time of 1:27:35.
Results.

Stanley Park 10k, Blackpool.

James Kevan finished 3rd setting an impressive PB of 32:12, whilst Paul Muller was once again first V50 in tenth place overall.
Results.

Trafford 10k.

Gary Priestley followed up on his Mid Lancs XC League victory with 16th place at this fast 10k, which was won by Chris Thompson in 28:01.
Results.

HALF TOUR OF PENDLE - 9M / 2250'

Saturday, 6th March 2010.

Ten Harriers took part in this popular race from Barley village. It was a clear crisp dry day, with some areas of snow remaining on top just to make things interesting.

Performance of the day was from Dionne Allen, finishing second lady to Jo Waites from Calder Valley. In the mens race, behind an impressive win from Ian Holmes, Alastair Murray was pleased to finish 9th, with Mick Green not far behind in 11th.

9	Alastair Murray	1:11:48
11	Michael Green	1:12:43
64	Dionne Allen	1:21:36
79	Gary Chadderton	1:24:38
85	Ian Hepburn	1:26:02
96	Doug Fleming	1:26:37
102	Michael Crook	1:27:06
142	Paul Murray	1:32:58
149	Suzanne Budgett	1:34:04
214	Mark Sammon	1:50:13

243 finished.

Full results.

A few pics - thanks to "Mrs T".

PIKE RACE - VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers to help at this years Pike Race are needed.

If you can help please contact Colin Jones at C.Jones-Horwich@hotmail.co.uk.

Gary completes Mid Lancs in Top Spot

Mid Lancs Cross Country - Barrow, 6th March.



Gary Priestley got his just rewards for an outstanding season cross country when he clinched 1st place in this years Mid Lancs Senior Men’s competition on a warm, sunny afternoon in Barrow.

Gary had already finished within the top four in all the other rounds and he knew that a top three finish today would guarantee first place overall – all he had to do was do it today! He had discussed tac-tics before the start but it basically was just - top 3.

Gary set off and with Peter Huck (Junior Man) and they pushed the pace for all of the race and they pulled further and further away from the chasing pack. As the race unfolded therefore it was turning out to be the best plan ever. A top two finish was working out.

With the individual champion plan on track, attention moves to the Senior Men’s team. We were in second place in division 3 having achieved promotion in our first season in the Mid Lancs last year. So could we again, not just get promotion but could we secure top spot. To do this we had to beat all the other senior men’s teams in our division. Chairman Pete Bland had been contacting runners all week making sure we turned out as many star’s as possible. Russell Maddams had a very solid performance in 4th place - so then we need 4 more runners. Steve Nolan, Simon Parkinson, Denis Mason and Tony Hesketh were going to be our 4 more counters.

Attention was also passing to the V40 team. They had been sat in joint second place and Wigan weren’t going to finish a team so if we could secure first place we might be able to get a joint second place.

As the race unfurled on this three large lap course the results for our runners were as follows – Gary 2nd in 29.05, Russell 4th in 29.58, Steve 25th in 32.36, Simon 31st in 33.30, Denis 39th in 34.28 and Tony, suffering with a sore calf and taking it easier than usual, was 89th in 38.11.

These results gave Gary the individual championship and Horwich A team 1st place in division 3 and so promotion to division 2 for next year. The A team were second team on the day, that’s beating all the teams except one from all the divisions – good effort lads.

Whilst all this was going on at the sharp end of the race Gordon Stone, Pete Bland and Pete Ramsdale and Barry Allman were battling in their own race. Gordon, now a stress free and full time athlete continues to improve and turned a 34second deficit behind Pete Ramsdale at the Nationals in Leeds last week into a winning margin of 15 seconds today at Barrow. Pete Bland, giving all these runners 10 years, ‘worked his socks off’ completed the course ahead of Barry. This quartet completes the 10 senior Horwich harriers running today. Good turn out lads.

For the record Gordon 108th in 39.35, Pete R 112th in 39.50, Pete B 121st in 41.08 and Barry 129th in 41.58.

The Vet 50 team didn’t manage promotion as local clubs turned out in force for their local race. We’ll do it next year guys.

Thanks to all runners who have competed in any cross country this season.
Enjoy the summer.

Peter Ramsdale
Cross Country Captain

Full results see Race Results.

LAST WEEKENDS SNIPPETS

Bleasdale Circle Fell Race - 5M / 1250'

Well done to Michelle Devine who finished second lady in wintry conditions.

(anyone have anymore details or results, please let me know)

High Cup Nick Fell Race - 9M / 1500'

Russell Maddams finished 3rd in this race from Dufton in Cumbria, with wife Pippa winning the ladies race, and setting a new record in the process. Peter Leighton also made the trip and finished 65th.

Full results.

Let Me Know!

If anyone has anymore details of Horwich members racing at the weekend, please let me know.

Alastair Murray.
alastair.murray@gmail.com

TRAFFORD 10K - PLACES AVAILABLE

Three places are available for the rescheduled Trafford 10k, being run this coming Sunday, 7th March.

If you are interested in taking one of these places please contact me.

Alastair Murray.
alastair.murray@gmail.com

Red Vests in Leeds

National Cross Country Roundhay Park, Leeds
Saturday 27th February 2010

As the cross country season comes nearer and nearer the end, just 5 runners from our club put on their red vests with the distinctive black chevrons to tackle the grass, mud and hills of Roundhay Park.

The under 13 boys of Nathan Townsend, Cameron Critchley and Will Townsend ran in possibly the largest field of runners that they have ever run with before and they all enjoyed the ‘big’ experience. They had an ‘arena lap’ to do first and supporters ran across the muddy fields to see them and as they ran up, down and up again. They then ran down and up quite a steep hill. This proved a real discriminator with good hill runners pulling away from the others. The lads of Nathan, Cameron and Will should be really proud of their efforts as they finished in 74th in 12.45 and 260th in 14.03 and 314th in 14.40 respectively and all these runners are still under 13 next year.. The winner’s time was 11.29 and there were 374 runners in the race.

The other two Horwich representatives were Pete Ramsdale and Gordon Stone in the senior men’s race over 12km. With nearly 1500 runners on the start line – the buzz started early. The course had three big laps of climbs, gentle descent’s and mud. Being lapped after nearly two laps when the winners have to just complete their third lap and then the finishing straight, really humbles you but shows the outstanding quality of these front runners. It’s a fantastic experience and I enjoyed it very much. Times and positions are a bit irrelevant but 1225th in 60.57 for Pete and 1248th in 61.34 for Gordon for the record.

Alton Towers on 19th February 2011 – National Cross Country next year – Date for your diary.

Peter Ramsdale

STANDISH HALL 10K

Saturday 27th February 2010.

Five harriers decided to do this local trail race.

13th	Simon Parkinson	40:47
16th	Denis Mason	41:53
22nd	Doug Fleming	43:08
84th	Barry Allman	51:31
100th	Mark Collier	53:55

Full results.

NATIONAL XC

Saturday 27th February 2010.

Two senior men competed at this year's English Cross Country Championships at Roundhay Park in Leeds. The three lap 12k course was particularly muddy in places, in others provided good running and benefited the good climbers and descenders, in particular on "hill 60". The weather stayed dry (just)and just warm enough for shorts. In the end the two Horwich Harriers in the field of 1428 finishers were separated by 23 places and 37 seconds with Pete Ramsdale 1225th in 60:57 and Gordon Stone, 1248th in 61:34. The race was won by Aldershot's Andy Vernon in 38:01.

Full results.

LOSTOCK 6

Sunday 28th February 2010.

A cold but dry morning greeted 329 runners at the Lostock 6M race, the first counter for this years Central Lancs Grand Prix and the RMI Road Championships. Gareth Booth led the way for the men in 5th place. The rest of the mens team, placing third, was made up from Steve Nolan, David Jackson and Paul Boardman. Just two ladies were running with Karen Murray on the comeback trail in 5th relieved to get round in one piece and Kathryn Swindell.

13 Harriers ran.

5th	Gareth Booth	33:08
11th	Steve Nolan	34:48
24th	David Jackson	36:29
33rd	Paul Boardman	37:26
56th	Kevin Newall	39:21
78th	Colin Wood	40:32
101st	Karen Murray	41:58
107th	Stuart Adamson	42:28
122nd	David Wagstaff	43:09
124th	Barry Allman	43:15
149th	Mark Swindell	44:35
179th	Gordon Stone	46:06
240th	Kathryn Swindell	51:34

Full results.

ENGLISH FELL CHAMPS 2010 RACE 1 - NOONSTONE 9M / 2300'

Saturday 27th February 2010.

All week it didn't look like conditions were going to be good for the seasons opener, and so it proved. The temperature was barely above freezing, the ground was saturated, and it looked like the clag was going to be down on top. This race has a reputation as a bog trot, and it is well earned.

First home for Horwich was Darren Kay in 9th place, with a return to form, and looking to improve over the season. Second and Third counters battled it out all the way around, and it took a sprint finish to separate Alastair Murray in 42nd and Mick Green in 43rd. The senior team was completed with Dave Milliken in 59th, still not fully recovered from injury, and James Kevan in 67th also not yet 100%.

Karl Ward was next for Horwich in 153rd followed by Brian Walton in 190th and 4th M55, Steve Jackson in 211th, and Gary Chadderton in 214th. Mick Crook followed in 230th and 6th M60, with Paul Murray in 326th and 6th M65.

Our only ladies representative was Suzanne Budgett, finishing 66th in the ladies race.

423 finished - results.

Race 2 of the English Champs is Coniston, on May 1st. Entries open on Monday (1st March) and forms will be available from here. With a limit of 400 entries, get your entries in quickly!

MARSHALS REQUIRED - LOSTOCK 6

As part of our membership of the Central Lancs GP, Horwich RMI Harriers have agreed to help contribute marshals to the races in the series.

The Lostock 6, Sunday 28th February, still requires marshals. If you can help please contact Pete Bland on 07551404047 or peterbland@btinternet.com.

CHEW VALLEY REMINDER

The second counter in this years club fell champs is the Chew Valley Skyline on Sunday 7th March.

This is just a reminder that pre-entry is required by this Saturday, the 27th February.