Lakesrunner Great Lakes Run -Saturday 27th June

More positive comments about this 13m/7000' race from Stool End in Langdale, with checkpoints at Bowfell, Esk Pike, Great End, Scafell Pike, Scafell, Slight Side and Pike O Blisco.

On a warm June afternoon which saw 13 DNF's recorded (an increase from 12 at last year's rain-soaked inaugural race), Simon Booth (Borrowdale) improved his record for the route with a time of 2.37.41, and Kate Bailey (Merionydd) posted a new ladies record of 3.30.36.

There were two Keswick AC finishers at this year's race -James Luxmoore who has notched a couple of good results recently posted 3.13.13 for 12th, and Colin Valentine no doubt relishing the route choice the course offers after Slight Side, posted 3.41.55 for 29th. 94 finished, 13 retired. Results here.

Arnison Dash (2m/1000') -Sunday 28th June

The Ullswater Country Fair today incorporated the English Junior Uphill Championships...there were some excellent races by our juniors in a top quality English Championship field including two Keswick AC medal winners and victory in the under 12s, more on which later as results are available.

The fair also hosts the 2m/1000' Arnison Dash, in which this year Keswick AC placed two inside the top three. Chris Edis forced a hard pace out of the show field which Alastair Dunn (Helm Hill) took on to lead up to the summit and back down to finish in a time of 14.35. Steve Hebblethwaite managed to keep in touch with the pair on the climb to the summit by just enough in order to make closing the gap on Edis on the descent a possibility. However it was not until two thirds of the way down that he was able to edge him out to claim second in 15.13, with Chris third in 15.24.

Lancaster 5K race series -Saturday 27th June

The second of this five race series which starts and finishes at the Salt Ayre athletics track in Lancaster took place yesterday evening. Following heavy showers prior to the race, the rains stopped at 6.30pm on the dot and 95 runners enjoyed the fast and flat out and back course along the riverside cycleway.
James Reed was the first home in 15.41, with Sarah Tunstall of Kendal AC first lady home in 16.42.

Peter Bingham clocked 19.29 for 40th, and Steve Hebblethwaite in his first race at the distance ran 16.39 for 10th. Results here.

The next race in the series is on July 25th -more details here.

Pacemaker -June 2009

The lastest edition of the Keswick AC club magazine, The Pacemaker can be downloaded HERE.

...this edition includes race reports on the Lakeland Classics and London Marathon, a junior races diary, a Bob Graham round special article, John Beetham's massage matters column, and much more.

Langstrath fell race and Hawkshead 10K -Wednesday 24th June

It was a busy midweek for club runners this week. On a warm Wednesday evening 13 raced Langstrath, 4.5m/1400' from Stonethwaite in Borrowdale, some of whom had run at Tebay the preceeding weekend, including mens race winner Ricky Lightfoot in a time of 36.36. Natalie White won the ladies race in 46.19.

Keswick AC: Nick Ogden, 45.29 -9th, Neil Thompson, 48.10 -15th, Andrew Slattery, 49.33 -22nd, Rob Wynne, 50.26 -24th, John Nicoll, 50.36 -26th, Richard Unwin, 51.46 -29th and 2nd MV50, Quentin Merritt, 53.13 -34th, Jo Gillyon, 56.48 -5th lady and 42nd overall, Jim Downie, 57.36 -43rd, Gary Hadwin, 57.45 -44th, David Harrison, 58.09 -46th and 1st MV60, Chris Clark, 1.02.31 -55th, and Chris Knox, 1.05.20 -57th.

On the same evening 4 made the journey to Hawkshead for the undulating Hawkshead 10K course. Danny Parkinson of Kendal AC was the mens winner in 32.43, and Bev Wright of Blackpool & Wyre & Fylde the ladies in 40.17.

Keswick AC: Ian Davies, 37.40 -13th, Peter Bingham, 43.10 -46th, Anne Downie, 48.59 -13th lady and 90th overall, Dianne Shaw, 51.15 -19th lady and 111th overall.
Well done to all.

Borrowdale recce

Hi. Jo and I are doing a recce of the middle & last parts of the Borrowdale race route this Sat (27 June). We are leaving Keswick at 9.30am, leaving one car at Rosthwaite and then parking the other at Seathwaite. The route is: up Grains Gill to Esk Hause, then Scafell, Gt Gable, Green Gable, Brandtreth, Grey Knotts, Honister, Dale Head, Rosthwaite. If you want to join us, give me a ring (017687 72730) or email me (q.merritt@tiscali.co.uk) - especially if you want to share cars. Cheers. Quentin

Tebay fell race, English and British Championsip counter -Saturday 20th June

A bumper field of 450 entered the Tebay fell race which took place last Saturday. The race was a counter in both the English Chamiponship, and in the British -this year comprised of only four races, which leaves little room for a bad run. Despite heavy showers during the week, the cloud was off the tops on Saturday and pleasant conditions made for a fine race which saw both the men's and ladies records fall, perhaps unsurprisingly given the calibre of athletes that had been tipped for the race.

Pippa Jackson put in an impressive performance under pressure for a great win, breaking the 1995 course record in a time of 1.23.01 and 60th place overall. Congratulations and well done Pippa. Emma Clayton of Sunthorpe & Dist was 2nd, and Fiona Maxwell of Mourne Runners 3rd.

Simon Bailey of Mercia FR was first home in a new record time of 1.09.44, followed by Ricky Lightfoot (Ellenborough AC) and former record holder Rob Jebb of Bingley Harriers.

For Keswick AC, Steve Hebblethwaite was pleased with 1.20.54 (43rd) now getting amongst some top athletes. Pippa Jackson, 1.23.01 (60th). Jo Gillyon has been putting in hard work in the championships this season and ran 1.45.18 for 213th and took a number of good scalps amongst the ladies. Kim Clark making her debut in the English and British Championship, completed the ladies team with 1.57.56 for 275th. Also making his debut Chris Clark ran 1.59.58 for 281st followed by Allan Buckley in 2.01.39 for 285th place, and John Rutter in 2.57.00 and 309th.

Full results here











pictures: Steve Harling/Ian Weetman/Stephen Firth

Bedtime reading

Does anyone know where I could buy a copy of "Stud Marks on the Summits"? Or, failing that, does anyone have a copy I could borrow? Cheers. Quentin

Pre-entry for Y Garn -British Campionships, 1st August, and entry for Wasdale.

The deadline for this pre-entry only race is June 30th. Details here. There is at least 1 car travelling down to N Wales with spare seats if anyone is keen -let me know. The WFRA entry form is here. Make cheques payable to R Powell, and send to:

Ross Powell
Pen y Buarth Farm,
Upper Llandwrog,
Caenarfon,
Gwynedd,LL54 7RD

Due to injury there is an entry available to Y Garn and also the Wasdale Horseshoe (11th July) and Dentdale (29th August). If anyone is interested then ping me an email or phone 01900 821501.

European EAA Mountain Running Championships trial race, Lanberis, Snowdonia –Sunday 14th June

Llanberis, North Wales played host on Sunday to the uphill trial race for the UKA GB and N Ireland teams, for the 8th EAA European Mountain Running Championships which take place in Telfes, Austria on 12th July. Warm and dry weather lead to conditions that would favour some of the runners whose first discipline was not fell. Indeed the number of athletes from a broad cross section of the sport, highlights what a GB vest means to many athletes. Well done to Rosie Stuart representing herself and the club against some of the best athletes in GB and N Ireland, finishing 8th in a time of 27.58. UKA named the teams for the championships yesterday, details here.

Moel Fabon race, Bethesda –Tuesday 9th June

Our temporary Welsh correspondent (Chris) informs me that he notched up his second win in a week last Tuesday -following a win in the short race at the 1000m peaks on the 6th, Chris added a win at this evening race, which starts from the playing fields in Rachub.

1. Chris Edis (Keswick AC)
2. Chris Near (Eryri Harriers)
3. Paul Jenkinson (Eryri Harriers)



picture: A. Tye

Dockray-Hartside - Wed 17th June

Because of Tebay on Saturday and blanket rain across the County there were only twenty runners out for this cracking little evening race.

No official times or positions as I had to get away quickly due to evil midges and biblical showers but I think the following is pretty accurate.

Steve Birkinshaw and Mike Robinson were the leading runners but MDS was only just behind at checkpoint 2 on Hart Side. Unfortunately, Mark headed off in the direction of Helvellyn but managed to get back on course and finish an excellent 3rd. I also had a navigational mis-hap and picked a poor line to Common Fell. I lost a couple of places (and took a couple of impressive tumbles) but just about managed to hold off Dave Owens. I finished 7th and Dave 8th (excellent considering recent injuries for Dave). Richard Unwin was also running but, apologies Richard, I didn't get your final position.

Great race and I'm going to rope Dave into doing a recce for 2010.

Moorcambe 10K -Sunday 14th June

Sunday morning dawned bright and clear, good conditions for running -I was going at a good pace so I was shocked to see Anne and Jim Downie come past me...I was driving down the M6 on my way to have a run around the Tebay Fell Race course as Jim and Anne overtook me on their way to the Moorcambe 10K. They were the only two Keswick runners in the 282 stron field, Anne posting 47.47 for 121st, and Jim 49.31 142nd.

Dockray-Hartside - Wed 17th Jun

Does anyone know what time the Dockray-Hartside race starts? There doesn't appear to be any details in the FRA calendar or on the website?

I'm pretty sure it's being run this year.

Cheers

Tebay fell Race

Following Steve's blog below we are desperate for some more ladies to run at this British / English counter.  Keswick ladies are currently third in the british champs and it would be great to finish the season in a medal position.  To qualify for the British we need to field a team at Tebay and due to the unfortunate injuries of team mates we are short of counters.  

If you would like to run or want more info about the race please contact me (joandchris8@tiscali.co.uk) or Steve Heb.  I have my fingers crossed!  

Tebay fell race recce

There is now an entry list online for the Tebay fell race here.

Provided we are able to make substitutions within the club, there may be entries available if anyone in the club still needs one...ping me an email (stevenhebblethwaite@hotmail.com) or call (01900 821501).

I will be having a recce of the route this Friday around 2pm if anyone can get out of work, and could go round on Sunday morning too -if anyone wants to come along get in touch.

UKA British Relay Championships -Sunday 18th October, Ennerdale Fells, Cumbria

Full details for the FRA relays are now online at www.c-f-r.org.uk including details of the routes for each leg. As usual we will be entering a number of teams to be decided in the coming weeks.

Also, the Ian Hodgeson Relay is on Sunday 4th October. The anti-clockwise direction is to be maintained this year.

Get the dates in your diaries. We will have a great local advantage this year, and should be able to nail the Ian Hodgeson lines as usual too. Keep your eyes peeled for the team details. Feel free to get in touch (stevenhebblethwaite@hotmail.com) if you're keen.

Joss Naylor Challenge August 8th

For those of you with long memories I completed the Joss Naylor Challenge 4 years ago as a mere stripling of 66. I'll be 70 in early August and want to celebrate by having another go. Members of Keswick AC supported me brilliantly last time (on the Kirkstone to Dunmail leg) and I'm hoping to recruit some helpers for this year as well. Please e-mail on rainer.burchett@talk21.com if you are interested.

A detailed schedule will be created in due course but the broad outline is to start at Pooley Bridge at 3 a.m. reach Kirkstone at 7 a.m. Dunmail at 10 a.m. Sty Head at 4 pm. and the finish at 10 p.m for a 19 hour finish.

And for anyone who is interested I completed my 29th consecutive London Marathon this year, now one of 21 "Ever-Presents" who have completed all the London Marathons.

All the best

Rainer Burchett

Fancy having a go at The Heart Challenge?

Last Saturday there was an 18 mile sponsored walk in aid of The Britsh Heart Foundation. Starting and finishing in Fitz Park in took in both Skiddaw and Blencathra in a heart shaped loop and I thought it would be make a great challenge. I would suggest the following must be included; Carl Side, Skiddaw summit, Gale Road Car Park, Blencathra Centre, Blencathra summit, Scales Farm, Guardhouse, south of Doddick, Mill Bridge Threlkeld returning to Keswick on the Railway Track. The A66 is out of bounds!!. There is a map of the route at; http://explore.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/os_routes/show/9473
Please let me now if anyone fancies having a go and we could keep a record of the fastest times.

Blencathra - 3rd June

Belated blog for the Blencathra race.

Full results at: http://www.edenrunners.co.uk/blencathrapage.htm

The below is part of a report that hopefully will be in the Keswick Reminder next week:

"The fine conditions led to some excellent times and no more so than for the race winner Ricky Lightfoot who put in a quite superb run to break the record and finish in a time of 58:39. Lightfoot was the only runner to break an hour. Second place and first MV40 went to Borrowdale’s Jim Davies with James Bulman of North York Moors finishing third.

The first lady was Heather Dawe of Ilkley (1:22:35) followed by Julie Carter (Cumberland Fell Runners) who was first LV40 and third placed Kenny Cornforth of Borrowdale.

Coming only a matter of weeks after a marathon in Germany, Keswick’s Mark Denham-Smith still had enough quality to finish first Keswick runner (13th overall); with little fell-training this was an excellent performance for the former Club Captain.

There was some keen competition between Ian Davies (24th) and new Club runner Dave Prosser (25th) with only nine seconds between them. There was further close racing between Pez Bullen (31st) and Adam Jackson (34th). Daniel Barton was 43rd and John Beetham, despite suffering sleep deprivation due to recent fatherhood, was able to finish in 52nd.

Other Keswick runners taking part included John Nicholl (58th), John Horne 86th, Patrick Gilchrist (102nd) who was also the first MV60, Peter Eagan (116th) and Allan Buckley (122nd)."

Stretton Hills - 6th June 2009

With foul weather across the country there were wet conditions for the second English Championship counter at the Stretton Hills race.

Pippa has put herself in a commanding position in the English Championship with victory here added to her win at the Half Tour of Pendle. As a new event Pippa has set the standard and finished in 54:12, eight seconds ahead of Lizzie Adams (Dark Peak) and third lady was Anna Lupton (Radcliffe AC).

Jo was the only other lady out representing the Club and ran well to finish 37th in 1:09:04.

For the chaps it was down to Allan Buckley and John Rutter to represent Keswick AC and both did the Club proud. Allan finished in 1:22:38 and John 1:31:44. Well done all.

The men's race was dominated by Pudsey & Bramley and the overall race victor was Rob Hope in 44:37.

Full results at the Mercia Fell Runners website: http://www.merciafellrunners.org.uk/node

Some photos at: www.fellrunningpictures.co.uk

Langstrath recce

I am planning to do the Langstrath recce on Wed 10 June (meeting at the hotel in Langstrath at 6pm). I plan to set off from Keswick a little after 5.30pm. If anyone would like a lift, let me know by email (q.merritt@tiscali.co.uk) or phone (017687 72730). Cheers. Quentin

Borrowdale Fell Race

Entries for this year's Borrowdale Fell Race open today.

Entry is via the the form which can be downloaded from the new Borrowdale Fell Runners website here. The form can also be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the race organiser –Andrew Schofield, End Yan, Jenkin Hill, Thornthwaite, Keswick, CA12 5SG.

The entry limit is 500...There is no online entry, and NO entries on the day.

Coniston Gullies fell race, BOFRA championships –Sunday 31st May

Well done to Chris Edis, who finished in a time of 15.15 for 2nd place, taking more than a minute and a half off his best for the course, in the second race of the 2009 BOFRA championship. This follows a 3rd place in the season-opener at the Sedbergh Gala race.

1. Alastair Dunn (Helm Hill) 14.57
2. Chris Edis 15.15
3. Brendon Taylor (Rossendale) 15.40

Full results.

Also a well done to junior member Mark Donovan who was 3rd in the under 12 race at the BOFRA Killington Sports fell race last Thursday 28th May –a close race which saw the top 8 runners all finish within 32 seconds of each other!