Kirkbymoor - 28th November 2009

The 2007 Kirkbymoor fell race proved a difficult navigational challenge for a number of KAC runners and a couple of our members were keen to exorcise those demons in 2009.

After the extreme weather of the last two weeks it was a delight to race with blue skies and sunshine above our heads. There was a good covering of snow on the high Duddon, Eskdale and Wasdale fells providing exquisite views when there were opportunities to take in the surroundings.

Steve Hebblethwaite was clearly in the mood as he led, with a group of three including Helm Hill's Mark and Tom Addison around the course. Running strongly Steve dicatated the pace at times; the lead changing frequently through the race but lost confidence in his route choice after the penultimate checkpoint and lost a few minutes with an unnecessary detour around Crag Height. But Steve (55:02) recovered to finish a highly commendable third place and four minutes faster than 2007.

Colin Valentine (62:30), having run this race a number of times, was never going to be beset by the navigational difficulties suffered by more inexperienced members and put in another good run finishing 16th out of 71 competitors and was third counter for a KAC team that came second behind an excellent Helm Hill side.

Ian Davies, after a debacle in 2007, was pleased to get his lines right this time finishing 7th (57:19) and taking some notable scalps.

The first lady was Jackie Casey of Barrow, putting in a fine run as she was also the first Vet 50.

There were some good times despite the sodden routes and full results will be on the Black Combe Runners website in due course.

Ulverston Xmas Pudding 10k

I am planning to do this race on Sun 6 Dec. (It's flatter & faster than the Langdale race, so better for people chasing a fast time.) The race starts at 11am so I was thinking of leaving Keswick at ~9am. If anyone wants to car share, give me a shout via email (q.merritt@tiscali.co.uk) or phone (017687 72730). Q

Footage of Keswick flood

Just in case anyone hasn't seen this, here's some terrific footage of the flooding along Penrith Rd:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5PuKO8B_v4

PS Just 6 brave souls turned up in scuba gear for tonight's swim!

Brampton to Carlisle 10 mile road-race -Saturday 21st Nov

The 58th edition of this 10 miler on Saturday, was run over a shortened route because part of the course was lying under water. As the race organisers were keen to offer a run for the field of more than 400 runners that had entered the popular race, said to be the longest running 10 mile race in the country, a 9.25 mile course, that missed out a short section through the village of Brampton near the start, was run.

Brampton-Carlisle annually draws a large field for its straight and reasonablly flat course that attracts some high class athletes and club runners alike. Ten Keswick AC runners made the short journey this year and after a week of very inclement weather, Saturday itself was largely a day of respite with just a few blustery showers and a crosswind in places to focus the attention! A good time was had -well done all who turned out.

1. Ben Gamble (Tipton Harriers) 46.37
2. David Kirkland (Alnwick Harriers) 46.40
3. James Douglas (Border Harriers) 47.28

1. Helen Waugh (Unatt) 53.33
2. Niamh Devlin (Edinburgh AC) 54.50
3. Joasia Zakrzewski (Dumfries RC) 56:59

Steve Hebblethwaite -52.17
John Dawson -1.03.37
Neil Elsender -1:04:12
James Johnstone -1.12.33

Julie Carter -59.49
Jo Gillyon -1.03.44
Anne Downie -1.09.59
Cath Burrus -1.11.29
Cathy Colam -1.11.51
Alison Cutts -1.18.15

FULL RESULTS

Brampton-Carlisle 10 - update

Following the example for the FRA, the race organisers have intoduced a new rule requiring all runners to wear appropriate gear on Sat:

Brampton Carlisle 10

Does anyone want to share a lift for this Saturday's Brampton Carlisle 10?

The race starts at 12.30pm from William Howard School in Brampton. Buses run from the finish at Sands Centre in Carlisle to the start between 10.30am – 11.15am (£2.50 on day). So I guess I would be looking to leave Keswick at around 9.30am, to leave plenty of time for parking and getting on one of the buses.

If you want a lift, email me (q.merritt@tiscali.co.uk) or call me (017687 72730).

Quentin

PS: There is a 'baggage bus' to bring gear back from Brampton to Carlisle.

Dunnerdale 14th November 2009

Despite foul conditions sweeping the country there were 276 runners out for the Dunnerdale fell race this year. Recent rain meant many of the trods had become small streams and the boggy underfoot conditions ensured heavy going for those taking part. But the course was free of the low cloud and the post race pie and pasties were suitably warming for the sodden competitors.

A strong field saw some terrific racing in both the ladies and gents categories. Ambleside's Jane Reedy (48:12) secured her second victory in consecutive years but had to run hard to hold off Helm Hill youngster Melanie Hyder (48:22). It was an even closer thing in the men's race with Tom Addison (Helm Hill) winning the race in 39:36 from Dark Peak's Lloyd Taggert (39:42).

There were a few Keswick runners out, some of whom were obviously paying far too much attention to some idiot harping on about this race.

Jamie Luxmoore, off the back of the Lancaster Half Marathon, ran well despite some tired limbs and finished head to toe in mud having thoroughly enjoyed himself over the wet course. Jamie finished well up the field in 21st place (45:59). Craig Smith (41st - 49:27) and David Owens (83rd - 54:51) were not short of pre-race adrenalin leaving things a little tight to get parked up, registered and on the starting line for the Midday off. Nigel Horney made the long trip from Norfolk but was still the first to register for the race! Nigel finished 100th (56:08) and still managed to fit in Xmas shopping and visiting family in Leeds before getting back to Norfolk before Midnight. There was another close run between Chris and Kim Clark, with Chris getting the better of things this time (204th - 65:10) putting nine seconds between himself and Kim (207th - 65:19). Excellent racing!

Thanks also to Chris Knox who, despite not running, still endured the grim conditions to cheer us on from the first checkpoint on The Knott. Your encouragement was much appreciated Chris.

Race Date Error - Burton in Kendal 10K

The website: www.realbuzzrunbritain.com/events has the Burton in Kendal 10K date down as this weekend - BUT THAT IS AN ERROR. Apparently the race was held in September.
So best not to go :-)
Thanks to Anne D for spotting this.

Dunnerdale - Saturday November 14th

SAT.NOV 14. DUNNERDALE (R). AS. 12.00 noon. 5m/1800' from the Blacksmiths Arms, Broughton Mills, Cumbria (GR 223905 on O.S. 96). £5 (includes food). Teams(3) free. ER/LK/NS. Over 16. Records: 35.51 K.Anderson 1991; f. 43.09 J.Kenyon 1993. No dogs on course. Parking restricted. Please park where instructed. No safety pins. Details: Andrew Gittins, Lowfield, Church Street, Broughton-in-Furness, LA20 6ER. Tel: 01229 715104. Email: gittins.andrewj@virgin.net Website: bcrunners.org.uk

One of my favourite races in the calendar. Great course in a beautiful part of the District with excellent grub afterwards. Get there early as parking can be tricky if there is a big turnout.

Barrow x-country 13/12/09

Is anyone else thinking of going to Barrow for the x-country county champs? if we get enough strong runners we could have a shot at a team prize. Teams of 3 in each age category needed senior men & women, and masters men & women (over 35's). Also under 20's and other jnr categories. Also the chance for some of you fast guys to get selected for the inter-county champs in March. Let me know if you are interested, Trudy and I are considering it so we could arrange car-shares.

Lancaster Half Marathon

666 (yikes, the Devil's number!) enthusiastically brave souls donned their running shoes for the Lancaster Half Marathon on Sunday 8th November. Or, rather, 666 runners finished the race. Most were pretty weary by then, but I cannot vouch for the state of their souls. A flatish course and bright, sunny conditions made for fast running, with only a single hill of significance to slow anyone down; and a longish stretch of ankle deep water. Not to mention a fair bit of mud on the road; and a detour along a trail where the proper route was completely waterlogged. Anyway, the race is an out-and-back course starting and finishing at the Salt Ayre leisure centre, mostly following a cycle path along the south bank of the delightful Lune estuary, with a loop on roads around the lovely Stork Inn at Conder Green at the far end. (No, I didn’t stop for a quick one!)


The race was won by Nick Leigh of Altrincham & District AC in a time of 01:12:19, with Sarah Louise Cumber of Halifax Harriers first woman home in 01:23:22 (43rd overall). Five Keswick runners took part: James Walker (46th place in 1:23:45), James Luxmore (52nd; 01:24:36), Martin Scott (97th; 1:30:30), Quentin Merritt (lollygagging back in 143rd place in 1:34:01) and Mike Garside (546th; 2:06:47). Full results can be found at:

http://www.ukroadraces.info/Csv_Files/2009/lancasterhalf.htm

PS I would definitely recommend this race if anyone is chasing a PB or a fast time for the club’s Road Running Standards.

Netherall x country 7/11

well done all, course was flat as a pancake so hard fast running was the order of the day. The course was described as7.2km (4.5 m), I know a few garmin geeks (myself included) measured it at more like 5 miles - just in case you thought your time was slow!!!

Cross Country, Maryport -Saturday 7th November

A few photos from the cross country this afternoon in Maryport -race 3 of the 2009/10 Cumbria League. A good turn out of Keswick runners in yellow and green, and some strong runs -well done all.

Results:
Sen Men (7200m)
1. R.Lightfoot (Ellenborough AC) 26.13
2. M.Donelly (Borrowdale FR) 26.22
3. J.Douglas (Border Harriers) 26.42
4. G.Mason (Border Harriers) 27.28
5. R.Maddams (Horwich RMI) 27.40

6. S.Hebblethwaite 28.01
8. I.Davies 29.28
11. J.Beetham 30.16
17. C.Smith 32.15
26. J.Waite 34.04
28. J.Horne 34.46
30. D.Burton 35.35

Sen Women (7200m)
2. C.McKeown (Border Harriers) 31.44
3. K.Bridge/Heaviside (Eden Runners) 33.13
4. S.Ayres (CFR) 33.30
5. A.Armstrong (Carlisle Tri) 34.04

1. P.Jackson 30.50
6. T.Beetham 36.51
7. H.Hodgeson 36.01

Club Fleece Jacket

Free to a good home.
Keswick Athletic Club fleece jacket in green. Size medium.
All you have to do is collect from house in Keswick.
Tel 017687 73521

Garmin Forerunner 405

Thanks to Hayley for letting me borrow her Garmin 305 for the Cumbria Run, I am now hooked and I'm thinking of buying one! I've looked at the Garmin 405 on the web and it looks more like a watch. Does anyone use the 405 and if so, is it good, or am I just as well going for the 305? I'm not bothered about using the heart monitor, I just want the mileage and history, oh and the bleep of course! For some reason, it's made me believe I can run faster ha-ha

Lancaster Half

I am planning to run in the Lancaster half marathon on Sun 8 Nov. If anyone else is going and wants to share a car, email me (q.merritt@tiscali.co.uk) or call me (017687 72730). I think the race starts at 11am, so I was thinking of leaving Kesiwck at about 9am.

Club road-running ranking

The club road-running rankings have been updated HERE following yesterday's Derwentwater 10 race...Anyone who knows of any results not included in the ranking, please email to stevenhebblethwaite@hotmail.com

Also, see the table below for details of the club's standards awards for road-running. The scheme has Gold, Silver or Bronze which are awarded to runners who achieve times in the schedule in their age category in any 3 of the 4 standard distance categories. There is also an additional 'Gold Star' award for those achieving the very highest standard. The times are based on standards set by the RRC which are nationally recognised.

Awards are presented at the club presentation evening dinner in January. Race results confirming times achieved should be sent to the Club Statistician, Matrin Sluce - slucem@cockermouth.cumbria.sch.uk


(click on the image to view a larger version of the table)

50th Derwentwater 10 race -Sunday 1st November

A great day for the club at the 50th running of this race, this afternoon in Keswick. Keswick AC ladies (Jo Gillyon -1:12:56, Debbie Edgington -1:14:06, and Gill Conroy -1:14:48) won the ladies team prize, and Keswick AC men (Phil Winskill -57:34, Steve Hebblethwaite -58:16, and Matthew Fraser -1:00:53) won the 50 year old men's-team trophy, not won by the club at this compettitive race since 1995.

A word should go to the marshalls and the supporters, out on the course and at the start and finish, who all did a terrific job despite the wet and cold, and in particular, race-organiser Alan Ritchie (Alan is only the third organiser that the race has had in its 50 year history, and has organised the race since 1990).



Picture courtesy of Pete Richards

There was a total of 33 Keswick AC members running: Well done Mark Denham-Smith (1:01:36), Rob Wynne (1:01:52) who was 2nd V45, and John Beetham (1:02:34) who ran a whole 12 minutes faster than his attempt at the race in 2005 (1:14:13). Also John Waite (1:04:59), and John Curran (1:07:27). Good to see Mark Rutherford back after a lengthy spell of leave in NZ (1:08:28), and Ian Boit (1:08:40) who only returned from Nepal on Friday must have wondered what he had returned to as he paddled through the pudles along the Borrowdale Road. Quentin Merrit (1:09:07) was pleased to break his 70 minute target and would have gone much further below it had conditions been more clement. Colin Valentine posted 1:10:17, and Dunc Overton (1:11:54) was 3rd V60. Well done also to Nick Burrus -1:13:57, Mike Beechey -1:14:11, Neil Elsender -1:14:31, Hayley Hodgeson -1:16:34, John Dawson -1:16:57, Paul Titley -1:18:13, David Harrison -1:19:22, and Chris Clark (1:20:31) who this time got the better of Kim Clark (1:20:50). Cath Burrus ran 1:23:47, and Cathy Colam (1:23:55 ) was 1st FV60. Good to see Sarah Bailey (1:24:13) on return from injury, and Nicky Butler -1:25:54, David Bell -1:26:21, Alison Cutts -1:32:45, Ian Addison (1:35:49) who was 1st V75, and Dave Leary in 1:53:15.

'Fully sortable' results HERE