(TLDR. The Headlines: On Tuesday, we have Sylvia’s Summer Relays in Weeton, and there will be no organised club run from the Hockey Club. On Thursday, we are at the Hockey Club for a run down the gorge. Read on for details of up and coming races, the Valley Gardens social and the annual club trip to Bridlington. Finally, Cath Barber shares her wisdom with us this week. Lots going on, and lots to read…)
Hi everyone!
Let’s start with a little bit of very good news and celebrate the marriage of Jemma Escreet and Ali King now known, by all relevant traditions, as Mr & Mrs King. Ali and Jemma tied the knot in Wetherby on Saturday, so it’s a huge congratulations from everyone here at the Nidd Valley House. So while they sleep it off and the guests recover from the partying, let’s have a look at the results from this past week.
Results from the Week That Was…
Right. Brace yourself. The write up from Sessay Swift is going to take a while, as it looks like half the friggin’ club turned up for a run. Well, it was lovely to see you all out running, I suppose. Adam Kirk (20.22) was the first Nidd to finish, joined by Craig Mills (21.01), Steve Newbould (21.42), Captain Dazzler (21.59), Martin Lofthouse (23.41), Kev Nicholas (23.58) and Andy Iddon (25.01). Laura Francis (25.35) took the prize for the 1st WU23, so there’s more silverware for the trophy cabinet. Lovely stuff. Jeremy Scott (26.07) had a great run, and we also had some equally as impressive results from Sarah Staiano (26.20) and Fiona Deacon (26.23) who were locked in a battle ahead of Nigel Scaife (26.46), Simon Cocker (26.58), Jim Cook (27.37) and Helen Gregory (28.10).
Debra Jenkins (28.13) is a bit like a box of Christmas decorations. You hardly ever see her, normally only once a year, but it is very exciting when you do. Mike Deacon clocked 28.44 as he crossed the line, with Ian Wighton (28.54), Rebecca Ventress (29.13), Philly Thompson (29.14) and Rachel Mills (29.30).
Rob Northfield (29.35) took the prize for the 1st MV70, with Martin Luxton (29.52), Nick Smith (30.38), Katharine Dolman (30.45), Jenny Manning (30.45), Katie Coppack (30.49), Chatty McChatface (31.05) and Sue Ball (31.09). Rachael Prince had a great run with a time of 31.19 and was joined in her celebrations by Nadene Wilkinson (31.53), Jeff Walker (31.45), Dianne Winnard (32.31) and Guy Parker (33.22). Moira McTague (32.30) stole ahead of Emily Wighton (33.42), Susy Rhodes (35.04) and Sarah Gore (35.54). Our final finishers were Graham Hyde (37.59), Sylvia Morten (40.11) and – making such a welcome to return to racing for the team – Lianne Coiley (42.57) and Jill Hornsby (42.57). Huge congratulations to you all.
On Saturday, we had three Nidds out on the fells to take part in the Lowther Fell and Trail Race. Amy Shepphard (2:09.06) was the first Nidd to finish this 13 mile challenge, while Laura Francis (2:15.14) won the 1st WU23 prize. She won herself some beer in her second set of prizes for the week. Talk about being on a roll. Sarah Chalmers finished in a cracking 3:06.31, so a very well done to all of you. Some great results there.
Second win of the week!
Adam Kirk was running in Scorton near Catterick in the Scorton Feast 10k yesterday. Looks like he did remarkably well with a fourth place overall, finishing the course in an impressive 36.20. Well done, Adam.
Also running the 10k distance, we had a couple of Nidds running at Escrick yesterday, and they were none other than Martin Luxton (53.50) and our newbie Jillie Townend (1:08.49). Well, I say newbie, Jillie actually ran with us years ago, but it is lovely to have her back in the fold, especially with times like that. Well done to you both.
Kev Nicholas was the 33rd finisher at York parkrun, whereas Sam Heathcote ran up in northern Scotland at Ellon. He was fourth finisher, if you’re interested. Adam Kirk was first finisher at New Earswick, whereas Sylvia Morten and Karen Mills were not first placed at Chevin Forest and East Brighton, respectively. Having run in the USA last week, Chris Morris continued his jet setting with a run at Victoria Parkrun in Truro, Canada. Jess Harby ran in Saltaire’s Roberts Park, Pauline Hogg at North Yorkshire Water Park, and Sam Fugill and Jane Evans ran at Thames Path in Woolwich. Imogen Contable joined Owen and Freya Dart in a strong showing for the juniors at Wetherby Parkrun, and we had the usual senior suspects at Fountains, Harrogate and Conyngham Hall. You can read up on their results here: https://tinyurl.com/47nsmxd6.
If you have a result to share, why not let me know? Yes, you are indeed beautiful as you are, but you look so much better with your name in lights: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Fixtures for the Week Ahead
We have the much anticipated Sylvia’s Summer Relays on Tuesday night. The idea is simplicity itself. Runners in teams of four each take a turn at running a 1.5m flat and fast loop round the country lanes of Weeton, before passing the baton (a wooden spoon, which you must provide yourself) to the next runner who does likewise. There’ll be prizes for the best decorated wooden spoon and the funniest team name, as well as for the fastest mens, ladies, and mixed team.
There’s still time to register a team, and you can do that here: https://tinyurl.com/uw6bwhr6.
The meeting point is St Barnabas Church in Weeton LS17 0AU. We’ll be starting the race at 7pm prompt, and there’ll be no access to the carpark once we’re underway, so we suggest getting there for 6.30pm to allow you time to get your numbers etc.
There’ll be soft drinks and cake after the run, so please hang around.
There will not be an organised club run from the Hockey Club on Tuesday, but feel free to meet there and do your own thing if this is what you’d prefer.
On Thursday, we’re back to the Hockey Club for a more conventional club run. Wooden spoons not required. Let’s be ready to run at 7pm and we’ll take a trip down the Gorge. You know the route by now, surely. We head up to Bilton Lane Crossing, up the Greenway, and drop down into the Gorge. You can either run the full length and return along Bilton Lane, or you can shorten it and come up by the Gardener’s Arms. As ever, there’ll be distances and paces to suit all, and you’re welcome to join us in the bar afterwards for a pint and a bag of crisps. I think it was Ernest Hemingway who said he drank to make other people seem interesting…
… Anyway, there aren’t any races in the club championships this weekend, so you’ve got a pass to go and do your own thing. There are of course parkruns a-plenty (and John Mallett’s map isn’t going to complete itself), and a few fell races in the Dales and Pennines (Halton Gill, Pendleton and Bilsdale, among others). Check out the fell running listings here if you’re interested: https://tinyurl.com/mr42m2bw. I can’t see any local road races, though, so apologies to those devoted disciples of tarmac among you.
Oh, and the next pop up parkrun will be on… oh, well, you’ll find out soon enough.
Further Ahead & Booking Now Open
On 3rd September 2023, we’ve got the next rung on the ladder of the road championships with the Tholthorpe 10km. Entry is a steal at only £16.50, and this short and sharp outing offers plenty of opportunity to snaffle a personal best. You can secure your entry here: https://tinyurl.com/sy9ze67u.
Although, like most fell races, it’s cash entry on the day and doesn’t require pre-entry, here’s your heads-up that we’ll be running the Bradley Fell Race on 10th September 2023. This is in the fell championships and is the penultimate race in that championship so it’s certainly worth a second look if you haven’t yet completed enough qualifying races. It’s local, not too long, but varied enough to pique your interest. Take a look: https://tinyurl.com/4tc87muh.
Valley Gardens Social: 09 Sep 3023
This is just one to keep in the diary for now. Sarah Chalmers is busy organising a social in Valley Gardens, including crazy golf, tennis, and the chance to lounge around with a picnic. More details to follow nearer the time.
Bridlington Trail Run: 01 Oct 2023
This is a great 13.5 mile trail race over Flamborough Cliffs and through some quite attractive parkland. It’s a great run out (and also in the club championships) and you certainly won’t regret entering, which you can do right here and right now: https://tinyurl.com/yv8tt3t5.
The club has hired a 57 seater coach for the trip, and you’re welcome to get involved. If you want to join us on the bus, your first need to 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 it’s for the Bridlington trip. Email Captain Dazzler on darren.townend32@gmail.com and let him know you’re coming, and that’s it. It’s as easy as that.
Word to the Wise
I leave you with the wisdom of Cath Barber, as she contemplates the mysteries of an unpredictable running mojo.
“Love for running is like a fart. If you have to force it, it’ll probably be shit…” – Cath Barber, with scatalogical insight.
Some from Cath, from me, and everyone at Nidd Valley House, have a great week. I’m sure you will.
Chairman Sam x