(TLDR. The Headlines: onT Tuesday, we have the Rudding Park 10km and the Jack Bloor Fell Race, and there will not be an organised club run from the Hockey Club on Tuesday evening. On Thursday, our club rub takes us to Killinghall down the cycle path. Nothing in the club champs this weekend, either,, but please read on about the Evening League and the fell champs).
Sorry it’s short this week. Not had the chance to catch my breath. Without further delay…
Results from the Week That Was…
Let’s head straight to Leeds for the infamous Rob Burrows Marathon. Caroyln Jones (5:47.25) must have been delighted to see her training pull off, bringing things home in under six hours, while we’ve got nothing but the highest praise for Jo Lane and Susy Rhodes who had it done and dusted in 5:08.27 and 5:04.12 respectively. New recruit to the Nidd Valley Campaign had it sorted in a great time of 3:25.47, just behind the inexhaustible Kev Clarke (3:23.19). Steve Newbould was full of all the celebrations, having finished in (2:51.05), finishing 21st overall.
In the half marathon at Leeds, Ian Wighton finished in 2:05.52, Alison Iles in 2:04.97, and Anna Bulcock in 2:09.27. Sarah Bracher had it nailed down in a great time of 2:15.23. Well done to you all.
Thanks also to the Nidds who got themselves out onto the course to cheer the other round. The support of others in the club is what makes Nidd Valley so special, especially at 23 miles when you’re hanging out your backside and earnestly praying for death’s sweet kiss,
Katharine Woodhead (34.22) was down at Thornton in Craven today, taking part in the shorter of the two fell races on offer today. Scroll back 20 words to see her time. We had a view more Nidds in the longer race, no doubt to do with it being in the fell championships. Dazzler (1:15.27) was the first the declare, never too far ahead of his predeceaxor for the captaincy Martin Lofthouse (1:19.17). Amy sheppard (1:25.32) and Theresa Oldroyd (1:26.14) swept up prizes for the second and third female finishes – brilliant effort! – and we were more than happy to celebrate the results from Nick Andralojc (1:30.32), Chris Carey (1:31.29) and Nick Crebbin (1:35.30).Emma David (1:43.32) and Nigel Scaife (1:44.21) round things off for us.
First shout out on the parkrun taxi rank must surely go to Fiona Robinson. Fiona headed with husband Phil to Flatts Lane Parkrun, marking the hundredth parkrun she has done in a different place. It takes all sorts, I suppose. Iain Scott did his thing at Endcliffe, Jeff Walker was at the amusingly named Nonsuch Parkrun (okay, maybe that’s just me), and Richard Evans and Karen Macartney were at Camperdown in Dundee.Pauline Hogg was keeping it all Danish, when she managed to squeeze a spin around Amager Strandpark into a work trip to what is possibly my most favourite country on Planet Earth.
Theresa Oldroyd and Hannah Kempson were at Roundhay, Jim Cook and Sarah Crawshaw ran at Keswick, Emily Wighton enjoyed the novelty of New Earswick. Andy Todd came sixth at Millfield, Adam Kirk was first at Wetherby, and Sylvia Morten was back up the Chevin. Sarah Staiano, Karen Mill and Steve Newbould did their 5km aat Herrington Country Park, James Braddon and Lizzie Hugill did Roberts Park under the watchful eye of Titus Salt, Chris Rogers ran at North Yorkshire Water Park whereas Mr MapMan Mallett and his wife Susie were getting muddy up at Thorpe Perrow.
As ever, parkruns were at Conyngham Hall, Fountains Abbey and Harrogate. We had plenty of Nidds running them, too. Read on, and read up: https://tinyurl.com/47nsmxd6.
Sugar Plum Fairy came and hit the streets / looking for soul food and a place to eat / went to the Apollo / you should’ve seen them go, go, go: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Fixtures for the Week Ahead
So, on Tuesday, it appears that more than 80 Nidds are taking part in the ever popular Rudding Park 10km. Given that they are, and given that a fair few other Nidds are helping with marshalling and such like, there will not be an organised club run from the Hockey Club. However, if you do feel like meeting for a run, then please feel free to put a shout out on social media and get a crowd together for a run,
If you are of the muddier persuasion but haven’t managed to blag yourself a place for the Rudding 10km, then I should like to put a word in favour of the Jack Bloor Fell Race, also on Tuesday night. 5.2 miles, some b*stard hills, a brilliant descent, and a river crossing just before the line. Just ask Kev Dalton. Certainly in his top three race experiences ever. All for £7 on the day, too. Deets here: https://tinyurl.com/4j92esdy.
We’ll come back together as a club on Thursday with a run up the Greenway to Killinghall. Meet at the Hockey Club and be good to go for 7pm. Heading over the iron bridge, our route takes us to Bilton Crossing, to the viaduct, and on to Killinghall. You can return conventionally via the A61, or can head cross country over the fields, although both options converge at Knox Mill for the final run back up to the club for a pint or a lime soda in the bar.
Nothing in the champs this weekend. A week off, you say? Lush. Do a parkrun, do some stretches, clean the car, cut the grass, head out and meet your friends for a decaf soya milk latte while wearing activewear, whatever it is we do in Harrogate these days,
Further Ahead & Booking Now Open
This is the final boarding call for passengers for the Nidd Valley Airlines flight to the Evening League locations of Skipton, Thirsk, Ilkley, and Otley. Please proceed to the boarding gate immediately. The first race is on Thursday 23rd May 2024, and you don’t want to find yourself stuck in the departure lounge: https://tinyurl.com/y7a2rab9.
On Thursday 6th June 2024, it’s worth remembering that we have the Kettlewell Anniversary Fell Race, which is the next fell race in the championships. It’s an absolute sod of a race, with a standing start on a hill, but some cracking runs, descents and views, and a finishing mile that is only really doable if your left leg is several inches longer than your right. All the joy, and all for £7 on the day. Crack on: https://tinyurl.com/bddumfyj.
Word to the Wise
Nothing for you this week. Sorry! I’m not around next week, either, so shall leave you in the capable hands of some poor and unsuspecting unfortunate from the committee.
Have a good week folks.
Chairman Sam x