(TLDR. The Headlines: On Tuesday we have a club run up the greenway to Killinghall, and on Thursday our club run takes us through the Pine Woods to Harlow Carr. On Saturday we have the chunder-fest that is the Charlesworth Chase fell race, and Jeremy has a bluebell trail run as a consolation to those who had hoped to run the Ripon 10. Oh yeah, and the Pop-up Parkrun season is now open! Read on for the longest results write up in history, plus some information on the Guy Fawkes 10 and your weekly dose of wisdom).
Hello and welcome to Nidd Valley House. We’ve had a right old busy week this week, what with the Evening League starting, yet more marathon runners, and the daft fell running buggers taking the hills in the Lake District. The folks in the Results Department have agreed to stay on late to get all the results processed and, as we have to pay them double time, we shouldn’t hang about too long. We’re not made of money, you know. So let’s have a look at what you’ve been up to this past week.
Results from the Week That Was…
Let’s start with the Leeds Marathon from yesterday. I’ve just seen the video where the rugby star Kevin Sinfield carried his mate Rob Burrows over the finish line of the marathon (it’s enough to bring a tear to your eye, it really is: https://tinyurl.com/dwxp2r5w). It’s seeing things like that which remind you that running is so much more than being fast or being first. It’s getting out there, having a go, and doing whatever you can in whatever way you can. In that light, let’s have the results from the marathon in reverse, and start our celebrations with Carolyn Jones (6:55.55) as she chased Graham Hyde (6:19.19) round the hilly course. They were never too far behind Susy Rhodes (5:39.39) – and have you just noticed, for these three runners, their second time and is the same as their minute time – while Meslissa Thompson-Peters (5:31.10) gave chase to Sarah Mkandawire (4:27.38). I’ve just seen Jim Cook in the pub, and he’s more than happy with his time of 4:01.13 in the heat, while Kev Nicholas was delighted to slip in under the four hour barrier with a time of 3:58.52. Jon Easton (3:46.53) was just ahead of Sam Frankland (3:47.48) whereas our guys at the top were Theresa Oldroyd (3:21.17), Kev Clarke (3:07.00) and Steve Newbould 2:59.21). Huge congratulations to you all.
So I have just had this email from Vicky Thomas describing her performance at the Leeds Half Marathon yesterday as far less worthy than that of her club mates who (names in lights, above) who ran the full marathon. Well, I call bullsh*t. All results matter, whatever a Nidd does, and we’ll celebrate them all. So let’s please hear three cheers for Vicky Thomas (2:03.24) and also for her follow Nidder, Angela Pattinson (2:22.12).
So to the Fairfield Horseshoe Fell Race, for which 11 Nidds headed to the Lake District over the weekend. Now – and how can one one put this delicately? – we had our arses whopped. This was a race in the English Fell Running Championships which means that all the big girls and boys came out to play. I’m not saying we were out of our depth – good heavens, far from it – but when one Nidder got lost trying to find the race registration point and when another Nidder who, filling in the disclaimer form, under the heading ‘allergies and intolerances’ wrote ‘big hills’, you get the idea. Still, 10.2 miles and 3,100ft beckoned, all of which was held under the glare of an uncharacteristic Lakeland blue sky and bright sun. Fresh from his trip on the Fellsman, Brian Hainsowrth (2:03.43) drew the first blood for the team, threatening our very own Warrior of the Fells, Nigel Scaife (2:10.333) for his title. Amy Shepphard (2:17.02) was the first to finish for the Nidd Valley Ladies, with Andy Iddon (2:20.20) within touching distance. Cath Barber (2:38.39) used her technical skills to leave yours truly (2:42.27) in the dust (or peat bog, more accurately), while Emma Kicks (2:45.43) led Laura Francis (2:51.24) home on her first major league fell race. Our beloved leader FRP clocked in at 2:55.44, while Sarah Chalmers (3:48.47) rounded things off for us with the usual smile and good cheer which we have come to appreciate. Commisations to Jane Evans who took a tumble on the ascent up to Nab Scar and, with a common sense that keeps one safe on the fells, pulled out and returned to base. Not always the easiest decision, but certainly the most sensible (especially as she is the only one who can walk in a straight line today). Well done to you all.
Andy Harris (56.57) was the first to check in at the Jack Bloor Fell Race on Tuesday, while Nick Andralojc (57.29) is lucky to think we’re counting this newest of recruits in the write up (dear reader, he was wearing a Harriers Vest… the shame!). Billy Fox (59.45) was hampered with an ankle injury, while Sam Fugill (1:03.49) got a bit lost on the summit of Ilkley Moor. Apparently. What a tool. Jonathan Kay (1:19.20) popped his fell running cherry – and had a very nice time doing so, I’m pleased to report – while that old faithful of the fells Sarah Chalmers clocked in at 1:44.47.
And so to Rudding Park, where the promise of a Hog Roast and a big new hat was enough to tempt a load of Nidds for a Tuesday night race. Captain Dazzler (43.13), Kev Clark (43.24), Andy Todd (44.59), Martin Lofthouse (46.43) and Steve Newbould (47.04) are our first famous five finishers, and they were soon joined by Kev Dalton (47.28), James Knapp (48.05), Sam Heathcoate (48.50), Brian Hainsworth (48.53), Andy Iddon (49.24), Nigel Scaife (49.45), Loz Hawkswoth (50.14), Nick Crebbin (52.22), Richard Evans (52.42) and Phil Ventress (52.39).
Fiona Deacon made easy work of Rudding’s 10km in 53.38, and we enjoyed celebrating the great times clocked by John Beaumont (54.15),John Mallet (54.28), Cath Barber (55.20), Emma David (57.29), Rachel Mills (57.46), and Chandra Shekar (58.06). Karen Mills finished in 58.38, Kev Nicholas in 58.27, and Paul Manning in 59.07. Helen Gregory (59.40) finished just ahead of Katharine Dolman (59.41), Rebecca Ventress (1:00.01), Mike Deacon (1:01.07) and Jeremy Leggings (1:02.05). Lorna Hodgkiss (1:02.24), Nadene Wilkinson (1:04.55), Jeff Walker (1:04.43), Rachael Prince (1:05.12) were the next to finish, with proceedings rounded off by Emily Wighton (1:06.33), Laura Francis (1:06.33), Moira McTague (1:07.31), Guy Parker (1:07.31) and Angela Pattinson (1:08.23). A very big well done to you all.
At the first of the Evening League races on Thursday, we celebrated as Craig Mills (34.41), Kev Clark (36.10), Captain Dazzler (36.49), Andy Todd (36.55) and Luke Scorer (37.38) got some early points for the team in Knaresborough, before Ian Hesford (38.35) joined James Knapp (38.37), Marcus Shaw (38.51), Alex Crowton (40.55), Martin Lofthouse (41.01), Steve Newbould (41.02) and Andrew Davis (41.07) in the run up the cycle track. Theresa Oldroyd (41.22) was just ahead of Sam Heathcoate (41.26), Matt Rickard (41.42), Steve Turner (41.47), Ian Doughty (42.05) and Jon Easton (42.45). Nick Crebbin clocked in at 42.53, and had a chain of glorious Nidders in his wake: Laura Francis (43.09), Andrew Gilberton (43.23), Andrew Croft (43.52), Brian Hainsworth (45.53), Kirsty Walter (44.17), Nigel Scaife (44.25) and Amy Sheppard (44.26). Yours truly (44.46) joined with Jim Cook (46.30) and Mark David (46.37) to run with Chris Morris (46.45), Christiner Holleran (48.14), Rachel Mills (48.19), Kate Morton (48.31) and Alister King (48.23).
Philly Thompson (48.45) and Sarah Staiano (48.46) were just ahead of Rob Northfield (49.13) and Jess Harby (49.123, while Jeremy Scott (49.20), Helen Gregory (49.26), Ian Wighton (49.47) and Alison Isles (49.54) sneaked in under the 50 minute barrier ahead of Katharine Dolman (50.07), Paul Manning (50.50), Fell Running Phil (51.13) and Jonathan Kay (51.39). Karen Mills soon joined them at the line in 51.52, and we didn’t have to wait long to see Lisa Medd (51.59), Lorna Hodgkiss (52.04), ex-chairman Steve Newton (52.18), Michael Shaw (52.43), Katharine Woodhead (52.52) and Jenny Manning (53.01). Chatty McChatface (53.30) was chewing the ear of those around her, and this week they were Sarah Fabron (53.49), Bev Aspin (53.52), Nicki Brady (54.21), Jane Evans (54.28), and Emily Wighton (55.02). Guy Parker (55.55) and Moira McTague (56.00) look like they ran the course together – and teamwork makes the dream work, right? – and our finishers this week were Jemma Escreet (56.02), Nick Smith (56.25), Michelle Smith (1:02.21), Sarah Bracher (1:04.29), Sylvia Morten (1:06.23) and Mrs Robinson (1:13.42). Congratulations, all.
Now we don’t often hear from Helen Cook, but then she suddenly reappears and floors us with a brilliant result. And she’s done it again, this time taking part in the Harrogate Triathlon. Well, our Helen finished in a cracking 1:45.32. That’s all well and good, Helen, and congratulations and all of that, but we are a running club you know? Not right sure what I think about all of this swimming and pedalling, to be totally honest with you.
Now on Friday, we had the York Even Splits 5k. We only fielded two Nidds at this event, but it’s definitely a case of quality over quantity, as the indefatigable John Mallet (21.54) gave chase to the ever speedy Adam Kirk (16.37). A very well done to you both!
Andrew Davis joined Adam Kirk and Lisa Gibson in running York Parkrun, Karen Mills ran at Heslington, while Philly Thompson found herself in Darlington – don’t worry about it, Philly, it happens to the best of us from time to time. Sue Ball was up running at Druridge Bay in Northumberland, and I hope she enjoyed her time up near this chairman’s ancestral seat. The Mallets ran at Bowling Park in Bradford, and the Deacons ran up in Queen’s Park in Glasgow where they also bumped into the lovely Nicki Carter from Knaresborough Striders. I’ve had to look up where Melksam is – it’s a Wiltshire town and civil parish on the River Avon, if you’re taking notes – as Janet Carling completed her weekly parkrun ablutions there. All the usual faces in all the usual places with Nidds at Conyngham, Fountains and Harrogate, and all the results exactly where you’d expect to find them: https://tinyurl.com/47nsmxd6.
Never mind well done to you lot, I should be getting the congratulations for working my way through a roll call that long. Seriously, well done, though. Any more results? Go on, let me know: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Fixtures for the Week Ahead
On Tuesday, we have ourselves a lovely little club lined up. Meet at the Hockey Club for 7pm, and we’ll head out over the iron bridge, and up towards Bilton Crossing. From there, keep going up to the viaduct, over the river, and down the track to Killinghall. Head back down towards Killinghall, over the bridge at Knox Mill, and back to the club through Bilton. If you want to go less far, then you can turn round before the viaduct, and complete a smaller loop. Whatever you want to run, there will be someone who will want to run at your pace and distance, and nobody will be left behind.
On Thursday, our club run takes us to Harlow Carr. Meet at the Hockey Club and be good to run for 7pm. Head over the Stray and through town to the Valley Gardens. Run up through the gardens and the Pine Woods, crossing Harlow Moor Road and up through the woods to Harlow Carr. Turn right, along the track, follow along through Birk Crag, and then head back to the club along Duchy Road and Coppice Road. You can cut this route shorter by turning left on Harlow Moor Road and coming back along Otley Road and the Stray, if you want something a bit steadier. We’ll regroup for a pint and a chat in the club bar afterwards, and it would be lovely to see you.
For those whose morning run isn’t complete unless they get a beer, we have the Charlesworth Chase in the fell championships on Saturday. This out-and-back 10k run takes you from Appletreewick up to the summit of Simon’s Seat, but the challenge of downing a pint of Yorkshire bitter is all that stands between you and the finish line. It’s harder than it looks, but yet we keep going back year after year. Entry is £8 and can be paid on the day. All the details are here: https://tinyurl.com/3szd64zj.
On Sunday, Jeremy Scott is organising a steady bluebell run as a consolation to those who had hoped to participate in the now-cancelled Ripon 10. His run takes in Ripley, High Rails and Hampsthwaite, and all are welcome. Meet at the carpark in Ripley at 9.30am. You never know, there might even be a cup of tea in it afterwards.
Further Ahead & Booking Now Open
We have the second of the Evening League Races on Tuesday evening, this one organised by Harrogate Harriers. Hopefully, you’ll have got yourself a number for the league by now, but if you don’t then you can still do the right thing at this eleventh hour and get yourself entered: https://tinyurl.com/86sc49rc. All the details about the Harrogate race and other races in the season are available on this link.
Pop-up Parkrun
So the Pop-up Parkrun season is now open. Anytime from now, and over a period of some two and half months over the summer, there will be five 5k-ish self-directed ‘races’ for club members. All of the races will be on local roads and tracks, and accessible to all. Importantly, they all start and finish at coffee shops / pubs. The catch is this – you only find out a few hours before when each run will be. They won’t be in standard working hours and won’t clash with other club events but, apart from that, all bets are off. There will be some prizes for those who take part but the emphasis is certainly on fun rather than on any particular athletic achievement.
You can register your interest on the Facebook event page, and we will advertise the races on that page and on the Nidd Valley group page. If you are a user of WhatsApp, feel free to send me your mobile number and you can also be alerted to the race by a WhatsApp broadcast. Send me your details: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
Guy Fawkes 10, 2023
So the Guy Fawkes 10 race is now open! Exciting, I know. However, please don’t enter this. This is the race that Nidd Valley hosts, and we need all Nidd hands on deck to make the event a success. Plus, this is our sell-out contribution to the running life of the region, and it seems only fair to let those from other clubs have a crack at it. However, please share the entry link for the race on your social media and with anyone who will listen. Spread the word: https://tinyurl.com/fjw3tj7w.
Word to the Wise
This week, Fell Running Phil is back with a helpful observation about fell running.
“That’s the thing about fell running in Nidd Valley, at least we don’t need to hang around for the prize giving…” – Fell Running Phil, telling it like it is after our Lakeland exertions.
And so from FRP, from me, and from everyone else here at Nidd Valley House, have a wonderful week. Let’s do this.
See you soon.
Chairman Sam x