Lots of races to catch up on this week, including the epic Thunder Run relays.
The Thunder Run Relays
Two teams of Lions took on the epic Conti Thunder Run Relays this weekend. 24 hours of continuous 10K laps resulted in some great performances and some ridiculously tired people. Nobody got more than two hours sleep at any point.
The Lions’ A Team (Richard Crombie, Dan McGregor, Roy Lunt, Joanne Hirst, John Hirst, Tim Walker, Tony Mott) completed 24 laps between them with an average time of 1:00:44 per lap, and Team Crazy Lions (Karen Thorne, Sally McGregor, Catherine O’Shaughnessy, Jenny Walker, Simon Gadd, Tracy Mott) completed 21 laps between them with an average time of 1:11:21 per lap.
Whilst this is a running event, it doesn’t happen without great support in the shape of resident chef Byron Thorne who selflessly gave up his time and sleep to furnish the teams with bacon butties and cups of tea on demand.
Brighouse 10K
There were some fast times recorded at Sunday’s Brighouse 10K, which is known for its pb potential. Chris Hall, Gavin Foster and Derek Parrington won the men’s team prize, and there were category wins for Stefanie Hopkins (1st F40) and Derek Parrington (1st M50).
Results Chris Hall 38:49, Gavin Foster 39:00, Derek Parrington 39:02 (1st M50), Stefanie Hopkins 44:42 (1st F40), Stuart Clinton 48:11
Summer Handicap Race
The Lions’ annual Summer Handicap race took place this week. 57 enthusiastic Lions took part, including some new members who had no idea what they were letting themselves in for, having only just finished the beginners’ course. There were many more Lions out marshaling the course and helping with the organisation on the day too. The runners inspected a map of the route and then predicted their finish time (no watches allowed during the race!), before heading off into the woods. The 5 mile route was entirely off-road, with 800 feet of ascent, a river crossing (because who doesn’t love a river crossing) and some tricky, technical descents. The winner was Will Rushworth, whose time of 42:25 differed from his pre-race estimate of 42:37 by just 12 seconds.
Round Res Challenge
Two Lions took on the Round Res Challenge on Saturday, doing multiple laps of Scammonden Reservoir. Various distance options were available on the day, and new Lion Dick Dunn chose the half marathon distance for his Lions debut, whilst Julie Field opted for the 10K distance, finishing in 2nd place.
Results: Richard Dunn 2:21:20 (half marathon), Julie Field 46:40 (10K)
The Arthur James Shaker Race
Formerly known as the "Saltaire Shaker", this 8 mile loop follows sections of the Leeds to Liverpool canal towpath, with an undulating woodland section. Martin O’Brien was the only Lion present, clocking 63:29.
Holme Moss Fell Race
Kevin Robinson took on the Holme Moss Fell Race. This seriously tough race is 29K long with 4000 feet of ascent. There was thick cloud on the tops for much of the race although it had burned off by about 2pm making a very hot last hour or so. Speaking after the race, Kevin said, “It’s a tough race but I was at least 40 minutes faster than last year. Gotta be happy with that!” Kevin recorded an (unofficial) time of 3:51:12.