Pete and Pat’s Glenderaterra Run

Sunday 11th January 2015

10am Prompt start ~ Pavilion open from 9.30am

The Sports Pavilion, Fitz Park, Keswick

Full course 9 miles (approx) ~ anti clockwise around Glenderaterra with an option to go over Lonscale 

Short course 5 miles (approx) ~ double back after Brundholme Woods returning over Latrigg.

Tea /cakes afterwards

All welcome. No muddy shoes in the pavilion please!. 

pete.richards@btinternet.com

Ribble Valley 10K

Congratulations to John Battrick and Marc Brown who both clocked speedy 10k personal best times at the notoriously fast festive race in Clitheroe, Lancashire.


In a field of over 1100 John (racing for his first claim club, North Norfolk Beach Runners) finished 16th in 31:42 and Marc, having improved dramatically over the last 12 months, clocked 31:56 and 21st place.


Well done to both.  

Cumbria County XC Championships

The county championships are always a great event and it would be great to see a good club turnout and continue this hot streak.

January 3rd, Frenchfields, Penrith. Juniors from noon, Seniors at 13.20.

An entry form with further details is available on the home page. Please note the requirement to wear a club vest and quote your UKA Registration number.

Kendal Winter League

Fixture list out today. Great friendly, cheap racing for seniors and juniors. All welcome. Let's see some more KAC runners there this year.

2015 Fixtures Here

Firenze Marathon

Steve Hebblethwaite did the business representing Keswick AC on the continent at the Florence Marathon.  His second running of the distance saw Steve clock a PB of 2:33:27, finishing 26th overall and third Brit.

Now onto London...

Open letter to all KAC members from Lesley Malarkey

 Dear Everyone,

As many of you will know, following the recent AGM, I am the new Chair of Keswick Athletic Club and I wanted to write to all members straight away with details of the new committee and to raise a couple of the issues which we, as a club, will need to make decisions about in the near future.

The committee is as follows:

Lesley Malarkey (Chair) news@keswickac.org.uk

Sam Stead     secretary@keswickac.org.uk

John Nicoll    treasurer@keswickac.org.uk

Rob Jones      Membership Secretary

Steve Hebblethwaite      Men's Captain

Cat Evans       Ladies' Captain

Ange Turnbull      Junior Coordinator

Steve Jones         Website Coordinator

Adam Campion    Park Run Link

Steve Harwood     Members' Rep

Jenn Mattinson      Members' Rep

With so many changes to the key posts, we do, as a committee, have a lot to learn.  Please feel free to get in touch with any of us if we forget anything or do something wrong!

The first meeting of the committee will be on Tuesday 25th November in the cricket pavilion at 7.30 directly following training.  If you have anything pressing that needs discussion or action, please contact Sam directly.

One of the key issues already up for discussion is the organisation of training.  Dunc Overton has coordinated and lead this brilliantly for a long time but has decided to step down.  I anticipate setting up a meeting for interested people to decide the best way of organising it but I really would appreciate views from as many members as possible about what they want from training. Please contact me with opinions on this.  All views, new ideas, types of sessions etc would be most welcome.

Another important issue for discussion this year is the development of a club base.  There is a current proposal to extend the cricket pavillion to provide better facilities for the club. This would be a big commitment for KAC and over the next few months a decision is needed to fully commit to this or to withdraw.  There was some discussion of this at the AGM and it is clear that there are mixed opinions.  I would ask all of our members to give some serious thoughts to this venture in order that a decision can be made based on the wishes of everyone concerned.

I also want to say, on behalf of all of us, a very big thank you to the officers and committee members who have stepped down.  Pete, Ian B., Ian D., and Dunc, in particular, have done so much for the club over the years but also Andrew and Clive for their contribution over the past year.  I hope all of you can now just enjoy your running and be ready to advise us when we need help.

Finally, congratulations to all those who ran in the Brampton to Carlisle race.  A brilliant result and excellent publicity for the club!

Here's to the continued success of KAC,

Lesley

Keswick Clean Up at Brampton

In an unprecedented day of success for the club, Keswick AC dominated the Brampton to Carlisle 10 mile road race, taking home every team prize on offer.

The 'B2C', now in it's 63rd year, is the oldest 10 mile race in the country. Known for it's fast course, prestigious history and slick organisation, it regularly attracts a top class field. Runners from across the north descend on the small market town of Brampton for a the 10 mile blast to Carlisle and the chance to write their names in the history books. The event was also the last race in the Keswick Road Championship, providing an extra incentive for every Keswick runner to squeeze every second out of their potential.

This year was no different, with a total of 646 runners at the start line, each with their own personal goals but all looking to prove something to themselves.

The race was won by Tadele Geremew of Elswick Harriers in a stunning time of 49.48. John Battrick (52.46), who runs for Keswick on the fells, came in a superb second place running for his home club North Norfolk Beach Runners (a first claim transfer form is in the post, John!)

The Keswick charge was led by Marc Brown (54.01), who's strong running styled was perfectly suited to these roads. Marc's training and preparation paid off as he absolutely smashed his previous PB by over 3 minutes. Marc and Sam Stead (54.24) worked together throughout the race, the latter using Marc's pacing to good effect as he beat his PB by a similar margin. Just behind Sam was Russell Maddams (54.55), with the trio earning Keswick an historic 1st place in the Open Team category.

Sam Stead and Marc Brown (photos Dave Liddle)

In the Veterans category, Chris Brewer (58.52) cruised past a long-term sub-60 minute target. Rob Wynne (61.44), joined Chris and Russell for 1st Veteran Team, one place better than last year.

Chris Brewer

In recent years, the Keswick Ladies have upstaged the Men at these prestigious events, and so it came as no surprise that their performance was equally, if not more impressive.

The Ladies race was won by Alex Sneddon of Jarrow & Hebburn AC in a time of 59.42. The Keswick charge was not far behind with the 'Dream Team' of Sam Ayers (67.58), Hazel Davies (69.29) and Lindsay Walker (69.41) scooping not only the Open Team prize but the Veteran prize as well, with Lindsay achieving an impressive PB.

Sam Ayers 

Today was surely the day where many of Keswick AC, and the club itself, shed their 'up-and-coming' label and truly arrived on the regional scene. The achievement of winning every team prize at such a prestigious event should not be underestimated, with the club starting to back up it's ever-present fell success with strong performances on the road, cementing it's position as a top all-round club.

Other Keswick runners, including a handful of PB's;

Steve Jones 66.49 PB

Dave Burton 71.32 

Damian Kimmins 71.31 PB

Rachel Mellor 72.52 PB

Juliet Grieves 81.19

Rachael Collins 94.44 PB

Full results at http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2014/brampton.pdf

When the day seemed like it could get no better, news startled trickle in of performances by club members elsewhere. Club Captain Steve Hebblethwaite, preparing for the Florence Marathon, took part in the Leeds Abbey Dash 10k, setting a Personal Best time of 32.08 to ensure he goes in to the marathon in the best shape of his life. 

Elsewhere, the club also took some unexpected plaudits at the Whinlatter Duathlon. Local couple Carl Bell and Jenn Mattinson took a popular second place in the Mixed Relay, and Phil Winskill, inspired by his celebrity relay partner Adam Nolan (of 'Jasper' fame), ran his way to 3rd in the Open relay.

Some recent results that you may have missed...

Well done to all the following, some great Keswick AC runs and a few pbs...

Cumbrian Run Half Marathin, Carlisle, Sun 5th October

1. Jules Hatcher (Border Harriers) - 71:19
2. James Buis (Border Harriers) - 71:54
3. Bob Hodgson (Border Harriers) - 72:13

8. Marc Brown - 75:13 (pb)
24. Adam Campion - 83:47 (pb)
232. David Rice - 99:08 (pb)
703. David Ferrier - 2:00:02
863. Allan Buckley - 2:07:38 (2nd V70)

1. Philippa Wakefield (Keswick AC) - 88:29 (pb) (1st Female)
2. Karen Bridge (u/a) - 1:29:18
3. Vanessa Strickland (Carlisle Aspatria AC) - 92:18

7. Caz Lyall-Ford - 93:29
8. Hazel Davies - 94:41
166. Emily Christmas - 1:59:43

Loch Ness Marathon, Inverness, Sun 28th September

1. Tomas Abyu (u/a) - 2:22:41
2. Patryk Gierjatowicz (Humnters Bog Trotters) - 2:24:17
3. Tarus Elly (Salford Harriers) - 2:25:35

11. Russell Maddams - 2:40:29

184. Suzanne Smith - 3:22:52 (pb)

TEAM NORTH CUMBRIA - MID LANCS LEAGUE XC

A message from Noel Hakeman...

About Team North Cumbria
'TNC2' is a 'composite team' registered with England Athletics and put together to enter the Mid Lancs XC League to help provide access to the League, and raise standards in Cumbrian distance running. The Mid Lancs XC League hosts annually some of the best quality xc races in the North of England.

The clubs registered in 'TNC2' are: -
Carlisle Aspatria AC
Cumberland Fell Runners,
Derwent AC
Keswick AC
Eden Runners (Seniors and Juniors )
Although Ellenborough AC are not in the composite, the MLL have stated there would be no objection to them being added.


Any member from any of the above clubs can compete for TNC2 teams in the MLL. Second claim members of these clubs can compete, but only as individuals, ie. as TNC 'non/counter'.
There is also a TNC team in the MLL summer 'track & field' league. (A different combination of clubs is involved).

The Mid Lancs XC League
Further details of the Mid Lancs League can be found on their website here: http://midlancs.org.uk/


There are races for all ages. Although there are no u11 events in the League structure, there are races for u11 at all fixtures.

The entry fee for TNC2 members is financed by the Cumbria XC Series, and there is nothing further to pay for members. In order to run for TNC2, you will need to get a number at your first event, and keep this for the season.


Fixtures/dates
Oct 25th Hyndburn - Wilson playing Fields (Clayton-le-Moors)
Nov 15th Barrow (Thorncliffe School)
Nov 29th Liverpool - Sefton Park
Jan 10th Burnley - Townley Park
Feb 14th Blackpool (near Zoo)
March 7th Lancaster (Ryelands Park Torrisholme)


For comprehensive details and directions to all venues see the MLL website


Vests
TNC2 runs in the same colours as the TNC track & field team.
Vests are £16 and can be obtained from Carlisle Aspatria AC. If anyone wants one I will try and get one for you before the event.
I have some Senior vests on order if you want to order one. Mens size 38 and Ladies 34.
(A sky blue T-shirt will also be adequate if you can not obtain a vest in time).
 


Noel Hakeman
01434 321385
noelglendue@gmail.com

FRA Relays vet men Team

Leg1 - J Nicoll
L2  - S Angus & N Ogden
L3 (nav) - C Valentine & D Troman
L4 - D Birch

Mascot A Slattery

Good luck gents.

CUMBRIA XC SERIES 2014

Race details for the 2014 series (courtesy of Noel Hakeman) are as follows:

October 11^th Cockermouth (Just Past School - on Embleton Road)

November 8^th Keswick (Fitz Park)

November 22^nd Date now confirmed. Maryport (Netherhall School)

December 6^th Penrith (Frenchfields - follow signs from road to Alston)

Dec 14^th (Sunday) Carlisle (Sheepmount - behind Castle)*

(*Carlisle fixture will incorporate the 2014 Cumbria Vets Champs)

All meetings start 12 noon (senior race 1310 approx)

Events u11 B&G approx 1500m

u13 B&G 2300m Age groups are as at midnight Aug 31^st 2014

u15 B&G 3000m

u17 M&W 4000m

SM/SL 8000m

Note: Distances may vary - The senior race at Penrith is 6400m

u11 should be 8 on day

u17/Senior and some u15 races are handicaps (a 3 pack system applies)

Entries

Entry on day only - £3 per race or £10 for all five.  An unnatached levy (for those not belonging to an England Athletics affiliated club) is applicable (£2 per series).

Club Membership not necessary, suitable for beginners and all abilities.

Prizes determined on best of 3 races.

Medal to all Juniors who complete 3 races.

Medals presentation at Cumbria County XC Championships at Penrith on Jan 3rd.

Entry form here.

Further details phone Noel Hakeman 01434 321385, or email noelglendue@gmail.com

Autumn/winter 2014-2015 fixtures

A few dates for your diaries...

Mid Lancs League XC:
Oct 25 - Hyndburn
Nov 15 - Barrow-in-Furness
Nov 29 - Liverpool
Jan 10 - Burnley
Feb 14 - Blackpool
Mar 7 - Lancaster
(link here: http://www.midlancs.org.uk/) 

Cumbria League XC:
October 11 - Cockermouth, fields just past School
Nov 8 - Keswick, Fitz Park
Nov 22 - Maryport, Netherhall School
Dec 6 - Penrith, Frenchfields School
Dec 14 (SUNDAY) - Carlisle, Sheepmount (incorporating Cumbria Vets Champs)

Regional and National Championships: 

Cumbria County XC Champs - TBC but likely to be Jan 3rd at Penrith
Northern XC Championships - 24th January 2015, Pontefract
National XC Championships - 21st February 2015, Parliament Hill Fields, London
Inter-Counties XC Champs - 7th March 2015 (selection for Cumbria teams usually based on performance at County Champs or current form).

 

Relays:
Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay - Sun 5th October
British Fell & Hill Relay - Sun 19th October 
Northern 12 & 6 Stage Road Relays - 28th March 2015, venue TBC

Local and Club Championship races:
Buttermere Shepherds' Meet - 25th October. Final Club Fell Championship 2014 race. Details: here
Derwentwater 10 - 2nd November. Entries now being taken. Race flyer: here
Brampton-Carlisle 10 - 16th Nov. Final Club Road Championship 2014 race. Entry form: here
Kirkbymoor fell race - 29th November. Details: here

Ian Hodgson Relay - Vets Team

The provisional vets team is;

Leg 1 - Donald Ferguson & Mark McGlincy
Leg 2 - Steve Angus & Nick Ogden
Leg 3 - Dave Birch & Dave Prosser
Leg 4 - Dave Loan & Andrew Slattery

Reserve - Dave Troman
Mascot - Craig Smith

I've tried to include those who volunteered early and those who didn't get a run last year but if anybody on the team is struggling to make it please let me know ASAP as (unusually) there are more volunteers than team places available.

Thanks

Andy Slattery

Ian Hodgson Relay

With the fell relay season fast approaching, and that some of the teams are planning to recce their respective legs, I've attached a link to the Horwich RMI site, who have kindly generated a set of maps that can be downloaded and printed. As far as I'm aware nothing has changed...

Press if you fancy John Nicoll.

Running order for the Open (so far) is:

Leg 1 - Steady Sam and John Nicholl

Leg 2 - Fatty Winskill and Mark Lamborghini

Leg 3 - Jonny Handsome Hulme and Leeroy Newton

Leg 4 - Pistolero Pete Berty Beef Contador (The Boy) George and '2 legs' Edis

Phil.

Hawkshead 10k Race Report

Wednesday night saw the third race in the club road championships, and a hatful of great performances by club members.

The Hawkshead 10k, starting and finishing in the picturesque village of Hawkshead and consisting of a loop of Esthwaite Water, saw runners tackle the high heat and humidity as well as some nasty hills around the course.

None of this perturbed Steve Hebblethwaite, in superb form after setting a 5000m PB last week who led from start to finish, cruising to victory in a time of 34.24. Sam Stead and John Beetham soon followed to secure the men's team prize, and Julie Carter took the LV50 prize to top off a successful night for the club.

Men

1. Steve Hebblethwaite - Keswick 34.24
2. Sam Stead - Keswick 36.20
3. Karl Lee - Wesham 36.31

Ladies

1. Melanie Hyder - Helm Hill 38.26
2. Heidi Dent - Howgill 39.11
3. Catherine Farrow - Ilkley 40.22

Keswick

9. John Beetham 38.22
16. Adam Campion 39.11
30. Simon Jackson 42.38
33. Julie Carter 43.12 (1st FV50)
35. Keith Hill 43.23
86. Duncan Overton 48.29
87. Annabel Holmes 48.29
88. David Rice 48.35
115. Kim Clark 51.11
123. Steve Harwood 52.11
146. Rachael Collins 55.46

The next club road champs race is the Lambfoot Loop, 1st July in Cockermouth (www.derwentac.com)

Race The Train

Is anyone interested in doing "Race the Train" on Saturday 16th August. There are two main races of 10km and 15 miles. Both multi terrain and should suite fell runners. Its in Tywyn (mid Wales coast) The main race attracts around a 1000 runners and there is a big doo (hog roast usually) and prize giving on the Saturday evening. We (me and friends from all over the country) always make a camping weekend of it travelling down on The Friday evening. For more information go to www.racethetrain.com If you are interested in going email me at george.peter@sky.com

Keswick Midsummer Festival Races - Thursday 26th June 2014

Keswick AC is organising 2 Fun Races from the Fitz Park Pavilion as part of the Festival. 

All abilities welcome, run at your own pace. The races are free to enter! Refreshments will be available.

Junior Fun Race Around the Park: About 1.3 km, starting & finishing at the pavilion, mostly following the tarmac path around the park. Register from 5pm, START TIME 5:45pm. Organised by the Keswick AC Junior section.

5K Fun Race: An out-&-back route - see map. Start & finish at the pavilion. Flat route. Round the park path, out onto Station Road round to the railway line & back. Register from 5:30pm START TIME 6:30pm. Minimum age limit of 11years on the day.

Hardmoors 110 race report

A few thoughts on how the race panned out for me - tea and biscuits time ;-)

Link to Dave's blog

Failed attempt to complete the Hardmoors 110

I tried and failed at my first attempt to run more than 100 miles. The Hardmoors 110 is a 113 mile trail/easy fell race around the North York Moors. It mainly follows the route of the Cleveland Way, starting in Helmsley, crossing the hills and moors, and then follows the coast from Saltburn down to Whitby and Scarborough before ending in Filey. The race began at 8am on Saturday morning, with runners required to reach Filey before dark on Sunday night.

My first half of the race went well. A dry morning was followed by a wet and windy afternoon on the hills but it cleared up by early evening. At 58 miles at Saltburn, I felt strong and confident that I would finish, having worked my way up the field to lie in 5^th place. However, I dropped out at Runswick Bay, 12 miles down the coast, after my ME symptoms began to kick in. Ultras are full of ups and down. At one moment you feel like you cannot possibly go on because of lack of energy, stomach aches, leg pain etc. Then a couple of miles later you bounce back and are raring to go. For those used to running marathons, it is like hitting a series of walls but with peaks in energy in between.

In this case, however, there was nothing I could do. To keep a very long story short: I had first been ill with probable Lyme Disease seven years ago. This affected my heart, lungs, brain, spinal cord, hearing and vision, leaving me housebound. Once the Lyme Disease faded away, it left me with ME, which in my case shared many of the same symptoms as the Lyme Disease. Rehab was long, slow and painstaking. From being housebound, I began a programme of graded exercise, gradually being able to walk to the end of my drive several times a day and then increasing the distance only very gradually, months later reaching a mile. A year later I was up to 10 miles. I continued to increase the distance very slowly, as any significant jump in distance triggered illness. I’d always wanted to do ultra marathons and decided to build up to one.

The long training runs of most ultra runners are just 30-35 miles, albeit off-road and on hills, but I made sure that I could complete the distance in training before attempting any race. This is good for mental strength but is not considered the best training strategy for speed! I completed my first 55-65 mile races last year and also managed 65 miles in training. All the advice that I gleaned from books, websites and more experienced ultra runners was that I would be unable to complete a 100 mile race after running the same distance in training. I convinced myself that having run so far in training that I’d be ok in the Hardmoors 110 and the ME was the least of my worries in preparing for the race. I did my last 50 mile training run 9 weeks before the race and concentrated on speed. However, at about 68-69 miles I began badly shivering and overheating, became dizzy and my eyesight began to fail. I knew the signs and sadly retired from the race. I went for my first run just two days after the race and felt fine. This fast recovery suggests that I’ve got a good level of ultra fitness that was not tapped in the race, which is both welcome and frustrating as I ended the race with too much in the tank.

I’ll now have to go back to Plan A and resume my fortnightly long runs, hopefully pushing beyond 70 and then 80 miles over the course of the summer, depending on the amount of climb involved. I really enjoy them in any case. The 95 mile West Highland Way race could be a good option for next year before I make another attempt on a 100 miler. While off-road, it’s got less total ascent than either the Hardmoors or the Lakeland 100.

For those considering doing a long ultra, it’s worth pointing out that the atmosphere at the race was great. Runners helped each other out with food, drink and navigation and there was a big round of applause at each checkpoint. Dave Troman of KAC came a magnificent 2nd in the race (please get in touch Dave. I’d love to have a chat). There was also a 160 mile option over the weekend, with runners starting the evening before we did. I saw two of them half carrying a third up a hillside. The funny thing was that my wife Caz, who ran to support me on a 12 mile leg in the dark, was so impressed by all the suffering that she plans to do one next year. We're a funny species!

Neil Ford.

Autumn road relays 2014

The dates for the autumn road relays are now available and are as follows:

Sat 13th Sept - North West Road Relays (Men's 4 & Women's 3 Stage) - Stockport
Sat 20th Sept - Northern Men's 6 & Women's 4 Stage Relays - Birchwood
Sat 4th Oct - ERRA National Men's 6 & Women's 4 Stage Stage Relays - Sutton Park, Birmingham

The fell relays this year are as follows:

Sun 5th Oct - Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay
Sun 19th Oct - British Fell & Hill Relay Championships

If you require any further information please contact Men's Captain - Steve Hebblethwaite.

Keswick AC at the Northern 6 Stage in 2012

 

Pics from Latrigg Race 2014

Mostly Keswick AC runners - even some of the ones not wearing Team Kit!

Gosforth Ten Mile Road Race

Wednesday 11th June 2014



Start 7:00 pm from Wellington (adjacent to the old Walkmill Garden Centre)

Finish at Gosforth Playing Field

Late entries at the Playing Field Pavilion from 5.00pm

Fun Run starts at 7.15pm at the playing field


(Fun Run entry form at www.blengdalerunners.co.uk or enter on the night at the playing field)

A 10 mile road race on a scenic, undulating course. Race open to all aged 17 and over, no matter how fast or slow. England Athletics Permit applied for.

Course well marshalled with markers at every mile. Regular water stations.

Memento’s to all finishers & Prizes in all categories

Entry Fee :-

£7.00 for members of UK Athletics affiliated clubs or £9.00 for unattached Runners


Entry on the day or visit:

www.runnersworld.co.uk

Pure Outdoors Events 2014

Whinlatter 5 - 28th June 6.30pm

Whinlatter 5 is a 5 mile trail event open to runners and nordic walkers set within the beautiful Whinlatter Forest, near Keswick, Cumbria. The route starts and finishes at the Visitor Centre, climbing to the summit of Seat How giving fantastic views across Bassenthwaite and Keswick beyond. Whinlatter 5 has teamed up with Go Ape who are offering all competitors a 15% discount on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th, so you could swing through the trees with the family in the afternoon and then run/walk through them in the early evening! All event information can be found at www.pureoutdoorsevents.co.uk

 

The inov-8 Grand Tour of Skiddaw - 23rd/24th August 8.00am

The inov-8 Grand Tour of Skiddaw is a 44 mile unmarked trail run with a climb up the mighty Skiddaw at the halfway point, giving 7136 feet of ascent. The event starts and finishes at the impressive Lime House School, Dalston, Cumbria with camping available all weekend. The competitors are provided with detailed route notes, map and gpx file of the route. The event is open to solo runners and teams of 2. All event information can be found at www.pureoutdoorsevents.co.uk

 

The Cumbria Way Ultra - 13th/14th September 6.00am

The Cumbria Way Ultra is a 73 unmarked trail run which follows the iconic Cumbria Way trail from Ulverston to Carlisle, passing through Coniston, Langdales, Keswick and Caldbeck. It is a relatively low level route showcasing the stunning and varied views of the Lake District. The event is open to solo runners and relay teams of 2 (relay legs - 43 and 30 miles), and relay teams of 5 (relay legs - 15, 13, 15, 15 and 15 miles). All event information can be found at www.pureoutdoorsevents.co.uk

 

The Hope Skeleton Run - 31st October 7.30pm

The original Skeleton Run, now in it's 6th successful year is a 5 mile night trail run open to runners and nordic walkers set in The Beacon Hill Country Park, Leicestershire. The Skeleton Run is a great introduction to running at night, and being Halloween, fancy dress isn't compulsory but definitely encouraged! Break out the fake blood and cobwebs... All event information can be found at www.theskeletonrun.co.uk

 

The Hope Northern Skeleton Run - 1st November 6.30pm

Now in it's 2nd year The Northern Skeleton Run is set in the spooky Whinlatter Forest, near Keswick, Cumbria. The event is open to runners and nordic walkers - can you beat The Grim Sweeper? All event information can be found at www.theskeletonrun.co.uk

 

The Winter Beast - 16th November 11.00am

Fancy a dirty weekend? The Beast is a 'double or quit' 5 or 10 mile adventure race set on an equine x country course in Leicestershire. Can you tame the 40 ish (who's counting?) obstacles usually tackled by animals with 4 legs, water, hills, water, mud, camouflage netting, and did I mention water? All event information can be found at www.thebeastrun.co.uk

WCOC

WCOC are putting on a new classic long orienteering race - similar friendly, informal format as the Copeland Chase which is popular with many fell runners - Sunday 29th June - fells around Whinlatter - 16km, 12km and 8km courses with plenty of climb - for details follow this link: http://www.wcoc.co.uk/pages/Allerdale_Chase_v3.pdf

The Fellsman - 61 miles, 10,500ft

The last few weeks have been spent preparing for this monster race which starts at Ingleton before zig-zagging its way across the high Yorkshire summits to Threshfield across some beautiful but very remote country.

A field of 500 or so entrants lined up on a very wet and windy morning last Saturday equipped with a very strict list of mandatory kit and started the first climb to Ingleborough getting soaked. Visibility was poor and conditions were slippery down the steep descent and slabs towards the Hill Inn and the first feed station. The climb up Whernside and back down to Kingsdale were equally grim but as we approached the second feed station the sun came out and the layers came off. A surprise kit check meant unpacking carefully crammed in stuff and in the rush to get going again I obviously didn't secure my water bottle properly.

I've been experimenting with folding Z-poles ahead of the TDS and started to use them on the steep pull up to Gragareth. For the minor weight penalty they're certainly great for taking to strain off your legs. A long run along the ridge to Great Coum became a thirsty one when I went for a drink and it wasn't there. The steep boggy descent towards Dent was hard work and I was starting to feel horrible as I ran into the village. A quick stop to equip myself with a sausage roll, a cup of coffee and a 7-up bottle out of a bin before a long climb towards Blea Moor.

Taking a direct line across the scary, bouncy bogs took me up to the checkpoint above the railway vents and I started to catch those in front. The descent back into Dentdale felt a bit demoralising but a bowl of pasta at Stonehouses fired me up and I climbed strongly to Great Knoutberry Hill. From the summit you get a long descent to see who is following you and I'd built up a reasonable gap in 27th place.

Another feed stop at Redshaw came and went before a bog trot round Snaizeholme and Dodd Fell where you turn for home with 20 miles to go. I took a bad line off the summit and climbed up and down peat hags and bags before emerging at Fleet Moss and another feed station for rice pudding, fruit. By this time I was feeling really sick and suffering stomach cramps but had to keep going to avoid "grouping" for as long as possible.

The organisers have a cut-off time of 7:30pm at the roadside checkpoints after which competitors are grouped into 4s until the last roadside checkpoint or dawn. The longer you can put that off the longer you can go at your own pace.

After skirting the notorious Fleet Moss and overtaking a few more runners I arrived at the Middle Tongue checkpoint to find no marshals and no checkpoint. Some frantic running around the bogs ensued with a few others who'd arrived until the marshals were spotted about a mile away still making their way there. This was the only slight glitch in an otherwise magnificent organisation.

From Fleet Moss I descended to Cray where another competitor was looking for an empty pop bottle so its not just me!

The next section across Buckden Pike was completely new to me so needed a bit of navigation as there was nobody in front or behind me but I kept myself right until I arrived at Park Rash checkpoint  at 20:25hrs where three lads were chomping at the bit having been waiting for the first group to form up. A quick coffee and lump of cake forced down before the stiff climb up Great Whernside just as the sun was setting and the clag descending.

My new friends were Stuart Mills, Duncan Steen and Jon Hedger, all quality ultra runners so I felt under pressure to keep up but at least I didn't need to navigate. As it grew dark I stopped to put on my head torch with about an hour to go and obviously dropped a pole (and they're not cheap!). I had a quick look around but couldn't see it so reluctantly set off so as not to slow the group down. I mentioned it to the marshals at the nearby checkpoint who found it the following morning - phew!

The last couple of miles to the road were marked with flashing beacons which was quite cheery to start with but every time you thought it was the last one it wasn't. At the tarmac the group was officially disbanded and we set off down the road to Grassington at our various speeds passing the 60 mile mark with the locals out clapping us home.

I crossed the line at 13hrs and 55 mins and although I haven't seen the results I'm fairly sure I was 22nd overall. I was exhausted and quite sick for a while but today I'm pretty pleased with how that went.

This is a great event in a beautiful part of the world with mind-boggling organisation so I'd encourage anybody to do it - at least once anyway.

Hoka Rapa Nui shoes for sale

I have a (basically) new pair of Hoka Rapa Nui 2 shoes for sale.

Click here for technical information

I have worn them twice (10 miles and 22 miles) and they are therefore basically in new condition. These are my 4th pair of Hoka's but for some reason they do not quite sit right on my tendon where I had my operation a few years ago and I do not want to take any risks, so I am selling them so I can fund a different pair.

They are a UK 10.5, which generally translates to a normal UK 10.

Only been available in this country for a month. RRP is £120 (I think), if you can find your size, you can get them for around £105 - £110, I'll take £80 !

Spring marathon roundup

Quite a few Keswick AC runners have been in action in recent weeks at a number of spring marathons. Well done to all the following on some great debut, pb, and good for age qualifying times, etc.

Blackpool Marathon, Sunday 6th April 2014

Rob Wynne - 3:14:56
Dave Burton - 3:17:50

Greater Manchester Marathon, Sunday 6th April 2014

Simon Thompson - 3:06:53 (pb)
Adam Campion - 3:13:25 (debut)
Simon Jackson - 3:26:01 (debut)
Rachel Mellor - 3:29:09

London Marathon, Sunday 13th April 2014

Steve Hebblethwaite - 2:49:23 (debut)
Juliet Grieves - 4:05:26 (debut)
Jill Blayney - 5:09:30 (debut)

Hardmoors 55 race report

Finally got round to writing my race report from the Hardmoors 55 ultra a couple of weeks ago.

http://fromrecoverytobeyond.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/hardmoors-55-race-report.html

Northern 12 & 6 Stage Road Relay Championships 2014 report

While always a force in the regional and national fell relays, and often providing runners for the county cross country teams, Keswick AC have been absent from the men’s 12 & women’s 6 stage road relays for many years. This changed on Saturday however, as the club travelled to Heaton Park in Manchester having assembled no less than two women’s 6 stage teams and a strong men’s 12 stage road team.

The park, which is comprised of the grounds of the grade I listed 18^th-century country house Heaton Hall, is the biggest park in Greater Manchester and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, and it’s network of well surfaced, undulating paths provided a great venue for the relays.

The Northern 12 & 6 Stage Road Relays take place annually alongside parallel events in the midlands and southern regions, and see the best running and athletic clubs from across the country take to the road to contest a 12-leg relay for the men, alternating between a long leg –this year around 5.5 miles- and short leg -this year 3 miles, and for the women, six consecutive short legs of 3 miles.

Sam Ayers led the way for the women’s ‘A’ team on the first leg, while Helen Winskill headed the ‘B’ team, clocking 19:51 and 20:57 respectively and returning in 29^th and 39^th positions (out of 56 clubs) after the undulating 3 mile loop. Both teams then progressed, gaining places on almost every leg, the ‘B’ team improving through Hayley Hodgson (22:19), Siobhan Brewer (22:54), Rachel Mellor (21:31), Caz Lyall (21:11) and Deb Edginton (21:22) to finish in 26^th place. Following Sam in the ‘A’ team were Jenn Mattinson  (19:56), Jo Gillyon (21:06), Cat Evans (20:09), and Katy Moore (20:03) but making her debut for the club in team competition, it was Hannah Horsburgh who ran the fastest leg of the day for Keswick AC, clocking a swift 18:15 to bring the team back in a superb 12^th place overall. This time saw Hannah ranked 29^th fastest leg of the day (out of 314) in a list that included Olympic 1500m finalist Laura Weightman, and world indoor 3000m finalist Lauren Howarth amongst others, to cap off a great day for the Keswick AC women.

The Keswick AC men have taken teams to the annual men’s 6-Stage relay for the last two years, but it was a step up, to field a competitive 12 stage team. As with the women’s relay, the men’s field was equally stacked with the best domestic talent including current and former national cross country champions and World and Olympic finalists, a real chance for the Keswick AC men’s runners to test themselves in a high quality field. Phil Winskill, tasked with the duty of getting a good start for the team, took on the first leg, and clocked the fastest long leg of the day for the club, running 30 minutes and 30 seconds for the 5.5 mile leg to bring the team back in 26th. He was then followed by Sam Stead, who with Josh Hebson (posting exactly the same time!) clocked the fastest short leg of the day of 17:12, then Marc Brown (33:22), Chris Brewer (17:45), Peter George (33:41), Stu Edgington (19:50), Ian Davies (33:15), Rob Wynne (18:17), Chris Edis (34:20), and on the 10^th leg, Lee Newton (18:31). Going into the 11^th leg Keswick trailed local rivals Kendal AC, and Barrow-in-Furness Striders & AC by around a minute, and 30 seconds respectively, but like the Keswick women, the men had saved two of their best runners until last -a sound tactic as Steve Hebblethwaite (30:49) overhauled both runners, before Josh Hebson (17:12) extended the advantage on the final leg, to bring the team back in 28^th (out of 73 top clubs) delighted to have picked up the scalps of these two teams, and finish second only to Border Harriers out of the four Cumbrian clubs that had raced on the day. 

These team days are what it is all about -as a number of the runners remarked, it is a real pleasure to spend a day running alongside club mates striving for a common goal, in a sport so often a solitary pursuit.