(TLDR. The Headlines: On Tuesday we have a club run up the greenway to Killinghall, and on Thursday we have a club run round Hookstone Woods, with an alternative offering of intervals on the Stray. Saturday brings Great Whernside Fell Race, and Sunday has a club championship race at the Wetherby 10km. Read on for other info on the results from the past week, up and coming events and a forthcoming committee meeting, not to mention two rather excellent wise words)
It’s been a proper busy week here at Nidd Valley House. Running-wise, we’ve had everything from 5km time trials to long-distance picnics and from lonely fell races to an iconic mass-participation half marathon. The whole place is awash with sheets of paper, print outs and statistics. It’s all been very exciting, that’s for sure. The results team have been working overtime to process all the data (and we pay them double time on a Sunday, too), so we’ve certainly got a lot to get through. And so, without further ado, let’s get stuck in.
Results from the Week That Was…
We start with a belated result from the Kilnsey Show Fell Race from the end of August. You know the one, the utterly terrifying 400ft climb and descent, all packed into a thrilling 1.2 mile chase with a descent so steep that there is a rope to cling in to in the vain hope it will stop you plummeting to your death. Anyway, that one. Fingers Harris was the first daft Nidd to have a go, finishing in a respectable 12.27, while Nick Andralojc finished in 13.20. Sarah Chalmers (26.28) was the last to finish for the squad, and it’s fullest of congratulations and admiration to the three of them.
Incidentally, if you want to see a video of the race, you can view the drone footage here: https://tinyurl.com/yxzvnp72. It’s certainly worth a few minutes of your time.
On Wednesday, Captain Dazzler was all on his lonesome – yeah, I know, my heart breaks too, it really does – when he headed down to Ilkley to race in the Ilkley Incline. This is a one-mile race straight up the side of Ilkley Moor, and Daz got to the lung-busting top in a brilliant 9.20, finishing 25th out of 100 runners. Not only that, but he also came first in his MV50 age-category. Starting athletic life in his fifties as he means to go on, then. Well done, Captain!
On Friday night, we had a good few intrepid Nidds out to run the Evensplits 5k at York. Steve Newbould (17.46) got himself a new PB on the five lap course, and we enjoyed cracking results from young Josh Bryer (17.49), and the not-so-young Captain Dazzler (17.55), Kev Nicholas (19.54) and Chris Carvey (20.40). Give three cheers also for Laura Francis (21.12), Jeremy Leggings (21.54), Sarah Staiano (22.15) and Carolyn Jones (31.21) – all brilliant results and all worthy of much celebration! Congratulations.
For those of you who don’t know them, the LDWA (Long Distance Walking Association) events are basically just one long mobile picnic. You run a bit, you reach another food stop, you have a drink and a pork pie, amble on a few more miles, and then maybe have a brew and a slice of lemon drizzle at the next. You get the idea. Anyway, they’re not very competitive events, and so it is unreaslistic to believe that we’ll get results from it anytime soon, but I am happy to let you know that Brian Hainsworth and Rebecca and Phil Ventress took part in the One Foot in Gargrave event on Saturday. Don’t worry, I’m thinking the very same thing: Reb must have felt like a right spare part. Anyway, Strava tells me that they finished in about 5:20.00 or thereabouts, that they had plenty to eat and that they had a lovely time. That, of course, is the main thing. Well done to the three of them. Rumour does tell that Graham Hyde had a crack at the course but had to pull up. Whatever it was, Graham, heat or otherwise, we hope that you’re okay and that we see you back out racing soon.
Also on Saturday, Debbie Gibson and Michelle Smith headed into Malhamdale to take part in the Malhamdale Half Marathon and 10km events. Debbie completed the half marathon in 2:37.15, while Michelle made easy work of the 10km race in a sparkling 1:42.05. That’s a great result for you both!
Theresa Oldroyd completed the full off-road Yorkshireman Marathon on Sunday. Theresa clocked an absolutely brilliant time of 4:59.05 on an unforgiving course in even more unforgiving heat, claiming the prize for the first FV50 while she was at it. Just brilliant! Captain Dazzler had a go at the half marathon version which, to be truthful, was more 14 miles than 13, and he did so in a marvellous 2:08.24, claiming the prize for second MV50. In the MV60 category, Jim Holding secured a brilliant result in 2:36.15. Very well done to the three of you.
Also very much on her lonesome, Vicky Thomas was the sole Nidd reporting for duty at the Vale of York Half Marathon yesterday. Making the most of the flat PB course, Vicky finished in a tremendous time of 2:07.03, so be sure to give her a cheer and a pat on the back when you see her. A remarkable achievement in that heat, that’s for sure.
Talking of runners on the lonesome, we have a result from Kat Woodhead who took part in the Bleaklow Blitz fell race yesterday. I know, can you imagine a more miserable name for a fell race? Still, Kat did herself proud and proved herself to be more than worthy of her black and gold vest as she completed the eight-mile course and conquered the 1,486ft of ascent in an incredible 2:11.00. A very well done to you, Kat.
In the fell championships, Matt Wilkinson (34.42) was the first Nidd to reach the finish line at the Bradley Show Fell Race yesterday, although we certainly did not have to wait long for Amy Shepphard (35.12) and Nigel Scaife (35.35) to join him. It’s certainly tense and competitive up at the top, that’s for sure. Phil Ventress (36.53) was the nest over the line, clearly missing his beloved Brian who had gone off into the Dales so run up some proper, bigger hills. Jim Cook (40.06) was just a whisker ahead of Russell Geraghty (40.10), with not that much separating them from Emma Kicks (41.25). Our great and glorious muddy leader, Fell Running Phil, got a brilliant time of 43.05, while we have plenty to smile about in reviewing the results of Jonathan Kay (44.18), Roger Duckworth (45.52) and Debbie Gibson (46.31). Our final trio of mountain goats were none other than the brilliant Dave Seaman (49.37), Sarah Bracher (50.51) and Sarah Chalmers (53.12). A very well done to you all.
Going large in Geordieland, we had plenty of Nidds taking part in the biggest half marathon on Planet Earth: The Great North Run. Steve Newbould was the first to draw blood for the squad, setting a blistering pace and finishing in 1:21.59. Kev Clark finished in a brilliant 1:31.23, while there was nothing stopping Staiano as she chased them down in a remarkable 1:50.53. The heat was no match for Fingers Harris (2:00.06), although he regretted starting so far back in the pack and having to fight his way past all the other runners to get a clean break. Sarah Mkindawire (2:06.10), Katharine Dolman (2:08.23) and Alison Isles (2:12.26). Yours truly had his pacing flag on his back and hit the target 2:15.00 time in 2:14.48, so this chairman is happy enough with that. Angela Pattinson (2:18.55) and Jilly Townend (2:29.55) finished just ahead of Steve Flood (2:31.02) who brought proceedings to a fitting conclusion. Well done to each and every one of you. I might be biassed, as it is my home turf, but it really is a race like no other.
James Braddon, Emily Wighton and Laura Francis went up to suss the new parkrun at Thorp Perrow on Saturday, conveniently putting another tick on the MalletMap. Martin Weeks and Yvonne Skelton ran at Woolford Wood, and the Deacons (that’s Mike and Fiona to their friends) were in Newcastle’s Jesmond Dene. Apparently they went there to get the J in the parkrun alphabet challenge. I mean, can you imagine anyone so sad as to try and collect all the letters in the parkrun alphabet? No, me neither… Awkward. Andy Iddon and Cath Barber were having a highland fling and tossing the caber as they took a spin round Loch Leven parkrun, Lisa Gibson joined partner Adam Kirk as he claimed first place as Nostell Park, Mr and Mrs Robinson ran at Wetherby (it being the closest to a mud fest that they can find to keek Phil happy). As ever, the usual suspects in all the all-too-predictable places: Fountains Abbey, Conyngham Hall and Harrogate. Read the full results right here, if that’s your kind of thing: https://tinyurl.com/47nsmxd6.
You are my hero and I’ll keep you safe in my heart / You are my hero till the end and from the very start / You are my hero and you’ll always be the best part: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Fixtures for the Week Ahead
We have two lovely club runs lined up for you this week, and the first comes on Tuesday. Be at the club and good to go for 7pm, and we’ll head to Killinghall Bridge. For this, we’ll run up to Bilton Crossing and take the cycle track over the viaduct. Continue back round to Knox Mill (either running through the village or over the fields, as your mood and the fading light dictate), then back through Bilton to the club. If you want to do something a little shorter, you can turn back at the viaduct and head into Bilton from there before returning to the club.
On Thursday, you’ve actually got two options. The first is a club run through Hookstone Woods. Setting off from the club at 7pm, head out over the Stray, through the Saints and past the Squash Club. Following the path past the hospice, cross the bridge over the railway and to Leeds Road. You can cross the fields to Leadhall Lane and the Cricket Club, or you can head straight up Leeds Road. Either way will bring you back to the Stray, from which it’s not far back to the club.
If you fancy something that little bit different – and variety is nothing if not the spice of life here at Nidd Valley House – then Emma Kicks will be leading an interval session on the Stray on Thursday. She’s billing this is as short reps suitable for all ages, abilities and inclinations. So I guess that includes you. Meet at the Hockey Club at 7pm as per usual arrangements.
Whether you are doing intervals or going for a longer run, we’ll be heading for a pint in the bar afterwards and it would be, as I’m sure you know all too well by now, lovely to see you.
Although not in any of the championships, Sarah Chalmers would like you to know that it is the Great Whernside Fell Race on Saturday. We did it a couple of years ago having spent the weekend camping, eating, drinking and starting fires in Kettlewell. We had a great time. Anyway, the fell race is a cheeky four mile out-and-back (well, more than four miles and not quite as out-and-back as the map suggests, if you ask Jeff Walker) route with some 1,500ft of climb. If the weather is good, the views are great, and the run is varied and challenging. Entry is only £8, and it is entry on the day. All the details here: https://tinyurl.com/cw45caw7.
On Sunday, we’ve got another fixture in the road championships with the Wetherby 10km. It’s a sharp and fast course, and you certainly stand to gain a PB as well as those all important points in the club league tables. Entry is £17 for club members and, with the race this weekend, I anticipate them closing quite soon. You need to strike while the athletic iron is hot, and you can do that here: https://tinyurl.com/4wb5mh8j.
Further Ahead & Booking Now Open
On Sun 24 Sep 2023, Knaresborough Striders host their annual Crag Rat Run, and this is a great chance to support our friendly rivals (well, I say rivals, we’ve comprehensively whipped them in the mob match, but it doesn’t do to brag). This is a five mile run along Waterside, through the woods near the bypass and down through Calcut. £10 will get you a number and a place on the start line, which is a bargain if you ask me: https://tinyurl.com/ycyxy4bc.
Don’t forget, also, that we have the Bridlington 13.5 mile trail race in the road championships on Sun 01 Oct 2023. If you want in the race, then this is where you need to be: https://tinyurl.com/yv8tt3t5. You don’t have to come on the bus and you’re welcome to travel under your own steam, but you’ll have more fun on the bus. A seat on the bus is only £6, after all, and it means you can join us for a couple of scoops in Bridlington Wetherspoons afterwards. If you want to come on the bus, then you’ll need to pay £6 to Nidd Valley Road Runners, ac no. 12074796, and sort code 40-23-12. Please include a reference based on your name and let Captain Dazzler know that you’re coming on darren.townend32@gmail.com.
Committee Meeting: Weds 13 Sep 2023
I think it was the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer who remarked that life swings like a pendulum backward and forward between pain and boredom. I wonder if he’d ever been to a committee meeting. Anyway, the committee is meeting on Wednesday evening to discuss all things Nidd Valley. I can hardly wait. Anyhow, if there is anything that you’d like us to discuss then please do let me know: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk
Word to the Wise
So a fortnight without any wisdom, and then two come along at once. I know, they’re like buses.
The first comes from Roger Duckworth, as he reflected on how a period illness prompted him to move to Nidd Valley.
“I used to run with Harriers, and was quite fast. But then I had the heart attack and needed to stop running properly. So I joined Nidd Valley. No offence mate…” – Roger Duckworth, casting shade.
And the second is a little more wholesome and comes from Sue Ball as she prepares to head south for a new life near Peterborough (I know, I’m heartbroken).
“A huge thank you to everyone who has made me so welcome, befriended me and given me advice on my later life return to running. NVRR are simply the best and I’m looking for a club here in Peterborough with a similar philosophy…” – Sue Ball, who will indeed be very much missed.
It’s just a shame that she isn’t taking Roger with her…
So from Roger, Sue, me, and everyone else here at Nidd Valley House, have a wonderful week. See you soon.
Chairman Sam x