(TLDR. The Headlines: On Tuesday and Thursday, are club runs are Oak Beck and Knaresborough respectively, both starting from the Hockey Club at 7pm. We’ve got the Sessay Swift on Wednesday evening, although this has now sold out. There are no championship races this weekend, but a few local races to tempt you if you like your running that little bit more competitive. Read on for further details of Sylvia’s summer relays, a social in Valley Gardens, and our annual trip to Bridlington Wetherspoons…).
Hi everyone!
Well, it’s all go here at Nidd Valley House. The championships are in full swing, and we’ve got no end of other races going on, not to mention a whole host of other events and socials too. The whole place is a humming and buzzing hive of activity, as staff run to and fro down the corridors. FRP is in the Fell Running Department printing more maps, Captain Dazzler is working on some Pop-up Parkrun routes, Nick is playing around with a new online membership system (more on that in a few weeks), and Sylvia is on the phone to the bank. It’s all very exciting, as I’m sure you can imagine. But before we get too carried away, let’s take five minutes out with a cup of tea and a look at what you’ve been up to in this past week.
Results from the Week That Was…
Ah, now here’s a result I missed from last Friday. Better late than never I suppose, and I can’t wait to tell you that Kev Clark took part in the Lotherton Hall 8.5km Trail Race, finishing in 37.47. That’s a great result, Kev, well done. As for seeing your results belatedly in print, Kev, I can only say that good things come to those who wait.
On Thursday night, the fellies were back out for their second outing in a week with the Kings Challenge Fell Race from Silsden. You know the kind of thing, a 10km run up and down a big hill, traversing stiles and negotiating cow-patt strewn peat bogs. Anyway, this 1,200ft climb didn’t daunt the sixteen Nidds who lined up at the start. Captain Dazzler was first home for the team in an impressive 52.40, with Martin Lofthouse (54.25) and Brian Hainsworth (55.12) never too far behind. Newbie Lou McLeman (55.32) took the prize for the the second lady, which is an incredible achievement for her debut appearance on the muddy squad. Nick Andralojc (56.46) kept the good times rolling when he claimed the first MV60 prize, and we also enjoyed celebrating great results from Andy Iddon (57.02), Phil Ventress (59.49) and Sam Fugill (1:05.27).
Jim Cook was the next to show in 1:10.59, while Fell Running Phil finished in a cracking 1:13.53. Debbie Gibson (1:21.24) took the prize for 1st FV60, and then we had a flurry of black and gold all crashing towards the line, and they were none other than Dave Seaman (1:21.38), Jonathan Kay (1:21.42), Roger Duckworth (1:21.56), Bev Aspin (1:22.10), and Sarah Chalmers (1.35.01). And then we all went for a pint, this being fell running and all. Lovely. Well done, everyone!
Sylvia Morten was all on her lonesome when she headed to York on Friday night to take part in the York 5k Series at the university. Well, I for one am delighted that she did, as she went and nailed a brilliant time of 32.43 and got the first FV60 position at the same time. Excellent running, Sylvia. Top work.
And so we come to the weekly magical mystery tour that is the parkrun round up, and this week we have a fancy international affair thanks to Chris Morris who crossed the Atlantic Ocean to run the Jamaica Pond parkrun in Boston. I ran in Boston once, but unfortunately it was Lincolnshire rather than Massachusetts, but there we are. Closer to home, Luke Scorer fired up his afterburners to finish ninth at Huddersfield, Martin Luxton headed to Nottinghamshire to run at Clumber Park, and Katharine Woodhead took a spin at Glossop Parkrun. John and Susie Mallet completed their Saturday morning athleticism at Wetherby, Sue and Chris Rogers headed up to Dalby Forest, and Adam Kirk and Lisa Gibson found themselves in Armley (that’s Armley Parkrun, not HMP Armley, obvs.).
Jack Brierley was all the way down in Devon where I’m sure the good people of Bideford were delighted to welcome him to their parkrun, Andrew Davis channeled his inner-Geordie when he ran at Tyne Green, and Sue Ball was on top form at Manor Field near Peterborough. Sam Fugill had a run up at Blyth Links in Northumberland, James Braddon ran at Meadowmill (that’s just east of Edinburgh, near Musselburgh, if you were wondering), and Phil and Fiona Robinson ran at Ford on the Furness Peninsula. As ever, we had a scattering of Nidds at Conyngham Hall, a pious congregation gathered at Fountains Abbey, and the hoards descended onto Harrogate Stray. You can read all of the results right here: https://tinyurl.com/47nsmxd6.
Where do we go from here / time ain’t nothing but time / I now have no fear of my fears / And no more tears to cry: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Fixtures for the Week Ahead
On Tuesday, I suggest a steady club run, what with us having a championship race the following day. With that in mind, we’ll leave the Hockey Club at 7pm, and head up the cycle track to Bilton Crossing. Head a little up the greenway, and then turning left and following the path through the woods and round the back of Bilton. This will bring you out by Old Barber and you turn right as if heading to Knox Mill. Take a left turn over the fields and you’ll come out on Ripon Road. Cross over the road, and follow the path through the woods so you come out at near ALDI. From there, head back up past the Hydro, through the park to Coppice Drive, and head back to the club. It’s about five miles when all is said and done, but feel free to amend and adjust so the mood takes you.
On Wednesday evening, the road championships continue with the now sold-out Sessay Swift. Good luck to you if you’re talking part in this 6km festival of endurance and pain. It’s a real test of stamina, fitness, and an ability to hang on for that all important last kilometre. I’m hoping to get out to spectate so, if I’m there, I’ll give you a cheer as you fly by.
Thursday brings us an opportunity for another club run, and this week it looks like we’re having a trip to Knaresborough. The drill is quite well rehearsed by now. Be at the club and good to go for 7pm, and we’ll head along the cycle track to Knaresborough. You can, of course, do a shorter route by turning right into Starbeck before the drop down the hill. From Knaresborough, we’ll head along Waterside, returning to the club over the fields, over the railway, past the golf course and back through Starbeck. As always, we’ll regroup in the bar afterwards for a pint and a chat, and it would be lovely to have you join us.
As ever with club runs, we’ll group ourselves up on the night depending who we have with us, and there’ll be distances and pace groups to suit all tastes and abilities.
There aren’t any races in the championships this week, but here are a couple of racing options if you feel the need to make your running that little bit more competitive.
They say that fortune favours the brave, but it looks the other way at the Burnsall Classic Fell Race. At just 1.5 miles, this 900ft climb is as much a sure test of the legs on the ascent as it is a test of your nerves on the descent. Well, if you’ve nothing else to do on Saturday afternoon, this could be just the thing that you’re looking for. Get involved: https://tinyurl.com/jdtevdzm.
If you fancy a competitive 10km, then there’s always the Escrick 10km on Sunday. As this is the Vale of York, you can expect a flat and sharp course, which will be ideal if you’re out looking for that elusive personal best. Entry is just north of £20, and can be completed here: https://tinyurl.com/5n6en9wd.
There’s also the Scorton Feast 10km near Catterick on Sunday although I see this has recently sold out. Good luck to any of the Nidds taking part.
Further Ahead & Booking Now Open
A friendly reminder for you that we have the Tholthorpe 10km on 3rd September 2023. This race is in the road championships for those of you who are interested in collecting club points as well as personal bests. It’ll cost you £16.50 to get yourself as place on the start line. All the relevant details can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/sy9ze67u.
Also in the championships, we’ve got the Bradley Fell Race on 10th September 2023. For some, the memory of being dragged from one end of the field to the other in the tug of war competition is a little to raw, but the race is a short and sweet climb with some great views and great running. As this is entry on the day, there’s nothing you need do just yet, but you can read up on all the critical points right here: https://tinyurl.com/4tc87muh.
Sylvia’s Relays: 22 Aug 2023
Thanks to all of those who have entered Sylvia’s Summer Relays. You’ll have noticed by now that this event is as silly as it is competitive, with prizes not only for the fastest teams, but prizes for those with the funniest team name and the best dressed baton. On the subject of the batons, each team will need to bring a wooden spoon for their baton, and we’ll be awarding prizes for the most amusingly decorated baton (keep it clean…!). The course itself is a 1.5 mile lap of flat country lanes, so well within the reach of everyone in the club. You’ll need to get a team of four together for the event, and then you can register via this link: https://tinyurl.com/uw6bwhr6.
As it happens, we’ve got plenty of mixed and ladies teams, but currently only two male teams, and it wouldn’t do for them to get the prizes without any competition. Come on, chaps, get on it.
If you want to take part but don’t have a team, or if you’re painfully shy and don’t want to ask anyone, then let Sylvia know. She’ll be able to put you in touch with others looking to make up a team.
Pop-up Parkrun
By popular demand, the Pop-up Parkrun series has been extended. Originally a five event series, there are now going to be two further events which will take us through August and into September. In keeping with previous events, these will be 5k or thereabouts, and we’ll finish with a trip to a local cafe or pub. As ever, these will be announced at short notice via social media but, if you want a WhatsApp notification, let me know your mobile number and I’ll add you to the broadcast list: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
Valley Gardens Social: 09 Sep 3023
Oh, now this looks very interesting. Sarah Chalmers is organising a Sunday afternoon social in the Valley Gardens. We’ll get the tennis courts and some crazy golf booked, and all are welcome to come down with a picnic and lounge about in the sun (he said, ambitiously and optimistically). More details to follow nearer the time, but we hope that you’ll be able to join us.
Annual Trip to Bridlington Wetherspoons: 01 Oct 2023
Well, I say that. This is actually our annual trip to take part in the Bridlington 13.5 mile trail race, it’s just merely coincidental that some of our numbers go for a pint afterwards. The club has hired a 57 seater coach for the trip, and you’re welcome to join us on this.
So, I hear you ask, how can you get yourself a slice of this all too exciting action? Firstly, pay £6 to Nidd Valley Road Runners, ac no. 12074796, and sort code 40-23-12. Include a reference based on your name and that its for the Bridlington trip. Then email Captain Dazzler on darren.townend32@gmail.com and let him know you’re coming. It’s a simple as that.
The race itself is beautiful and includes some stunning views over Flamborough Head and some coastal paths that take you precariously close to the cliff edges. It’s a great run out and you certainly won’t regret entering, which you can do right here and right now: https://tinyurl.com/yv8tt3t5.
Word to the Wise
No wise words this week, I’m afraid, so it’s just a quick goodbye from me and from everybody else here at Nidd Valley House.
Have a great week.
Chairman Sam x