(TLDR. The Headlines: we have the third Evening League race on Wednesday with a trip to Sutton Bank near Thirsk, and this is book ended by runs round Bilton and Knox on Tuesday and a Thursday run round the Duchy Estate. Both club runs start at 7pm. Read on for other information about up and coming events, some good news about Nidd Valley Juniors, a big challenge, and then you’ll see that word to the wise is back with a vengeance).
It’s been a very important weekend here at Nidd Valley as we enjoyed the annual Trooping of the Colour at Nidd Valley House. The parade was, as you would expect, meticulous and everyone marched behind the flag followed by the Bed Race beds in procession. This year, the music was provided by the massed bands of the Fourth Black and Gold Regiment (Fell Running Brigade), and to see them marching in lockstep to the tune of Captain Dazzler’s Nidd Valley Song brought a tear to plenty of eyes, I don’t mind telling you. Afterwards, the Committee and distinguished guests assembled on the balcony of Nidd Valley House for the flypast of the Nidd Valley Air Squadron and Performance Team, and black and gold smoke trails filled the sky much to the delight of the crowds assembled below. Afterwards, there was nothing more to do than a last bit of waving before heading inside for a glass of sherry and a few canapes. A lovely day, and a wonderful end to a week’s worth of some brilliant running.
Results from the Week That Was…
Steve Newbould was the first dog out of the traps at the Otley 10 race on Wednesday, finishing the hilly challenge in a great time of 1:05.17, although it’s tough at the top and he faced some stiff competition from Captain Dazzler (1:05.35) who had him in his sights for much of the run. Martin Lofthouse (1:09.57) was the third Nidd home, while Theresa Oldroyd (1:13.48) blagged herself some silverware as the first FV55 finisher.
It’s a wonder that Sarah Staiano (1:18.20) finishes any race given that she rarely stops talking, so much so that the only running she ever seems to do is giving Debbie Gibson a run for her money. We love her for it, though. Nick Crebbin (1:20.32) got himself a great time, with Fiona Deacon (1:22.22), Jeremy Scott (1:25.26), and Rachel Mills (1:30.28) never too far behind. It’s always a pleasure to see Christine Holleran (1:31.19), and I’m delighted to be able to share the results from Jenny Manning (1:33.23), Alistair McQueen (1:37.35), Chris Morris (1:44.22) and Susy Rhodes (1:45.30). Congratulations to you all.
And so we return to Kettlewell for the second week running, and this week have results from the trail half-marathon and 10km race. Captain Dazzler (2:12.29) was the first of two Nidds to finish, getting in ahead of Amy Sheppard (2:31.02). Incidentally, Amy got the place of third lady overall, so she might have finished behind Daz but certainly didn’t finish empty-handed.
And with that kick in the knackers for the patriarchy, we can turn our attention to the 10km race and I see that Jenny Manning (1:30.37) was the first to finish for Team Nidd, followed by the lesser-spotted Janet Carling, whose time of 1:34.14 was enough to get her the FV60 prize. Incredible! Sarah Chalmers (1:51.21) was the next to finish, with the line up coming to perfection and completion with Susy Rhodes and Debbie Gibson (both 1:54.24).
Given he’s been struggling to walk recently, you might be as surprised as I was that Kev Clark decided to have a go at the Rat Race: The Wall event this weekend. Still, he’s nothing if not determined, and so maybe we should not have been too suprised to see him complete the 70 mile run from Carlisle to Newcastle upon Tyne, following the path of Hadrian’s Wall. Must have been sad not to enjoy the iconic view of Sycamore Gap, but that clearly didn’t weigh too heavily on Kev’s mind as he ploughed on and finished by the side of the Tyne in a remarkable time of 16:52.01. Well done, Kev!
As I write this, we’ve still got our team out completing the Cleveland Way Relay, and I think we’re now halfway between Osmotherly and Sutton Bank, so only about 15 miles still to go before we wind up proceedings in Helmsley. Nick Andralojc was on the 5am startline at Filey this morning, and subsequent legs have been picked up by Phil Ventress, Brian Hainsworth, Jim & Sarah Cook, Sam Fugill, Rebecca Ventress & Christine Jones, Dianne Winnard & Simon Cocker, Theresa Oldroyd and Jon Jackson, Brian Hainsworth (again), Debbie Dilasser & Lynsey Barraclough, Dave Seaman, Phil Robinson, Rachael & Dave Prince, Sarah Staiano & Steve Newbould, and Rob Kingston.
I very much enjoyed the leg from Robin Hoods Bay to Whitby, despite taking a wrong turn down by the Abbey and coming down some back alley rather than the 199 steps as planned. Still, I emerged unscathed onto some cobbles only to find that they were about to close the swing bridge to let one of those tourist pirate ships through. Well, I’ve never let a race be ruined by a jolly roger and I wasn’t going to start now. “Wait!” I shouted, and the man kindly let me slip through the gate, over the bridge, and along for one last climb to the whalebone arch. It would have been nice if Jane were there but she was too busy having a lovely time in a cafe. Story of my life.
On a serious note, though: a big thanks to Phil for organising this. It was a great day, the sun shone (well, it did for some of us at least!), and it was lovely to be out enjoying Yorkshire at its finest. We might not have got any silverware, but we’ve had a grand day out and, when all is said and done, that is what really matters.
Adam Kirk was on his lonesome at Woodhouse Moor Parkrun this weekend, finishing sixth overall, and it was lovely to see Lizzi Hugill finish the course at Skipton. Phil and Rebecca Ventress rounded off their trip to the Lake District with a spin on the out and back course at Keswick. I’ve no idea where Chadderton Hall is, and even less of an idea why FRP and Fiona Robinson decided to go there to do a parkrun, but we are where we are. Jane Evans and Emma Kicks celebrated their 100th parkrun with a trip to Thorp Perrow, and were joined in the celebrations by Sam Fugill, Christiner Holleran, Steve Newbould, Sarah Staiano, Moira McTague and Guy Parker.
Nick Crebbin did his parkrun thing at Pavillion Gardens in Buxton, and Chris and Sue Rogers were back up at North Yorkshire Water Park. Sylvia Morten was back at Chevin Forest (no change there, then), Andy Todd was at Millfield (also, no change), and David Goode was down at Clitheroe Castle. We had two Nidds at Fountains Abbey, three at Conyngham Hall, and more than you can count at Harrogate. Read their results, and the results of everyone else, right here: https://tinyurl.com/47nsmxd6.
I know you need your sleep now / I know your life’s been hard / But many men are falling / Where you promised to stand guard: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Fixtures for the Week Ahead
Although not a “club event”, the lovely people (and providers of discounts) at Up & Running would be delighted to sell you some new gear at their try on night on Monday. They’ll be doing a try on of the new New Balance shoes, with a meet in the shop from 6pm and a social 5km run at 6.30pm. Meet at the shop on Station Parade.
What with it being the Evening League later in the week (see below), you’ll have to forgive me for suggesting a steadier route for Tuesday. If you can join us, then we’ll be leaving Harrogate Hockey Club at 7pm, heading a little bit up the Greenway, but taking the path to the left and behind Bilton, emerging at the bottom of Knox Lane. You head back to the club from there, or you can head over the field to Ripon Road, through the woods by Oak Beck, returning to the club via the Hydro and Coppice Park and Kings Road. But don’t push it too hard because…
… on Wednesday, we’ve got the third Evening League Race at Thirsk, and this one picks up some fast road sections from Sutton Bank and then some really enjoyable off-road trails along the Cleveland Way, so I can’t think of a more enjoyable way to get some points in the road championship.
There’s even food afterwards, so just follow Martin Lofthouse to the buffet. He’s sure to know exactly where he’s going. It’s not too late to get yourself a place, and you can do that here: https://tinyurl.com/3y6xtffb. Remember the 20% discount of NIDD24.
What shall we do on Thursday? There’s an obvious clash with the England match, so we anticipate that numbers might be down. Still, Captain Dazzler is straight in there with his suggestion that we run the Duchy Estate. He does like making suggestions, that man. So here it is, leave the Hockey Club at 7pm, and head down to kings Kings Road. Turn by the council offices, and take Coppice Drive to Ripon Road, turning left onto Harlow Moor Drive and heading for home via Otley Road and York Place. Pints in the bar afterwards.
Oh! A free weekend. That’s exciting. Anyone going to put another marker on the MalletMap?
Further Ahead & Booking Now Open
Next Tuesday, 25th June 2024, we’ll be doing our annual Almscliffe Crag social run, so please keep this date in your diary. It’s great to have as many as possible make it.
While we’re at it, we’ve got the fourth of the Evening League races next Thursday, 27th June 2024, and this time we’ll be heading to Ilkley. All the details are here: https://tinyurl.com/4vs9d8zy.
Don’t forget that it’s the Harrogate 10km on Sunday 30th June 2024. Details here: https://tinyurl.com/5n7834kk. What? Yes, well I know that you wouldn’t forget and that you’ve already got your number and everything, but Captains Emma and Dazzler give me nothing but grief if I miss things out and make me cry.
Committee Meeting: 26th June 2024
The committee will be meeting again next week. Yep, I’m as excited as the rest of them are. If there is anything you’d like us to discuss or consider, then please do let me know. As per: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
Nidd Valley Juniors
As discussed, we had our meeting with NV Juniors and parents last week to look at how we could safeguard the future of the junior division, and whether or not it is viable to keep it going. I’m genuinely delighted to say that people from the Juniors have stepped up to positions on their sub-committee and to support with coaching, so it’s thanks to all of them and particularly to their coach Derek Dobbinson who has agreed to step forward as their Chair.
Thanks to all of you who emailed in with thoughts, reflections and suggestions. These emails will all be shared with the Juniors, and, as ever, do think about supporting them if you can.
We Need to Talk about Brian
I’d be surprised if you’ve managed to not notice what has become the worst kept secret in fell running, but on Friday Brian Hainsworth is tackling the Bob Graham Round in the Lake District (https://tinyurl.com/b7z2ku7s). This is a 66 mile circular mountain run from Keswick, climbing 42 of the highest Lakeland peaks within 24 hours, a challenge with more ascent than Mt. Everest.
Brian, you’ve trained hard and prepared meticulously. The very best of luck both to you and to the Nidds supporting you on the day. Whatever happens, remember that Phil will always love you. He adores you. You occupy his every waking moment in a way that nobody else can. Just give him the signal, he’ll drop everything for you.
You’ve got this. Run like the wind!
Word to the Wise
So, Cleveland Relays this morning. Safely into Whitby, and having a cup of tea and a bit of breakfast toast in Wetherspoons. Rebecca Ventress and Christine Jones come in, having returned from their leg up at Runswick Bay. We get more soft drinks. Rebecca gets a lime soda, what with this being 11:30 in the morning. Christine goes for half a lager. Now, far be it for me to judge. However, a few mouthfuls later.
“That was lovely. Tell you what, Reb. Shall we just sack it off, get a B&B, and spend the day getting p*ssed?” – Christine Jones, with a thirst on.
And to think she used to be the chair of this club, too.
Have a grand week, and see you soon.
Chairman Sam x