Cumbria AA 2011 County XC Championship in Fitz Park

This year the Cumbria Athletic Association County Cross-Country Championships will again be held in Keswick. The fixture is at Fitz Park on Saturday 3rd December, starting with junior races at 12.00pm, and the senior race at 1.30pm.

Medals will be awarded to the first 3 in each race and first team of three in each age category – subject to sufficient entries.

Age Groups U11 (Min age 9 on day), U13, U15, U17, U20, Seniors. Ages as at 31/08/2011.

There is entry on the day. Pre-entries have now closed but the entry form and full details can be downloaded from the North of England AA website HERE.

Results from last year's County Champs HERE.

Also, athletes should be aware that in order to qualify for selection to represent Cumbria at the UK CAU Inter-Counties XC Championships on 10th March 2012, you must enter the Cumbria AA County Championships.

Helpers are needed if you are not running. Please, contact Steve Harwood: steve@adk.co.uk.

Meanwhile both the Mid Lancs League and Cumbria League continue this weekend at Liverpool's Sefton Park, and Carlile's Sheepmont respectively.


The 2010 Inter Counties XC at Cofton Park, Birmingam © Lee Brown

Cumbria XC League 2011 race #1: Cockermouth -Sat 8th Oct

The first fixture in the 2011-12 Cumbrian cross country calendar took place on Saturday afternoon. Over one hundred athletes from clubs across the county and from under 11 to V65 tackled the testing Cockermouth course, dampened by showery rain -fitting conditions for the opening fixture of the season.


Keswick AC was well represented and indeed, came away with the spoils in a number of categories, including individual and team wins in both the senior men's and women's races.


Well done all who took part. The next race in the Cumbria League is at Penrith a week on Saturday -October 22nd, the Mid-Lancs League getting underway the following week (October 29th) at Burnley.

Senior Men, 8400m

1. Russell Maddams (Keswick AC) -29:16
2. Jamie Luxmoore (Keswick AC) -31:23
3. Josh Hebson (Keswick AC) -31:41

Keswick AC:
5. Ian Davies -32:32
8. Lee Newton -34:08
12. Duncan Overton -35:40 (1st V60)
21. Gary Hadwin -42:29
23. Chris Clark -43:09 (3rd V60)

Senior Women, 8400m

1. Pippa Maddams (Keswick AC) -32:17
2. Trudy Beetham (Keswick AC) -38:09
3. Ruth Hetherington (Eden Runners) -39:30

Keswick AC:
4. Helen Winskill -40:02
8. Kim Clark -43:47 (1st V50)


Pictures courtesy of Phil Winskill © 2011

English National Cross Country Championships -Sat 20th February

Photo: Steve Vernon leads the English National XC Championships 2011 © Adrian Royle

Well done to Charlotte Watson who made her debut for Keswick AC in the Junior Women's race at yesterday's National. Also her first taste of the Nationals, the 19-year old placed a great 47th from a strong field of 111 which was won by 2011 European Cross Country Champion, Charlotte Purdue of the Ashford, Farnham & District club.

Junior Women's results here.

This was followed by a cracking run from Phil Winskill, pulling out a great result in the Senior Men's race off the back of a period of injury-restricted training recently. Phil placed 110th in a field of 1302 competitors. The result goes to show the quality of the field at the National.


Photo: Phil Winskill puts some distance between himself and a chasing pack at the National on Saturday © Mick Hall Photos

Well done to both of the club athletes who put themselves on the line yesterday, they're a great example to the rest of the club and will both gain a lot from the event.

Senior Men's results here.

Matt Barnes has put some great videos of the races up online including this one which shows the start of the 1302-strong senior men's race.

He has also uploaded some good videos of last month's Northern Cross Country Champs at Herrington Park in Sunderland, including this one which shows the two Keswick lads on the day -Steve can be seen tracking Nick Leigh about 2 minutes through the clip and Phil close behind about 2min 35secs in.

Cumbria XC League Race #4: Keswick -Saturday 8th January

The 4th race in the 2010-11 Cumbria XC League took place yesterday over the excellent Fitz Park courses which only four weeks earlier had hosted the Cumbria AA County Championships.

In a close run U13 Boys race Keswick AC's Mark Donovan had a super run, negotiating the 2500m course in 8:46, to take victory from U13 Cumbria County Champion Chris Richards of Helm Hill. Keswick AC were also represented well by Joseph Horne who ran a strong race, clocking 10:02 for 7th.


The senior Women's race was dominated by Keswick AC, occupying five of the top six places, although it was Border's Claire McKeown who took the win in 37:30. Julie Carter (41:03) 2nd, Sam Ayers 42:22 (3rd), and Jo Gillyon 42:36 (4th) easily took the team prize that will be a good confidence boost going into the English Fell Running Championship which begins in a few weeks time.

A decent quality senior men's race saw Border's James Douglas triumph on on the Fitz Park course again, posting an almost identical winning time to his County Champs win last month -yesterday's winning time of 30:38 faster by one second!

Douglas set the tempo from the off with only Chris Steele (Borrowdale FR) and Keswick AC's Phil Winskill going with the early pace. Winskill who started 2011 with a win at the Nine Standards fell race last weekend, tracked the Borrowdale man who placed 4th in last years British Fell Running Championship closely but had to settle for 3rd in 31:37, some 16 seconds down.

Phil was followed by Steve Hebblethwaite (32:15) 4th, and Jamie Luxmoore (35:00) 6th, to win the men's team competition from Border Harriers and Cumberland Fell Runners. Yesterday's race also marked the welcome return of Duncan Overton (40:04) 24th, to competitive running who needless to say wrapped up the V60 competition with ease.

One fixture of the 2010-11 League remains -the cancelled Carlisle meeting which has now been rescheduled, for Sunday 13th February. Thanks to Noel, Ken, Steve, the course marshalls and other volunteers who helped put on yesterday's races.

Photographs of the junior races yesterday can be found at www.athletesinaction.co.uk.

Full results HERE.

Keswick AC results:

Sen Women
2. Julie Carter -41:03
3. Sam Ayers -42:22
4. Jo Gillyon -42:36
5. Hayley Hodgson -44:58
6. Rachel Mellor -48:43

Sen Men
3. Phil Winskill -31:37
4. Steve Hebblethwaite -32:15
6. Jamie Luxmoore -35:00
15. John Nicoll -37:27
19. Craig Smith -38:25
23. Richard Unwin -39:51
24. Duncan Overton -40:04

U13 Boys
1. Mark Donovan -8:46
7. Joseph Horne -10:02

Picture: Mark Donovan © www.athletesinaction.co.uk

THIS WEEKEND: Cumbria AA County XC Championships 2010 -Fitz Park , Keswick

With the weather forecast to improve towards the weekend, the Cumbria Athletic Association County Cross-Country Championships scheduled for this Saturday in Fitz Park are expected to go ahead as planned. The event starts at 12.00 noon with junior races and the Senior races following at 1.30pm.

Medals will be awarded to the first 3 in each race, and first team of three in each age category – subject to sufficient entries.

There is ENTRY ON DAY for those not pre-entered. Entry form/details can be downloaded from the North of England AA website here.

Note that club vests MUST be worn. Also, in order to qualify for selection for the UK CAU Inter-Counties XC Championships on 5th March 2011, you must enter the Cumbria AA County Championships.

If you are not running please contact Steve Harwood (e-mail steve@adk.co.uk) if you're able to help to marshal. Helpers to do teas and coffees from the pavilion are also required.

Cumbria XC League Race #3: Maryport -Saturday 27th November

There was a good turn out from Keswick AC members at Maryport today -well done to those. Overnight snow made for picturesque if a little chilly conditions, with going underfoot reasonably firm and ground not frozen too solid.


Photographs from the race are online here. Full results will be online in due course.


Photographs -Jamie Luxmoore and Hazel Davies at Cumbria League Race #3, Maryport © www.athletesinaction.co.uk

Cumbria AA 2010 XC Championship in Fitz Park

This year the Cumbria Athletic Association County Cross-Country Championships will be held in Keswick. The fixture will be at Fitz Park on Saturday 11th December, starting with junior races at 12.00pm, and the senior race at 1.30pm.

I would encourage as many folk as possible to turn out for a run in the county champs in that it is great fun racing and a good way to build strength to take into the following season.

Medals will be awarded to the first 3 in each race and first team of three in each age category – subject to sufficient entries.

Pre-Entry is encouraged, entries on the day will be accepted at an extra charge of £2. Entry forms can be downloaded from the North of England AA website here.

Note that pre-entries close on 29th November, and that club vests MUST be worn. Also, in order to qualify for selection for the UK CAU Inter-Counties XC Championships on 5th March 2011, you must enter the Cumbria AA County Championships.

Meanwhile the Cumbria League continues with the next fixture at Maryport on Saturday 27th November, with the next Mid Lancs League action tomorrow at Blackburn.

Mid Lancs League Race #1: Barrow -Sat 30th Oct

The first race of the 2010/11 Mid Lancs Cross Country League took place at Barrow in Furness on Saturday. A week of heavy rain prior to the weekend had made for sodden conditions on parts of the course and a true test for all the competitors. There was a good turn out of young athletes in the junior races -104 boys, and 107 girls took part in U11, U13, U15, and U17s races. This was followed by 104 senior ladies, and 200 senior men.


Winner in the senior ladies race was Susan Samme (Lytham St Annes RRC) -ranked 4th fastest V45 in the UK over 1500m this year and 17th over 10K, she made light work of the 6K course, clocking a time of 20:10. Keswick AC ladies were represented by Sam Ayers who ran a competitive race placing 16th, and 4th FV40 in a time of 22:40.

By the beginning of the mens race at 2.30pm the course was well cut up -already having seen half a dozen races, and conditions underfoot were dire making for an enjoyable and challenging 9K of running. Border Harrier James Douglas finished first, in a time of 30:29. Steve Hebblethwaite and Ian Davies were the only two male representatives from the club -Steve was pleased with a solid run in a time of 31:01 for 3rd, while Ian having a tough time of it with an injury to the foot, soldiered round for 57th in 36:30.

Full results online here.

The remaining fixtures in the Mid Lancs League are:

Sat 13 Nov -Blackburn
Sat 27 Nov -Liverpool
Sat 22 Jan -Burnley
Sat 12 Feb -Blackpool
Sat 12 Mar -Skelmersdale

For more detail on the Mid Lancs League visit their website here.

Cumbria XC League Race #2: Penrith -Sat 23rd Oct

A clash of fixtures on the opening weekend of the 2010 Cumbria XC League meant Keswick AC was unable to field full strength teams as they begun their defence of the 2009 League men's and women's titles at Cockermouth last week (16th Nov).


This was far from the case at Penrith on Saturday as the ladies (Sam Ayers, Jo Gillyon, Deb Edgington, Hayley Hodgson and Kim Clark) took maximum points in the Senior Women's race, while not to be outdone, Keswick AC's men recorded a 1-2-3 in the Senior men's race, only to be denied maximum team points by the pack system whereby two Border Harriers runners had set off with 5 minute, and 2 and a half minute advantages over the main pack.


In an exciting U13 Boys race over 3500m, Mark Donovan came out 2nd in a time of 12:11, Joseph Horne running well for 8th in 13:46, while brother Arran took a super 3rd place in the U11 Boys (1800m). Photographs are now online at www.sportsunday.co.uk


Results:
Senior Men (6900m)
1. Phil Winskill -24:00
2. Steve Hebblethwaite -24:02
3. Dave Birch -27:17
4. Jeff Chadwick (Hoad Hill H) -27:40
5. David Sargeant (Eden Runners) -27:48

12. Craig Smith -29:55
20. Richard Unwin -31:04
25. Quentin Merritt -32:34
33. Chris Clark -37:51

Senior Women (6900m)
1. Karen Bridge (Eden Runners) -31:20
2. Charlotte Douglas (Border H) -31:27
3. Sam Ayers (Keswick AC) -32:48
4. Jo Gillyon (Keswick AC) -33:58
5. Jenn Mattinson (Howgill H) -35:10

6. Debbie Edgington -35:33
7. Hayley Hodgson -35:44
10. Kim Clark -37:25

U13 Boys (3500m)
1. Chris Richards (Helm Hill) -11:54
2. Mark Donovan (Keswick AC) -12:11
3. Elliott Matier (Eden Runners) -12:14

8. Joseph Horne (Keswick AC) -13:46

U11 Boys (1800m)
1. Robson McKay (Nithsdale)
2. Tom Humphries (EdenR)
3. Arran Horne (Keswick AC)

All photographs ©sportsunday -www.sportsunday.co.uk

Cumbria XC League, Cockermouth -photos now online

Photographs of the first meeting of the 2010-11 Cumbria XC League at Cockermouth yesterday, are now online at www.sportsunday.co.uk or via the link HERE.

Cumbria XC League 2010, race #1: Cockermouth -Sat 16th Oct

The 2010-11 Cumbria XC League kicked off today over the challenging course at Cockermouth, hosed by Derwent AC. Despite the national 6-stage road relays at Sutton Park today, and FRA's in the Lomonds of Fife tommorrow, the race was contested by a strong field of Cumbrian club runners.

John Nicoll of Keswick AC took up the early pace in the senior race before Ricky Lightfoot of Ellenborough AC, tipped as the pre race favourite, stamped his mark on the fixture with a powerful display at the front. Setting up chase were Phil Winskill (Keswick AC) and Russell Maddams (Kesiwck AC) fresh from a 2:31:53 at the Loch Ness Marathon. An effort from Maddams on the final lap saw him catch and overtake Winskill but he had done too much and Phil was able to ease ahead at the finish for 2nd.

Further back John Nicoll fought well after his earlier exertions at the head of the race which must have taken a lot from his legs and John Beetham completed the strong Keswick team.

2009 Cumbria League runner up Karen Bridge was setting the pace at the front of the wommens race. Last season's champion Pippa Maddams on relay duty this weekend, watched from the sidelines as Debbie Edgington and Amanda Dexter aquitted themselves well in Keswick AC colours over the tough course which varied from firm to very soft in places given the dry start to the month. Thanks go to Derwent AC for their hospitality.


The next fixture in the Cumbria League is next weekend at Penrith -Saturday 23rd October, and the Mid-Lancs league kicks off the following week -Saturday 30th at Barrow.



Photos, top to bottom: Ricky Lightfoot on form at Cockermouth. John Nicoll set the early pace. Russell Maddams carried his form from the roads. Amanda Dexter -Cumbria League debut. Debbie Edgington.

XC season 2010-11

Fixtures for the Cumbria League, Mid-Lancs League, and County Champs are now confirmed. The article 'Cross Country' in the last edition of the Pacemaker, detailed how XC running is a great way to bring on your running over the winter. Below are listed the main fixtures for 2010-11. Time to dig out those spikes!

The Cumbria League caters well for runners of all abilities with a 'group system' whereby two groups of slower runners are set off at 6 and 3 minutes prior to the racing snakes, as well as junior races (Min age 9, Cats: U11, U13, U15, U17, ages as at Sept 1 2011) which start from 12 noon.

The Mid-Lancs League races are contested by stronger fields and will be of real benefit to the faster lads, women and juniors in the club.


Lastly, the dates for the Northern XC Champs, Nationals and Inter-Counties are confirmed -get them in your diaries now.

Cumbria League

Sat 16 Oct -Cockermouth
Sat 23 Oct -Penrith
Sat 27 Nov -Maryport
Sat 4 Dec -Carlisle
Sat 8 Jan -Keswick

Mid-Lancs League (link)

Sat 30 Oct -Barrow
Sat 13 Nov -Blackburn
Sat 27 Nov -Liverpool
Sat 22 Jan -Burnley
Sat 12 Feb -Blackpool
Sat 12 Mar -Skelmersdale

Cumbria County XC Champs
Sat 11 Dec -Keswick*

Northern XC Champs
Sat 29 Jan -Sunderland

National XC Champs
Sat 19 Feb -Alton Towers

Inter-Counties
Sat 5 Mar -Birmingham

*selection of Cumbria team for Inter-Counties

Inter Counties XC -Cofton Park, Birmingham, Sat. 13th March

Two Keswick AC runners represented the county at the UKA Inter Counties XC Championships at Cofton Park in Birmingham last Saturday. Steve Hebblethwaite and Ian Davies made up the nine man Cumbria team that placed 10th out of a total of 30 counties. The Inter Counties is one of the most competitive fixtures in the XC calendar and is considered to have the greatest strength in depth of any such fixture –the race was used as the trial race for the 2010 World XC Championships to be held in Bydgoszcz, Poland later this month.

1. Mo Farah 34:41
2. Andy Vernon 35:25
3. Moumin Geele 35:40

66. James Douglas 38:10
67. Peter Huck 38:12
81. Jon Fletcher 38:39
83. Alasdair Russell 38:40
107. Morgan Donnelly 39:11
134. Jeff Cunningham 39:55
151. Russell Maddams 40.19

189. S. Hebblethwaite 41:05
251. Ian Davies 43:45

REMINDER: Cumbria League XC tomorrow -Fitz Park, Keswick

The postponed final Cumbria League Cross Country event will be held tomorrow -Saturday 20th February at Fitz Park, Keswick.

Junior Races from 12:00. Seniors 13:10. Enter on day. Counter for Club X-C Championship.

Help is needed with organisation, course marking etc. if you are able to spare any time. Please contact: sec@keswick-ac.org.uk

Cumbria League x-country RE-SCHEDULED

The final race of the Cumbria League was postponed due to the weather in January has now been re-arranged for February 20th, according to a memo circulated by Noel Hakeman...

"Hi All

The match from Jan 9th has now been re-arranged for February 20th, 2010.
NOTE ALSO THAT THE VENUE HAS BEEN MOVED FROM CARLISLE TO KESWICK.
The course may differ a little from that used in December.
Arrangements are as usual - first race at 12noon. Medals will be presented after the u15 race and this may delay the start of the Sen race by a few minutes."

Noel Hakeman

...the Keswick AC club Cross-Country Championship has been extended to include this final counter. Remember the x-country champs are based on best 3 results from 6 races -details here.

One of your last chances to get out for a run around in the mud this year. See you all on 20th,
Steve

PS -Anyone not running who is able to help out with course marking, marshalling, etc. should get in touch via training@keswick-ac.org.uk

Cumbria X-Country League race CANCELLED

The final meeting of the Cumbria X-Country League which was to take place this Saturday at Carlisle's Sheepmount Athletics Stadium has been CANCELLED, and will be re-scheduled for a date later in the season.

The following is a message from Noel Hakeman:

"The snow, thaw, rain, snow, thaw, etc. cycle has left the course in a treacherous condition. As there appears to be no let-up in the forecast until after Saturday, it has been decided to postpone the event until later in the season.
Noel Hakeman"

Weekend results round-up: Saturday 12th-Sunday 13th December

GREAT LANGDALE XMAS PUDDING 10K
-Saturday 12th December:
John Waite 38:02
Martin Sluce 40:17
Neil Elsender 42:43
Chris Clark 46:18
Leon Crossfield 1:08:56

Kim Clark 48:00
Rose Gittins 49:19
Nicola Davison 49:40
Nicky Butler 49:44

-Sunday 13th December:
John Dawson 41:31
Peter Bingham 42:28
Jim Downie 45:32

Gill Conroy 44:06
Alison Cutts 50:11

Full results here


X-COUNTRY COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS, BARROW-IN-FURNESS
-Sunday 13th December:

Senior Men -9800m:
1. Tom Farrell (Border Harriers) 32:59
2. Ricky Lightfoot (Ellenborough) 33:21
3. James Douglas (Border Harriers) 33:31
11. Steve Hebblethwaite 35:10
14. Phil Winskill 35:39
23. Ian Davies 38:42
27. Jamie Luxmoore 40:21

Senior Women -6300m:
1. Karen Bridge (Eden Runners) 29:49
2. Rhiannon Silson (Border Harriers) 30:45
3. Katie Savage (Barrow & Furness Striders) 32:15

Full results here

NW Evening News article here


CUMBRIA CHRISTMAS CRACKER CYCLO-SPORTIVE, GRASMERE
-Sunday 13th December:
Toby Cushion -4:38:00
Full results here

Cross-country county championships this Sunday

The county cross-country championships are this Sunday, 1.30pm Hawcoat Park, Barrow-in-Furness, NOT on Saturday as previously advertised elsewhere.

Also junior races from 12pm. Entry on the day. Full details on entry form HERE. The county champs are a fun event, and a goon run around in the mud.

Sharing cars from Keswick for anyone who needs a lift. Leaving at about 10.30-11.am, contact stevenhebblethwaite@hotmail.com or 01900 821501.

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

Cumbria Cross Country League –Race 2, Penrith, Saturday 17th October

Well done to the following for some good runs at race #2 in the Cumbria League, at Frenchfields on Saturday. Particular mention to junior, Mark Donovan on a great run and win in the Under 11 race -well done Mark.

Juniors
Under 11
Mark Donovan 8:06 (1st)

Senior women
Hayley Hodgson 34:54 (3rd)
Kim Clark 35:50 (4th)

Senior Men
Ian Davies 27:33 (9th)
John Beetham 28:21 (11th)
John Waite 28:46 (14th)
John Niccoll 28:56 (16th)
Quentin Merritt 29:33 (22nd)
Gary Hadwin 34:32 (28th)
Chris Clark 35:30 (32nd)

Full results here.