(TLDR. The Headlines: On Tuesday, we have a club run through Valley Gardens and to Harlow Carr, and on Wednesday we have the fourth instalment in the HDSRL Evening League with a trip to Sicklinghall. On Thursday, we have our annual club run up Almscliffe Crag, and on Sunday there is the Run Nidderdale races in Pateley Bridge for those that would enjoy some time out on the trails. Read on for other up and coming events).
Greetings earthlings,
So did anybody else hear our very own Chris Orr on Claudia Winkleman’s show on Radio 2 yesterday talking about the Knaresborough Bed Race? It’s all very exciting as we now have a celebrity in our running club. We’ve been fielding calls from agents and reporters eager to speak to Chris, and she’s already had to turn down invitations to take part on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Bake Off. Everyone is very excited, as I,m sure you can imagine. You can listen to Chris’ interview via this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9xkju5 and, while you do, why not have a read of the results, news and up and coming excitement from Nidd Valley House? Read on.
Results from the Week That Was…
Well, they say that mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun, but what they didn’t tell you was that Nidders run up big hills on hot evenings. Which is exactly what happened on Wednesday night at the Otley 10. Calling it hilly doesn’t even begin to cut it, so it’s extra credit to the Nidds who got out and round the course. Adam Kirk (1:00.46) was tenth overall – quite the achievement in a 283-strong field – with Steve Newbould (1:05.31) putting in a strong effort. Oh Captain, my Captain! Dazzler (1:07.51) was the third Nidd to finish, soon to be joined by Luke Scorer (1:12.35), the ever-speedy Kevin Dalton (1:17.07), and first Nidd lady Laura Francis (1:18.16). Laura finished just a touch ahead of Nigel Scaife (1:20.23), Fiona Deacon (1:23.23), Andrew Gilbertson (1:25.27), Chris Morris (1:26.26) and Sarah Staiano (1:26.28). Mr Bedrace himself, Jeremy Scott finished in 1:26.55, just ahead of Rachel Mills (1:29.35), Katharine Dolman (1:32.00) and Philly Thompson (1:34.06). Bev Aspin (1:37.45) and Steve Newton (1:39.00) were the next to finish, with Rachael Prince (1:41.42), Chatty McChatface (1:41.54) – who incidentally claimed FV60 first place prize, so we can only assume she didn’t find anyone to chat to – and Rachel Capstick (1:42.34). Angela Pattinson (1:46.42) soon finished, and then it fell to the ever-marvellous Sarah Bracher (2:03.21), the lesser-spotted Michelle Smith (2:04.33) to lead Andy Bleasdale (2:06.38) to the line. The fullest of congratulations to you all.
And so to Beamsley Beacon fell race which, although not in the championships, still attracted nine intrepid Nidds to another beautiful summer’s evening in Wharfedale. I know, what better way to spend a summer’s evening than lugging yourself up a big hill and then back down through a patch of stinging nettles? Billy Fox (42.53) was the first Nidd to finish, what with his youthful exuberance and all of that, while the old hands Martin Lofrhouse (44.20), Fingers Harris (44.49), Brian Hainsworth (45.03), and Matt Rickard (49.13). Fell Running Phil (1:00.04) had Russell Geraghty snapping at his heels (1:00.24) – metaphorically, obviously. You hardly need me to tell you that Russell isn’t a crocodile – while Roger Duckworth (1:08.49) and Sarah Chalmers (1:18.59) concluded proceedings for the team, before they all trooped off to the pub. I know, some people…
On Friday night, Andrew Davis was all on his lonesome when he went to have a spin at the York 5k race series. Is there anything sadder in the world than a solitary Nidder? It breaks my heart, it really does. Still, I shall wipe away my tears at such a tragedy, and celebrate the fact that Andrew finished in a remarkable 19.55. He really is incredible, is our Andrew, and we look forward to seeing what other marvels he has in store for us.
Now, can I please have your attention as I have an important announcement to make. Yes, indeed, our very own Kevin Clark – you know the one, dresses cheerfully for a race – completed the Hadrian’s Wall 70 mile ultra marathon in an incredible 14:16.19. A great effort, Kev. I tell you something, though, when Emperor Hadrian commissioned the Roman Legions of II Augusta and VI Victrix and XX Valeria Victrix, I don’t think for a second he envisaged someone with psychedelic socks would be running along it 1901 years later, but we are where we are.
Earlier today, we had four Nidds out at the Crackpots 11k Run at Kirkby Malzeard. And yes, you might well wonder why anyone would come up with a race 11 kilometres in length, but is is what it is. And our four crackpots were none other than Chatty McChatface (1:12.27), the spotted-even-less-than-Michelle-Smith Janet Carling (1:17.11), Sarah Gore (1:20.02) and Michelle Smith (1:28.57). A very well done to you all.
Luke Scorer (38.37) drew first blood for the team at the Leeds 10k this morning, while junior Josh Bryer (39.49) was on sparkling form as he snuck under the 40 minute barrier. Marcus Shaw got himself round in a brilliant 40.58, Theresa Oldroyd finished in 43:51, while James Coulthard finished in 51.15. Let’s also hear a big cheer for father and daughter team John and Jess Beaumont (55.41) as Jess completed her first competitive 10k. Congratulations, everyone!
Good luck and well done to everyone who is out running the Cleveland Relays, and we hope you’ve had a great day out on the hills. It’s a great event, and a big thanks to Phil Ventress for being the organisational driving force behind our team’s entry. The results aren’t out yet, but we’ll get them to you for next week.
I tell you something, there’s nothing that makes me happier than seeing all of you parkrunners with your smiling parkrun races. Really makes my day. And I hope that it too makes your day when I tell you that Kevin Dalton was at the Yorkshire Water Park Parkrun near Scarborough, that Colleen Grunewald was at Queen’s Park in Glasgow, and that Emma David and Laura Francis were on Otley Chevin. You will certainly consider your day even more made when you find out that Ian Doughty was in Manchester’s Fletcher Moss Park, that Andy Todd was down on Guernsey, and that Steve Newton was doing his athletic ablutions on the Emerald Isle at Limavady in Londonderry. Lovebirds Phil Ventress and Brian Hainsworth were at Dalby Park, John Mallett was at Wetherby, Matt Rickard was in Penrith, and James Braddon was in Sheringham (no, I’d not heard of it was l either, but a quick google tells me that it’s a Norfolk seaside town with a population of 7,367 and a Latin motto of ‘Mare ditat pinusque decorat’ which means ‘The sea enriches and the pine adorns’, so there you are. Don’t say you never learn anything here). Lisa Gibson was with Adam Kirk as he took first place at Bramley, Martin Luxton was at Sedgefield, and yours truly enjoyed a pre-wedding parkrun at Barnstaple. As you’ve come to expect, there were the usual bigger showings at Conyngham Hall, Fountains Abbey and at Harrogate, and the full results are available for your leisurely perusal: https://tinyurl.com/47nsmxd6.
Oh, long before you and I were born / others beat these benches with their empty cups / to the night and its stars / to be here and now, and who we are: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Fixtures for the Week Ahead
On Tuesday, our run takes in the delights of Valley Gardens. Get a wriggle on and get yourself down to the Hockey Club for 7pm. We’ll run through the alleyway by Christchurch and down into town. Running up through Valley Gardens, you can either take a left at the top of the hill and run back to the club along Harlow Moor Road and Otley Road, or you can push up through the pine woods to Harlow Carr. Once there, you can go back to the club via Otley Road or through Birk Crag. The choice, as it always is, is yours.
On Wednesday, we have the fourth of the Evening League races. This one is the turn of Wetherby Runners to welcome us to the country lanes and hills of Sicklinghall, starting at 7.30pm. It’s going to be a great night, and could only be improved if you get your Nidd Valley vest on and get yourself to the start line. Get involved and be informed: https://tinyurl.com/3wrd3szh.
On Thursday, we have our annual club run up Almsciffe Crag. This was an institution started by the legend of Nidd Valley that is Alan Harby, and it’s always a great night out. Let’s aim to meet at Weeton Station and run from there at 7pm. Most Nidds get the train and then run back to Harrogate from the crag, with people peeling off wherever they need to / wherever they left the car. To arrive at Weeton for 7pm, we suggest getting the train which leaves Knaresborough at 18.38, Starbeck at 18.41, Harrogate at 18.47, Hornbeam Park at 18.50 and Pannal at 18.55. In the run back, we’ll have groups of all paces and no one will be left behind. As you’ve come to expect by now, when we get back to the club house we will regroup for a couple of pints and a chat. Come join us, why don’t you?
On Sunday, the new kids on the block, Nidderdale Fell & Trail (and there’s only one Nidd Valley, if you ask me), have a race organised in Pateley Bridge. Although not in our championships, it would be great if you could support their inaugural trail run. With 2k, 3k and 10k options, there really is something for everyone. You can read up on all the relevant details here: https://tinyurl.com/jz64d5t7.
Further Ahead & Booking Now Open
One of the most important fixtures in our racing calendar is on Sunday 02 Jul 2023, when we go into battle for the Mob Match trophy against Knaresborough Striders (well, he says important, but your Chairman is away that weekend…). This year, we meet for battle at the Harrogate 10k. If you can, please sign up and get involved. Every Nidd we can field makes a difference and will help us bring the trophy back to Nidd Valley House, which is where it belongs. It went to Crag Rat Manor once, and it really didn’t have a nice time at all. Nidd Valley House is where it needs to stay, and we need you to play your part: https://tinyurl.com/5n9yyz7v.
We have the Ilkley Half Marathon in the road championships on Sunday 16 July 2023. This isn’t a cheap day out, with entry coming in at £34, but the race got great feedback last year so it’s very possibly well worth your money. If you want to be there, then you’ll need to be here: https://tinyurl.com/57fwmx88.
I see that Rob Northfield has been giving this a push on Facebook, and I’m happy to pile on in for a good cause. On Saturday 22 July 2023, there’s a 5k race as part of the Hampsthwaite Feast Celebrations. We had a few Nidders do it last year, and there are a few already signed up. It’s a great local race, and you certainly won’t regret signing up. More details here: https://tinyurl.com/ah55k84.
Word to the Wise
This week’s wise words come from Luke Scorer and Theresa Oldroyd, who share their thoughts on this race photo from the Leeds 10k this morning.
Luke: “I need to learn how to smile.”
Theresa: “And stand upright. It’s like Pisa.”
And so from Theresa and Luke, from me, and from everyone else here at Nidd Valley House, have a great week.
See you in the week.
Chairman Sam x