(TLDR. The Headlines: on Tuesday we have a club run down the Beryl Burton track to Knaresborough, with the option to enjoy an off-road nature trail variation with Martin L. The Bunny Run fell race series also starts in Haworth on Tuesday night, if that’s your kind of thing. Our Thursday club run takes us through Hookstone Woods, and we have the Pendle Fell Race on Saturday. Read on for other information re the Mob Match, the Evening League, membership, and the club championship. Plus – of course – some wise words).
Hi all,
The Easter Bunny has been here at Nidd Valley House, and you hardly need me to tell you that everybody is very excited. Everyone on the committee has been tucking into their chocolate eggs (Sarah played it safe with a dairy milk chocolate, Dazzler and Emma went for some darker numbers, while Sylvia spaffed half the budget up the wall in that posh new Belgian chocolatiers in town). Still, we had a wonderful easter egg hunt in ornamental gardens over the weekend and it was lovely to see Fingers Harris with his little bunny tail, scampering through the bushes and filling up his basket with chocolatey treats. So, while everyone munches their way into a diabetic coma, let’s have a look at the results from this past week.
Results from the Week That Was…
I want to start with some exceptionally good news this week. I have been told that Emily Wighton, when at the Isabel Trail Parkrun, got herself a PB of 25.32. I thought she’d be looking very speedy during intervals, too, so clearly the training had paid off. Well done, Emily, it’s great to see you running so well.
You might be interested to know that Craig Neethling was over on the North Yorkshire Moors yesterday to take part in the Helmsley Multi-Terrain 10km Race. He finished in a marvellous time of 53.38, so it’s a massive well done to him. Well done, Craig.
As per traditions, we had plenty of Nidds out on Easter Sunday to take part in the Guiseley Gallop 10km. Martin Lofrthouse (45.24) was the first Nidd to finish with Kev Nicholas (47.29) just behind him. Jim Holding finished in 51.12, Simon Cocker finished in 51.28, and Nigel Scaife hunted them to the line in an impressive time of 53.47. Fiona Deacon (55.21) was the first Nidd female finisher, while Jeremy Scott (58.13) snuck in just ahead of Christine Holleran (58.15). Diane Winnard (1:00.08) was just over the hour, with Emma and Mark David finishing side by side in 1:00.14 (I know, cute AF). Pauline Hogg (1:02.52) was back from her travels down under to finish just ahead of Jenny Manning (1:07.55) and Sarah Bracher (1:09.17). I must say, too, that it is lovely to see Sarah not get lost, find the finish line, and decide that she didn’t need to run home to Harrogate.
Oh, I’ve just seen that Theresa Oldroyd took part in the Spen 20 last weekend. I can hardly believe that she didn’t tell us about her achievement. Oldroyd! Thy name is modesty! Theresa completed the two lap, 20 mile course in Cleckheaton in an incredible time of 2:34.03 and claimed the first FV55 position, which is an incredible achievement. I’m more than happy to celebrate a result like that, that’s for sure.
As promised, I’ve got the results from last week’s Blubberhouses Moor LDWA. Terry Massey was the first to finish in 4:04, Phil Ventress in 4:45, Nicola Smith and Reb Ventress in 5:49, and Russ Geraghty finishing in 5:51. Great running, everyone.
As ever, we finish with a quick tour of the parkruns and have a quick look to see what people have been up to. Susie and John Mallett were down running in St Albans, Jeremy Scott was over at York Knavesmire, Sue Ball was down in Oak Hall, and Colleen Gruenwald was up over the border in Montrose. Matt Rickard was down in Wolverhampton (he came 21st place, if you’re taking notes), Adam Kirk and Lisa Gibson were enjoying the sea views at Sewerby Park, and Philly Thompson was doing her usual thing at Darlington South.
Pauline Hogg was at Temple Newsam, Ian Doughty was enjoying all things lakeland at Keswick, and Ian Wighton ran at Heslington. Helen Cook was in Australia to run at Woy Woy (I know, great name), Vicky Thomas was at Hay Lodge (I’ve not heard of it either), and Lizzie Hugill was up at the Pastures near Alnwick Castle. Jo Lane was at Marshall Drive near Redcar, Andy Todd was speeding round the course at Millfield, and Sylvia Morten was doing her thing on Otley Chevin. Ian Hesford was at University Parks in Oxford, Janet Carling was at Riverside Walk Parkrun near Hay-on-Wye, Fiona and Phil Robinson were down in Yarborough, and Chris and Sue Rogers were at North Yorkshire Water Park.
Rob & Louise Kingston have clearly decided that they’re not coming back to Harrogate in a hurry, so did Hagley Parkrun in New Zealand. Plenty of Nidds headed to Fountains Abbey to help Kev Nicholas celebrate his 60th birthday and his 60th parkrun, and we had the usual suspects down in Conyngham Hall and up on the Stray. All the parkrun results, right here: https://tinyurl.com/47nsmxd6.
I don’t wanna be left behind when the saints go marching in / I don’t wanna be left behind when my soul ships sails / I wanna feel it when my friends all join the band / Owooh, where the green grass grows: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Fixtures for the Week Ahead
So, the interval season has finally finished. Thanks ever so much to Emma Kicks for coordinating 18 weeks of gruelling workouts, and for all the coaches and assistants who have made it happen each week. It’s very much appreciated.
This does mean, however, that we are back to two club runs per week, and the lighter nights mean that we can start getting a little more off the beaten track.
On Tuesday, let’s enjoy a trip out on the Beryl Burton Track towards Knaresborough. We’ll leave the club at 7pm and head over the iron bridge. From there, follow the track up to Bilton Crossing, past the Gardener’s Arms, and then follow the track down towards Knaresborough. From there, you have a choice, either turning right so you come out on Forest Lane Head in Starbeck and heading back to the club from there, or you can continue down towards Knaresborough, along Waterside, and head back to the club over Forest Moor. Alternatively, feel free to make your own plans and do something different.
As a slight variation for Tuesday, Martin Lofthouse will be leading a nature run (that’s nature, not naturist, I hasten to add). This will be an off-road jaunt round Longlands Common to see what animals, birds and wildlife is on display. If you want to join him, meet at the Hockey Club for 7pm with the rest of us and lace up some off-road shoes. He’d be delighted to see you.
Sarah Chalmers has asked me to promote the series of Bunny Runs hosted by Wharfedale Harriers. This is a series of three three-mile fell runs near Haworth, starting this Tuesday night. They’re short, sharp, and not to steep, making them an excellent introduction to the delights of fell running. Each race is only £4, although £10 will buy you a number for all three races. More info here: https://tinyurl.com/3tzeukm4.
Thursday will bring yet another club run, and this week we will enjoy the delights of Hookstone Woods. As usual, meet at the Hockey Club for 7pm. Head out over the Stray towards the Saints, cut through Hookstone Woods, round the top of the Squash Club, and pick the path through the woods to St Michael’s Hospice. From there, follow the path towards Fulwith Mill Lane. You can then head back up Leeds Road, or you can continue to Stone Rings Lane and head over the field to Leadhall Lane before heading back to the club. Pints in the bar afterwards.
On Saturday, we’ve got the Pendle Fell Race in the Fell Championships. It’s short but not sweet, and packs a lot of challenge and climbs into a handful of miles. Still, all good fun and certainly character building. Entry details here: https://tinyurl.com/4rbakhnd. Incidentally, you might be interested to know that this will be Fell Running Phil’s 1000th race (he keeps tabs of such things, and is pretty sure he’s counted up properly), so it’ll be a really special day for him and he’d love it if you can join him. He’s talking about going to the pub for a drink afterwards to celebrate, and all are welcome. Once a fell runner, always a fell runner…
Further Ahead & Booking Now Open
The Evening League – our friendly race series against other clubs in the region – is now open for entries and we need as many Nidds as we can to get involved. Entries are available here (https://tinyurl.com/y7a2rab9), and you can find more about the races and the league series here (https://tinyurl.com/4vs9d8zy). The first race will be on 23rd May 2024 and will be hosted by Skipton AC.
On 5th May 2024, we have our date with destiny at the Melmerby 10km when we face up with Knaresborough Striders for our annual Mob Match. This is a really important date in our club calendar, and we need as many Nidds as we can to get out and give it their all. Every runner counts, and Captains Dazzler and Emma need to see you there to bring the Mob Matchy Trophy home. Do it for Nidd Valley: https://tinyurl.com/pcea9enw.
Evening League – Change of Date
As per my email over the weekend, the date for the Evening League race that will be hosted by Nidd Valley will now be on 4th June 2024, and not on the 7th May 2024, as originally planned. Please put his new date in your diary. Thanks to all who have volunteered to help, and who have emailed Cath to say they can. Karen Mills is now taking the mantle as marshal coordinator. If you are able to help, please let Karen know: karennewbouldmills@hotmail.co.uk. Please email Karen even if you have already emailed Cath.
Championships
Rob Northfield gets himself an extra easter egg this year for having spotted an error on the club website. On the club championship page, it says that you need to take part in a minimum of five races to qualify in any of the three championships, whereas on the rules page for the road championship it says that you need to complete a minimum of seven races including one long one.
For clarity, this year each of the championships (road, fell, or cross country) require you to complete at least five races to qualify.
Apologies for the confusion, and we’ll get the website updated as soon as we can.
Membership
It might be the first day of April, but this is now April Fools. With the new financial year, you’ll need to pay your subs if you want to continue to race as an affiliated runner with Nidd Valley or to wear the glorious Black & Gold when you line up on the start line. Membership fees are £40 per year. Yeah, I know, that’s less than 11p per day. Bargain. If you haven’t already renewed, please have a look for your email from Nick Crebbin and follow the instructions to get yourself signed up for what will another great year here at Nidd Valley.
Word to the Wise
This week, our wisdom comes from none other than Andy Iddon. Over a pint in the bar after club on Thursday, Andy was telling some people about a new pub that’s opened in town.
“You know the pub. You know, it’s the one with the doors” – Andy Iddon, as helpful as ever.
Have a grand old week.
Chairman Sam x