Edinburgh Marathon Festival
Early weather reports for Scotland’s capital didn’t look too promising for the NVRR contingent heading north of the border for the Marathon Festival, with the forecast predicting strong sunshine and mid 20’s temperatures on race day which were less than ideal for running 13.1 or 26.2 miles. Luckily, the sun was hidden behind some cooling fog on Sunday morning which came to the relief of all concerned. When the sun did make an appearance at about 1pm, the temperature did rise quite a bit making it a bit more difficult for runners still out on the course.
In the half marathon event, Andy Harris 1:25:52 was the first Nidd to finish, and crossed the line at Musselburgh in 1:25:52. Kevin Dalton was next to finish in 1:36:50, and then Jenny Manning 1:56:47.
Martin Lofthouse was first back for Nidd in the full marathon and he crossed the line in 3:07:40 (obviously relieved there wasn’t a repeat of the London weather a month previously!), with Nigel Scaife next over the line in 3:24:52, with me not too far behind in 3:27:05 (Nige passed me at about mile 19 then showed me a clean pair of heels!)
The first Nidd lady to finish the marathon was Debbie Gibson in 4:09:37, then Jane Hill next with a PB time of 4:41:35. Also getting a PB was Carolyn Easton in 4:49:11, and Michelle Smith was next in 5:08:52.
Edinburgh was also the first marathon for three new club members – Ursula Holmes, James Bennett, and Jane Wilkinson. Ursula finished in 5:01:17, James in 5:52:08, and Jane in 5:11:36 – a fantastic effort all round, let’s hope it’s not your last marathon!
Melmerby 10k
This 10k race was another featured in the club champs so there were plenty of Nidds in attendance trying to grab some more championship points. Conditions were hot and dry – not the best for running but everyone involved put in a great effort. Here is the list of finishers:
Matthew Wilkinson 00:36:49 (6th)
Adam Kirk 00:37:02 (9th)
Andy Todd 00:40:14
Stephen Quinn 00:40:46
Edoardo Piano 00:42:31
Brian Hainsworth 00:42:48
John Beaumont 00:45:09
Emma Dooley 00:47:58 (2nd f35)
Jane Evans 00:48:33
Sue Simpson 00:48:39 (1st f55)
James Forster 00:48:42
Dave Seaman 00:49:44
James Cook 00:50:28
Jeremy Scott 00:50:57
Kaye Kent 00:53:06
Robert Hill 00:54:21
Sarah Hughan 00:55:01
Marcos Montana 00:55:14
Moira Mctague 00:57:34
Rebecca Ventress 00:57:50
Graham Hyde 01:10:29
Fiona Cunningham 01:13:52
Clare Simpson 01:13:52 (1st ever 10k race!)
Parkrun
A quick look at parkrun, specifically Harrogate as there were three club runners that all achieved new PB’s – Helen Cook 23:36, Jane Evans 24:39, Faith Hammond 35:4. Well done to you all, great effort.
Ilkley Trail race
This nice bank holiday Monday event was organised by Ilkley Harriers and classed as a category C medium fell race over 6.9 miles with 700ft of climbing. Four Nidds made the short journey over to Ilkley to take part, with Russ Geraghty first back for Nidd in59:15, then Mark Armstrong in 1:05:06, Fiona Robinson 1:21:29, and Sarah Chalmers 1:31:49.
Cape Wrath ultra
This event is known as Scotland’s expedition race, and is put together by the same lot that organised the Dragon’s Back race in Wales. It’s a 400km yomp through the Highlands with meals and accommodation provided each night by the event organisers, and this year’s event sold out quickly (next one is May 2020 if anyone’s up for something a bit different!)
Seasoned ultra-runners Carol Morgan and husband Simon were up for the challenge (as it was their holiday after all), with Carol fully re charged after representing Ireland at the recent World Trail running champs in Spain. Having already conquered the Pennine Way in this year’s Spine Race (and in horrendous conditions), a warm spring blast through the Highlands confirmed that Carol can adapt to all conditions and proceeded to advance with ease. Carol was the first lady finisher in a time of 55:35:31, with the second lady, Sarah Witte coming in about two and a half hours after Carol. Simon put in a storming effort to finish in 66:07:11, 35th overall out of 89 male finishers.