Vale of York Half
Flat, fast, and local – just what you want for a Sunday half marathon in September. Three of our club runners made the short journey over to Sherburn In Elmet for this potential PB bagging event that attracted over 1600 runners. First back for Nidd, and continuing with his good form, was Adam Kirk. Adam finished in a time of 1:25:22 which was a PB for him despite suffering with a bit of a hamstring issue during the last couple of miles (he soldiered on in true NVRR style) Also landing a PB was Richard Taylor who crossed the line in 1:45:36 – a fantastic effort. Michelle Smith was representing the NVRR ladies at this event, and she crossed the line in brilliant time of 2:08:15. Well done to all three of you, great running….
The Great North Run
Thousands of runners from around the UK and beyond descended on Tyneside yesterday to compete in the world’s most popular half marathon (plus the fact of earning extra kudos for running in the same race as Mo Farah) This iconic event is forever remembered by the runners going over the Tyne Bridge with the Red Arrows doing their thing just above them, and several of our club runners were lucky to experience this event in all its glory. Nidd had eleven runners taking part, and all of them put in a massive effort to get round the course. Club captain Martin Lofthouse was first back for Nidd, finishing within the top 500 runners in a time 1:26:35. Jamie Dilasser was next in 1:30:57, followed by Sam Fugill (in full tank mode) in 1:42:28. Phil Ventress finished in 1:45:54 (couldn’t find him at first as he wasn’t linked to any club) with Michael Benson the next Nidd home in a great time of 1:53:28, then Catrin Harrap was the first Nidd lady over the line in a time of 1:55:31. Natasha Harrison followed shortly after in 2:01:58, then Nick Smith in 2:07:49. Rosemary Thompson was next in 2:13:03, followed by Jane Hill putting in a marvellous effort to finish in a fantastic time of 2:19:16. Stephen Pattison was the final Nidd over the line, and finished in a great time of 2:37:59. Another great effort by NVRR at the Great North Run, and well done to all our runners who managed to raise a load of money for their chosen charities – your hard work and dedication will have no doubt made a difference to someone’s life, a huge pat on the back to you all…..
Yorkshireman
It seems as some of you can’t be pulled away from the mud and hills, you would much rather be exposed to awful weather and monster ascents than run on flat tarmac. Nidd Valley had ten representatives at the Yorkshireman Half at the weekend, and mud was certainly a given at this one. The race is organised by Keighley and Craven Athletics club, and starts and finishes in Howarth. As it is an off road marathon, the actual distance is more near to 15 miles. Out of the 226 finishers, Alan Davidson was first over the line for Nidd in a time of 2:14:12. Next were James Cook and Carol Morgan, finishing in 2:29:21 and 2:30:27 respectively, followed by Mark Armstrong in 2:31:40. Christopher Beattie was next in 2:38:18, with Phil Robinson not too far behind him in 2:43:27. Dave Seaman was next in 2:54:04 (and grabbing 2nd MV70 in the process) Debbie Gibson, Fiona Robinson, and, making her return to fell running, Sarah Chalmers, all crossed the line together in 5:32. Rumour has it that Sarah even had smile on her face…..
Clarinbridge Oyster 10k
Newlyweds Philippa and Matt Wilkinson had a bit of a honeymoon in Galway, Ireland, and Philippa took the opportunity to race in the local 10k event. The race made up part of the running festival in and around the village Clarinbridge (I couldn’t find much info on this village but there is an oyster festival there in October, and one of its past residents was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1901) Philippa was one of the 99 finishers, and she crossed the line in 55:40. Well done Philippa, Guinness gives you strength….
One result I forgot to mention last week – Edoardo Piano ran the Grisedale Horseshoe fell race in the Lakes. 10 miles and 5000ft of ascent is not for the fainthearted, and despite being geographically challenged at a few points, Edoardo finished in 77th place out of 136 runners in a time of 2:56:43.
Another fantastic weekend of running, and well done to Sarah Chalmers on her magnificent return to the fells!