Lords Seat fell race -Wednesday 28th April

A field of 64 pit themselves against the 5 miles and 1400' of the Lords Seat race this evening -starting and finishing at Whinlatter with visits the summits of Barf and Lords Seat itself. Some fast running on the forest tracks, and conditions underfoot on the fell not too unfavorable despite some recent rain.

Full results at www.keswick-ac.org.uk/news







Men: 1. Ricky Lightfoot 31.53 2. Ben Bardsley 33.21 3. Phil Winskill 33.49
Ladies: 1. Debbie Marsden 44.21 2. Angela Ball 44.31 3. Julia Fish 45.49

Keswick AC: Matt Fraser 35.10 (8th), Will Veitch 37.02 (10th), Adam Jackson 40.19 (15th), John Beetham 40.27 (16th), Andrew Murray 40.29 (17th), Quentin Merritt 44.32 (28th), Jim Downie 44.39 (32nd) David Harrison 46.54 (44th), Deborah Edgington 47.14 (48th), Patric Gilchrist 49.14 (53rd) Kim Clark 49.47 (54th) Chris Clark 49.55 (56th) Diane Shaw 50.34 (59th).

Highland Fling Ultra Trailrace 25/4/09

What a race!! 53 miles along the West Highland Way with about 7000ft of climb. I was hoping to break 11 hours, but just over half way I was feeling good and knew I should make that target so I pushed on to see how close to 10 hours I could get. Did not quite break 10 hours (10 hours and 2 mins) 56th place out of 243 individual runners and 31 relay teams. Elated!!
Finish photo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/highlandflingrace/3476999769/
Full report to follow in Newsletter
Dave Troman

London Marathon –Sunday 26th April

There were four members of the club running the London Marathon this year. Both Nick Ogden and Rob Wynne ran inside the RRC ‘road standard awards’ silver qualifying times -Nick (V40) in 3.06.59 and Rob (V45) in 3.09.37. And not to be out done, after months of training together, the pair of Hayley Hodgeson and Anne Downie finished just over 5 minutes apart, in 3.48.37 and 3.53.55 respectively, both achieving the bronze RRC standard times ‘comfortably’.

Three Peaks Race –Saturday 25th April

Neil Thompson was the fastest of the two Keswick lads who lined up in Horton-in-Ribblesdale for the 24m/4500’ of the Three Peaks race this year running 4.23.56 for 278th. Derek Harrison (V60) was not far behind and despite gaining 56 places between Ribblehead and the Ingleborough checkpoint, and a further 27 between Ingleborough and the finish, did not quite catch Neil but finished in a respectable 4.31.32 for 326th.

Grisedale Grind fell race –Wednesday 22nd April

The following report is courtesy of Angela & Tony Brand-Barker:

The previous month of dry weather ensured optimal racing conditions underfoot and the summit ridge breeze wasn't strong enough to interrupt forward momentum so record times were always on the cards. Ben Bardsley duly obliged and lowered Ricky Lightfoot's 2007 mark by 16 seconds. Racing was tight as the first 7 runners finished within 64 seconds of each other and included the winning V40 and U18 runners.

There was a good turnout from the club, with many who had competed in the club-championship race at Coledale Horseshoe at the weekend, deciding they hadn’t been exhausted quite enough. Following a strong climb which saw him placed second at the summit, Matt Fraser raced back to Revelin Moss in 26.25 for 4th, followed by Steve Hebblethwaite (26.33) in 5th.


Photo: Pete Richards

It was great to see Will Veitch back in club colours and on the fell again, running a fine 29.27 for 15th place. Will was followed by Ian Davis taking a over a minute off his best for the course in 31.08 (20th) and seconds later by Toby Cushion taking a break from his Bob Graham training to finish in 31.13 (21st). Pez Bullen ran 32.04 to take 24th from Andrew Muray in 32.21 (25th), followed by Chris Harling (33.37, 33rd), and Jim Downie (35.17, 38th).

Jo Gillion ran a great 35.23 for 1st Lady (39th) from Angela Brand-Barker (35.55, 42nd), Dan Fawcett (36.53, 46th) David Harrison (37.53, 2nd V60), Patric Gilchrist (40.18, 3rd V60) and Kim Clark running 42.24 to take 1st V50.


More photos and full results in the news section at...
www.keswick-ac.org.uk

Lords Seat

I am thinking of running on Wednesday night up Lords Seat, is this a fairly clear route to follow? I wasn't sure if there was a checkpoint on the top and somewhere on the return leg? Could anyone please give me a few more details of this run, many thanks Nicky B

IMPORTANT: CHANGE TO CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Because the organisers of the Sedbergh Hills race have changed the date of the race, at a meeting of the committee last night, it was agreed to replace this race in the Keswick AC fell-championship with the Grisedale Horseshoe race on Saturday 5th September...

SAT. SEPT 5. DEREK PRICE MEMORIAL GRISEDALE HORSESHOE (R) AM 11.30am 10m/5000' from Glenridding Village Hall, Patterdale £5 Records: 1.41.36 P. Sheard 2000; f. 2.04.21 V. Peacock 1995

The Championship is therefore now...

18 April -Coledale Horseshoe
13 May -Latrigg
5 Sept -Grisedale Horseshoe
20 Sept -Commonwealth Championships open fell-race

(best 3 races from 4 to count)

Coledale Horseshoe -Saturday 18th April

KESWICK AC LADIES TAKE 1ST TEAM, AND A NEW LADIES RECORD...

A great opening race for the 2009 Keswick AC club fell-championship, and a great day for a race -A record field of over 250 started in bright sunshine for the 9m/3000' taking in the summits of Grisedale Pike and Eel Crag, before the long descent over Sail and Barrow back to Braithwaite.

The Keswick AC ladies team of Pippa Jackson, Lyn Thompson and Jo Gillyon excelled to take 1st, with Pippa continuing her run of fine form, leading the team home and setting a new course record (by over 2 minutes) of 1.27.52.

Three Keswick AC lads made the top 20 -in a repeat of last season's club fell-championship curtain raiser, Matt Fraser was first back in 1.22.47 (12th), followed by Steve Hebblethwaite in 1.23.24 (13th) and Chris Edis 1.25.48 (18th).

THE NEXT KESWICK AC FELL-CHAMPIONSHIP RACE IS LATRIGG ON 13TH MAY.

Full results here.

Keswick AC...

Men:
1. Matt Fraser, 1.22.47, 2. Steve Hebblethwaite, 1.23.24, 3. Chris Edis, 1.25.48, 4. Dave Spedding, 1.32.37 V60, 5. Pez Bullen, 1.34.50 V40, 6. Colin Valentine, 1.37.13 V40, 7. Ian Davies, 1.38.32, 8. Andy Murray, 1.39.11, 9. Ian Boit, 1.39.45 V40, 10. Adam Jackson, 1.40.57, 11. Dave Owens, 1.43.15 V50, 12. John Beetham, 1.46.21, 13. Craig Dring, 1.47.10 V40, 14. Quentin Merritt, 1.49.31, 15. Richard Scott, 1.51.57 V45, 16. Geoff Somers, 1.52.23 V50, 17. David Harrison, 1.54.29 V60, 18. Patric Gilchrist, 157.58 V60, 19. John Nicholl, 1.58.01, 20. Chris Clark, 2.06.50 V50, 21. Allan Buckley, 2.07.58 V60, 22. Kenneth Barclay, 2.19.28 V60, 23. Ian Addison, 2.50.20 V70.

Ladies:
1. Pippa Jackson, 1.27.52, 2. Lyn Thompson, 1.40.33 V50, 3. Jo Gillyon, 1.47.31, 4. Sarah Bailey, 2.04.40, 5. Kim Clarke, 2.11.18 V50.

Round the Houses race -Wednesday 15th April

The Keswick AC organised 5.3 mile Round the Houses road race took place on Wednesday night. James Douglas of Border Harriers was not able to improve upon the record for the race (26min 22sec) set by Keswick AC's Kenny Stuart twenty years ago, in 1989 (and equalled by David Swanston in 1994), but posted a respectable 28.01 to see him first from Greame Mason of Border and Ellenborough's Brian Taylor. Kate Goodhead of Bristol & West AC, who posted a new record at the Round Latrigg race last year was the fastest lady in a time of 32.45, respectable too but still short of Laura Park's 2008 record of 29.40.

Matthew Fraser was the fastest of Keswick AC's men in 31.35 (12th), and Sue Denham-Smith in 48.43 the fastest lady. The race's popularity continues to grow with anther record entry of 178. Keswick AC: Matthew Fraser (12th) Daniel Barton (31st) John Waite (36th) Peter Bingham (60th) Peter Haworth (64th) Richard Scott (68th) Quentin Merrit (76th) Mark Barnard (100th) Patric Gilchrist, 2nd MV60 (108th) Christian Mandale (118th) Michael Collins (129th) Ian Addison, 1st MV70 (158th) Sue Denham-Smith (161st).

Latrigg Fell Race

Latrigg is on Wednesday 13th May and is again part of the Mountain Festival. This is the first year that it has been a counter for the club's championship in the 9 years I have been race organiser. I am therefore hoping for a big turn out from club members and will of course require helpers so please let me know if you can assist - pete@cardcollection.co.uk
A few weeks ago I taped off a section of the lower race route in the hope that it will keep walkers and cyclists (I know, what is wrong with these people?) off it and allow the vegitation to grow. Already I have had to redo the tape and I would be grateful if you could keep an eye on it. The agreement with the landowner is that this is not an official path but can be used by runners. If you run on the fells then hopfully you care about them.

REMINDER -CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

REMINDER: The Coledale Horseshoe this Saturday is the first race of four in the Keswick AC club fell championship, with a minimum of three races to count towards the championship...

SAT.APR 18. COLEDALE HORSESHOE (R). AM. 12.00 noon. 9m/3000' from Scotgate Caravan Park, Braithwaite. £5 pre-entry by 13th April, cheques payable to Mike Robinson, £6 on day. Teams free. ER/LK/NS. Over 18. Records: 1.11.25 S. Booth 2004; f. 1.30.26 S. Taylor 2007. Limited parking. Details: Mike Robinson, 38 Burneside Road, Kendal, LA9 4RL. Tel: 01539 721202. Email: mikerobinson1969@yahoo.co.uk

Anniversary Wa, FRA Junior Championship race –Saturday 11th April

The junior races at the Anniversary Waltz this year again played host to the opening race of the FRA Junior Championships. Races are held for U8, U10, U12, U14, with U16 and U18 running together over the longest course, a challenging 3.4km route with a tough direct climb onto the ridge of Catbells, and good fast descent off the fell. All the categories except the U8’s had some very decent fell running on Skellgill Bank, on the slopes of Catbells, with over 200 runners across all the categories –a credit to the organisers.

There were 4 Keswick AC juniors in competition. Rosie Stuart had a superb run to comfortably win the U18 race in 17.16. In a competitive U16 race Matthew Atkinson ran a great race in a time of 15.38 for 11th. In the U14s Christiana Tully ran well for a time of 16.52 to finish 15th girl, with William Atkinson putting in a good run in the U10s, running 7.16 for 28th. Congratulations to all the juniors for excellent running against some top class junior athletes.

The next race in the Junior Championship is the Coiners race in Yorkshire on 4th May.

Anniversary Waltz -Saturday 11th April

The 13th Anniversary Waltz coincided with this year with the Easter weekend, and bright clear conditions –a perfect day to be on the fells. Dave Birch ran 1.52.55 for 25th place and 8th MV40 (from a field of 469 finishers) -5 minutes slower than last year, but still fast enough to see him first Keswick runner from Nick Ogden in 2.05.15 (85th) and Neil Thompson 2.07.59 (107th) who will draw confidence from this run going into the Yorkshire Three Peaks race on April 25th. Andy Murray was just 16 seconds later running 2.08.15 for 112th, followed by Daniel Barton in his first race for the club, finishing in 2.10.45 for 129th –a very promising start. Adam Jackson ran in 2.16.56 (166th), exactly 60 seconds ahead of Richard Scott in 2.17.56 (178th). Quentin Merrit, just getting warmed up for the Coledale Horseshoe ran 2.24.16 (229th) infront of John Nicoll 2.41.05 (359th) and Allan Buckley 2.55.58 -11th MV60 (418th). For the women, Sarah Bailey was the first of Keswick AC to finish, in 2.45.07 (377th) from Nicky Butler in 3.19.09 (461st).
Full results at www.anniversarywaltz.co.uk

Coledale Horseshoe route

Can anyone provide details of the race route for the Coledale Horseshoe? I know it goes up over Grisdale and descends via Barrow, and it must go via Crag Hill (all checkpoints?). But what about Hopegill Head and/or Sandhill? Or do you cut across the face of Sandhill to Coledale Hause, and miss them out? Any major route choices? Any other comments/advice?

Cheers

Quentin

PS Anyone want a lift from Keswick?

Lords Seat Recce

Tuesday 14 April 2009 - Meet 6pm Whinlatter Visitors Centre car park for a recce of the Lords Seat race route.  All welcome.  Race is on Wed 29 April this year.  

Loughrigg fell race -Wednesday 8th April

This popular early season evening fell race, over an out and back course from the park in Ambleside, took place on Wednesday night. Good conditions for the 4m/1000' dash to Loughrigg summit saw Ben Abdelnoor (Ambleside AC) within 16 seconds of the record, finishing in a time of 27.16, and Lizzie Adams (DPFR) only 32 seconds outside the ladies' record in 32.32.

Lyn Thompson 'fresh' from the exertions of the British Championship counter at Slieve Bearnargh, finished in 36.15 (53rd) to take 1st LV50. Kim Clark too excelled in the LV50 category taking 3rd in 43.36 (98th) -2nd went to Clayon le Moors' Wendy Dodds. Pez Bullen led the charge for the men (after an afternoon shift at Barrow House no doubt) in 37.12 (58th), followed by Chris Clark in 44.27 (105th).

Blackpool Marathon -Sunday 5th April

Good conditions for Blackpool on Sunday. Dave Burton ran a terrific 3.04.30 for 38th from a field of 634 runners in total (and 8th MV45). Derek Harrison too put in a fine run of 3.28.10 for 125th and 9th MV55. Well done both.
Full results at... http://www.blackpoolmarathon.com/results.html

English Champs - Stretton Hills Race Entries

Entries for the English Champs Race at Stretton Hills on 6th June are now being taken as pre-entry. There is a limit of 400, & the race is more than half full already. Enter on FRA form, details at: http://www.merciafellrunners.org.uk/

Slieve Bearnargh fell race –Saturday 4th April

The Mourne Mountains of Northern Ireland hosted the first round of the British Fell Running Championship as usual this year. Breezy north westerly winds had blown away overnight rain as forcast, for the 12pm start, and as the field of over 200 registered for the race the last of the cloud lifted to clear from the summits of Meelbeg and Meelmore –the first and the last checkpoints that are in view from the start/finish at the foot of ‘Happy Valley’.

Pippa Jackson recorded the fastest ladies time over the course since Angela Mudge’s race record of 2003, finishing in a time of 50.05 to take maximum points for the British Championship following her first at Pendle in the English -an excellent effort. Dave Spedding also claimed maximum points, finishing 1st MV60 in 53.36 and 85th place, beating a number of young chancers newly promoted from the MV50 category in the process too. Lyn Thompson opened her points account in the British too claiming 3rd FV50 in 1.01.25 -22nd lady and 160th, closely followed by Jo Gillyon (1.02.21) 24th lady and 165th. Geoff Somers completed the Keswick AC team, finishing in 1.06.41 -7th MV55 and 189th overall.

The Keswick AC ladies are 4th positioned team in the British Championship after this opening race, just outside a medal position. The next race is at Stuc a Chroin, on 2nd May.

Full results at http://www.nimra.org.uk/results.asp?rID=381

Askham fell race –Saturday 4th April

Askham fell race is a new addition to the calendar this year. Much of the 8.5m/1800’ route is fast running on good tracks affording fine views of Ullswater, with the exception of a steep and rough ascent of Arthur’s Pike from Swarthbeck. Four Keswick AC men and no ladies raced, Colin Valentine making good time to finish fastest in 1.10.12 and 14th. Dave Owens took first MV50 by a margin of just 4 seconds in a time of 1.13.25 (20th), closely followed by Dunc Overton running 1.14.34 (22nd) to take the 1st MV60 prize, and David Harrison 1.35.03 -51st and 3rd MV60.

ATTENTION: Tebay Fell Race Entries

ENTRIES OPENED ON TUESDAY...

It is expected that this race will fill up very fast...If you haven't allready done so, send your form off without delay to ensure you get an entry.

SAT. JUN 20. TEBAY (R). AM. 1.00 p.m. 8m/3000' from Tebay Recreation Ground (GR NY618045). £5 pre-entry, only accepted if received after 1st APRIL and before 13th June, use FRA Universal entry form, or on day if race limit not reached. Limit 400. Teams free. ER/LK/NS/PM. Over 18. Records: 1.10.39 M.Roberts 1993; f. 1.24.10 N.Davies 1995. English and British Championship counter. Details: Gary Murphy, The Laurels, Tebay, Penrith, CA10 3XG. Tel: 01539 624788.

Cheques are to be made out to "Tebay Fell Race".

Grizedale Forest trail run -Sunday 29th March

Three Keswick AC runners competed in this undulationg 10 mile race on forest tracks, which is now in it's 6th year. Kim Clark ran 1.20.39 to take 3rd FV50, with John Dawson (1.17.49) and Alison Cutts (1.40.36).

Causey Pike fell race –Saturday 28th March

Cool clear conditions on Saturday saw a great Keswick AC turn out and some very fine individual and team performances. In a turnaround of last year’s result, Pippa Jackson (40.08) ran a great race to claim 1st place, from Natalie White (42.49) and Nicola Davis (46.37). Lyn Thompson (47.20) followed closely by Jo Gillyon (47.26) and Angela Brand-Barker (49.14) made up the winning girls team for Keswick. Steve Hebblethwaite (8th -37.14), Chris Edis (15th -40.00), and Matt Fraser (16th -41.01) had a good battle, swapping positions on the climb –Matt first to the summit, had a steady descent for what was an encouraging run on return from injury, even finding time for a dip in Stonycroft Gill.

The first club championship counter at the Coledale Horseshoe promises to be an interesting encounter. Fourth team counter was Dave Spedding -30th in 43.37, to take 1st MV60, from Dunc Overton close behind in 44.16 (2nd MV60). It was good to see Pez Bullen back in the fold (44.10) and good runs also from Quentin Merritt (47.52), Richard Scott (48.58), David Harrison (52.34), Scott Talling (53.34), Tony Duncan (55.54), Patric Gilchrist (58.09) and John Rutter turning in another solid run to claim 1st MV70 in 1.10.47. Thanks to Lyn and Alan for all their hard work organising, Ian, Chris and all the other marshals for standing in the cold and chasing around with the radios.

Midgley Moor fell race –Saturday 28th March

Cool breezy conditions saw 106 runners turn out for the 5m and 1250’ of the category AS Midgley Moor race in West Yorkshire. Colin Valentine who has already been consistently running well up the field in a number of races this season, ran 46.03 for 15th place. Interestingly, there was much discussion about the best lines as it is said that heather growth alters the optimum route between checkpoints.

Coniston 14 –Saturday 28th March

Well done to the girls for setting the standard for the club on the roads at the weekend over the undulating 14 mile circuit of Coniston Water. Sharon Halliburton showing that the club road championship could be hotly contested this year, by taking more than a minute off her 2007 time with 1.46.41 and Nicky Butler running in 2.12.04.