The First Word

 Not sure it feels right, but Fell racing is a summer sport! Events are held throughout the year though the racing calendar does really thicken out during the summer months, locally and nationally, this time it’s an away-day round-up.

Now in its second year, Esk Valley’s membership is really starting to flourish and the club colours are being seen across all the best hills and fells of northern England – Well Done Esk Valley and Welcome to all the new members!

Results

June and July are the months of the Lakeland Super Long Fell races – Duddon (18m/6000’), Ennerdale – an English Champs counter this year (23m/7500’) and Wasdale (21m/9000’). Stuart Backhouse was our sole representative at Duddon, finishing well into the top half in 67^th out of 171 finishers.

Ennerdale saw four Eskers finish, Richard Clark, Phil Conner, Dave Dedman and Clive Thornton. This event was real Lakeland day out, a classic horseshoe course where the tag line for the event ‘don’t start what you can’t finish’ is truly apt, there is no easy escape! The view from Green Gable at the head of the valley is a wonder and to cap it all a true fell running legend, Joss Naylor supported the event, handing out drinks at the Iron Crag check point on the return leg.

Wasdale was held in weather conditions that were all that Ennerdale wasn’t. As most of England was bathed in sunshine, the Wasdale valley was deep in a Lakeland clag, comment from the organiser ‘most competitors were lost at some stage’. Four eskers started the event, with Richard Clark placing 64^th just outside the top half of the field, Phil Conner and Stuart Backhouse were the other two Esk Valley finishers and honest Dave Dedman disqualifying himself for missing the last checkpoint.

Two more club championship counters were held in June, Pen Y Gent where Dave Collett was sole Esk Valley representative gaining full points in the overall and male 50 category and a top half finish. Fourth English Fell Counter Sedbergh Three Peaks was held later in June, again like Pen Y Gent held on a hot sunny day, with sole rep blogger CT gaining full points.

So with 5 club championship events now complete the early leaders are; Overall and M40 - Clive Thornton; M50 - Bob Lillie, but with 7 events still to go, everything is still to play for.

The other non-local series event in the area was Osmotherley Phoenix, an established ultra-marathon event, with a choice of 17, 26 or 33 mile routes. In what was a record entry of over 400 for the event, we were blessed by a bright warm day, three Esk Valley runners competed in the shortest 17 mile event gaining excellent finishes of 4^th – Phil Conner (2hour 36min), 6^th – Clive Thornton (2-43) and 12^th – Mike McGough (3-01) from 140 finishers.

Don’t Forget – Your Series Needs YOU!

We are keen to improve Health and Safety, so we are looking for Course markers and Sweepers for the remaining events of the summer series and for the up and coming Winter Series to help spread the organisational load.

So if you are interested or want further details don’t be shy and please contact Dave Parry on 01287 660309 or david@eskvalleyfellclub.org

Up and coming

TUES 20 JULY COCK HOWE AND BEYOND, BM, 7.15pm, 7m/1500’ – Venue – Public Car Park, Chop Gate – Enter on Day - £6.00, 7^th Summer Series counter.

SUN 25 JULY KENTMERE HORSESHOE, AM, 1.00pm, 11.9m/3300’ – Venue – Kentmere Vllage Hall, Cumbria. Pre-entry £5.00 by 19^th July. An Esk Valley awayday, this is a tremendous event and I think is one of the easier Lakeland Fell Races, but its all relative.

Early warning, SUN 5 SEP SHELF MOOR AS 5.9m/1500’ 6^th and final English Championships Counter, see Glossopdale Harriers website for entry form, entries accepted from 1^st July – 250 limit and filling up quick!

Next Time 

Summer series round-up, the leagues are getting interesting and plenty of interest for the Eskers.

Clive Thornton

Results

Esk Valley was well represented in the 3^rd Club championship counter, the fantastic 10 mile (3000’ climb) trot around the Fairfield Horseshoe (15^th May). On a bright warm sunny day with just a hint of breeze, in what could have been an English championship turnout, 379 crossed the finish line including six Eskers. 

Dave Dedman led home for Esk Valley in 97^th position in a new club and personal best time of 1hr 43m 29sec, Phil Connor in close attendance came in 99^th, in a time of 1hr 44m 00sec, followed by Stuart Backhouse in 138^th and 1hr 48m 50s, next Clive Thornton (152^nd) 1hr 50m 24s, 158^th Mike McGough 1hr 50m 48s and 301^st Bob Lillie 2h 7m 7s. Rob Jebb took the victory in 1h 16m 0s!

At this time of year the summer series events appear with regularity. New event Cock Howe North East saw 58 hardy souls finish on a bitterly cold day, with hail, thunder and lightning thrown in, for that typical North East spring day feeling.

Dave Collett who is quickly returning to form led home for Esk Valley in 15^th position in a time of 53m 02s (and EVFC course record), closely followed by Phil Connor (17^th), Stuart Backhouse (19^th), Colin Knapp (24^th), Richard Lindsay (30^th) and Bob Lillie in 40th.

 Now in its 24^th year, the Fox and Hounds Chase was held on an almost balmy night at Ainthorpe, with a terrific turnout of a 100 plus runners and 10 from Esk Valley, tremendous! Will Horsley of Northumberland Fell Runners took victory in 65m 56s over the 9 mile (1500’ climb) course, which on a seemingly mostly single track route, is a battering for ankles and calves.

Richard Clark led home Esk Valley in 14^th and a time of 74m 10s, Clive Thornton (27^th) was next, followed by Dave Dedman (29^th) and Dave Collett (34^th) for a 5^th place in the team competition. Colin Knapp placed 45^th, John Williams (76^th), David Gibson (85^th), Chris Jamieson (91^st), Ian Robinson (93^rd), and Sid Bollands (98^th).

 Further afield our most prolific racer Chris Jamieson continues his quest to run seemingly every fell race in the handbook in one season. Chris races himself fit and his Esk Valley exploits are only half the story, as by day he competes for Hartlepool Burn Road on the road! Chris’s most recent fell races include; Glaramara - 23/05/10, Hutton Roof Crags Fell Race - 29/05/10 and the Austwick Amble on 31/05/10, Terrific Chris, keep the Esk Valley flag flying!

 Stuart Backhouse and David Dedman competed in Helvellyn (30/05/10), placing 56^th and 62^nd respectively in a field of 160+; Dave followed that up with a mid-week sortie at Blencathra a few days later.

 Don’t Forget – Your Series Needs YOU!

 We are keen to improve Health and Safety, so we are looking for Course markers and Sweepers for the remaining events of the Summer series and for the up and coming Winter Series to help spread the organisational load.

 For each role you will need to know the course particularly the course marker, the course is usually laid a couple of days beforehand. The Sweeper is required to follow the last runner of the race so we should know the last runner is in, they can also help to spot off-course runners and also bring in the course marking tapes. So if you fancy a training run with a bit of interval work! You won’t be disadvantaged by sweeping as an average of your series points will be awarded for the event you sweep.

 So if you are interested or want further details don’t be shy and please contact Dave Parry on 01287 660309 or david@eskvalleyfellclub.org

Up and coming

 SAT 12 JUNE ENNERDALE, AL, 11.00m, 23m/7500’! – Venue – Ennerdale Scout Camp, Ennerdale Bridge, Cumbria – GR 085153. Entries closed, 3^rd English Fell Championship Counter. Esk Valley Entrants; Richard Clark, Phil Connor, David Dedman, Andrew Johnson and Clive Thornton. 

 TUES 15 JUNE WHORLTON RUN, BM, 7.15pm, 7m/1080’ – Venue – Black Horse PH, Main Street, Swainby, near-ish Stokesley – Enter on Day - £6.00, 5^th Summer Series counter.

 SAT 26 JUNE SEDBERGH THREE PEAKS, AS, Ladies 2.00pm, Gents 3.00pm, 4.1m/1663’ – Venue – Howgill Lane, Sedbergh – GR 656923. Entries closed, 4^th English Fell Championship counter and 5^th club champs counter. Esk Valley Entrants; Phil Connor, David Dedman and Clive Thornton.

TUES 29 JUNE MAYBECK THREE CROSSES, BM, 7.15pm. 6m/800’ – Venue – Maybeck Car Park, nr Whitby – GR 892025 – EOD - £6.00, 6^th Summer Series Counter.

 And SUN 18 JUL HOLME MOSS AL 17m/4000’ 5^th counter in the English Fell Championships, I understand entries are still open for this West Yorkshire bog trot, check out the Holmfirth Harriers Website – Club events tab. Early warning, SUN 5 SEP SHELF MOOR AS 5.9m/1500’ 6^th and final English Championships Counter, see Glossopdale Harriers website for entry form, entries accepted from 1^st July – 250 limit!

 Don’t keep your exploits a secret, and keep you eyes on the e-mail, midweek social to be arranged soon, in combination with a Tuesday training run.

Clive Thornton

The Summer and Winter Series needs YOU!

 We are keen to improve Health and Safety, at the Summer and Winter Series events, so following from a discussion at the AGM Forum, we are looking for a Sweeper at each event for the remaining events of the Summer series and for the up and coming Winter Series.

 The role of the sweeper is to follow the last runner of the race so we should know the last runner is in, they can also help to spot off-course runners and also bring in the course marking tapes. The Sweeper isn’t just limited to Esk Valley runners, it’s not a newcomer’s job and you will need to know the course, and we are not looking to disadvantage a sweeper who may also be competing in the Series, so series points will be awarded.

So if you are interested or want further details please contact Dave Parry on 01287 660309 or david@eskvalleyfellclub.org

 Photographs – Fox and Hounds

 Our usual photographic source Dave Aspin was not at the Fox and Hounds, so if you have taken some photographs, please get in-touch we would like to put them on the website.

 Please contact Dave Parry on 01287 660309 or david@eskvalleyfellclub.org

 Up and coming

 SAT 30 MAY. HELVELLYN, AM, 12.00pm, 11m/4500’ – Venue – Bram Crag Farm, St Johns in the Vale, Keswick – GR 319214. EOD - £5.00, Another awayday.

TUES 1 JUNE. OSSY OIKS, BM, 7.15pm, 8.5m/1800’ – Venue – Sheepwash Car Park, Next to Cod Beck Reservoir, nr Osmotherley – GR 469993 EOD - £6.00, 4^th Summer Series counter, the ascent of Black Hambleton. Car sharing advised.

Results

 A results special to follow soon and Eskers don’t keep your exploits a secret.

 Clive Thornton

Up and coming

SAT 15 MAY. FAIRFIELD HORSESHOE, AM, 1.00pm, 9m/3000’ – Venue - Rydal Hall, Ambleside – GR NY 365064. EOD, 3^rd Club Champs counter, a classic ridge run, bit of everything, if you run one Lakeland fell race this year, make this it!

TUES 18 MAY. FOX AND HOUNDS CHASE, BM, 7.15pm, 9m/1500’ – Venue – Fox & Hounds, Ainthorpe, nr Castleton – GR 704078 EOD, 3^rd Summer Series counter.

Results

Two Saturdays, two Lakeland races, and two very similar and not so similar races.

Anniversary Waltz (11.5m/3600’) – 24^th April. This is a much talked about race and if the FRA forum is anything to go by, one not to be missed. Held on the warmest weekend so far, the North East fell race fraternity turned out in their numbers, with the competing Three Peaks being held on the same day, overall numbers were down, but still 270 made it to the finish line including 7 Eskers. The course is deceptive after a pleasant 2.5m trail race warm-up; you hit the wall that is Robinson, with the scale of the Lakeland fells dwarfing all that has gone before in the winter series.

After Robinson come the relative undulations of Hindscarth, Dale Head, High Spy, Maiden Moor and Catbells, (6 Wainwrights bagged – tremendous) with each one a lesser climb, but certainly no easier for it. The finale is a glorious descent off Catbells to the finish field, where a beer, hot food and cake heaven await. 

 Verdict: A terrific day out, a tough opener to anyone’s Lakeland account, not sure we will hurry back, there are plenty more fells in the Lakes.  

For the record: Terrific near top quarter finish in 73^rd – Richard Clark 2-08-53; 86^th – Phil Conner 2-12-59; Dave Dedman 2-13-58; 112^th – Mike McGough 2-19-49; 128^th – Clive Thornton 2-23-01;

206^th – Bob Lillie 2-40-04; 227^th – Chris Jamieson. Event won by Ben Bardsley of Borrowdale in 1-37-42.

Coniston (9m/3500’) – 1^st May. Second English Fell Championship counter, in many ways similar to Anniversary Waltz, just take out the 2.5m warm-up, within 50 metres of the start the road starts to climb, 300 metres later it’s the grassy col, Mauldry Bank, a viciously steep starter to the 2.5 mile climb that is Wetherlam. A rocky descent off Wetherlam is followed by a rocky scramble up Prison Band to the highest point of the race Swirl How (804m). Coniston Old Man is reached via Brim Fell (4 more Wainwrights bagged). Then followed 2 miles of mad rocky descent off the Old Man, made all the worse on the day by a four seasons in a day Lakeland hail storm.   

Verdict: Very similar style race to Anniversary Waltz, with a long steep ascent near to the start of the race, though we all liked Coniston more, never a dull moment, and a classic that we will come back to soon!

For the record: Excellent top half finish for Phil (Lakeland) Connor 203^rd from 430 finishers in 1-36-33; 242^nd – Dave Dedman 1-40-08; 286^th – Clive Thornton 1-46-39; 308^th - Andrew Johnson 1-48-52;

And 410^th - Chris Jamieson 2-18-07 (who was planning to run Keswick half marathon next day!). The event was won by 44 year old Ian Holmes of Bingley for the 9^th time in 1-08-39, Ian is a tremendous descender coming off Swirl How which is about mid race he was 9^th and made up most of the places on the Old man descent.

In the running

 Awayday to Fairfield 15^th May, early warning target race - Helvellyn 30^th May, Ennerdale (English Fell Champs) – 12^th June.

 Don’t Forget

 English Fell Champs entries opened on 1^st May for Holme Moss (18/07/10), form available on the Holmfirth Harriers website see event list for link to entry form.

 Clive Thornton
 

There so much happening at this time of the fell racing year, so the blog updates will keep coming thick and fast.

Cleveland Survival

I promised a write-up from Richard C. following his best time in the Cleveland Survival, so take it away:-

“Try as  I might just couldn't get the day off for the Blakey Blitz, so decided to enter the Cleveland Survival a couple of weeks before the start as it would be a good, long training run. I had done it before (3^rd last year – blogger’s note) and quite enjoyed the map reading side of it. Anyway, found out the start would be at Great Ayton the week before so at least I should know some of the route.

I decided to do my map reading on the run and not to waste too much time at the start plotting the route. First stop was Roseberry Topping then onto Highcliff Nab through Guisborough woods, then over the back and onto the Quakers causeway to a check point above Commondale. Bit of a route choice to get over to hob hole, so decided to go straight over the moors and I was the first one in to the next check point. Ran quite hard to try and get a lead, as I knew the route well as it was part of the Eskdale Eureka route and then over the moor top to little Kildale.

The next check point was at the other side of the railway line, followed by a bit of a drag up to Captain Cook’s Monument, expecting all the time to be caught at any moment. It was then back onto the Gisborough moors route to the bottom of little Roseberry, with a final blast as fast as I could to return to Great Ayton via Newton Wood.

As this event is run on a staggered start I had a bit of a wait to see who was in next, it was John Duff of NFR six minutes behind me. My long training run turned out to be about 24 miles in just under 4hrs on a sunny spring day. The event is well organised by Cleveland search and Rescue team. (Helping to raise funds for their current appeal to refurbish their new premises in Great Ayton – Blogger’s note).

 Hopefully I'll be doing it again as long as it doesn't clash with anything else.”

Richard Clark.

Results

 Stuart Backhouse travelled to the Lakes on 17^th April to compete in the Coledale Horseshoe Fell Race, Rob Jebb won the event in a time of 1hr 13 minutes 29 seconds, Stuart finished 116^th in 1 hour 46 minutes 13 seconds, well inside the top half of the field of 252 finishers.

 The summer series is here, and it started with a snow flurry! On a chilly night, the 7.15pm start to the Carlton Challenge caught a few by surprise, with all signed on there was just time to walk to the start and we were off. On a mostly hard baked outward leg and stone slabbed return to the course Jim Bulman of NYMAC took the honours in 34 minutes 16 seconds, with 95 finishing the race and 11 Esk Valley, which is terrific.

 The Eskers finished in 4^th and 5^th in the team competition, with new name Alex Bennett leading the way in 21^st in a time of 40 minutes 5 seconds (new EVFC record), closely followed by Clive Thornton (23^rd), Richard Clark (24^th) and Phil Conner (25^th), first prize for team massing. The B team, were led home by Dave Collett in 30^th followed by Mike McGough (31^st), Richard Lindsay (40^th) and Colin Knapp (41^st), nice symmetry. With nearly enough for a third team, David Gibson (63^rd), Chris Jamieson (69^th) and Ian Robinson (80^th) made up the 11 finishers. Good effort all round.

 Bob Lillie ventured over to Preston Park for the first of NYMAC’s Tees Forest Trail Series; Bob completed the 5km course in 22 minutes 41 seconds (104^th/259 finishers) and 4^th M55 finisher, Paul Lowe of the promoting club led home in 16 minutes 18 seconds. There are six events in the series, each is run on a Thursday night at 7.15pm (registration opens 6.30pm), next event in Pinchinthorpe on 29^th April, followed by Coulby Grange Leisure Farm, Coulby Newham on 13^th May.

Club Championships

Early days, but with two events completed the first three in the Open and M40 categories are the same, Dave Dedman, Stuart Backhouse and Clive Thornton, and Andrew Johnson leads from Bob Lillie in the M50 cat.

Up and Coming

The entry form for Holme Moss on 18^th July (AL/17 miles/4000’ climb), 5^th counter in the English Fell Championships is now available on the Holmfirth Harriers Website, so entries are now open. Don’t forget Cock Howe North East – 10.30am, 3^rd May – 6 miles/1200’ - 2^nd summer series and new course I think, start Chop Gate Car Park.

Next time

Report and photographs from what at times seemed like a home fixture – Anniversary Waltz, based on the company not the running.

Clive Thornton

The beating heart of North Yorkshire hill and fell running rang out loudly and declared itself in good health for the 33^rd running of the Guisborough Moors race. On a cracking warm spring day, the sun shone and with a hint of a breeze all was set fair for a terrific contest, for the near 200 field who lined up for the start of the race at Guisborough Rugby Club.

Phil Sanderson – Northumberland FR with 4 victories from 4 winter series starts and Matt Speake – Dark Peak FR, victory at the first English Fell Champs counter Noonstone, made the early running, but Matt Speake pulled away to win by nearly five minutes in a new course record of 79 minutes and 9 seconds.

Esk Valley made another tremendous showing with 10 finishers and 6^th and 10^th in the team competition, Dave Dedman (37^th) took the honours for Esk Valley, followed by Clive Thornton (47^th), Richard Clark (56^th) in a sprint from Stuart Backhouse (57^th),  Dave Collett (68^th), Mike McGough (73^rd), Andrew Johnson (80^th), Bob Lillie (121^st), Paul Lambert (127^th), and Ian Robinson (169^th). Well done everyone!

Coming into the final event of the winter series, more than half of the category winners remained undecided and there were still most podium positions to chase. This year’s series has been the most popular yet, with 497 different male and 121 different female competitors and numbers in the events were the highest yet.

Before I move onto the Series winners, special mention for Kath Aspin of New Marske Harriers and Ean Parsons of Sedgefield Harriers who both completed all 11 events in the series, as reward entry is free to your next summer series race.

Series Overall Winners

Men Overall           Richard Bewell – Wetherby Runners,

 Women Overall     Caroline Pollard – NYMAC, confirms title despite a strong finish from Kath Aspin.                                                                  

Male Junior            Elliott Jackson – New Marske Harriers

Female Junior       Megan Ellis – Loftus and Whitby

Category Winners

Male Senior           Giles Hawking – Knavesmire AC, title decided at last race from Jim Mann.

Female Senior      Gail Bell - Sedgefield Harriers & Shelli Gordon – New Marske Harriers, Amazingly they can’t be separated, each has one first, three seconds and two thirds, so a tie for the title, (though Shelli beats Gail on the head-to-head basis just to add some spice)                                         

MO40                    Paul Christon – NYMAC

MO45                    Richard Bewell – Wetherby Runners

MO50                    Paul Kelly – Durham FR, with an age category victory Paul overtakes Karl Edwards.

MO55                    David Kirk – Hartlepool BR

MO60                    Neil Scruton – Scarborough AC

MO65                    Ernie Huck – Thirsk and Sowerby, Title confirmed.

FO40                     Kath Aspin – New Marske Harriers

FO45                     Carol Dixon Yeung – Acorn, Carol was just too strong for Christine Devereux.

FO50                     Caroline Pollard – NYMAC

FO55                     Jan Young – Elvet Striders, Jan takes title with 2^nd in category 

FO60                     Pat Kirkby – Thirsk and Sowerby, Title confirmed.

Best placed Esk Valley competitors, Men overall – Rob Williamson 9^th, Senior male – Dan Middlemas 11^th injury prevented higher finish,  Male O40 – Richard Clark 3^rd, Phil Conner 5^th, Male O45 – Rob Williamson 3^rd, Colin Knapp 5^th (7 Esk Valley in top 20), Male O50 – Andrew Johnson 4^th, Male O50 – Bob Lillie 2^nd (Silver this time!).

See you all in the Summer Series, next race 2^nd counter  - Cock Howe North East – Monday 3^rd May 10.30am, Chop Gate Car Park.

 Clive Thornton

Up and coming

Guisborough Moors (12.5m/2600’) –11.00 am, Sunday 11^th April – Venue – Guisborough Rugby Club, Belmangate, Guisborough – GR 616155 -140 places available on the day, final event in the Winter Series.

Carlton Challenge (5m/850’) – 7.00pm, Tuesday 20^th April – The Summer Series starts here – Venue – Carlton Bank top café, Carlton-in-Cleveland – GR 522031 – A sprint start to the series.

Results

Some great results recently by Esk Valley runners, after a third place last year Richard Clark did even better and gained the best time of 3 hour 58 minutes in the Cleveland Survival (27/03/10), a 26 mile orienteering event, this year based on a start/Finish at Great Ayton, report from Rich to follow soon.

Away from North Yorkshire, Dave Dedman was sole Esk Valley representative in the classic Edale Skyline (21/03/10), an event of 21 miles and 4500’ climb, finishing in a terrific 91^st from 253 finishers in a personal best time of 3 hours 52 minutes, race winner was Simon Bailey of Mercia in 2 hours 39 minutes.

 Summer Series

With the last winter series event this weekend, attention quickly turns to the Esk Valley Fell Club Summer Series, where the racing comes thick and fast between the Carlton Challenge on 20^th April and the 10^th and final event Roseberry Topping on 31^st August.

 Another series you might just consider is the NECAA/NEHRA fell running championships, a seven race series which started at Kielder in February, but includes; Gisborough Moors, Simonside (Club Champs) and Clay Bank West, four finishes are required to be placed in the series, two of the remaining events clash for some, but see the Northumberland Fell Runners website for more details.

 AGM

As Esk Valley’s first Anniversary of its formation approached, we held our AGM at the Downe Arms at Castleton. It was a celebration of a year of ‘Firsts’ for the club:-

First competitive race – Carlton Challenge (21/04/09), First away day – Fairfield Horseshoe (16/05/09), First Victory – Dan Middlemas – Maybeck 3 Crosses (30/06/09), First team win – Clay Bank West (22/11/09) and First club appearance in the English Fell Championships at Noonstone (27/02/10).

Election of Officers: Chairman – Phil Conner, Secretary – Dave Parry, Treasurer – Pat Parry, Membership Secretary – Bob Lillie, Welfare Officer – Dave Dedman.

Ordinary Member Posts – OM1 – Sid Bollands – OM2 – Blog and Records – Clive Thornton – OM3 – To be filled.

The format of the club fell championships was revised and extended, to include 12 races; with the improved format including more local races and now extending over the whole year.

There was lively discussion on how to develop the club in its second year, including; event support and training groups, developing a family membership option, and encouraging a young and female members section. To encourage membership of the club, if a new member joins at the Gisborough Moors or at any of initially the first five summer series races and then entry to the race is free.

Esk Valley are looking to enter a team in the Cleveland Way Relay (Prov. 27/06/10), Mike McGough to send further details.

In the running

Away days up and coming; Anniversary Waltz and Three Peaks – 24^th April; Coniston – 1^st May.

Don’t Forget

English Fell Champs entries open on 1^st May for Holme Moss (18/07/10), form to be available on the Holmfirth Harriers website.

Clive Thornton

Up and coming

AGM – NEW VENUE – The Downe Arms, Castleton – Up the hill on Main Street, times as before, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, Thursday 1st April.

Guisborough Moors –11.00 am, Sunday 11th April, entry form on the fixture list. 

Results

The blue skies and sunshine belied the strong chill wind that blew across the tops at Blakey Blitz, and where a drop down into the valleys found a tropical paradise. The course has a very long sting in its tail, the two ascents and one descent in the back half were hard enough, but combined with a fierce headwind it made for a difficult return to The Lion.

Phil Sanderson of Northumberland Fell Runners literally blew the opposition away; finishing over nine minutes clear of his nearest sprint finish rivals Gary Webb and a returning Charles Stead. To cap a fine morning’s effort Phil set a new course record of 84 minutes 45 seconds beating Lewis Banton’s mark by nearly two minutes, over in the Women’s race Helen Gilbert of Totley AC took the honours.

Esk Valley were able to finish two teams in the first club championship counter, Stuart Backhouse in 21st lead home ‘Esk Valley A’ who finish 5th overall, followed by a still fresh after his fine run in Edale Skyline - Dave Dedman 28th, Phil Conner 31st and Clive Thornton 45th. ‘Esk Valley B’ represented by Andrew Johnson, Bob Lillie, Chris Jamieson and Ian Robinson completed the eight for the Eskers.

Winter Series update

Blakey Blitz has helped decide three more categories, but over half still have some running in them and don’t forget the podium spots, so plenty to run for at our final winter series promotion – Guisborough Moors.

Firstly well done to the category winners so far:

Men Overall  Richard Bewell – Wetherby Runners           A 6th overall at Blakey Blitz seals it.
Male Junior   Elliott Jackson – New Marske Harriers       New winner    
MO40              Paul Christon – NYMAC                          A 2nd place category finish at Blakey nails it. 
MO45              Richard Bewell – Wetherby Runners
MO55              David Kirk – Hartlepool BR
MO60              Neil Scruton – Scarborough AC
FO40               Kath Aspin – New Marske Harriers
FO50               Caroline Pollard – NYMAC

Categories undecided;

Women overall – Caroline Pollard leads but Kath Aspin can still snatch it.
Male Senior – Its now down to two, leader Giles Hawking can still be caught by Jim Mann.
MO50 – Karl Edwards takes over the lead from Ean Parsons, Gordon Brown and Paul Kelly still in with a shout. 
MO65 – Ernie Huck leads, but Ronnie Sherwood is a counter shy, so a good finish and who knows?
Female Junior – Title contender Megan Ellis is still open to challenge.
Female Senior – Gail Bell still leads, though Shelli Gordon closes slightly after Blakey.
FO45 – Carol Dixon-Yeung leads and only a category win will do for local runner Christine Devereux.
FO55 – Current leader Jan Young can seal the title by finishing Guisborough Moors from Sue Haslam.
FO60 – Pat Kirkby just leading, close rivals are Pam Sherlock & Marian Codling, but it’s open to anyone.

In the running

Confirmed entries for the second English Championship Counter – Coniston (1st May) – Phil Conner, Dave Dedman, Chris Jamieson, Andrew Johnson & Clive Thornton. Anniversary Waltz (24th April) – Entries still open, already confirmed;- Phil Conner, Dave Dedman, Chris Jamieson and Clive Thornton.

Don’t Forget

English Fell Champs entries now accepted for Sedbergh Three Peaks (26th June) and entries open for Ennerdale (12th June) after 31st March.

Clive Thornton

Has spring sprung? After 3 months of consistently cold weather, we are being rewarded with some spring warmth.

Up and coming

Blakey Blitz - 10.30 am, Sunday 28th March, start/finish at The Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge and Guisborough Moors –11.00 am, Sunday 11th April, entry form on the fixture list.

Results

The postponed Clay Bank East was held on 14th March, 83 souls risked the wrath of their Mothers on what was a glorious day, and still we had snow up-top to make things tricky.

Phil Sanderson of Northumberland Fell Runners made it three victories from three starts (BTW – Good run at Noonstone). Esk Valley achieved a terrific third in the team competition; Rob Williamson led the team home coming 14th, followed by Clive Thornton (27th), Mike McGough (29th) and Andrew Johnson (43rd), Chris Jamieson and Ian Robinson made up the six from Esk Valley who finished the race.  

Winter Series update

With two events left in the winter series, most categories are undecided so plenty to run for, with a sprinkling of glory still up for grabs by Esk Valley, and of course for the rest of us, the joy of running in the beautiful arena that is the North Yorkshire Moors.

Firstly well done to the category winners so far:

MO45              Richard Bewell – Wetherby Runners
MO55              David Kirk – Hartlepool BR
MO60              Neil Scruton – Scarborough AC
FO40               Kath Aspin – New Marske Harriers
FO50               Caroline Pollard – NYMAC

Categories undecided;

Women overall – Caroline Pollard leads but Kath Aspin is close.
Men overall – Richard Bewell is in pole, but Robert Addyman and our own Dan Middlemas can catch.  
Male Junior – Elliot Jackson of New Marske Harriers leads, but it’s still wide open.
Male Senior – Giles Hawking can still be caught by, Jim Mann, Chris Plews, Dan Middlemas and Andrew Minister.
MO40 – Paul Christon from local rivals NYMAC leads, James Lee, Esker – Richard Clark and Robert Addyman could still take the title.
MO50 – Ean Parsons is in a six way battle with Gordon Brown, Karl Edwards, Paul Kelly and Eskers Andrew Johnson and Dave Collett. 
MO65 – Ernie Huck leads, but Ronnie Sherwood is one counter shy, so a good finish and he could take the title.
Female Junior – Title contender Megan Ellis is still open to challenge.
Female Senior – Good late season form means Gail Bell is favourite, though Shelli Gordon is still in with a shout.
FO45 – Carol Dixon-Yeung leads, but local runner Christine Devereux needs one good finish to make it interesting.
FO55 – A three way fight between current leader Jan Young, Sue Haslam and Pam Costello.
FO60 – Pat Kirkby just leading, close rivals are Pam Sherlock & Marian Codling, but it’s open to anyone.

In the running

Confirmed entries for Anniversary Waltz – Phil Conner, Dave Dedman, Chris Jamieson & Clive Thornton, (entries still accepted) and for the Three Peaks – Bob Lillie, Mike McGough, Dan Middlemas and Rob Williamson.

Don’t Forget

AGM – 7.30pm for 8.00pm start on Thursday 1st April at Eskdale Hotel, Castleton and English Fell Champs advance entries opening very soon for, Ennerdale and Sedbergh Three Peaks.

Last Word

Did I hear a whisper of the Lakeland Classics Trophy?

Clive Thornton
 

What a winter, the coldest since 1978/79, still snow on the tops and its pretty cold outside. The January snow meant a catalogue of race cancellations, though not before the local festive favourites were run-off in the unseasonal snowy conditions.

A bit of catching up to do this time around in the blog.

Results

Guisborough Woods, with a possibility of cancellation the day before and melting snow on the day, Phil Sanderson of Northumbrian Fell Runners took the victory over Elliott Jackson (Junior) of New Marske Harriers. Esk Valley with a healthy 9 starters took fourth in the team race, with Rob Williamson best placed in 23^rd, Richard Clark (31^st), Phil Conner (36^th), and Andrew Johnson (50^th), followed by Clive Thornton, Colin Knapp, Bob Lillie, Ian Robinson and Chris Jamieson.

Captain Cooks, catastrophe Dave P sidelined by broken ankle, a snow storm during signing on leaves a very pretty scene, but much confusion amongst competitors as just what to wear. Darren Bilton of Leeds AC takes the victory despite giving everyone a chance by going off course coming off the monument. A good turnout from Esk Valley with 8 runners facing the starter, we were 9^th in the team standings, represented by Phil Conner (50^th), Dave Dedman (63^rd), Clive Thornton (64^th) and Dave Collett (71^st), followed by; Andrew Johnson, Colin Knapp, Ian Robinson and Chris Jamieson.

Clay Bank East – Postponed until 14^th March due to snow.

Up and Coming

 On the local front there are the last three winter series events and the first race in the summer! Series.

14^th March       Clay Bank East                       6m/1100’
28^th March       Blakey Blitz                             9.5m-ish/2370’            1^st Club counter 
11^th April          Guisborough Moors                12.5m/2600’
20^th April          Carlton Challenge                   5m/850’

Away-days

The next club trip is on 24^th April, with two parties, one to The Three Peaks, where entries are probably just about closed and the second to what has become by all accounts a modern classic of the Fell running calendar – The Anniversary Waltz, based on the Newlands Valley near Keswick, entries are still open, though it’s an all on-line entry system.

English Fell Championships

We are targeting the whole 6 race series and aiming for points in one of the age categories at some stage. See Phil’s report and the website photo’s for a flavour of what was a terrific if arduous event at Noonstone. Next event is Coniston on 1^st May, but entries have just closed, after just a week, hopefully we have at least three entries.

Following Coniston, are Ennerdale on 12^th June – entries no earlier than 31^st March on form from CFRA website, then Sedbergh Three Peaks on 26^th June – entries no earlier than 26^th March on an FRA standard form.

 Training 

We have a couple of what are becoming regular runs, Tuesdays about 7.30-8.00pm, Sundays about 1.00-1.30pm, and keep it quiet a little occasional speed work sideline at the Albert Park Run (5km) on Saturdays at 9.00am where the race is on the for the first sub-19 minute for an Esk Valley registered runner, which will then of course become the first sub-18.

AGM

Don’t forget the AGM on Thursday 1^st April, 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start at the Eskdale Hotel in Castleton, Dave P. has sent out an agenda so anything you want adding let him know by 17^th March and for the Chips and Sandwiches order (£3.00 per head or thereabouts). And subs are due.

That about wraps it up for now.

Clive Thornton

Esk Valley put in a good show for the first English Championships race of the season, with a large field of 430. It was a chilly day with the clag down on the tops and snow patches on the tops. Temperature about 2 degC and freezing on the tops, but also very wet and boggy. There was a good representation from the top fell runners, with some familiar faces and names on show. Matt Speake won overall in 68.16 ahead of a close finishing group of 8 including Lloyd Taggert, Rob Hope, and Rob Jebb . Richard Clark was first home for Esk Valley in 88.54 (183rd place). Then in a closely contested race for Club positions were: Dave Dedman - 96.03 (253rd place) Clive Thornton - 97.18 (264th place) Mike McGough -99.35 (286th place) Andrew Johnson - 100.54 (297th place) I enjoyed the day out, taking photos and videos of the proceedings and descents, whilst nursing a very sore throat.

I had some thoughts about what to call this newsletter. My previous thinking was to make up a new title each month. I started with The Bog Blog but in The Winter months we are a little more restricted on travel. So I am suggesting some target races up to February so that people have indications of what is happening some time ahead!

Fixtures For Nithering November.

We organise two races this month.

• 8th November where the team put in a fantastic performance to finish 4th just behind NYMAC. This was largely due to a fantastic effort from Dan to finish 2nd. Rob 14th, Richard & Phil.
   

• 22nd November ‘Clay Bank West’ 5.5 miles from Clay Bank Car Park. 10.30 start.

Outings:

• 21st November. We will be travelling to The Tour of Pendle. This will be a day out at Barley Village Hall ( Near Burnley.) 21st November. We will be meeting at Stokesley to travel across at 7.15a.m. in The Co-op Car Park. Hope to see you there.

• 29th November, Esk Valley are having an organised recce of The Eskdale Eureka at 10.00.am. from our club head quarters at The Eskdale Hotel all are welcome.  

Fixtures For Dark December.

We are organising Two events this month:

• 6th December; The Eskdale Eureka 10.30 am from The Eskdale Pub Castleton. 8 miles.
   

• 27th December; The day after Boxing Day Race or The Guisborough Woods Race 6 miles plus a Junior race of 2 Miles.

Fixtures for Jumping and Jiving January.

• The Captain Cook’s New Years Days Race. 11.00 a.m. at The Royal Oak Great Ayton. Our main charity fund raiser. Be there early as the numbers just keep on growing. Volunteers to help at registration and marshalling!
   

• 10th January Clay Bank East 10.30 a.m. 6 miles.

Best wishes

Dave E Mail david@eskvalley.org tel. 01287 660309

We managed a visit to The Autumn Leaves on 3.10.09. Where we ran a ‘Lollipop’ shaped race i.e. 3K out, then a moorland loop not unlike The Blakey Blitz but less climb, round a reservoir, across a golf course then the same 3K back. This was the first airing of the club vest. I will bring some to The Saltergate Gallows where club members will be able to purchase them for £15.00. There is also a club fleece priced at £21.00 should anyone want to order one. ( see Dave Dedman who owns  the only sample at present! Well done to Dave and Andrew Johnson our only two representatives who both finished in the top half of the field.

I am currently compiling a list of events that we can travel to as a club once a month next year,  so if you have suggestions please let me Bob Lillie, Phil Conner or Dave Dedman know so that we can compile a list of perhaps ten races. Our next target race sees the beginning of the Winter Series:- The Northern Runner and Esk Valley Winter Series 2009/10; at the Saltergate Gallows on 18th October 2009.

The Series will consist of 11 races with the best six to count. There are 12 age categories including male and female. To count in the N.E.H.R.A. championship you would need to carry out a support activity on one event i.e.  marshall a check point; mark the course; lift the tape after the event; help at the finish or donate a prize. You may also nominate a substitute to do this on your behalf. Hope that is clearer than mud!

Winter Fixtures will be Saltergate- 18.10.09. 3 Tops – 8.11.09. Clay Bank West- 22.10.09. Eskdale Eureka-6.12.09.Guisborough Woods- 27.12.09. Captain Cook’s- 1.1.10. Clay Bank East- 10.01.10. Castleton Beacon- 14.02.10. Commondale- 28.2.10. Blakey Blitz- 28.3.10. and Gisborough Moors 11.04.10.

Our next target race after Saltergate other than ‘Winter Series’ will be The Tour of Pendle on 21.11.09. It is likely that we will travel from Stokesley between 7.00 and 7.30 a.m. on that day. I know that some people are travelling independently but if you wish to travel as part of the main group please let me know soon.

Best wishes

Bald Eagle! E Mail david@eskvalley.org tel. 01287 660309

In this month’s Blog I am pleased to announce the winner of last month’s competition as Richard Clark who correctly identified Gary Devine and Dan Middlemas as the two runners on our ‘Home Page’ and the Castleton Beacon 2009 as the race. Well done Richard you are the winner of a bottle of wine.

This month’s competition is:- Can you suggest ‘Nick Names’ for club members or other local runners? So far we have the following suggestions; Phil ‘Razor’ Conner, Dave ‘Deadlegs’ Dedman, Bob ’Bogjogger’ Lillie, Kendra ‘Crazy Banshee’ White, Dave ‘Bald Eagle’ Parry.

We are organizing just one race this month

Tuesday 1st September, Roseberry Topping Race. 7.15 p.m. Newton Under Roseberry. Ages 11 plus.

There will be a special award nominated by the winners of the male and female categories this year. A local charitable organization is prepared to donate £100 to a charity of the winners choosing in each of the two gender categories.

Other Events

Saturday 12th September Castleton Show. We will be supporting Chris Wright and the show committee by organizing ‘On the day registration and the start and finish.’ You will need to pay for show entry if you do not pre-enter. Forms are available from myself and Chris Wright. Please ring or see me at The Roseberry event. This is the last counter in The North East Hill Running Assoc. Summer Series.

Sunday 20th September.  The Viking Chase. A few of us will be running this event. See if you can fit it in!

Advance Notice:-

We will be travelling to;

3rd October  ‘Autumn Leaves’ at Saddleworth. Group transport is to be arranged.

18th October ‘Saltergate Gallows’ Start of The Winter Series.

21st November ‘Tour of Pendle’ Group transport to be arranged.

We would be interested to hear news about your training and build up of racing as preparation for the Tour on 21st November.

Best Wishes

Bald Eagle! E Mail david@eskvalley.org tel. 01287 660309