Bluebell thanks from race director

Please all accept my thanks for everything today.

It is always sunny for the Bluebell and this year was no exception although unfortunately a few hours late. So we all got wet and cold but that didn't stop the usual Lions service.

The route had to be changed in 2 places, and the no-go river crossing was decided only this morning. We still managed to get it marshalled and marked out and (as far as we know) no-one is still lost in the Bluebell woods. The runners all got extra value for money with an extra mile which I am sure they all loved.

So thanks to all marshals, goody bag monitors, baggage handlers, tea and cake makers and servers, car park marshals, meeters and greeters, course markers, entries, number giver outers, finish line, results and everyone else who helped too.

From the comments I received, the runners loved it, with various promises to come back again especially if we can promise proper weather.

And congratulations to our Lions prize winners whether 1st 3, vets, or team, and also to all other Lions who ran a tougher than usual course. I hope all who came back with injuries, scrapes and general knackeredness all recover quickly, and marshals and helpers are now warm and dry and glass in hand.

Sandy

Posted on May 10, 2015 by Richard Crombie.

Lions impress at London Marathon

Some amazing Lion performances at the London marathon yet again! Head over to the results page to take a look.

Congratulations on all the PB's and a big thankyou to coach Mark Pigford for creating all the training plans.

Time to start preparing for next years now!

 

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Richard Crombie.

SUPER SUNDAY!

An amazing display of running talent from many lions this weekend.

 

Manchester marathon

A few lions out at the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon putting in some great efforts..

Simon Rawnsley come agonisingly close to breaking 3 hours. Missing out by 36 seconds!

Other great performances by Richard Brown in 3:06:42, Paul McCormick 03:23:14 and Damien Pearson in 03:38:07

Full results here

 

Overgate 10K

It was a brisk day in Bradshaw with some lovely clear skies revealing the gorgeous country landscape. 56 Lions set off on a 3 mile uphill stretch before tumbling back down the valley to finish at the wonderfully futuristic Trinity Academy.

Notable performances:

Louise Pottinger won FV35
Emma Thompson 2nd FV35
Gaby Ferris won FV40
Tania Blackburn 2nd FV45
Helen Fay won FV50
Aileen Baldwin won FV60
Paula Statham 3rd Lady
Mark Pottinger 4th Overall and 3rd V35
Jonathan Collins 5th Overall
Sean Thompson 7th Overall and 2nd V45
Adam Scratcherd 8th Overall
Ashley Cavalier 9th Overall

 

With this being a championship race there was some serious competition in various divisions, perhaps hoping to capitalise on the absence of the London and Manchester marathon runners?

you can see full results here

In the divisions Mark Pottinger came out with full points for the first division, closely followed in by the sleep deprived new-father, Jonathan Collins.

In division 2 Craig Phillips took the honors with Jim Harris not far behind

Division 3 saw a superb performance from John Hirst in 44:45 with Paula Statham taking second position.

Division 4 was won by Rochelle Drake with Michael Dunning coming in second.

In the hotly contested Division 5 Dawn Medlock produced the goods with Paul Armitage claiming second.

Division 6 was taken by the recovering Iain Threlkeld with Debbie Hyde taking second.

and in Division 7 Kimberley Ison took the honors dipping under the hour mark, with Emma Aveyard taking second.

*These are all subject to Mark Preston's official approval and are only provisional

 

There were a number of 10k personal bests on the day which is surprising on such a hilly course!

  • 38:46:00 Mark Pottinger PB
  • 46:45:00 Paula Statham PB
  • 47:23:00 Helen Fay PB
  • 47:27:00 Rochelle Drake PB
  • 48:25:00 Matthew Gadd PB
  • 50:17:00 Steven Brian Crowther PB
  • 51:26:00 Nick Thompson PB
  • 51:33:00 Emma Thompson PB
  • 58:22:00 Richard Crombie PB
  • 58:34:00 Paula Pickersgill PB
  • 63:10:00 David Wetherell PB
  • 64:30:00 Emma Aveyard PB
  • 65:14:00 Kate Onyskiw PB
  • 65:53:00 Mel Shaw PB
  • 66:42:00 Richard Lambert PB
  • 68:02:00 Karen Appleyard PB
  • 75:23:00 Sandra Robertshaw PB

 

Huddersfield Full and Half Marathon

Report to come.

 

Posted on April 19, 2015 by Richard Crombie.

Coniston 14

By Alan Gibson

A marketeers dream is the Coniston 14, arguably up there as one of the most beautiful road races in the country, and for a race organized by a small community there must be some sweat on as their team have to cater for over 1500 runners; imagine that 3 bluebells and a team much smaller than 'Team Stainland', one hell of an effort for in essence the local village school - !!!

The race, well small roads, country lanes and lots of runners, busy, busy initially then clears after a couple of miles - so you'll need to wait a minute or two to hit the chip start mat and then get some deep breaths in, as you are now into the respiration challenges and cheeky undulations all the way up to Torver - after the initial kicker of Bowmanstead, you can now breath - now take a look sideways across the picturesque fields, [springly] abound with freshly born lambs.

Brown Howe, lake level then gives you the most amazing views of the Lake Coniston, this year accentuated by, a clear, chilled day that offered crystal clarity that intermediated between a chill wind and the warm spring sunshine welcomed on your back or face dependent on your orientation around the lake. The race continues now as it returns to Coniston, past John Ruskin's house the great 19th Century philosopher and then the small islands remembered from my childhood through the classic 'Swallows and Amazons' - finally the runners join the pathways frequented by walkers outward and returning from a steamer trip; only one thought on my mind now the Bluebird and the Bluebird Brewery serving the most magnificent pint of ale, I think well deserved as returning to fitness 38 seconds differential on my last year’s time.

There was a Stainland thing going on too, Eileen Hillier breezed past me on 6 miles and I never saw team Stainland again during the race; then viewing the finishers, Carol appeared running steady away as she tests the terrain she will face a few weeks hence during the Windermere Marathon and finally strong runs from the returning to fitness Chris Tetlow and Clive Siddall anyway here(s) the times –

Results -

1. Eileen Hiller - 2:11:52

2. Alan Gibson - 2:16:26

3. Carol Lord - 2:28:57

4. Chris Tetlow - 2:34:35

5. Clive Siddall - 2:46:49

Afterthoughts, it really is a scenic beauty and I will be back for another 14 next year!

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Richard Crombie.

News from the chair - March

THE MERRY MONTH OF MARCH

Another fantastic Month of running for our club. We did indeed sweep the board at the WYWL and took home much silverware and had a very enjoyable night at the presentation evening. So a massive thanks to all who organised, supported, ran, took pictures, collated results and made cake and flapjack for re-energizing at the end of some particularly steep and muddy courses this year.

Mark Preston has now allocated the Championship divisions, 7 in total which shows what a competitive club we are now. Already there is the start of the season “eyeing up” of competitors and mumblings about tactics. It should be the usual “I’m your friend” start to the season and “hmm not sure now” end of the season, but it’s all in good humor and although it is a competition it is for fun and should be taken as such and enjoyed by all. Apart from our running antics we do support local charities with our races and events. This month attention has been drawn to the Overgate Hospice Day Care facility which was set up 20 years ago by our lovely Liz Forster, so many will have benefited from this, the kindness and support from Liz and her team will live with families forever and have helped people through some of their hardest times.

At the Annual Dinner Geoff’s “photo Booth” raised £146.00 and the “Booze/Cake” bus to the Thirsk 10 miler held a “Great Stainland Bake off” which raised another £118.00 and a further £35.00 was donated that was left over from a social event. In total we have so far we have donated almost £300.00 and also individuals have had donations to their marathon efforts. So it’s not just about the running side, as a Club the member’s generosity of time and money never ceases to amaze me and each and everyone should be very proud of their efforts.

Liz has put something on our Forum under Charity and Fundraising with details of how people can continue to support the facility so if you feel you can help then take a look.

BLUEBELL 3RD MAY

It’s getting very close, if you can help in any way on the day please get in touch. We are praying that the sunshine gods have taken note of the date and that we can have another superb Bluebell weekend that all the family can enjoy.

BEGINNERS COURSE

Starting on 13.4.15 it seems we are full, really looking forward to intoducing new people to our lovely club and many thanks to David Rushworth for taking on the organising of this.

CRAZY CORNER

Our amazing and courageous James Penson is doing the Marathon De Sable in 4 days from today. Ranked the Toughest Foot Race on Earth. The equivalent of five and a half marathons in 5 or 6 days in temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, over rolling sand dunes and desert mountains, carrying all his own supplies - Oh My!! I’m sure you will all join in and wish James the safest and most satisfying journey through what is truly a race of a lifetime, A Lion truly in his sun Kingdom we will all be with him in spirit, thankfully I don’t think it’s an event that lets you enter on line in a giddy wine fuelled moment so we should be safe!!

Spring has Sprung (allegedly) so head torches can get tucked away and the trails can once again be sought out, have fun this month with whatever you are doing, I know you’ll all be great.

Check out the results some fantastic times and many PB’s again this month.

Very best of luck to all marathoners

this month, hope you all achieve you goals and have a fab time

Karen x

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Richard Crombie and filed under newsletter.

Lions roar to victory at Honley Vets

Well we Lions got off to a great start in the Vets League last Sunday in Honley, with speedy Gav really giving Holmfirth Harriers' Dave Watson a run for his money, finishing a good minute ahead of him taking 1st place!

It was the same on the ladies front with Anne Johnson finishing as 1st lady and beating Holmfirth Harrier's Kath Farquhar by over 2.5 minutes to the finishing line!

Overall we performed very well, despite being a bit low on numbers for the ladies, due to marathon training commitments.
We had 22 men & 6 ladies on the day finish the rather challenging but very scenic course and it was nice to see so many of you picking up category prizes! WELL DONE!

Pictures can be found here.

Full results are on the YVAA website.

 

 

Posted on April 2, 2015 by Richard Crombie and tagged honley vets.