Newlands Valley Round - 23rd July 2009

The novelty of a new race attracted 117 runners who were not to be deterred by the unpleasant evening conditions. Despite being the end of July typical Lakeland weather prevailed with low cloud smothering the fells and short, sharp and cold showers that continued to “refresh” the runners throughout the race.

With new records to set it was James Douglas of Border Harriers who set the benchmark with a winning time of 36:02. Russell Maddams of Horwich was in contention up until the Swinside Inn but the Harriers man made use of his descending speed to pull away from Russell who finished second in 37:39. Third place went to Dark Peak’s Phil Winskill (38:09).

The first lady, also establishing a new record, was Jo Zakrzewski of Dumfries Running Club in a time of 44:58. Less than a minute behind was Samantha Ayres of Cumberland Fell Runners in 45:48. Third lady was Keswick’s Club Captain Jo Gillyon in a time of 48:07.

There was success for Keswick AC runners as Iain Boit was 1st MV45, Duncan Overton was 1st MV55 & MV60, Sue Wilkinson was 1st FV45, and Cathy Colam was 1st FV60.

With Club Championship points up for grabs there was no shortage of Keswick runners on the start line. After securing maximum points at the Moorclose 10K Club Captain Steve Hebblethwaite has put himself in a strong position to secure the road Championship after another victory here. Steve finished 6th overall in a time of 39:33.

The ladies road Championship is a much closer affair. With Jo Gillyon first Keswick lady here it means there have been three different winners from the three qualifying races this year and much will depend on the final Championship race, the Derwentwater 10 later in the autumn.

Keswick AC: Steve Hebblethwaite (6th), Iain Boit (11th), Rob Wynne (13th), Nick Ogden (17th), Keith Hill (19th), Duncan Overton (27th), John Nicoll (30th), John Waite (31st), Martin Sluce (35th), Quentin Merritt (38th), Jo Gillyon (42nd), Gary Hadwin (47th), Suzy Grindley (57th), Rob Hankin (58th), Sue Wilkinson (59th), Hayley Hodgson (64th), David Harrison (67th), Mike Beechey (69th), Derek Harrison (71st), Nicola Davison (76th), Trudy Beetham (83rd), Cathy Colam (84th), Karen Sturgess (108th), Ian Addison (110th).

(Full report in Reminder next week).