(TLDR. On Tuesday we have intervals at Wheatlands Road East, with sessions at both 6pm and 7pm. Thursday’s club run is at 7pm and takes us through Starbeck and the Showground. At weekend, we have parkrun milestone celebrations for Rebecca, Lynsey and Fiona, and on Sunday we have the fresh hell that is PECO #2 in Pontefract. Read on for other up and coming events and the Awards Night…).
Greetings Earthlings,
Sorry that the email is shorter than usual this week. I’ve got to dash out, so we’ll cut straight to the chase with the results.
Results from the Week That Was
Mopping up from last week, we’ve got the actual results from last weekend’s fell races. Amy Sheppard finished the Tour of Pendle Fell Race in 3:40.34, and Sarah Chalmers had the 5km of the Litton Birks Fell Race done and dusted in 1:02.30. Well done to you both.
I see from Facebook that Carolyn Jones teamed up with friends to take part in the Skipton Santa Run yesterday. The results for this haven’t appeared online and, to be honest, I’m not even sure whether this is the kind of event that has results, so for now Carolyn will have to settle for a hearty congratulations. Well done, Caroyln.
However, a quick nosey online does indeed tell me that three Nidds headed over to the North Yorkshire Moors to take part in the Dalby Dash yesterday morning. Louise Kingston was the first Nidd (and third female overall) to finish, doing so in 40.20. She was joined by Theresa Oldroyd (45.31) and Mark Tyrell (47.45). Congratulations!
We’ve got two new markers on the MallettMap this week, courtesy of Sylvia Morten’s trip to Airlie Beach on Queensland’s eastern coast, and Sam Fugill and Jane Evan’s in the slightly less sunny Ganger Park in Hampshire. Kev Nicholas found himself in Hull – not something you’d normally wish on anyone, but we are where we are – and Adam Kirk took fifth place on the York Knavesmire. With Fountains Abbey and Conyngham Hall succumbing to heavy snowfall, Harrogate was the only local parkrun going and there were plenty of Nidds who did their three chilly laps there. You can read up on all of the parkrun results here: https://tinyurl.com/47nsmxd6.
Someone told me long ago / There’s a calm before the storm / I know, it’s been comin’ for some time / When it’s over, so they say / It’ll rain a sunny day / I know, shinin’ down like water: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Fixtures for the Week Ahead
You’ll be getting the hang of this by now: if it’s Tuesday, it’s intervals. This week, we’re double dipping on Wheatlands Road East, so the meet point is at the junction with Oatlands Drive (///design.tigers.bonds). Sarah S and Nick C are your hosts for the 6pm session and Martin L and Chris O team up to take you under their collective wing for the 7pm session.
Wednesday brings with it the last chance for points in the road championships, as it is the Evensplits 5km time trial at the Brownlee Sports Centre in north Leeds. You know how it is by now. It’s short and sharp and a right little lung buster. You wouldn’t want to miss it: https://tinyurl.com/2kvxhbv3.
On Thursday, we’ve got another club run lined up for you, and this week it is the absolute beauty that is the Showground Run. We’ll leave the Hockey Club at 7pm, and head out round the back of the school and down Kingsley Road. Once in Starbeck, head down past Morrisons and through the Pan Handle Park onto Wetherby Road. Run up round the Showground and onto Hookstone. From there, the choices open up, and you can head directly back to the club via the Saints, or extend via Oatlands Drive or Leeds Road. Whatever you choose, feel free to join us for a catch up in the bar afterwards. It’d be lovely to see you.
Given that snow put paid to parkrun at Fountains Abbey at the weekend, Fiona Robinson has deferred her 300th parkrun celebrations to this Saturday. If you want to celebrate with her, then she’ll be down at the Abbey to do her hallowed laps and would love you to join her for the run and for a coffee in the café afterwards. Closer to home, we’ve also got the celebration for Rebecca Ventress and Lynsey Barraclough as they’ll be marking their 250th parkrun with their customary spin around Harrogate Stray. You’re spoiled for choice! Have a great run, whichever parkrun you choose.
On Sunday, we’re back out in the mud with the second counter in the PECO XC league, and this weekend we are heading down to Pontefract. Two laps of muddy misery beckon on Pontefract Racecourse. Yes, I know, I’m just as excited as you. Most of you will have collected your number from Captain Dazzler by now, but he’ll have the uncollected remainder if you still need yours on the day. All the race details are available here: https://tinyurl.com/4xuvt9ka.
Further Ahead & Booking Now Open
On Saturday 7th December 2024, Jo Lane is kicking off our Christmas festivities with the Ladies’ Secret Santa Run. This is a social and steady run around Hampsthwaite, regrouping in Sophie’s Cafe afterwards for food, drinks and gift sharing. As per usual traditions, this is a women’s only event and men are not invited, which is a shame, as I for one was looking forward to talking about pretty flowers, cute kittens and the latest range of ironing boards.
Not to be outdone by this frankly outrageous act of sexism, Fingers Harris returns fire with a run for the chaps on Sunday 8th December 2024. Meet in Ripley and be good to go for 9am, and he’ll lead a run around the Guy Fawkes 10 route, returning to Ripley for coffee afterwards. You wouldn’t be able to move for the alpha masculinity and pumping testosterone.
If you want to join us for the Christmas carol run (if you know, you know, and if you don’t, then don’t ask) on Thursday 19th December 2024, Phil Ventress has arranged for hot turkey sandwiches to be served at the Old Bell pub in town. If you want to come along to this, then you’ll need to deposit £7 in the club account (40-23-12 12074796) and let Phil and Sylvia both know. You can, of course, just come for the run and the sing but, if past years are any indication of what is to follow, then you’ll be ready for a stiff drink.
Awards Night: Saturday 25th January 2025
We’ve got only 18 places left for the Awards Night so, if you are thinking of coming, then now really is the time to get a wriggle on. Tickets are only £32 and the menu looks pretty decent this year, and there is the chance that you could be the lucky recipient of an award this year. Actually, that reminds me, I need to write a speech. Every silver lining as a cloud, but don’t let that put you off! Worth a punt, surely: https://tinyurl.com/4ztnctpw.
Speaking of awards, the committee award a couple of discretionary awards in addition to the championship awards. We’d be really interested to hear your nominations and thoughts on who might be a worthy winner. Please get involved: https://tinyurl.com/dutu497t.
Word to the Wise
Nothing for you this week, I’m afraid, so we’ll leave it there for now.
Have a great week, and see you soon.
Chairman Sam x