A huge number of Lions were in action this weekend, both at home and abroad.
The Haworth Hobble
The Lions’ resident ultra-runner James Penson took part in The Haworth Hobble on Saturday, a gruelling fell race with over 4,400 feet of ascent. The 32 mile route follows Yorkshire Pennine paths and tracks from Haworth over the moors to Calderdale, up Stoodley Pike and back to Haworth via Heptonstall and Crimsworth Dean. James added to this already formidable challenge by forgetting his trainers. Undeterred, he ran the whole route in his leisure pumps.
Result: James Penson 6:08:54
The Irwell Valley 20
Four Lions tackled the Irwell Valley 20 mile road race in Prestwich, Manchester. Billed as a “pre Spring marathon test event, to see how your training is going”, the route is run largely on trail paths with very little undulation. Paula Statham-Drake led the Lions home in an excellent sub 3 hour time.
Results: Paula Statham-Drake 2:59:48, Rebecca O’Neill 3:06:38, Tim Walker 3:21:21, Jenny Walker 3:39:46
Third place for Fast Ed at The Spen 20
Starting and finishing on the Princess Mary Stadium track in Cleckheaton, the Spen 20 mile race route goes through Scholes, Clifton, Hartshead and Roberttown. Ed Hyland put in a scorching performance, finishing in third place. Ed is looking in great shape as he targets a very fast Marathon time later this season.
Result: Ed Hyland: 2:00:05
Edale Skyline
Over in Derbyshire, David Culpan was the sole Lion at Edale Skyline, the first English Champs Fellrunners race of the season. The 21 mile route takes in some of Derbyshire’s best known known peaks including Mam Tor and Kinder Scout. Total ascent: 4,500 feet.
Result: Dave Culpan: 4 hours 57 minutes
Firefighters Two Up Duathlon
Jim Harris and Dan MacGregor, Andrew Earnshaw and Tony Mott, and John Rushworth and Graham Robertshaw competed in the Firefighters Two Up Duathlon in Bolton on Sunday. The event is held in conjunction with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue and raises funds for the Fire Fighters Charity, a cause close to the heart of Lion Graham Robertshaw, who works for the Fire Service. Teams of two stick together throughout the gruelling course which starts and finishes with a 4 mile trail run up Rivington Pike, with a hilly 25 mile bike ride in between. A great day was had by all.
Results: Tony Mott 2:26:39, Andrew Earnshaw 2:26:40, Dan MacGregor 2:53:54, Jim Harris 2:53:58, John Rushworth 3:42:56, Graham Robertshaw 3:42:57
The Red Hot Toddy
Sunday saw perfect conditions for the annual Red Hot Toddy round Todmorden. The hilly 10K race is a Lions’ championship fixture this year and so attracted a large turnout. Several Lions chose this race to make their debut for the club, and there were 33 Lions running in total, cheered on by family and friends along the route. Leon Severn was first Lion home, and there were category prizes for Gerry Banham (3rd M55), Steve Ashworth (3rd M50), Michelle Rogerson (2nd F40) and Jan King (2nd M65).
Results: Leon Severn 45:37, Gerry Banham 47:20, John Bassinder 47:53, Clayton Cutter 48:15, John Ingles 48:38, Andrew Laird-Boldy 48:42, Gareth Knight 48:44, Andrew Mackrill 49:00, Steve Ashworth 49:04, Stuart Clinton 49:13, Ian Hoskins 50:14, Maria Harron 50:21, Gaby Ferris, 50:29, Michelle Rogerson 50:50, Michael Dunning 53:07, Jan King 55:19, Paul Armitage 57:05, Karl Coldwell 59:22, Susan Cash 59:28, Catherine McHugh 59:36, Rachel Fay 61:23, Zoe Mallinson 63:56, Richard Lambert 64:44, Dawn Medlock 65:48, Lindsay Sykes 67:10, Alex Whyte 68:28, Diane Thornley 68:50, Helen Shenton 68:51, Manjit Ahiar 69:14, Ken Chilcott 69:40, Wendy Paulson 70:49, Patricia Hallowell 75:52, Gail Fawcett 76:24
Lisbon Half Marathon
Richard Crombie traveled to Portugal for the Lisbon Half Marathon. Atrocious weather more suited to this country than to sunny Southern Europe saw the route having to be altered at the last minute for safety reasons. The runners faced rain, hail and 40mph headwinds. Richard’s numerous training sessions in similar conditions in Halifax paid off though, and he battled through the elements to achieve a personal best time.
Result: Richard Crombie: 1:42:24.