(TLDR. On Tuesday we have intervals on the Duchy, both at 6pm and 7pm, and on Thursday are club run reminds us of the shows of the Showground. Nothing in the champs this week, but we have a couple of other races if you are interested. I’ve put out a final plea for the AGM and Bed Race, and one of our captains shares this wisdom to see us into the week. Read on…!).
Well, this is a worry. Here at Nidd Valley Hospital, Captain Dazzler is injured, having woken up with a hip that has, in his words, “gone”. He’s pretty much bed bound, and is currently being fussed over by the Nidd Valley Acute Care Medical Team. We’ve transferred him to the deluxe suite in the hospital, which is obviously reserved for senior committee members, and he’s receiving the best care possible. Other than him almost choking to death on his medication (apparently he did need to be told that a suppository isn’t meant to be swallowed, at least not in the conventional sense of the word), I’m told that prognosis is good. Here’s hoping.
Still, it certainly put a damper on the PECO today. Just what are we without our Captain Dazzler? The morale among the men was on the floor, with runners staring a thousand yard stare, and the women in tears, some sobbing silently and others weeping uncontrollably. He’s certainly a menace to one’s mascara, that’s for sure. A tough day.
Right, while I go and check upon our little pampered prince, I’ll leave you to have a look at the results from the past week.
Results from the Week That Was
In the world that is Punk Panther long-distance running, we had three Nidds head out yesterday to tackle the Harrogate Hustle. Kev Clark had a crack at the 20 mile route, and finished in a great time of 2:54.12 (9th out of 66, if you’re statistically minded and interested in such details). Michael Shaw and Mark Tyrell finished together in 2:05.22 when they tackled the half marathon course (18th and 19th out of 75, repeated here for the above reasons). All excellent stuff, I’m sure you’ll agree.
In PECO, we fielded two of our finest in the 1m junior race, so let me hear you give it large for Jacon Freeman (9.01) and Lawrence Facey (10.01). Eleanor Easton (15.18) was all over it in the 2m junior race, seeing off challenges from the ever-remarkable Fraser Dobinson (15.42), Lily Aspin (16.49) and Eva Anwyl (16.20). And did you see the performances from Owen (20.33) and Freya Dart (20.58). Just incredible.
And in the boring world of grown ups, we start of by celebrating Alfie Willis (25.52) who made all to easy work of the 4.3 mile senior course. Jack Brierley (26.21), Josh Bryer (27.58) and Caleb Aylesbury (28.06) were all just young and exuberant and fast. Makes you sick, doesn’t it?
Rob Kingston (29.01) had his work cut out to keep Andy Todd (29.07) in check, while Kev Clark (29.35) made easy work of the course having run 20 miles the previous day. A testimony to athleticism or stupidity, I suppose. I’ll let you decide. Martin Lofthouse (29.54) and Ian Hesford (30.21) were just ahead of two Matts (Wilkinson is 30.29 and Rickard in 30.45), before Amelia Aylesbury (31.52) and Louise Kingston (31.53) drew first blood for the ladies.
It’s also a massive well done to Chris Carvey (32.15), Jon Easton (32.17), and the lesser-spotted Steve Turner (33.16). Sam Wheeler (33.23) was just ahead of Richard Evans (33.47), while Richard Abbott (34.16) had his best foot forward ahead of Simon Cocker (34.40) and Fiona Deacon (34.55).
Sam Fugill (34.57) couldn’t quite catch up with Fiona, but managed to keep Girish Patel (35.18), Anna Jackson (35.25), and Theresa Oldroyd (35.30) in the rear view mirrors. Nick Crebbin (35.59) had a lovely day out, as I am sure was obvious from his happy face as he slogged up through the mud to the finish line, while Jo Brierley (36.42) and Christine Holleran (37.52) were delighted to have the famous Nidd cheer as they pushed home for the line.
Rachel Mills (37.55) was probably delighted to finish ahead of Karen Mills (44.50), as Karen’s obsession is getting out of hand now. Something must be done. Still, they were separated by an inspirational role call of Nidds, none other than Bev Aspin (38.08), Paul Panning (38.26), Jenny Manning (40.37), Jonathan Kay (40.55), Roger Duckworth (41.07), ChatGPT (43.06) and Sarah Bracher (44.14).
Our final five finishers were Rachel Capstick (46.38), Jo Lane (47.12), Michelle Smith (50.26), Sylvia Morten (1:00.36) and Fiona Robinson (1:00.36). The hugest congratulations to each and every one of you.
Right. Parkrun. So Kat Woodhead took herself off to Woodhouse Moor to run as only Nidd. Was it something we said? Probs. Steve Newbould, Sarah Hughan, Christine Holleran joined up with Rob and Louise Kingston to run at York Knavesmire, while Adam Kirk popped over to Roundhay Park to check that everything was in order ready for this morning’s PECO.
Philly Thompson did her parkrun thing at Darlington (makes a change from Darlington, I suppose), while Matt Wilkinson – for reasons best known to himself – went to Selby. Andy Todd was at Millfield (standard) while Emily Wighton was at Yarborough Leisure Centre.
Phil Robinson was at Vicar Water parkrun (I’ve never heard of it either, so it’s not just you), and we had the usual Nidds doing all of the usual things in all of the usual places. You can see all the results here: https://tinyurl.com/47nsmxd6.
I remember visions, you taught me how to see / The world of your colors was right there in front of me / Oh but what good is a rainbow, if the picture’s in black and in white / Oh what good is a future when there’s not a color inside: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Fixtures for the Week Ahead
On Tuesday, we have yet another set of intervals. No words could express how I feel about this, but the phrases “Please God” and “not again” do come remarkably close. This week, we’re encouraging a little upward social mobility and heading to the Duchy Estate. Meet at the junction between Rutland Close and Duchy Road (///.roofs.lists.smart, if you are down with the kids and use What3Words), and come to whichever session works for you. We’ll be meeting at both 6pm and 7pm.
Thursday is – as well you should know – a club run and this week we’ll be running the showground route. Get yourself to the Hockey Club for 6.30pm and we head out round the back of the school, along the path to Kingsley Road, and into Starbeck. From there, we cut past Mozzas, through the Pan Handle Park and into the Show Ground. Once on Hookstone Road, you can head straight back to the club via the Saints, or can extend via St Aidan’s or Leeds Road. Your call. Do join us in the Hockey Club Bar afterwards, however, as Dave, Robert and Ian just cannot wait to get the party started.
We’ve got a rare quiet week in the championships this weekend, so feel free to put your feet up and have a weekend off. If you do fancy a race, though, then there’s the At The Double fell race on Saturday afternoon near Saltburn. It’s unusual to have a fell race where you can see the sea, even moreso when you can actually take a shortcut through it, so this is certainly at least worth a look. In the words of Tom Jones, just help yourself: https://tinyurl.com/4b8s5xuu.
Good luck to all those taking part in the rescheduled Temple Newsam 10 on Sunday. As this has sold out, there’ll be no others joining you, but I’m sure you’ll have a blast nonetheless.
Further Ahead & Booking Now Open
I know that I don’t need to tell you what to do for a parkrun, and far from this grandmother to teach you how to suck athletics eggs, but you’ll need your barcode for the Chevin Forest parkrun on Saturday 22nd February 2025, as this will be the penultimate counter in the cross country championships. There are too many points and too much at stake for you to ignore this one. Get the date in your diary: https://tinyurl.com/5br79cmm.
The Snake Lane 10 is on Sunday 23rd February 2025. This has sold out now, which is far from ideal when it’s the open salvo in the road championships, but we are where we are. Keep your eye out on social media, though, as there are places being advertised so you might get lucky.
AGM: Tuesday 25th February 2025
The AGM is nearly upon us. Only 16 days to go! Not that I am counting, obvs. Please make all effort to attend, as need as many people there as possible in order to carry business and to vote in the new committee. I can’t pretend it’ll be the most interesting night of your life, but those pins won’t stick themselves in your eyes.
All positions on the committee are up for re-election. You don’t need me to tell you that this club can only do its thing due to a committee who give up their time to get involved. The committee is made of people just like you, and certainly don’t let any anxiety about incompetence, lack of talent or ability stop you from having a go. It didn’t stop me. If you want to stand for any position, then please send an email to our secretary Jonathan Kay on secretary@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk by noon on Tuesday 11th February 2025.
Knaresborough Bed Race: Saturday 14th June 2025
If you want to get involved in the Knaresborough Bed Race, then please get a shifty on and let our captain Emma know. We’re not asking for people to put forward full teams, but rather we’ll try and build teams or similar ability runners when we know who is interested. We’ll also try and prioritise runners who have not yet had the chance to take part in the event because, as we all know, if you’ve not coughed up blood on Castle Ings and caught dysentery in the Nidd before waking up with the mother of all hangovers the next day then, well, you haven’t lived. You’ll find Emma here: ekicks@hotmail.co.uk.
Word to the Wise
I believe it was King Henry VIII (incidentally, my favourite king of all time; he certainly knew his onions when it came to ruling and reigning) who said to “do as I say and not as I do”, and Emma Kicks borrows his style in her comments after her impromptu hill intervals on Thursday.
“God it’s hard when you actually have to do them. It’s easier standing and telling other people to try harder…” – Emma Kicks, with shameless double standards.
Have the best possible week. Laterz.
Chairman Sam x