There was a fantastic atmosphere at this weekend’s West Yorkshire Winter League cross country race, with Lions not only running well in the race but also providing a nice little reminder to us all about what it is to be a Lion as well. A “roarsome” effort to ensure everyone was cheered in. No Lion ever gets left behind.
Windy Hill Fell Race
It was touch and go on Saturday as to whether or not the Windy Hill fell race would be able to go ahead, as Storm Erik swept in bringing very high winds and heavy rain showers in its wake. Five Lions braved the howling gale to take on the 9 mile race over rolling hills above Littleborough. The route took in the Old Roman Road at Blackstone Edge, a good deal of muddy Pennine moorland and Windy Hill itself. Hollingworth Lake was visible below for much of the route. James Penson was first Lion home, and Aileen Baldwin won her age category.
Results: James Penson 1:18:12, Damien Pearson 1:19:50, Martin O’Brien 1:32:36, Aileen Baldwin 1:38:02, Steve Boyer 1:46:43
West Yorkshire Winter League Cross Country Series, Race 5
The fifth race of the 2018/9 West Yorkshire Winter League cross country series took place on Sunday, and it was another great race organised by Crossgates Harriers. Proper old school, across open fields, fast and furious.
Ed Hyland was first Lion to finish in fourth place, but it was the Lionesses who took the glory, holding on to the number one spot with one more race to go. There were fantastic performances from Margaret Beever (2nd lady), Lucy Collins, Lorraine Naylor and Danielle Hirst. Cross country captain Tim Walker described the Ladies Team’s performance as “absolutely brilliant”. Andrew Mackrill also put in a notable effort, showing true grit to complete the race despite arriving late and setting off fifteen minutes after everyone else. Andrew worked hard to make his way back to the main pack of runners.
After five races the Lions are currently: -
1st Ladies’ Team
4th Men’s Team
7th Vets’ Team
3rd Super Vets’ Team
2nd Team Overall
The final race of the series takes place at West Vale on 3rd March.
Urban Night Series
Jim Harris and Andrew Laird-Boldy ran as a team in Monday’s Team OA Urban Night series orienteering race. They finished in 57:30 and are currently the fourth placed team in the series. The event combines night running with locating checkpoints using only a very basic map, with the aim of collecting as many points as possible.