(TLDR. The Headlines: Worth paying attention this week, as there is lots going on and a change from the normal routine. On Tuesday night, we have an away from club run, meeting at the Wellington Pub in Darley at 7pm. On Thursday, we have the Evening League handicap race in Ripon. There will not be organised runs from the club house on those nights. On Saturday, we’ve got the Hampsthwaite Feast 5k Run. Plenty else to read up about, including some up and coming events, a parkrun takeover, and some wise words that are just bursting with pride).
Well, didn’t it rain? We’ve been deluged here at Nidd Valley House. The ornamental gardens are absolutely flooded and we’ve had to tell captains Emma and Dazzler that they can’t go out when the weather is like this. They’re stood at the window with a right scowl on their faces. Still, the leaks aren’t as bad here as they are at Crag Rat Manor. It sounds like the dying hours of the RMS Titanic down there. We’ve offered them all the mops and buckets that we can spare, but I think we’re going to have to ask if they want to come and stay with us for a while. Anyway, let it rain. There’s nothing that will dampen your spirits when read the results from the past week.
Results from the Week That Was…
On Wednesday, Nick Andralojc headed up to the North York Moors to take part in the Cock Howe and Beyond Fell Race. If you’re taking notes, I can tell you that the race was 10k in length, and included a demanding 1,100ft of climb. Quite a lot of effort for a Wednesday night, then. Nick completed the course in a more than respectable 54.57, and got to take home two bottles of ale as a prize for coming second MV60 (I know, he so does not look that old. He’s like the Peter Pann of athletics…). Well done, Nick!
I wonder what breakfast time at Fell Running Phil’s house must have been like on Saturday morning. Can you imagine how awkward it must have been when he realised what Mrs Robinson had been doing on Friday night? Had she been out until the early hours, drinking and dancing with her friends? No – much more scandalous than that! Mrs Robinson had taken part in a race on a tarmac course without even the merest smear of mud, the tiniest of inclines and not a tussock in sight, and so brought great shame on the honourable and distinguished family name of Robinson. We’re far less partisan here at Nidd Valley House, and will gladly celebrate Fiona’s performance at the York 5k race series. Fiona got herself round the five lap course in a remarkable 39.47, so the biggest of all possible congratulations are reserved for her.
Although mixing up the magic of running with those muggle practices of cycling and swimming, we’ve got to take the time to celebrate the achievements of Kev Nicholas who took part in the Ripon Tri Festival, Sprint Event at Ripon racecourse yesterday. Kev finished his swim in 18.49, his cycle in 44.31, and his run in 23.28, finishing in 1:24..40. That’s a great effort, Kev. Well done.
As an aside, a little birdie tells me that Kev has been selected to represent Great Britain in the standard distance duathlon in Queensland next year. Yes, you read that bit right: represent Great Britain. This is such an incredible achievement and, with the exception of Carol Morgan (formerly of this parish) who represented Ireland in some long distance running event if memory serves, I can’t think of any other Nidd who has been asked to represent their country. He’s up there with the best of them. Mo Farrah, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Big Kev… Makes this old Chairman’s heart swell with pride, it does.
Brian Hainsworth has been back in the Lake District (yes, you’re detecting a theme, aren’t you?). Putting aside the stormy disappointments of last week’s trip to Wasdale, Brian got himself to the start line of the Kentmere Horseshoe near Kendal. I can’t see the results for the full event, so can’t tell you where Brian was in the pack, but can tell you that he got back to the finish safe and sound, having completed the 12.3m journey over 3,300ft of climb in a remarkable 2:12.14. Well done, Bri.
And what brilliant results we have from the Ilkley Half Marathon! Makes you proud to be a Nidd, does this. Before we launch carelessly and headlong into the main results, please indulge me while I make a very big fuss of Chris Rogers (2:57.20) who broke new ground today and completed his first ever half marathon. This is a real achievement and, Chris, what can I say? To do it in black and gold with the mighty Nidd by your side, you’ve got great taste. Well done, you should be really proud of yourself.
Adam Kirk was being his usual speedy self and looking all sleek and effortless as he clocked a finish time of 1:16.54. Adam was soon joined by Steve Newbould (1:21.46), who bagged himself a PB for his half marathon efforts, and Luke Scorer (1:22.59). Whether Luke got a PB or not, I cannot say. Luke was just ahead of Captain Dazzler (1:27.51), who himself snuck in ahead of Kev Dalton (1:28.52), Martin Lofthouse (1:32.29), and Fingers Harris (1:35.05). Oh, the shock! The horror! The shame! It looks like our very Theresa Oldroyd (1:36.42) was registered as a Harrogate Harrier but, with a time like that, we’re claiming her as very much our own. You work for us now, Theresa ;-). Recent recruit to the Nidd Valley Racing Brigade, Chris Cavey finished in an outstanding time of 1:37.44, while we had a brilliant time to celebrate from Laura Francis (1:38.24). Actually, that very gossipy little birdie has been back to tell me that Laura got herself a half marathon PB, too, so let’s not hold back as we join her in her celebrations. It’s equally as thrilling to see tremendous results from Richard Evans (1:45.10), Chris Morris (1:51.23) and Jim Cook (1:51.24).
Karen Mills (1:52.16) was the second Nidd lady to finish, and joined by Jeremy Scott (1:55.30), Jenny Manning (2:05.07) and Bev Aspin (2:08.32). Rachael Prince (2:14.55) showed us what a brilliant performance looks like, while Dave Prince (2:21.23) prevailed in a triumph of will over reason. Sometimes our biggest challenge comes from within, not from our competitors. Well done, finally, to Sue Rogers (2:38.37) as she joined husband Chris (2:57.20) on his 13 mile debut.
So, at parkrun, we’ve had the regulars turn up to Harrogate get utterly drenched in a downpour, while we had Nidds out in force at Fountains Abbey and Conyngham Hall. Spreading their wings somewhat, Karen Mills headed down to Woodhouse Moor and Sarah Gore was doing her thing at Pontefract. Martin Luxton was, as we have come to expect, at his usual haunt of Sedgefield, while Adam Kirk was at Cross Flatts and Sam Heathcote was in Saltaire’s beautiful Robert’s Park. For those inclined to overwhelm themselves with data, the full results are here: https://tinyurl.com/47nsmxd6.
Your cruel device / your blood, like ice / one look, could kill / my pain, your thrill: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Fixtures for the Week Ahead
On Tuesday, we have the first of our evening away-from-club runs. It’s a well rehearsed scene. We meet somewhere away from Harrogate, go for a run, and then have a pint, soft drink or pot of tea for those that want afterwards. Tuesday’s run has been organised by Cath Barber. Meet outside the Wellington Pub near Darley and be good to run for 7pm. We’ve been asked to park at the top of the car park, furthest away from the pub, so please be mindful of this when parking. Cath has planned a 10k off-road route, and she and Andy will be leading groups of this. No one will be left behind. You can view the route here: https://tinyurl.com/26spk8sh. There is also a 9k road route for those that prefer their feet firmly on the tarmac, and details of this will be available on the night.
There will be no ‘organised’ run from the club on Tuesday but, obviously, should you wish to organise your own thing, then please feel free to do so.
On Thursday, the Evening League comes to a thrilling and breathless climax with the handicap races at Ripon. The idea being that everyone finishes near-enough together, the start times are weighted based on your performance throughout the league over the season. Check out the arrangements and your start time here: https://tinyurl.com/4dyws4z6.
Again, given most of us will be up bursting a gut as we tear around Ripon’s Hell Wath Fields, there will not be a run from the club on Thursday night.
Although not in the championships, there is the Feast Run in Hampsthwaite on Saturday morning. It’s only a fiver if you live in the village, but still a steal at £8 for the incomers and the outsiders. This is organised by our own Rob Northfield, and is a great chance to show some support to a local community initiative. The race is 5k in length, with a financial prize as an incentive who reckons they can break the course record. What isn’t there to love? Have a look, why don’t you: https://tinyurl.com/ah55k84.
Further Ahead & Booking Now Open
On Tuesday 25th July 2023, we’ve got another away from club run, this one being organised by yours truly. We’ll be running from Kirk Deighton on a flat and accessible 10k loop with the chance to have a bevvy in the Bay Horse afterwards. More details next week.
On Thursday 27th July 2023, we’ll be saying goodbye to Ewa Scott as she prepares to leave Nidd Valley House for last time and depart for a new and glamorous life in Singapore. We’ll be meeting in the bar after the club run, so please hang around if you can. Again, more details next week.
We’ve got the Round Hill Fell Race (https://tinyurl.com/4j4nxxt5) on Sunday 6th August 2023 and the Kings Challenge Fell Race (https://tinyurl.com/y6ct6ymu) on Thursday 10th August 2023, both of which are in the fell championships. No need to do anything just yet, as they’re entries on the day, but it’s worth getting the dates in your diary.
I’m afraid that the Sessay Swift – that 6k paragon of pain – on Wednesday 16th August 2023 has now sold out. If you got in, then well done you. If you didn’t, well, don’t say we didn’t warn you. Fortunately, there are plenty of other races out there for you to hit your quota to qualify in the road championships.
Parkrun Takeover: 05 Aug 2023
Thanks to all who have volunteered for our parkrun takeover. We’re almost there in getting the rota fill, but I need second pacers for 29 and 31 minutes (you’ll be running with Emma Kicks and Chris Jones, respectively, but don’t let that put you off). In addition, I need one more marshal. If you can help, then please do let me know: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
Even if you are not ‘officially’ volunteering, please come down and take part in your club colours. The more we can get involved, the better the day will be.
Ripon Ultra Relays: 08 Oct 2023
For those that running in excess of 30 miles to be just that little bit daunting, there is the chance to compete in the Ripon Ultra as a relay team. Sarah Gore is kindly coordinating some Nidd Valley teams and, if you fancy it, you can contact Sarah here: sarahgore1975@gmail.com. If you want to find out more about the event itself, you can inundate yourself with as much information as you can possibly manage, and you can do that right here: https://tinyurl.com/5n7756m3.
Word to the Wise
This week, our wise words come from Bev Aspin as she reflects on a great day’s running at Ilkley.
“I love Nidd Valley Road Runners. Everyone is so supportive. Thank you all. Running Ilkley today, I felt so supported…” – Bev Aspin, overflowing with gratitude.
Wise words, indeed. And so from Bev, from me, and everyone else at Nidd Valley House, have a great week. See you soon.
Chairman Sam x