Chorley Park Series – 26th June

James Kevan (16.46) again showed his potential by winning this race easily off very little training, starting a little more steadily than usual; he quickly pulled through to win by 35 seconds from Rick Hayman of Sale. Nigel Clementson (19.04) continues to improve, finishing 10th overall and collecting the first 0/45 prize. Paul Boardman (19.35) clocked another race for his diary this time finishing in 15th place. Carl Balshaw (21.28) also continued his busy race program finishing in 27th place. Barry Allman (22.48) came pretty close to his age category prize finishing second 0/50 in a line of four 0/50’s.

Results: http://www.youspoon.com/cac/docs/park20090626.pdf

Caption Competition – Last Try

It would seem that the two James’s - have in general - given you a problem suggesting a suitable caption, only a few RMI intellectuals have ventured forth!

Arnison Dash - Patterdale 2m/1000ft 28th June

This race connected with the Ullswater Country Fair and the English Junior Uphill Championships and saw a field of forty race up and down Arnison Crag in very hot conditions. Tony Hesketh finished 20th and first over sixty in 19.10 and Pete Leighton was 28th in 21.05 the race was won by Alistair Dunn of Helm Hill in 14.35

COITY FELL RACE 6M / 1000 FOC

Conditions were clear, sunny, and possibly a little hot without the breeze, for the annual running of this low key fell race from just outside Blaenavon, South Wales. The route takes in a circuit of Coity Mountain on the edge of the Black Mountains.

The race was won by Welsh International Matt Collins, in a new course record with the course being run clockwise for the first time this year. Horwich RMI's Alastair Murray, deciding to have a run out whilst visiting the in-laws, had to work hard for second place after sticking with the leader early doors, and suffering from the fast start later on. Ali’s Father in-law David Smout enjoyed his run out, placing second in his category after several V60s were found to still be in there 50s!

This is a fantastic, well organised race. Numbers written in black marker on the back of your hand, and a great friendly atmosphere. With the race starting and finishing at a popular country fair, and the presentation in a lovely pub with a beer garden, and steam train station, this is a race I would certainly recommend if your in the area next year.

Karl Taylor Cracks Bob Graham – Sat 27th June

Many congratulations to Karl Taylor on his successful Bob Graham round of 22 hours .48mins. Apart from a couple of navigational errors on leg two - which cost him an hour - and the very warm conditions in the afternoon, the round went according to plan. His even paced start and 22 hour schedule had spare capacity for the odd error so he was well pleased to come in well inside the time limit.

Karl would like to pass on a big thank to all those who helped him and made it such an enjoyable day to remember.

Aggies Staircase – 3.8m/1150ft. Thurs 25th June.

An excellent turnout of sixteen Harriers for this local fell race, with Karl Ward (31.28) again leading the field for us in 11th place. Graham Schofield (31.36) in 13th place continues to enjoy his new found freedom as a retiree racing on home ground, and I am sure disappointed to miss out on first 0/50 by just 6 seconds! Great to see Alex McVey back on the race scene for us, finishing 21st in 32.28. Denis Mason was our next counter in 26th, not sure if he would be happy with his time of 33.15, considering he ran 30.47 last year. Albert Sunter 37th next in, for time of 34.39, and first of the Sunter’s (it must be costing you a fortune in entry fee’s!) Suzanne Budgett (35.45) was our first lady home, and like Graham must have had a tough race losing out on first lady, and first vet by an even smaller margin of just 3 seconds. Nicole Kirkham (37.37) collected the first 0/50 prize in 69th place, but did admit that her race time seemed a little faster than on her watch! Barry Chapman clocked 37.49 for 74th place, just in front of Colin Waterworth (38.19) by four places. Tony Varley (40.20) in 97th slot also had a close race with fellow 0/60 John Taylor from Bowland, who finished just 4 seconds in front of him. Nice to see Paul Murray out and about racing the fells again, finishing in 109th place in 41.36. Ian Smith (42.50) had plenty of opposition for the 0/50’s in this race, with seemingly half the runners 0/50! Gordon Stone 139th and Mark Sammon 140th had their little race, with Gordon coming out on top on this occasion. This just left Abigail (157th) and Michele Sunter (158th) who seem to be taking to the fells like ‘Ducks to Water’, long may it continue.

Results: http://www.dashers.org.uk/results/aggies09.htm

Tintwistle Gala Race – Wednesday 24th June.

Karl Ward had possibly one of his highest placed race positions when finishing 5th overall in 30.43 in this Round the Resers race, with 141 in the field that was a good result for Karl. Suzanne Budgett continued her racing spree by taking in this local-ish race claiming the first 0/45 prize and second overall in 32.44, her overall position of 18th shows how well Suzanne is running at the moment.

Results: http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2009/resers.htm

Tebay Fell Race 8m/3000ft. Sat 20th June

British & English Championship Counter.

Gary Priestley made a rare appearance in a championship race and acquitted himself with flying colours finishing 24th and our first counter; his 1.16.3 48 time was a credit to him. James Logue (1.17.57) continued his excellent form of late just a minute behind Gary in 32nd place, with Dave Milliken close on his heels in 33rd (1.18.14).
James Kevan in 57th (1.22.50) did not have one of his better races, but had just returned back from Poland and had done little training whilst away!
Brian Walton (1.29.31) got a last minute entry and made good use of it finishing second 0/55 and a team counter. Suzanne Budget (1.32.39) continued her pursuit of the championship title with a solid second 0/45 finishing 140th overall and 11th lady. Mike Crook was next in, clocking 1.36.38 for his 172nd place. The strength on the 0/60 group is tremendous judging by Mick’s 6th place in it!
Lindsey Squires (1.37.33) showed Dad - Brent Brindle (1.38.35) - the way home - this time - pulling away to take a minute out of him. Steve Jackson (1.44.59) in 208th place was very pleased to get round the course and help out the vet team position. I have no doubt that Rachel Metcalfe (1.52.03) was even smiling after this race, supporting the ladies and making up the team. Pete Walkington (1.52.51) was not in ace shape - injury wise - but finished well in 255th. Ray Stafford (2.03 09) was well placed in his age group finishing 3rd 0/70. This just left the Geraldine Walkington who hobbled in after tweaking her back, which left her in walk mode, not a happy chappy!

Good turn out folks for a championship race, well done.

Results: http://storage.tebay.org/pdfs/TebayFellRace200609Results.pdf

Lakeside Gummers How, 20/06/09

Yesterday I went to return the Lakeside Gummers How trophy. I'd be sorry to see it go. This had been my last race before an enforced 12 month lay-off with pains down my back and left leg which had meant that walking could be difficult. Regular running was out of the question.

Three MRI scans revealed not a great deal, and much of my treatment was to no avail. Stretching techniques recommend for sciatic pains made no difference. The symptoms persisted, and just 3 weeks ago I still struggled to amble for 3 miles around Edale. The 21 mile Edale Skyline fell race two years ago seemed a lifetime ago.

There are many factors I'm sure, but for some reason about a week ago I was conscious of feeling a slight improvement when my only reaction to an attempted run was sore calves, the injury being a lot less painful than usual. I had planned to come and watch the Two Lads fell race last Thursday, but decided instead to have a go, and jog at the back of the field. Although I had lost considerable fitness I felt comfortable within my revised limits and managed to enjoy the ups, and more-so the downs to finished a surprising 18th. My legs were sore but in a good way, with no complaining from my back/leg. Something somewhere seemed to have shifted and loosened off at long last.

Two days later was Gummers How. We'd won the team event last year and I would go up to return the trophy. This event consists of a 3 mile / 900' run up and down Gummers How with the small matter of a 400 metre row across Windermere before and after the run! Individuals compete first, followed an hour later by a team event over the same course, with 3 to a team sharing the same boat and running together. I had asked Brendan who was in our team this time, knowing he would be keen for Horwich to retain the title again. "We'll see who turns up" he said, "but bring your kit just in case!"

And so I arrived at the event, but with only Brendan, Darren and myself in attendance, the team was chosen! "But I'm not fit" I protested, lacing up my fell shoes, "I've done nothing for a year". "If you can wave your arms around at Two Lads, you can do this!" was his unsympathetic response. Hmmm, perhaps this was sweet revenge for being roped into all those fell relays regardless of illness and injury! My turn to suffer!

To my surprise I held it together. With a good first row we took the lead over the other 15 teams, which we retained to the finish, which for me could not come soon enough. Hot on our heels was a strong team from Helm Hill. For Darren this effort was on the back of the individual race in which he'd come second to none other than Ian Holmes, a regular winner at this event.

Thanks to Pete and Jane Bland who travelled up for support, they certainly seemed to enjoy it. We all got together for a hearty pub meal afterwards. I had pheasant for the first time which was very nice indeed, and fortunately managed to avoid breaking my teeth on some lead shot.

I was delighted to bring the trophy back home again and I look forward to continuing with a rather more sensible rehabilitation programme after the madness of the last couple of days.

Chris Heys

Horwich Town Centre 5k Race - Carnival Series.

A quality field up front set the scene for a fast 5k and a fitting end to the carnival races. As anticipated the first four runners ran sub 15 minutes which pulled the field to some fast times. Katie Ingram ran a super PB taking 32 seconds of her previous best which gave her second place and a move up the national rankings to fourth fastest in the country this year. Gareth Booth running 10th narrowly missed out on a PB by 9 seconds, and felt that with closer competition could have been up for it. Alastair Murray actually made it, with a new PB of 16.07 for 12th place, taking ten seconds off his old mark. Steve Nolan completed his final race of the series in 22nd place and just missed out on first vet by three seconds, but had the consolation of taking first vet in the series and second place overall, well done Steve. Glyn Kay came next in 25th place which moved him into 4th overall in the series. Paul Boardman finished the race in 45th place, which meant a fine series total of third overall in the vets and 8th overall. Ian Hamer finished the series strongly clocking 18.33 for 50th place on the day and 10th overall in the series, this also put Ian 5th vet overall in the series. Kevin Newhall was not far behind Ian in 53rd place running 18.42, which moved him up to 14th overall in the series. Tony Hesketh just missed out on first 0/60 on the day but had done enough to take the 0/60 series title. Albert Sunter ran 19.57 for the race in 78th place and finished inside the top ten vets for the series. Tony Varley was third vet 0/60 on the day and the same position in the series. Ian Smith finished a hard weeks racing very tired but also very pleased to have taken 1st vet 0/55 on the day and likewise in the series.

In the ladies race Katie was backed up with Christine Boardman in 19th spot with a time of 21.16 with young Bethan Faulkner not too far behind in 98th running 21.51, this trio gave the ladies second team on the day. To complete our lady contingent was Abigail and Michele Sunter who have done great his week completing the series, which was a credit to them. Michele much have been pleased to pick up the 0/45 series award for all her hard work.

Our only other ladies competing today were Suzanne Budget and Lola Smal - who ran in the British Masters 5k Championship, with I may added some success, Suzanne who ran the at Tebay the day before!! Ran brilliantly to a new PB - which at this stage in her career is quite something. Lola Smal not to be outdone, not only took the championship title of first 0/75 but also set a course record. Super effort ladies.

Finally in the open 5k race we also won the men’s team ward and the vet’s team prize, which rounded of the race nicely - and the tour.

Well done to everyone who represented the club this week in the tour and in the 5k races today.

Results. 5k Open Race. http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2009/tour095.htm
Results. BMAF 5k Race. http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2009/bmaf09.htm
Series Results: http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2009/tour095pts.htm

Photos

Horwich 5k Race

Tour X/C Race - Friday 19th June. Overall Positions.

The number of runners was down to 65 in this the fourth race of the series, but competition was just as fierce as leaders in the all the age groups gave it their all to improve their positions in the series. Steve Nolan still leads the vets - and is second overall. Paul Boardman lies in third place in the vets, with Ian Hamer still going strong and staying clear of injury in fifth. Tony Hesketh has now taken a commanding lead in the 0/60 age group, with Ian Smith having no opposition in the 0/55 group. Albert Sunter stays inside the top ten vets, lying 9th in the toughest age group the 0/45’s, with Tony Varley in third place in the 0/60’s. This just leaves our other two non vets Glyn Kay, well placed in 5th overall, and Kevin Newhall sticking in there in 15th.

In the ladies race we still have mother and daughter Michele and Abigail Sunter going strong, with Michele now taking the lead as the first 0/45.

Keep it going folks just one more to go.

Loads of photo’s from Carl Balshaw at: http://www.rivington.biz/photography/2009/JosephHoltXC/

Freckleton Half Marathon Sun 21st June.

There are two entries available for any club member for this Sunday’s Half.

Anyone interested - contact me. NM 01204 468390

June Caption Competition

Come on folks the caption can’t be that hard this time, lets keep some rapport going on these captions, it’s good fun and it maintains a two way communication on the Blog. The prize is still free track session fees! Whow!

Two Lads - THANK YOU

A big thanks to all who helped in the smooth running of the“Two Lads Fell Race” To the marshals who endured the threatening rain and the midges, Bolton Mountain Rescue for emergency backup, The Bridge for the use of there facilities, Walsh Sports for their continued support and for anyone else that I have failed to mention. THANK YOU!!

A substantial donation from the proceeds of the race will be made to the Springhill Hospice, Rochdale. In memory of Stephen Barlow.

Two Lads Fell Race. – Thursday 18th June.

Twenty seven Harriers’ turned out for the race with our lead runners managing to hold off a strong Liverpool Harriers team by just six points. Alastair Murray (33.45) looked much more focused and relaxed from last night finishing as our first counter in 6th overall and winning the inaugural Steve Barlow Trophy as the first Horwich finisher. Steve Nolan ((34.38) was our second counter, back in his winning vet ways collecting the 0/45 award and first vet of the night, just a few seconds in front of Paul Dugdale, back on his old stomping ground. Our third man Glyn Kay also looked sharper than last night finishing a fine 11th place in 35.31. Denis Mason made up the team and finished well in 13th place for 35.41. Rob Howarth collected the first 0/50
in 15th place, and Tony Hesketh collected the first 0/60.

Really pleased to see Chris Heys racing again and you can tell by his photo that he was too!

Only Michele and Abigali Sunter ran for the ladies, which was a pity that they didn’t have a third lady to make up the team. The weather stayed kind for the field of 165.

Well done to Gordon Stone who collected a Bronze medal in the NW CSSC Championships which were incorporated into the race, he also collected a gold medal for the winning team.

Results: http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2009/tour093.htm

In the Festival Race series after three races, Steve Nolan is winning the vets and lying second overall, keep it going Steve!

Results for this at: http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2009/tour093pts.htm

Photos:

2 Lads

Kinder Trog - 16m/3490ft Sun 14th June

Blue skies greeted me for the Kinder Trog last Sunday, so a good dollop of suncream was applied on arrival. At registration I noticed that two water stations had been placed on the course and that full waterproof body cover was required! which raised a few eyebrows. Once underway there was good support from the marshalls and mountain rescue teams. The water stations proved very popular as did the unofficial orange segment supplier in the latter stages. Despite turning my ankle on the smallest of stones, after traversing the Downfalls' huge boulders without the slightest stumble, the finish field made for a much welcome sight. Therein lay a crowd of picnicers and runners having availed themselves of the refreshments on offer from the nearby scout hut. Managed to find another Harrier, after cooling off in a shaded stream (mainly the ankle), in Colin Waterworth. Who I spotted making use of some shaded grass after his exploits. And with that I headed for home, nursing an ever swelling ankle.

Gary Chadderton.

Jubilee Race No2. – Wed 17th June.

An impressive run by Gary Priestley saw him duck under 26 minutes for the first time clipping 31 seconds from his course PB, which earned him second place behind Mike Aspinall of Lancaster & Morecombe - not many Harriers have run that fast on this course, so well done Gary. Gareth Booth ran 20 seconds faster than last month but had to settle for 5th place on this occasion. Colin Rigby enjoyed his racing and pushed Gareth into a sprint finish to finish just 5 seconds behind him for 6th place. Alastair Murray although running a course PB felt a little below par for his 10th place, even so he made up the winning team by a large margin from Liverpool Harriers.

Colin Rigby collected the first 0/40 prize , and although we had twenty two Harriers running the other vets prizes eluded us on the night. The ladies again fielded a full team finishing third with Christine Boardman to the fore in 15th and Michele Sunter and daughter Abigail making up the team, keep it going ladies, it can be a long week if you are doing the tour.

Results: http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2009/jub092.htm

Photos:

Jubilee June

Lever Park Run - THANKS

Sue Hayes sends her thanks to all those who helped with the Lever Park Run, and survived the marauding midges.

Wasdale Fell Race. 11th July – Help Wanted.

A general query in so much that we have a small contingent of club runners who will be doing Wasdale and would be grateful for someone to help with drinks en route.

If you intend to be there on the day or would like a lift up there for a great day out on the fells, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Contact me in the first instance. NM 01204 468390

Tebay Entry.

There is a number going from a club member for this championship race, if anyone wants a last minute entry.

Contact me NM 01204 468390.

Hebden Bridge Fell Race -14th June

With nearly 20 races over the course of a year (ranging from the bog trotting of Noonstone to the thrash up the cobbles to Stoodley Pike)the Calder Valley provides plenty of entertainment to keep fell runners out of trouble.

The latest race was Todmorden Harriers' Hebden Bridge race which starts from the town's park and visits the proud landmark that is Stoodley Pike (is this the most visited spot in the FRA calendar?) before turning for home again. With 1150ft of climb in 6 miles this is more of a rough trail race than an out and out fell race but has a very enjoyable and fast route.

Only 2 Harriers participated though they made up in performance for their lack of numbers. 1st home for the second year in a row was James Logue although he failed to beat his own record for the race and in 3rd place came Stuart Edmondson ahead of large bunch of local Calder Valley runners, unfortunately 2 isn't enough for a team result.

Results: http://www.todharriers.co.uk/hebden_bridge/2009results.pdf

Lever Park Run – Tuesday 16th June.

A super start to the festival races for the club, with Darren Kay the outright winner, and with excellent back up from Steve Nolan, Glyn Kay and Paul Boardman we also collected the men’s team award. We further took the vets team prize with Ian Hamer and Albert Sunter well placed to support Steve and Paul. Individually, Steve took the first 0/45, Ian Smith the 0/55, and Tony Hesketh the 0/60 prize.

Also well done to our lady trio of Michele Sunter, daughter Abigail, and Marie Holden for making up a team and finishing second.

Results: http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2009/tour091.htm

Photos:

Lever Park

Please Note!

There will be no hill session Thursday 18th.

All those who fancy hills should be doing the ‘Two Lads’ fell race.

Rochdale Three Day Event.

The Annual Rochdale 3 Day Event took place at Norden from Friday-Sunday (12-14th June). The gruelling event took place in warm and sunny conditions with two Horwich Harriers competing very successfully. Day one involved a tough 10km road race, Rob Jackson finished 2nd (1st vet 40) with Peter Howarth 3rd. Day two involved an equally demanding 10km multi-terrain race, with Howarth in 1st and Jackson 4th (1st vet). Finally, on day three it was the challenging Knowl Hill Fell race (6 miles & 1300feet). This race saw Howarth finish 2nd and Jackson 4th (1st vet) and with Graham Schofield doing just this final race of the event in 7th place, this gave Horwich the first team prize. The overall 3 Day Event final placings saw Howarth in 1st place and Jackson in 3rd (1st vet), this being Jacksons 10th consecutive 3 Day Event.

Results: http://www.rochdaleharriers.co.uk/Results/2009/tde/tdeday09.htm

British Selection Again For Katie Ingram

European Mountain Running Championship Trial Snowdon 14th June

This year the European Championships are to be held in Telfes, Austria on 12th July, and the trial ‘Uphill Only’ was run up the main tourist path from Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon. Katie, still suffering from a head cold, started the race relatively steady and was in 5th place as they cleared the tarmac section of the climb, but steadily lifted her pace to finish a brilliant second at the finish. The day was warm and sunny with literally hundreds of walkers to navigate past as they too climbed to the summit in aid of charity. But Katie’s experience on this course paid dividends as she timed her run to perfection to gain automatic selection. Third place was Rebecca Robinson of Kendal and fourth Clare McKittrick of Charnwood.

June's Caption Competition.

This month’s caption competition may need a little more imaginative thinking than the last two, but I am sure there is scope in there to work on with the two James’s

May Caption Ompetition

Thank you to everyone who submitted captions, the list below again gives credit to the diversity of interpretation of a caption photo. But for shear inventiveness on the theme, the winner this month is a junior, Martha Gill, who has to be given credit not only for her caption but also for her computer skills, well done Martha.



PS. Thanks also to Barry who has promised to take all caption comments in the spirit in which they were intended.

CAPTIONS FOR MAY

Guy Bending --Phew that guy must have had a curry last night.

Barry saying - - That will teach him to call my orange socks.

So No. 332 says to No. 105
"Call yourself a fell runner! You'll have to toughen up. That Bazza's like that with everybody"

Don’t try and pass him mate. He will kick you in the B…..k’s as well.

Runner 332 looking back says to the runner with hands on knees
" come on son, don’t take it so bad he once beat me as well"

That’s it! I’m retiring now. I’ve had enough. I’ve just been passed by that Bazza fella

Barry says to himself: And if anyone else thinks they’re coming in first
I'll have them too!!

"Barry found that his "If you can't beat them, punch them in the guts" strategy was working quite well

Barrie saying I am going to have to stop eating the vindaloos the night before I race.

"Come on lads, you'll be surprised where this comes out"

"Barry, not everyone can hack one of Norman's sessions"

Little Girl:- "Don't give up dad, mum's watching"

"All these people behind me and no Pete Bland in sight, Norman will be impressed"

"I'm winning"

"Stop worrying about dropping 5p for goodness sake"

Now, if I can just catch Pete Bland and do the same to him

Don’t worry mate I’ll get the number of the guy with the red vest – I saw what he did and he won’t get away with it!

Barry's cunning plan to lay pound coins along the course was working a treat.

Lever Park Trail Race

Marshals urgently required for Lever Park Trail Race on Tuesday 16th June.
Unless we have sufficient marshals in attendance the race could be in jeopardy!

The race starts at 7.30pm. If you think you can help, please contact Sue Hayes on 01204 409834.

Thanks

Sue

Marshalls Required ~ 2 Lads

"Marshalls required for the Two Lads Fell Race, Thursday June 18th starting from 'The Bridge' 7.30pm

Please contact the organiser:
Colin Jones, 07773160675 or 01204 690013... mailto:colin@vapor-tek.co.uk

Longridge Lions 7 Mile Road Race

Gaynor Higson, Keith Makin and Ed Swift went across to the village of Longridge Nr Preston on a bright but extremely windy day to run in this race which also runs as the Christmas Pudding race in December. Organised by Lions International these two races raise funds for local charities such as Mountain Rescue Service and the Air Ambulance Service.
Starting at the Civic Hall the race immediately climbs out of Longridge for about 3 miles then undulates around Longridge Fells with spectacular views across the Ribble Valley looping back round past the local golf course and Dilworth Reservoir. The final run in is downhill back into Longridge with an unexpected finishing funnel back at the Civic Hall.Gaynor had the best result, 2nd Lady overall and 1st Lady Vet 40. Keith was just glad to get under 60 mins in the wind and Ed running very well after his recent exertions on his Joss Naylor Challenge.

Results:-
38. Gaynor Higson (2nd Lady, 1st LV40) 00:52:27
59. Keith Makin (3rd V60) 00:55:18
91. Ed Swift (7th V60) 01:01:42

Results: http://www.ukresults.net/2009/longlions.html

Smithills Serpent 5 Mile Trail Race – Sun 7th June.

Fifth Grand Prix Race.

The verdict on the new course was very favourable, with the three laps well marshalled and offering a nice variety of flat, and up and down running, with the added novelty in one place of small pieces of rubber mixed with the sand to ease the pounding – put there for the horses not the runners!

Colin Rigby enjoyed himself on this short course and looked impressive as he finished second in 29.03 and first vet. Alaistair Murray (29.47) and 3rd place was not quite as fast as he would have liked, but his recent training and racing exertions just taking the edge off him. Steve Nolan took the first 0/45 in a good time of 30.02 on his way to 4th gained with a super sprint finish! Denis Mason made up the winning team running strongly for 8th and looking good for his 31.08. Pete Bland (37.37) collected another 0/60 award, after having a better than average run, but he did enjoy the course! Gill Burnell took another 0/55 award in her stride, running well for 45.13.
We also had two new members racing, Claire Hughes ran 43.46, and Alan Finch clocked 51.32, welcome to the club. ...... 15 club members ran.

All the results at: http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2009/serpent.htm

Photos

Smithills

Stretton Hills – 5.75/2500ft Sat 6th June.

English Championship Counter.















Not the sort of day that you would put the cat out, it poured down from start to finish, which was a pity, as the location and the race route were super. Run of the day was undoubtedly Suzanne Budgett’s, (61.21) who having had a bad cold for several days ran just to make up the team and finished a very impressive first 0/45 and 12th overall on a pretty tough course - brilliant effort. I don’t think Geraldine Walkington (68.09) - our second counter - was feeling much better, even so once again pulled out all the stops to finish 2nd 0/50 in 32nd. Making up the team - and feeling fine at the start! was Rachel Metcalfe, who still had a smile on her race at the end, finishing in 55th in a time of 75.22. The ladies race was won by Philippa Jackson in 54.12.

In the men’s race James Logue (50.31) had a flyer as our first counter, finishing in 19th place. Our other James (Kevan) did what he came for and finished first U/23 clocking 51.25 for 27th overall. I didn’t have a chance to talk to our third counter Dave Milliken who finished in 41st place in 54.14, so not sure how he went on, but he was not in his usual pecking order. Brian Walton came next for us taking the third 0/55 in 60.09 for 96th overall, so he must be pleased with that. Steve Jackson I am sure was just pleased to be running - with his current injury problems, his 5th counter for us was invaluable, so well done Steve, who finished in 126th place for 64.22. This just left our two 0/60’s, with the effervescent Mick Crook running 67.05 for 145th and Pete Walkington braving the elements and taking third 0/65 in 67.39.

Well done to everyone today for supporting the club on this long trip down to Church Stretton in such bad weather conditions.

Results: http://www.merciafellrunners.org.uk/results

Northern Track League Liverpool - Sat 6th June.

Congratulations to Gary Priestley on a super PB of 15.45 when winning the Northern League 5000m at Liverpool today. This is 15 seconds off his previous PB which he set just a month ago at Blackpool. Gary is rounding into some fine form, and I am sure there will be more PB’s to come this season.

Bowdon 5k Thurs 4th June.

Gareth Booth running in a quality field got ever closer to his PB with a fine 15.59 in the Bowdon 5k on Wed evening finishing 8th overall, the race was won in 14.52 by Steve Vernon.

Results: http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2009/bowdon.pdf

Chorley Harriers 4 Mile Trail Race – Wed 3rd June.

A good turn out of nineteen Harriers for this the second race in the series. Good packing at the front meant another men’s team victory, with a super run from Alastair Murray (24.57) in 4th who was well in contention at the front. Steve Nolan (25.32) - ever present in these local races - can always be relied on to be there or there abouts, finishing a fine 7th and first 0/45. Glyn Kay (26.21) is rounding into some good form of late finishing well in 12th and third counter for us, and a much better run from Karl Ward (26.33) in 15th clinched the team award. Pete Bland - after some initial hiccup in the results - was first 0/60 - much to his delight.

In the ladies race Christine Boardman (32.06) was our first counter, Gill Burnell (38.28) picked up her customary 0/55 prize, with young Abigail Sunter (41.36) collecting the first lady junior.

Results: http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2009/chorley2.htm

Paddy’s Pole fell Race – 4.5m/1100ft

Tuesday night saw this years running of the Paddy’s Pole fell race
organised by Preston Harriers. It was a lovely clear evening, quite warm
with not too much wind to cool you down. Natural England put a limit of
100 runners on this race, so the race was pre-entry, but after checking
the website on the day a note suggested that runners should just come
along and enter on the day as it was only just over 1/2 full.

This was the first time I had been up Parlick and the run back down to
the finish was fun. There were two Horwich runners, Graham Schofield had
a good run finishing 11th & 1st V50 (34:50) and I straggled along much
further down the field coming home in 79th place (51:17).

Mark Sammon

Social Night – Tuesday 2nd June

The first of our social nights at the Harvester went well with nine harriers making the effort to attend and have a quiet drink and a chat. Its early days yet but it would be nice to see a few more on July 7th.

Saddleworth Fell Race 3m/950ft.

The annual Saddleworth Fell Race took place on Sunday in very hot conditions Graham Schofield was first over fifty in a fine fifth place 24.29 and Tony Hesketh was first over sixty in 21st in 27.08 the race was won by Gareth Raven of East Cheshire in 21.05.

Quite novel race results: http://www.rochdaleharriers.co.uk/gallery09/saddleworth/sadd1.JPG

North West Civil Service Fell Championship Again At Two Lads.

For the third consecutive year, the Two Lads Fell Race has been chosen as the North West Civil Service Fell Championship. To be eligible you don't need to be a civil servant but you do need to be a member of the Civil Service Sports Club - this is open to both Government Employees and those who work for companies that used to be the part of the Civil Service such as British Telecom and The Post Office and anyone who works on a Government account for a private company. Over the past few years, two club members have regularly competed in NWSC championships - Gordon Stone and Angela Allen but Gordon is sure there must be more who may be eligible.

After registering for the race in The Bridge, there will be a separate registration table for NWCS Champs entrants manned by John Kewley. For any further info in advance, go to the Civil Service Athletics website at http://www.csaa.org.uk/ or contact Gordon who will assist you.

Gordon Stone

Partner Required - Saunders Mountain Marathon July 4/5th

If you are either a seasoned Mountain Marathoner, or just someone who would like to try out this discipline for the first time, then e-mail Jude Stansfield for a chat. jude.stansfield@googlemail.com. Jude is looking for a partner in the Harter Fell Class, which is a nice introductory class to try for the first time. I believe Jude is a good runner and competent navigator. I can recommend the Saunders for a great weekends running on the fells and a chance to brush up on your navigating.
Go for it!! And send me a report.

Bob Graham Support Needed.

Karl Taylor is looking for helpers in his support team when he attempts the round on 26/27th June. Karl will be starting at 19:00 on the 26th June from the Moot Hall on a 22 hour schedule. If you are free that weekend and would like to help, please e-mail Karl direct. karl@karl03.orangehome.co.uk

Edinburgh Marathon.

Lisa and Guy Heyes picked one of the hottest days of the year so far, to take on the Edinburgh Marathon. Although they were both disappointed with their times, I am sure on reflection they will see that they both had fine runs considering the temperature on the day.

Guy came 72nd in 2.54.36 and Lisa 13th lady overall in 3.10.44, and not forgetting Carl Balshaw - our only other runner - who ran 3.52.31 for 2010th

Results: http://www.edinburgh-marathon.com/?p=searchable&action=search&name=heyes&number=&position=&year=2009&sex=&category

Lever Park Race

Marshals required for Lever Park Trail Race on Tuesday 16th June. The race starts at 7.30pm. If you think you can help, please contact Sue Hayes on 01204 409834.

Thanks

Sue

Club Social Night Reminder. Tuesday 2nd June

If you can only stay for an hour for a chat or a drink, that would be great.

There are snacks and pizza’s if you are hungry.

Meeting in the Harvester across the road, after the track session.

All welcome, even the Pudsey lot!