Monday, August 31, 2009

Dentdale - 29th August 2009

This race was the penultimate counter for the English Fell Running Championships. This was the second short counter of the season and there was a predictably strong field out despite falling on the same weekend as the Grasmere Guides race. The race would have suited the speed merchants being only 2.9 miles in distance and with 1385' of climbing.

There was only one Keswick runner on show but Steve Hebblethwaite ensured another haul of Championship points, mixing it with some high calibre athletes, and finishing an admirable 19th place in 28:43.

The race victor was Mercia's Simon Bailey in 25:28, narrowly beating Rob Hope (Pudsey & Bramley) who finished in 25:35 a solitary second ahead of Dark Peak's Lloyd Taggart (25:36).

The ladies victor was Jane Reedy of Ambleside (32:11) followed by Emma Clayton (32:21) of Scunthorpe & District and Jo Waites of Calder Valley (32:36).

The final English Championship race is the second long counter, the Langdale Horseshoe, that takes place from Great Langdale on October 10th.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Grasmere Senior Guides Race and junior races -Sunday 30th August

Full marks to all of the junior and senior athletes at the Grasmere Show today -a damp afternoon made this years race a very different affair to the 2008 event. Fell runners are a hardy breed though and good numbers turned out to take on the 1.5m/900' of the Senior Guides race at ten past four in the afternoon.

The mens race was a hotly contested affair as three of the top four finishers from yesterday's English Champs race at the Dentdale Show toed the line, eager to claim a win at Grasmere such is the presteige attatched to the race. But it was Bingley's Rob Jebb, who has made this race his own in recent years, who once again claimed victory -his 8th at Grasmere.

Keswick AC's own Pippa Jackson had a storming run, well up ammongst some of the better male athletes to take her first victory at the race and £150 prize money into the bargain. Spirits not dampened by the rain and beaming from ear to ear, a delighted Pippa was heard to remark afterwards that she that she had a new favourite race...the win will give her confidence as she goes on to represent England on 10th Octobrer in Austria over the 42km Tour de Tyrol.



Keswick AC was well reprsented in the Junior races too: In the under 14 race Christina Tulley ran an excellent 9 minutes and 54 seconds to place 2nd girl. In a close under 12 race won by Jack Dalton (Felmersham) in 5.32 and Millie Holder (Eden) in 6.15, Tom Hodgson ran a great 6.31 to place 10th, just ahead of Lilly Hodgeson in 6.32 for 11th overall and 3rd girl -well done both.

Derwentwater Trail Run - Sunday 6th September

There are a couple of places going spare for this race if any club members fancies a run. Please let me know if you want one and I will put you in touch with their owners. I think that you will have to run under their name.

Pete.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Round Latrigg video

A short video of the Round Latrigg race is online here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7kyqySwsFU

2009 BOFRA Championship

The 2009 British Open Fell Runners Association Championship is comprised of 15 races, with runners’ best eight results to count. There are four races remaining this season, the final race being at the Wasdale show on Saturday 10th October.
The Reeth Show fell race on Wednesday was a BOFRA junior championship race. In the senior race, Brendon Taylor who currently leads the senior championship, was first in a time of 16 minutes 51 seconds. Chris Edis placed 4th in 17.55.

Chris also found time to stretch his legs at the Tryfan Downhill Dash on Monday evening in North Wales, a little over half a mile in length with 2230’ of descent. First down was Sam Smith (Eryri Harriers) in 9.48, followed by Peter Howarth of Horwich RMI in 10.13. Chris followed in 11.19 for 3rd place.



Picture: Alastair Tye

Beetham Sports –Saturday 1st August

Results sometimes go under the radar un-noticed and on the first weekend of this month we managed to overlook another Keswick AC race win –a weekend often dominated by the Borrowdale fell race but also hosting Beetham Sports. Rosie Stuart ran well to win the senior ladies race in a time of 45.20. The men’s race was won by Mark Addison (Helm Hill) in 36.18.



Picture: www.lonsdalefellrunners.co.uk

Friday, August 28, 2009

Weasdale Horseshoe - 22nd August 2009

As part of the Ravenstonedale Show the Weasdale Horseshoe fell race has attracted good sized fields since it was awarded English Championship status in 2007.

The route is mostly grass and is very runnable with few steep inclines. The descent from the final checkpoint allows for some top speeds as it goes (on and on) back to the showfield. It also has the bonus of an uphill finish! The course totals 8 miles and includes 2000' of ascent.

Putting paid to any theories of tapering for or recovering from races, the prolific Colin Valentine was using this race as a warm-up for Sedbergh (see below) the following day. Such a volume of racing doesn't seem to affect his performances. Colin finished 21st overall in 73:36.

The other Keswick runner taking part was Debbie Thompson who swept up a number of category prizes finishing second lady overall (84:37), first FV40 and first FV50. Well done!

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

Sedbergh Hills - 23rd August 2009

There were foul conditions for this rearranged long distance race over the Sedbergh Hills at the weekend. Sound navigational skills would have been required with low cloud accompanying driving rain and blustery wind.

There were three Keswick runners on hand to test themselves against the inclement weather and the 14 miles and 6000 ft of ascent that constitute this race around the Howgill fells.

Almost an ever-present at this race, Colin Valentine was once again out and recorded a time of 3:01:39 (50th). James Luxmoore continues to mix it at the sharp end of fields with a 23rd placed finished (2:39:44). And Nick Ogden had a fine run taking over 10 minutes off his 2008 time finishing 34th in 2:48:05.

Full results: http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/results/race09/09_sedbergh_hills.html

Race winner was Kendal's Rick Stuart in a time of 2:21:03 and first lady was Nicky Spinks of Dark Peak (3:00:47).

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Round Latrigg - 26th August 2009



Ellenborough’s Ricky Lightfoot continued his winning streak of the Round Latrigg fell race with victory on a damp evening in Keswick. Lightfoot completed the race in 30:49 ahead of Dark Peak’s Phil Winskill (31:27) and Borrowdale’s Morgan Donnelly (31:32). All three have seen much of Latrigg in recent times as they all competed in the Commonwealth trial race that took place on the fell on the 16th August.

Despite heavy rainfall during the day the event still attracted 119 runners and the rain abated to a certain degree with only a light drizzle falling during the race. The course heads up Spooney Green lane and circumnavigates the fell with a return along the old railway line and is 5.5 miles in distance. There were some sticky patches on the descent but conditions underfoot were generally good allowing for some quick running with the course being mostly on trails.

The leading lady and also the first FV40 was Karen Heaviside (39:33), part of a large contingent of Eden Runners who had made the short journey down the A66 to take part. Second lady was Kerry Cornforth of Borrowdale (42:03) and third was Jo Gillyon (43:10). Keswick Club Captain Jo was once again the leading local lady and led the way ahead of a large number of Keswick ladies who were taking part.

There were also a good number of Keswick men taking part with relatively new recruits to the Club Toby Cushion (36:16) and Daniel Barton (36:31) leading the charge and Patric Gilchrist securing a category victory as first MV60.

Keswick AC: Toby Cushion (10th, 36:16), Daniel Barton (12th, 36:31), Rob Wynne (19th, 37:35), Adam Jackson (26th, 38:57), Richard Unwin (30th, 39:10), Quentin Merritt (33rd, 39:26), John Nicoll (36th, 39:43), Keith Loan (51st, 42:15), Jo Gillyon (55th, 43:10), Mike Beechey (56th, 43:12), Gary Hadwin (58th, 43:26), Patric Gilchrist (60th, 43:45), Jim Downie (62nd, 43:59), John Horne (63rd, 44:03), Angela Brand-Barker (=68th, 44:13), Sue Wilkinson (=68th, 44:13), David Harrison (71st, 44:50), Trudy Beetham (80th, 45:30), Anne Downie (92nd, 47:57), Diane Shaw (95th, 48:45), Christine Gillespie (106th, 52:38), Ian Addison (113th, 56:00).

Friday, August 21, 2009

Race entry going spare for Dentdale

If any club member fancies a run at Dentdale (August 29th), please let me know. The race is an English championship race and the entry is now full.

Pete.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Ulverston 10K -Wednesday 19th August

If anyone who had planned a run at this low key evening race, had looked out of their window yesterday afternoon at a rain soaked Keswick, trees dancing in the wind, and decided that it was a silly idea -so great seemed the likelihood that they would have a run soaked to the bone and with no chance of a fast time, then they would certainly have been forgiven.

The weather in Cumbria is a fickle thing though, and tempted as I am to claim that "race-times were hampered by the appauling conditions" and "that was worth a couple of minutes in better conditions" I cannot lie. At 7.15pm for the field of over 200 who toed the line conditions had improved significantly for the well organised Hoad Hill Harriers event on quiet roads to the south of the town.

The largely flat course was negotiated in 31.15 by race winner Micheal Aspinall, followed by James Bullman (North Yorks Moors) in 32.54 and Russel Maddams (Horwich RMI) in 33.02.

Lancs and Morcambe AC runner Louise Gardner was first lady and 8th overall in 35.39, followed by Sam Ayres (CFR) in 40.15 just ahead of Wilmslow RC's Sue Hool in 40.21.

Full marks to Ian Davies running a tough race for 39.25 at a point in the season which has seen much disruption to his training from injury; a promising time which is still one of the fastest club times this season and a sign perhaps he will be a strong contender for the inaugural club x-country championship to be held this winter.

Keswick AC:
Steve Hebblethwaite 35.29
Ian Davies 39.25

Full results here

Elidir Fawr -Saturday 15th August



Well done to Chris Edis who took 2nd place at another North Wales race last weekend; in conditions descibed as a washout he placed 2nd over the 5m/2800' Elidir Fawr race, from the Vaynol Arms, Nant Peris.

Picture: Gwynfor James

Thursday, August 13, 2009

FRA Relays - recce

Steve H and myself have been getting round some of the FRA legs. It's handy for me - the start is only a couple of miles from home. (showfield at the leaps - just before the descent to the Ennerdale valley)

We have got leg 2 (a beast) and leg 4 just about spot on. If the clag is down the routes could give the unwary something to think about - leg 4 has plenty of opportunity for thrashing about in a forest trying to find a track. A bit of work yet to do on leg 1 - i'll have an initial look tonight.

Tuesday and Wednesday evenings are generally good - give me a shout if any-one fancies a jog round. We usually go for a 6 PM or so start. We'll have daylight for a couple of months yet.

MDS

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Lowther Trail Run - 9th August 2009

Results: http://www.lowther.co.uk/events/new/run_09/index.html

The nature of the race meant a good turnout from both road and fell runners. And it was to prove a good contest between these two disciplines with Borrowdale fell runner Morgan Donnelly just able to come in ahead of Border Harrier’s James Douglas. This was a closely fought race with less than 30 seconds separating them, Morgan finishing in 1:19:45 and James in 1:20:13. Third place was Wesham runner Steve Littler (1:23:04).

It was a strong display from the veteran ladies with the first three women all aged over forty. First to finish was Suzanne Budgett of Horwich RMI in a time of 1:38:35. Suzanne’s victory was reasonably comfortable with second lady Karen Robertson (Northumberland Fell Runners) finishing in 1:41:50 and Monica Williamson (Leamington C & AC) third in 1:43:18.

There were plenty out for Keswick AC with the outstanding performance coming from Duncan Overton who was comfortably the first MV60 (1:39:58). Duncan finished narrowly behind Keith Hill (1:39:16) for whom this was a local race. First Keswick was James Luxmoore (1:35:52) who continues to run well in his debut season for the club and finished 15th overall.

Keswick AC: James Luxmoore (1:35:52, 15th), Keith Hill (1:39:16, 24th), Duncan Overton (1:39:58, 26th), Colin Valentine (1:48:57, 45th), Neil Elsender (2:00:29, 79th), John Dawson (2:01:58, 83rd), Patric Gilchrist (2:04:39, 94th), Paul Titley (2:04:44, 96th), Lucy Dunn (2:16:54, 120th), Ian Addison (2:31:45, 138th), Alison Cutts (2:40:58, 145th).

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Ian Hodgson Recce

First official recce planned for next Wed (12 August) for leg 1. Approx 5.5 miles and 3000ft ascent. Meet 6pm at the car park opposite the Kirkstone Inn. At least 2 cars needed so we can leave a car there and then drive back to Cow Bridge to start.

All welcome, including anyone just fancying a run out. Anyone with good route knowledge I may even pay to come along as i discovered last night my knowledge of leg 1 is a little sparse.

Let me know if you want to come along - joandchris8@tiscali.co.uk or 07946 438541.

A full recce programme of all the legs (Ian Hodgson and FRA) will be posted on the website in the next week.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Steel Fell -Wednesday 5th August

Full results now available HERE

Thirteen Keswick Athletic Club members out for the 3m/1115' evening race from Steel End Farm, Thirlmere tonight. A total of 62 runners enjoyed a fantastic race on a fine evening. Thanks to Gavin Bland, Scoffer et al for organising a great little race. The winner was Chris Steele (Borrowdale) in a time of 21.47. Mel Hyder (Helm Hill) was the first lady in 26.02.

KESWICK AC:
3. Steve Hebblethwaite -22.36
21. Craig Smith -26.48
24. Pez Bullen -27.10
25. Toby Cushion -27.13
31. Dave Owens -27.58
34. Richard Unwn -28.27
44. Jim Downie -30.48
47. Jo Gillyon -31.57
54. Lucy Dunn -34.22
55. Hayley Hodgeson -34.30
57. Anne Downie -35.20
58. Trudy Beetham -35.23
62. Maureen Bridge -38.09

Borrowdale fell race 2009











photos: Steve Harling

Monday, August 3, 2009

Steel Fell race car share

This Wednesday, August 5th:

STEEL FELL (R). A.S. 7.15pm 3m/1115' from Steel End Farm, Thirmere (GR 322128). Entry free, no prizes. ER/LK/NS/PM. Over 16. Records: m. 20.06 B.Bardsley 1996; f. 25.27 V.Wilkinson 1996. No Toilets. Details: Andrew Schofield, End Yan, Jenkin Hill, Thornthwaite, Keswick, CA12 5SG. Tel (017687) 78577

Lift available from Cockermouth or Keswick, let me know stevenhebblethwaite@hotmail.com or 01900 821501

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Ambleside Guides Race - 30th July 2009

Results: http://www.bofra.org.uk/AmblesideResults2009.php

On the back of his recent victory in Wales (see below) Chris Edis was out again for the Ambleside Guides Race finishing 8th in 16:47. The winner was Mercia's Simon Bailey in in 14:41 followed by the Addisons coming in second and third, Tom in 15:17 and Mark 15:33 respectively.

1st lady and 1st LU23 was Keswick's Rosie Stuart who finished in 20:44. A comfortable victory for Rosie with second lady Judith Marshall (Settle Harriers) over a couple of minutes behind in 23:14.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Borrowdale fell race -Saturday 1st August

Results from the Borrowdale are available here



A report on the race will probably appear in the Reminder next week. A good club turnout...Slower winning times due I guess in part to softness underfoot. Better conditions would probably have seen some Keswick AC times knocking at he door of 3 and 1/2 hours -well done.

1. Rob Jebb (Bingley) 2.51.54
2. Ben Bardsley (Borrowdale) 2.52.44
3. Pete Vale (Mercia) 2.55.17

1. Mary Gillie (Clwydian) 4.00.24
2. Nicky Spinks (Dark Peak) 4.07.02
3. Hazel Robinson (Ambleside) 4.14.33

KESWICK AC:

38. Mark Denham-Smith 3.38.31
43. Will Veitch 3.43.06
51. James Luxmoore 3.47.52
53. Craig Smith 3.48.53
61. Dave Loan 3.51.54
70. Nick Ogden 3.58.24
86. Colin Valentine 4.05.13
99. Richard Unwin 4.07.14
113. John Beetham 4.12.09
122. Craig Dring 4.15.48
143. Adam Jackson 4.20.53
169. Jo Gillyon 4.28.46
181. Quentin Merritt 4.33.43
228. Sheelagh King 4.54.03
273. Lucy Dunn 5.23.33
295. Allan Buckley 5.40.25

photo: Darian Bridge

Final British Championship counter: Y Garn -Saturday 1st August

With many of the categories in the 2009 British Championship already decided at the Tebay race in June, the final counter of the new four race series -the 3m/1500' short race Y Garn from the village of Rhyd Ddu in North Wales today, was contested by a rather thin field. There were however still runners-up and third positions to be decided, and a stiff climb was followed by a wonderfully steep descent over grass and blaeberry for runners to risk life and limb to make up time on their rivals.

There were a total of 98 finishers. Full results now available thanks to WFRA here. Nick Swinburn of NFR was first home in a new record time of 25.44 followed by Pudsey & Bramley runner Rob Hope, for whom the race was a formality he having already sealed the British title, running 26.15 ahead of brother Danny in 26.37, the pair racing in a style reminiscent of the brothers Andy and Frank Schleck ascending the Ventoux in the Tour.

With Pippa having allready sealed the British title and the Ladies third placed team by an unsurmountable lead, only one Keswick runner appeared in the results -Steve Hebblethwaite going some way to erase the memory of Slieve Bernargh with a run of 29.06 which was good enough for 10th place overall.

Claire Whitehead (Cosmic) was first lady, also in a new record time -32.08. Emma Clayton (Scunthorpe & Dist) was second in 32.26 and Fiona Maxwell (Mourne Runners) third in a time of 32.56.



picture: Pete Douglas

Push up the Pincyn -Sat 25th July

EDIS ON FORM TO TAKE FIRST PLACE AND NEW COURSE RECORD IN WALES!

-Chris Edis chalked up another impressive run which missed the radar last weekend. The Push up the Pincyn race (6m/1300') is a new race run in conjunction with the Clawddnewydd and Clocaenog show in Denbighshire.

The Pincyn is a monument to the Baggot family who owned the land and it's position commands fantastic views of the Clwydian Range to the East, Liverpool Bay to the north, the Berwyn range to the south and good old Snowdonia to the west. I very much doubt anyone stopped to take in the vista having climbed a very steep final 300m in slippery mud to reach the peak. How many people wished they had fell shoes rather than trail shoes? The climb was eaten up from the outset by Chris Edis of Keswick who was pursued by Ian Houston of Wrexham Tri. Close behind were team mates from Sale Harriers - Richard Huston and Gareth Rhys Mathews. The course sent competitors down and then back up through sections of forest before starting a long fast down to Cloc. Exposed roots, stones and mud for the down resulted in an array of bloody, grazed and mud splattered limbs. Runners retraced their footsteps once back at Cloc. This made for a steady climb back up to Clawdd. The cheers from the show spectators spurred on the sweating and now exhausted runners to fall like nine pins once over the line. The finishing line-up remained the same as the climb with Chris setting the record at 44mins 54sec. Poor Chris had a microphone shoved under his nose by the MC asking him where he was from. As he heaved for air through a very attractive face pack of mud, sweat and saliva the reply sounded something like Kez....w....ick.
First lady was Welsh woman Ruth Metcalf of Eryri in 54:23 who I know really does prefer the sheer stuff.
Many thanks from the organisers for the support and the very many positive comments from the runners, here's to next year. Report by Neil Coppack