Athletics on TV this weekend, Saturday and Sunday 30-31st July

There is coverage of the UK Championships and World Trials from the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham on the BBC today and tomorrow:

WORLD TRIALS AND UK CHAMPIONSHIPS
Saturday 30 July
BBC Two (1800-1930)

Sunday 31 July
BBC Two (1800-2000)

More details on the UK Championships and World Trials at the UKA website.

Athletics on BBC TV schedule here.

For those who missed it, the S4C coverage of the International Snowdon Race is still archived on their website here.

Fellside fell race results

A warm sunny evening greeted the numerous KAC men and women who turned out for the re-launched Fellside fell race. In the men's race, Howgill's Carl Bell romped to victory in 53:25 ahead of Borrowdale pair, Steve Birkinshaw and Andrew Schofield. Keswick's Dave Birch had an excellent run to finish equal 4th.

Keswick's Sarah Bailey (1:11:52) was outstanding in the women's race, coming home first ahead of Borrowdale's Nicola Davies and CFR's Tracy Park.

Full results here.

International Snowdon Race -Saturday 23rd July

The 35th International Snowdon Race will last long in the memory of many who took part, not least Andi Jones and Philippa Maddams who both took victory in this classic race on Saturday.

After finishing runner up at the race in 2009 and in 2010, Pippa finally found herself returning to Llanberis' Padarn Park over a minute ahead of her nearest rival after the 10m/3065' climb of Wales and England's highest mountain. Pippa has been on fine form this season. Breaking the 11 year old course record at the local Causey Pike race in March, she went on to take further victories with a dominant display of running in the British Championship Mourne Mountains race in N. Ireland, and then again in round 2 at the Ras Yr Aran in Wales, seeing her now well placed to take a third successive British title.


The addition of Snowdon to her athletic career CV raises the Keswick AC runner if not closer to fell running legend, then undoubtedly to role model for every aspiring athlete in the club. Second in the ladies race was 2010 winner Catriona Buchanan who lead the Scottish team to victory in the ladies race.

In the men's race despite Jones taking an unprecedented 5th win at the race, the English had to relinquish the team prize for the first time in some years as a Scottish team lead by runner up Murray Strain, who was close enough to exchange the lead with Jones several times on the descent, took the honours on the day with 2010 winner Robbie Simpson and Jethro Lennox also making the top 5.

The small Keswick AC contingent that included Pippa was completed by Steve Hebblethwaite -1:11:05/11th, Chris Clark -1:51:22/345th and Kim Clark -1:58:51/403.


A more detailed race report can be found at www.mudsweatandtears.co.uk.

The Welsh language TV channel S4C's 45min highlights programme first broadcast on Sunday 24th July, and including some great footage of the exciting men's race can be found on S4C's iplayer here.

Further photos can be found at www.sportpicturescymru.co.uk, and www.fellrunningpictures.co.uk.

The above photographs are © 2011 www.sportpicturescymru.co.uk

Nearly new Inov8 shoes on offer

Have a pair of Inov8 fell shoes - the latest version (red with tractor-tyre like grips). Size 4 and a half. I've realised they're just a bit small for me. Only worn 3 times. Paid £80. Will accept fair offer. 07985 215 998

Lancaster 5K - Saturday 30th July

The third in the Lancaster 5K series is on this Saturday at 18:30 from the Salt Ayre Sports Centre.

Details can be found here: http://www.ukresults.net/forms/110924lancaster.pdf

Drop me a line if you want a lift: iandavversdavies@googlemail.com or 07789 234788.

Blisco Dash results

Despite heavy rain during the afternoon, plenty of KAC members turned out for the latest club champs counter - the Blisco Dash on Wednesday last week . By the time the 74 runners set off up the road to Little Langdale, the rain had subsided to light drizzle. Once onto the fell the runners found the going wet and a little slippy, but nothing to worry about. The top third of the Pike was shrouded in mist, which was fine on the ascent, as the route follows the footpath up a series of scrambles onto the summit. However, it made the 'off piste' descent difficult to find for those who hadn't recced the course or done the race before - as several runners found to their cost (including at least two KAC members - but I'll spare their blushes!). For those of us who were new to the route, there was no (sensible) choice other than to take the slow way down via the main footpath.

The race was won by Chris Newman (Wharfdale) in 43 mins 48 secs. Keswick's Chris Edis was at or near the front from the start. He lost a little ground (and time) to the Wharfdale man on the descent, finishing an excellent second in 44:13. Eden's Sam Ware was third in 44:23.

Kendal's Lou Roberts had a comfortable win in the women's race, crossing the line in 54:49. Sharon McDonald and Carol Evans (both from Settle) were second and third in 56:21 and 59:59. Keswick's Kim Clark and Lesley Malarky were first V50 and V60 respectively.

Apart from Chris, Lesley and Kim, there were lots of good performances from Keswick athletes in both races:

8th - John Nichol (45:46)
13th - Ian Davies (48:26)
14th - Craig Smith (48:38)
17th - Andrew Slattery (50:08)
18th - John Beetham (50:27)
41st - Simon Thomspon (57:21)
54th - Quentin Merritt (61:48)
61st - Sarah Bennett (65:54 - first KAC lady)
62nd - Lesley Malarky (66:09 - first V60)
64th - Rachel Slattery (67:21)
70th - Kim Clark (72:22 - first V50)
71st - Chris Clark (72:23)

I'm pleased to report that Keswick failed to pick up prizes for either 'fattest man' or 'last person down'.

Finally, thanks to Selwyn Wright for organising a terrific race again, and giving the most idiosyncratic prize giving speech since last year's!

For full results, see here.

Coniston Country Fair 24thJuly 6m/2400'

1. Mark Addison - Helm Hill - 54:41
2. Alan Smith - Deeside - 60:30
3. Darren Holloway - Pennine - 60:41

8. Andrew Slattery - Keswick AC - 66:20

11. Anna Ryba - MLRRC - 66:50

Kentmere 17th July 11.9m/3300'

A decent field of 168 started in damp conditions. The race was won by local boy Rob Jebb ahead of Morgan Donnelly who is recovering from his Duddon ankle injury. The ladies race was won by Fiona Hughes of Cambridge University in 1:54:55 ahead of Lou Roberts. A good run by Jamie Luxmoore in 15th place 8 min clear of a Wasdale weary Andrew Slattery. Colin Valentine also got in under 2hrs having run most of the way round with Gavin Bland in his pre Borrowdale warm up. Alan Buckley completed the Keswick finishers in the V60 category in a respectable time.

1. Rob Jebb - Bingley 1:28:38
2. Morgan Donnelly - Borrowdale 1:29:03
3. David Milliken - Horwich RMI 1:36:12

15. Jamie Luxmoore - Keswick AC 1:46:33
42. Andrew Slattery - Keswick AC 1:54:20
57. Colin Valentine - Keswick AC 1:58:54
157. Alan Buckley - Keswick AC 2:46:42

Blisco Dash

I'm planning to do the Blisco Dash on Wed. It starts from the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel at 7pm. I would like to get there at about 6pm, so was thinking of leaving Keswick at about 5.15pm. If anyone would like a lift, call me on 017687 72730 or email me at q.merritt@tiscali.co.uk

Bodyfit 5K -Keswick AC Club Championship 2011

Below are the results from Wednesday's Bodyfit 5K. The race was number four of the six-race Keswick AC Club Road Championship 2011, and would also carry further status as the individual distance championship race for 5K.

A strong run for second place in the mens race sees Phil Winskill in a strong position in the 2011 Championship, adding his points here to those he secured finishing first KAC runner at the Keswick Half Marathon, and a second place at the Lambfoot Loop 10K back in May. However Russell Maddams should not be ruled out from retaining the trophy he won last season. He has two wins from his outings in this year's competition -at the Lancster Bridges 10K and the Lambfoot Loop 10K. The championship could well go down to the wire in an exciting climax in the Brampton to Carlisle later in the season.

Making her debut in the competition Trudy Beetham looked impressive crossing the line in 8th to claim the individual distance champs over 5K which must be her consolation, for with four races required to count for the overall Championship Beetham cannot feature this season. The title looks to be between Libbie Graham who took maximum points at the Lambfoot Loop, Sue Wilkinson and Annabel Holmes who were locked in a close battle on Wednesday night with only eight seconds separating the pair at the finish.

The two remaining races in the Road Championship come in the form of the Lancaster 5K on Saturday 27th August and the notoriously fast Brampton-Carlisle 10 on Sun 20th November, while the Club Fell Championship continues on Wednesday this week with the Blisco Dash in Langdale, and then races at the Loweswater Show (Sept 4th), and Three Shires (Sept 17th).

Bodyfit 5K, Eaglesfield Paddle Scool, Cockermouth -Wednesday 13th July

1. Jon Fletcher (Border Harriers) -16:11
2. Phil Winskill (Keswick AC) -16:26
3. Steve Hebblethwaite (Keswick AC) -16:38

4. Josh Hebson -17:03
7. Ian Davies -17:25
10. Chris Edis -18:17
12. John Curran -18:26 (MV45)
27. Simon Thompson -19:58
42. Quentin Merritt -20:57 (MV50)
43. Duncan Overton -21:00 (MV60)
47. Mike Beechey -21:21 (MV40)
61. Robb Carter -22:42

1. Philippa Wakefield (Border Harriers) -19:28
2. Janet Kenyon (U/A) -20:07 (FV50)
3. Amanda Ingram (Tri-Lakeland) -20:11 (FV35)

8. Trudy Beetham -21:36 (FV35)
9. Libbie Graham -22:02
12. Sue Wilkinson -22:44 (FV45)
13. Annabel Holmes -22:52 (FV40)
27. Patricia Richards -25:32 (FV60)
43. Fiona Alder -29:51 (FV50)

Full results here.
Photographs here.

Dockray Great Dodd 9m/2800' 29th June

Another great low key race from Joe Faulkner in perfect conditions. Both Dockrays are on again for 2012.

1. Robin Stones. Helm Hill 74:47
2. Kim Collison. Eden Runners 75:06
3. Chris Newman. Wharfedale 75:23

7. Andrew Slattery Keswick 81:06
9. Craig Smith Keswick 83:35
24. Chris Harling. Keswick 97:07
36. Hillary Jacob. Keswick 145:12

England Athletics Cumbria Endurance Workshop –Race Psychology

These sessions are for anyone with an interest in endurance running, be that on the road, trail or fells, either as a coach, athlete, parent or interested party. You do not need to have a coaching qualification to attend.

BRAITHWAITE VICTORY MEMORIAL HALL
Saturday 16th July
09.30-11.30

 9.30-10.30 Speed, Agility, Quickness or Core Session led by Sam Ayers.
 10.30-11.30 Race Psychology lead by Leonie Lightfoot.

Sam Ayres; is a level 3 Endurance coach, Personal Training and a mentee on the National Coach Development Program for endurance.

Leonie Lightfoot; is the National Coach Development Manager for England Athletics, Leonie has a MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology and is currently completing accreditation with BASES (British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences) as a Sport Scientist, specialising in sport psychology.

Please come dressed for a practical session (if you are injured or do not wish to take part you will still be able to watch and learn from the session). If you have an agility ladder and 6-10 mini agility hurdles (6”) please bring them with you to the sessions.

The cost is only £5 per person, payable on the day.

To book into the session please contact ewilliams@englandathletics.org

Wasdale Race 9th July 21m / 9000'

Having been cancelled and reinstated over the last couple of months the Wasdale Race got underway in mixed conditions. Thick cloud in the morning gradually lifted and sat on the highest summits. The run across the valley to Greendale and up towards Seatallan was baking hot in the sun. A total of 266 started but a fair number failed to finish. The race was won by Ben Abdelnoor of Ambleside by an impressive margin in 3:46:11 and the first lady was fellow Ambleside runner Hazel Robinson in 5:11:09.

1. Ben Abdelnoor - Ambleside AC - 3:46:11
2. Es Tresidder - Dark Peak - 4:06:50
3. Carl Bell - Howgill Harriers - 4:14:48

36. Andrew Slattery - Keswick AC - 4:57:58
47. Hazel Robinson - Ambleside AC - 5:11:09
103. Sarah Bailey - Keswick AC - 5:58:18
124. Geoff Somers - Keswick AC - 6:21:06

Apologies for omitting Geoff & Sarah on the earlier post.

Ras yr Aran, 10m/3100' -British Fell Running Championship round 2, Saturday 9th July

1. Morgan Donnelly (Borrowdale FR) -1:22:55
2. Tim Davies (Mercia FR) -1:24:05
3. Rob Jebb (Bingley Harriers) -1:24:34

8. Steve Hebblethwaite -1:25:38
178. Chris Clark -2:23:48

48. Pippa Maddams (Keswick AC) -1:39:08
56. Jo Buckley (Calder Valley FR) -1:42:24
61. Mel Price (Mercia FR) -1:43:16

134. Sam Ayers -2:06:46
185. Kim Clark -2:28:59

Full results on the Meirionnydd website HERE.

Photos (including that above) courtesy of, and © 2011 Graham Spencer and Al Tye at www.fellrunningpictures.co.uk

An Evening With Kenny Stuart

We are holding an informal social evening with Kenny Stuart in September, with a chance for you to ask him questions. Kenny was not only a fell running champion but was also a top road runner, with a marathon pb of 2 hours 11 minutes. Ross Brewster, journalist and a founder club member will be the question master. The event is being held at Keswick Football Clubhouse, Fitz Park, Keswick on Friday 23rd September 2011, 7.30pm till 11pm. There will be a bar and tickets are only £5.

Tickets have been selling well so if you are wanting to attend please book your place online HERE or at The Card Collection, Packhorse Court, Keswick.

Club Champs – individual events

At the committee meeting earlier this week, we agreed the following winners of the individual championship races held since our last meeting.

Fell: Medium Champions (Tebay)
Men
Open Steve Hebblethwaite
V40 Andrew Slattery
V50 Quentin Merritt
V60 Duncan Overton

Women
Open Catherine Evans
V40 Rachel Slattery
V50 Lyn Thompson

Road: 10K Champions (Lambfoot Loop 10K, Cockermouth)
Men
Open Russell Maddams
V40 John Curran
V50 Quentin Merritt
V60 Chris Clark

Women
Open Libbie Graham
V40 Annabel Holmes
V50 Kim Clark

The new championship race is the BodyFit 5k road race on Wed 13 July. The race starts at 7pm from Eaglesfield Paddle School, near the Sheep and Wool Centre a few miles south west of Cockermouth. For full details, see the BodyFit website here.

Great Lakes Run 18th June

Low cloud and heavy rain probably put off a few runners from this 13m 7000ft tough route. A total of 85 starters climbed up The Band into the cloud not to emerge again for some time. The wet conditions made the rock underfoot very slippery and the cloud sent many runners off on unintended detours. After the stiff climb to Bowfell the route takes in Esk Pike, Great End, Scafell Pike and Scafell via a steep scramble avoiding Foxes Tarn. From Scafell it is along the ridge to Slight Side and then steeply down to The Great Moss. A flog across the wilderness leads to an energy sapping climb over the shoulder of Little Stand and on to Pike O'Blisco from which a very steep descent with many possible lines takes you to the Start/Finish at Stool End farm.

In the absence of Simon Booth who is the record holder and winner of every previous race the winner was Mark Palmer of Mynydr Du on the back of a 14hr Bob Graham which didn't seem to have done him any harm. Still outside Simon's record of 2:37:41 though. The first lady was Robyn Anderson of Preston Harriers in 4:15:37

1. 2:48:52 Mark Palmer - Mynydr Du
2. 2:56:53 Simon Harding - Macclesfield Harriers
3. 2:57:06 John Helme - Ambleside AC
4. 3:08:17 Paul Cornforth - Borrowdale

12. 3:28:11 Andrew Slattery - Keswick AC
29. 4:08:30 Andrew Murray - Keswick AC
48. 4:35:31 Colin Valentine - Keswick AC

Full results on Ambleside AC website. The race is rumoured to be an English Championship counter for 2012. Could be interesting if the weather is the same next year.