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.