This week saw fantastic performances by Sally Caton and Helen Armitage at Eccup 10 to secure 1st F45 and 1st F50 respectively in a crowded field, and another successful Vets Race with a win for Mags Beever, as the Lions battled on through the heatwave.
Wharfedale Three Peaks Challenge
The Wharfedale Three Peaks Challenge is a 22 mile fell race/challenge walk starting in Kettlewell and taking in the summits of Birks Fell, Buckden Pike and Great Whernside. Kevin Robinson and Aileen Baldwin opted for the fell race, while Sandy Gee (who was racing the next day) completed the route as a challenge walk.
Results: Kevin Robinson 4:08:10, Aileen Baldwin 5:33:47
Eccup 10 Mile
Two dozen Lions took on the Eccup 10 Mile race on Sunday, many in search of club championship points. The course takes in rural closed roads and a scenic route around Eccup reservoir and is always a sell-out. There were impressive category wins for Sally Caton (1st F45) and Helen Armitage (1st F50) in a crowded field. James McNutt just pipped Gareth Knight to be first Lion.
Results James McNutt 1:15:09, Gareth Knight 1:15:19, Sally Caton 1:15:43 (1st F45), Martin O’Brien 1:17:41, David Farrar 1:17:59, Helen Armitage 1:18:15 (1st F50), Maria Harron 1:19:10, Stuart Clinton 1:19:36, Michelle Rogerson 1:21:23, Ian Johnson 1:21:51, Jan King 1:26:01, Tim Walker 1:27:12, Catherine McHugh 1:29:01, Lesley Hodgson 1:29:40, Roy Lunt 1:30:37, John Hirst 1:33:16, Paul Armitage 1:39:50, Jenny Walker 1:42:12, Alex Whyte 1:49:50, Ken Chilcott 1:51:01, Trish Hallowell 1:53:58, Wendy Paulson 1:54:09, Jackie Barker 1:58:35, Gail Fawcett 2:04:53
Lindley 10K
Also taking place on Sunday was the Lindley 10K which marks the end of Lindley Carnival weekend. Starting in the centre of Lindley, the route takes runners up to the M62, down a huge hill towards Huddersfield before the final leg straight up another huge hill back to Lindley. Reassuringly, the finish line is almost directly opposite the A & E Department of the hospital. Stephen Hall was 1st Lion, finishing in 10th place. There were category wins for Derek Parrington (1st V50) and John Bassinder (1st V60), and Michelle Eyre chose this race to make her debut in a Lions vest. Sandy Gee was unexpectedly named 2nd V55 - but don’t look too closely at what gender the organisers think he is.
Results: Stephen Hall 39:26, Derek Parrington 39:47 (1st V50), Chris Hall 40:54, Mak Dhinsa 45:20, Jim Harris 45:25, John Bassinder 48:13 (1st V60), Sandy Gee 57:54, Michelle Eyre 58:59, Susan Cash 59:12, Helen Harris 59:17
Dambusters 10 Mile
Two Lions made it to the start line of The Dambuster 10. Enjoying good weather, the course was a very simple, undulating loop on road and trail around Ladybower Reservoir in Derbyshire. Angela Lee and Steve Boyer crossed the finish line together in a time of 1:43:14.
Ripon Triathlon
Gavin Foster completed the Ripon Triathlon in 2:40:03. It was Gavin’s first Olympic distance triathlon, and speaking afterwards he said he felt it was “a good target to beat next time, with plenty of room for improvement”.
A Win for Mags at South Leeds Vets Race
Captain Gav and his compact crew of veterans ran at South Leeds last week, race 4 of the series. Thankfully, the route was mostly in the shade. Mags Beever won the ladies’ race, while Tanya Blake was 2nd Lady and Gavin Mulholland was 3rd in the men’s race. Stainland currently top all but one of the team classifications.
