Good Luck!!!!!

To Mark and David Ruscoe and who start their 100mile (In 46 hrs) Ultra Tour of the Lake District at 5.30pm on Friday 29th July and also to Lyndsey Carter and Marcus Taylor who start the 50mile (In 24hrs) Ultra Tour of the Lake District on Saturday.

All have prepared well for this event which will be a real test of their endurance.
I'm sure all at A&T wish the weather conditions are kind and that they get round safely and in time.

Hailstorm Hill Fell Race

Hailstorm Hill Fell Race (BS) 6.5m/1200'

The next Club Fell Champs/Grand Prix race is on Wednesday 3rd August 2011. The venue is the Mountain Bike Trial Centre, Newchurch Road, Bacup. This is a new race organised by Rossendale Harriers and the entry is FREE!!!
Start time is 19.30 so I suggest if anyone fancies it and wants to join a convoy then be ready to leave Atherton Rail Station by 18.15 on the day.

Race Details

• Date & time: Wed 3rd Aug 2011 at 19:30
• Country: England
• Category: BS
• Website: rossendaleharriers.co.uk
• Distance: 6.5m / 10.5km
• Climb: 1200ft / 366m
• Venue: Mountainbike Trail Centre, Newchurch Rd, Bacup (nr. jn. of A681 and A6066
• Grid Ref: 863218
• Skills & experience: ER, PM, LK
• Minimum age: 16

Entry Information

• Entry on the day? - Yes
• Entry on day fee: Free
• Pre Entry? - No

Reebok Manchester Sizzler 5k - By Paul Basnett

On a muggy Thursday evening 4 A&T members made their way up the M60 for the 3rd 5k race of the 4 race Reebok Manchester Sizzler series. The race had 372 entrants of all abilites in which Stuart Stokes of Sale Harriers won the race in what I believe was a course record time of 14.28.
First back for A&T was Paul Mannion in a time of 16.10 and taking 10th place and the V40 prize in the process. It looked like, from a distance, that the prize was a marshalls jacket so when I asked Paul what he had won he also thought it was a marshalls jacket. So if you see Paul marshalling with a rather posh jacket at the next Gin Pit race you'll know where it came from. In reality I think it was a high viz Ron Hill running top.
Second home, and not far behind Paul, was Lewis Eccleston running a cracking PB time of 16.30 and taking 15th position. I then came in a few minutes later with 22.01 and taking 186th position. And our first lady back was Joan Cooke with a PB time of 27.18.
The last race in the series is on Thursday 11th August at 7.30. It was announced that if they collected over £300 in the charity collection at the end of the race then there would a spot prize for every 20th finisher at the next race.



A&T GinPit Half Marathon

As you know on Monday 29th August, Malc has organised a marathon and half marathon race around the GinPit trails. The half marathon is only for A&T members. It's 3 laps of a 4ish mile loop, all on trails, you can't get lost, low key, friendly and a medal for when you finish! Cath Hodgetts and I wondered if anyone would like to join us in the half marathon? If you've never done a half before and are worried about being too slow, don't be!  I've got a wonky ankle and not done much training so there's a good chance I'll be behind you as well as quite a few marathon runners who'll be doing 6 laps of the same route! Cath has suggested and kindly offered to organise some longer training runs at a slower pace on a Thursday night through August for anyone who fancies them, if you let her know if you're interested she can get something sorted cath@home-online.me.uk 

C'mon and have a go!

Here's the link for the entry form - http://www.malcsblog.net/?p=1228

For more info you can contact me claroj@hotmail.com

Fell Captain Resignation

At the end of the current Fell Championships I will be standing down as Fell captain for Astley & Tyldesley.

If anyone is interested in taking on this role for 2012 and continuing the club’s involvement in the Run the Moors Grand Prix, then please either drop me a line ptandsjackson@yahoo.co.uk  or contact a committee member mark.riches@talk21.com who will pass on your expression of interest.
Many thanks
Paul Jackson

A&T Road Champs

Hi all

Please find attached the up-dated Road Champs tables after Saturday's race.

Some people scored surprisingly high points but that it is due to the low turnout. It's up to you to run in the Club Races to earn the points.

Click here to view current league standings.

Just as a reminder, I have attached the Road Championship rules for 2011 season. This shows you how many races you need to complete to qualify in 2011, and also the target divisional qualifying times for next year.

I'm on holiday now till 11th August. Don't forget the next CLGP and Club races at Chorley on 3rd August and the 10k at Bispham on 14th August.

Good luck

Garry Baines

Elswick 10 mile 23/07/11 – by Mark Riches

A combination of holidays, congested racing calendar (28 A&T runners raced on Wednesday) & the distance (10 miles is a long way to race for most people) limited the A&T turnout to just 8 which meant that there were points to be had. This fact was not lost on Paul Basnett who quickly worked out that all he had to do was finish to get maximum points!

After a short (1 mile) warm-up we all lined up on a lovely sunny day ready to run a good time if our road captain Garry Baines is to be believed & I quote “For anyone striving for a PB at this distance, this is the race for you - you will not come across anything flatter.”

We set off & Pete Chan quickly disappeared into the distance pursued by Simon Ford & yours truly (Mark Riches) I began to work my way through the field & I was running with a guy from Garstang Running Club when at about 3 miles the first 2 ladies pulled alongside us & we inadvertently got involved in the ladies race. For about a mile we struggled to hang on to the 2 girls but we eventually pulled away & when I went through 5 miles in 30.44, I was running on my own having dropped the guy from Garstang. I could just about see the guy in front & set about catching him but despite my best efforts I don’t think the gap reduced but all the time I was thinking about what Garry said on the Blog about this being a PB course

Pete was first A&T finisher in 60.05 followed by Simon, who was disappointed with his time of 60.56 but he is coming back from injury. I was next (61.46) almost a minute off my PB from last year (our road captain was right!)

Josie Maley had another great run (68.43) & was 1st A&T lady followed by Jean Mann (74.27) who was another one disappointed with her run (competitive bunch A&T!)

Ian Hamilton’s decision to stay in on Friday night seem to pay off as he finished almost 4 minutes in front of Paul with a time of 78.25

Laura Babynec completed the line up with 87.26

After the usual A&T handshakes I managed to persuade Simon to do a short (1 mile) warm down & we bumped into Josie & Jean who were on the way back from a much longer warm down (don’t know where they get the energy)

Next Club race Chorley 4.4 3rd August – see you all there



Blog

I will not be posting any more blog updates now until at least Saturday 6th August.

If you need anything posting feel free to ask Terry Gardiner also who has the blog password.

"adios amigo's and senorita's"

Horwich 5 Race Report by Garry Baines

Horwich 5 – 20^th July 2011

28 A&T runners, accompanied by a combination of parents, children, recovering athletes and cyclists, turned out for the Horwich 5 mile race at Rivington last night.

The field was strong and was headed by the outstanding Ben Fish from Blackburn who completed the course in 24’ 37” and beat the next man in by over a minute. Horwich filled positions 2, 3 and 4 and generally provided strong competition.

First home for A&T was Lewis Eccleston in an electric time of 27:39, taking the prize for first Junior Male in the process. Particularly impressive was his powerful surge over the last 250mts which saw him overtake an experienced Bolton United athlete.

Pete Chan tucked in behind Simon Ford on the first lap of the race but got the better of him at the line with 28:54 – Simon recorded 29:19. Next in was Mark Riches with 29:43, who, as ever, keeps turning in consistent performances. Alan Hilton enjoyed a tremendous race, outflanking teammates who are normally in sight of him, and knocking almost a minute off his PB with 30:08. Next came Gary Stevens, who started the race in pre-holiday mood, but produced a satisfying time of 30:50. Hot on his heels were Steve Coleman 31;02, Troy Topping 31:07, Kevin Edwards 31:13 and Rufus Bennett 31:22.

Marcus Taylor 34:04, Mark Lysycia 34:35 and Dale Kenyon 35:09 crossed the line in a cluster with Nasser and Ian Hamilton bagging 36min plus times. Other finishers for the men were an off-colour Robin Chan, Wayne Babynec, Paul Basnett, Barry Allman and Dave Crowe.

The Ladies had a great evening and walked away with the Team Prize.

First home was Maria Lowe, who looks to be returning to form, in a time of 31:12 and outpaced the 2^nd placed runner by over a minute. Josey Maley finished 4^th overall with her 32:52 and Jean Mann pushed hard for 34:37.

Carole Baines 37:01 and Suzanne Gregory 37:47 both recorded PBs for the course, whilst the ever-improving Laura Babynec comfortably beat her sub-40 target in 39:36. Tracy Parry enjoyed a rare outing on the road and finished in 44:26, whilst Cath Hodgetts stuck to the task well for 47:13.

The next club race is the flat 10 mile Elswick Express on 23^rd July.

Elswick 10

Hi All

The Road Championship Races are coming thick and fast at the moment.

First of all thanks to everyone who turned out at Horwich last night, where we saw some tremendous individual and team performances.

The next race in the Club Championship is on Saturday and is the Elswick Express 10 miler. For anyone striving for a PB at this distance, this is the race for you - you will not come across anything flatter. The race is along country roads and takes in a few villages around the North Preston area. You can enter on line via the following link:-

 

http://www.ukforms.net/onlineforms/php/Applicant.php?EventID=1009

Alternatively you can enter on the day. Entry form link 
http://www.ukresults.net/forms/110723elswick.pdf

Registration is at Elswick Village Hall, Roseacre Rd, Elswick, nr. Preston. PR4 3UD

Registration closes at 1045 (Steve Coleman please note)

For anyone wishing to travel in convoy I suggest a 9.15am departure from Atherton Station.

Good luck and if there's any questions give me a shout.

Garry

British Triathlon Live Site Manchester Club Challenge Competition

We have managed to get 4 teams into the event.

The event takes place at Exchange Square, Manchester on Saturday 6th August and our start time is 12 noon.

I suggest we meet at 11.30am at Exchange Square, might be worth catching the train from Atherton.

I am away for the next 2 weeks so will have very limited internet access, if there are any problems with the teams please contact Craig Bradbury in my absense.

The provisional teams are as follows...

"Men of Iron" (Men)
Swim - Alex Foster
Bike - John Lee
Run - Shaun Moran

"Dark Horses" (Men)
Swim - Craig Bradbury
Bike - Gary Stevens
Run - Alan Hilton


"Kenyan Grit" (Mixed)
Swim - Lee Grint
Bike - Dale Kenyan
Run - Janet Grint


"Girl Power" (Ladies)
Swim - Helen Minshall
Bike - Clare Unsworth
Run - Alix Gilmore

Legacy 10K 17/07/11 – by Mark Riches

I am sorry if I have missed you off this report but a think a few people are down as ‘Unattached’ & I filtered the results for ‘Astley’

14 A&T runners turned up at Leigh Sports Village (LSV), which was an excellent turnout for a non-Club Champs race

It was another wet & windy day so we did a quick warm up then the announcer asked for “all elite athletes to make their way to the front.” When only 1 or 2 runners stepped forward we decided he meant us! – see

We were all lined up & ready to go when Scott Christie decided he needed to re-tie his laces so 450+ runners were kept waiting while Scot sorted out his shoes as calm as you like. Was this a ‘cunning plan’ to unsettle the opposition?

Eventually we were off for one large lap of Pennington Flash then back to LSV for the finish. I watched as Lewis Eccleston, Scott & Alan Hilton set off with the leaders pursued by Shaun Moran. I ran most of the early part of the race with a guy from Blackburn Road Runners. The course was very muddy in parts especially along the canal where I was doing a fantastic impression of Bambi!

As we came off the canal the course doubled back & I got to see the leaders as they set off back towards LSV. Lewis was in 3^rd place & Shaun had pulled away from Scott & Alan. Soon after I went passed Scott who unfortunately did not finish as he was carrying an injury

I then set off after Alan & passed him with about 1 ½ K to go & he encouraged me to “get after the lad in front.” This I did & passed the young lad, who turned out to be unattached but not for long I hope as we pointed out the benefits of joining A&T during a post race chat, but then with the finish line in site he sprinted passed me & I just could not respond

Lewis finished 3^rd in a fantastic time of 36.18 (plenty more to come from this young man) with Shaun 6^th (38.23) yours truly 8^th (38.35) & Alan 9^th (38.50)

Steve Coleman was next A&T finisher (41.07) then Paul Basnett (49.04) who just edged it from Laura Babynec (49.07)

Next in were Terry Gardiner (53.48) Barry Allman (54.25) & Paul Lees who was just inside the 1 hour mark with 59.46 followed by Cath Hodgetts (60.06) Emma Higgins (60.42) Bev Tickle (60.43) & Clare Unsworth (69.37)

After a spot of recruitment (see above) & posing for photos (see below) we had a brief warm down & assuming we had won the team prize asked when the presentation was taking place only to be told we should have pre-registered the team! However, the organisers accepted that this was not common practice & we were awarded the team prize but most off us had left by then so Mark Lysycia collected the trophy

Following on from my post below.

I have booked us in for 12 noon and entered 4 teams ...i can probably enter more if we have enough volunteers.

We have a 30 minute window to warm up, race and cool down then we can watch ourselves on the big screen at 1.30pm.

Gary

British Triathlon Live Site Manchester Club Challenge Competition

Calling our Tri Team!

We have had some interest amongst our members regarding the British Triathlon Live Event in Manchester which i posted to the blog last week see
http://astleyrunners.blogspot.com/2011/07/british-triathlon-live-site-manchester.html

I am looking for swimmers, bikers and runners to volunteer to take part more but i must stress the need for swimmers .. without a strong swimmer in each team we cannot compete in this event so i am looking for our stronger swimmers to volunteer.

It looks a real fun event with little pressure and its FREE ...

I need to know no later than Thursday 21st July as i need to book places for the event .. we can enter a few teams so the more the merrier and i'll just sort out the teams nearer the time.

Gary
stevensgary@hotmail.com

Trentham Big Half Triathlon‏ by Neil Hodgson (New Member)

I started running with A&T on Tuesday nights early this year with an  
aim of improving my running for my big race this year, the Trentham  
Big Half triathlon. That seems like a long time ago now and although  
you never feel completely ready, I was as ready as I ever would be. It  
was to be 1.2 mile swim 56 mile bike followed by a half marathon. From  
when I signed up in December I had set myself a target of finishing  
under 6 hours, it was only as the training started I realised this  
wouldn't be easy.
On July 10th the big day arrived. The swim was to be 4 laps of a  
triangular course, I as out of the water in 44 minutes and after a  
quick change out of my wetsuit followed by a half kilometer dash i was  
out of T1 in a little over 50 min. I was looking forward to a fast  
flat bike course but that wasn't to be, although the weather was  
perfect the undulating nature of the route started to take its toll at  
around 40 miles and I found myself being aware that if I kept pushing  
hard I would have nothing left for the run. 3hrs 10 min 55 seconds  
later i had my trainers and cap on and was off on the run, 4 laps in  
total.
As I exited T2 and looked at my watch I saw that it had stopped after  
1hr 40min so I only had a rough guide of my overall time. I shouted to  
my wife in the crowd to tell me the time because I knew we had started  
dead on 7.00 am. 11.02 was the reply, so I had 1.58 to complete the  
half marathon and my legs were not responding at all. Laps 1 & 2  
passed by in 29 minutes each then the sun came out and that really  
took it's toll. There were a lot of tired bodies on the course now and  
I made the decision to walk through the 2 water stations to take on a  
full drink and a quick cool down.
The finish line on the fourth lap finally appeared and I knew time  
would be tight, put my head down and sprinted for the finish. Official  
time 5.59.10!!!! My run time was 1.57.41
A great event and a great day for me and the 2 friends who also  
competed. As we chatted afterwards we all agreed that full Ironman  
distance would be out of the question, now 1 week later 2 of us are  
considering it for 2012.
Neil Hodgson

Wednesday Training

There will be no club session at the Gin Pit this Wednesday due to the race at Horwich (see below post).

Horwich 5

Wednesday 20th July is the next club / clgp race at the Horwich 5.

The race starts at 7.30pm so would suggest we try and get there for 6.30- 6.45pm to give us plenty of time to sign in and warm up.

I believe most people are making their own way to Horwich

Legacy 10k Video

http://www.lancashireone.com/channels-detail.php?s=70&id=415&catID=14

See above link for yesterdays video of the Leigh Legacy 10k .. oscar nominations for Laura and Naz!

Llandudno 2011 – The Sea Traithlon With No Sea!

Hi folks. Just back from Llandudno. Arrived last night - Llandudno was buzzing with the triathlon, and there was a great atmosphere. The sun was shining, and I registered for the race, then we went out for a meal. This morning we woke up to gale force winds and driving rain! I had been really looking forward to taking part in my first open water triathlon, but at 11am when the first wave was due to leave, it was confirmed that the sea swim section had been cancelled by health and safety due to the adverse weather conditions. So, an additional run was added at the start. Things were a bit chaotic as some people had already changed into wetsuits and had clothes for running and cycling in transition, but the organisers kept everyone up to date with announcements, and by about 11.45, the first wave had set off on the first run. I was in Wave 8, and we started at 1pm. The first part of the run along the sea front was easy, but when we turned back, there was a strong head wind. That continued throughout the first section of the bike ride, which took us up the Great Orme. There was a very steep climb, and every time it seemed we had reached the top, we turned a corner and there was another climb. The rain was lashing down and I found it hard to see, and my bike was being blown all over the road. Several people had chucked the towel in and were pushing their bikes back down. From the top there was a very steep descent. On the first lap I was cautious, as I didn’t know the road, and it was very wet, and we were warned there were bits of rock falling all the time. The 2^nd lap was better as I knew what to expect, so I went for it – it was really exhilarating! My legs felt like lead as I started the 5k run, but it soon passed, and I was so chuffed to reach the finish line. I didn’t take my Garmin, as I thought I was swimming first, so I don’t have my time yet, but that’s not so important to me. I really enjoyed the event, and I can’t wait to have another chance to do an open water tri. It was just disappointing not to be able to do the swim section, but that can’t be helped. I had a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Total time for the race was      01:48:35

Swim      (2.5 run)                    00:14:45      

Transition 1                              00:01:08

Cycle Leg Time                        00:59:16    

Transition 2 Time                     00:01:44

Run Time                                 00:31:44    

Overall position is 100

Gender position is 13

Age Category Position is 3

Well chuffed considering the storm conditions. Looking forward to next year already.

Helen Minshall

British Triathlon Live Site Manchester Club Challenge Competition

British Triathlon Live Site Manchester Club Challenge Competition

Saturday 6^th August, Manchester Exchange Square will play host to a Triathlon event for the first time as the big screen shows women’s world cup series event from London. Teams of 3 will be able to enter for free to compete for various prizes throughout  the day with the overall winners being declared at around 5pm.

The race format will be as follows, one member of the team will swim continuously for 5 minutes in the endless pool  with the speed of the water gradually increasing. The other two members of the team will chose to either ride or run for the same amount of time on the bike and treadmill provided. The winners will be the team that travel the furthest over the five minutes. We won’t have a measure of how far the swimmer will go but they will need to be strong, should they touch the back of the pool there teams race will be over. Commentary will be provided to the public and prizes will be for the first female, male and mixed teams.

Your club can enter as many teams as they want but places are limited so if you’re interested in entering a team and racing in the centre of Manchester please contact me via e-mail at robbishop@britishtriathlon.org or by phone on 07739 526 562.  If you could also pass this through your club that would be fantastic. Triathlon England members will be receiving this information early next week.

Kind regards

Rob

Sale Sizzler 5k by Paul Basnett

On a hot and sunny Thursday evening 8 A&T members made their way up to Wythenshawe Park for the 2nd race of 4 in the 5k Manchester Sizzler series. The race had 328 runners of differing abilities, as I found out to my detriment at the start by getting boxed in by slower runners and I started fairly near the front. Anyway after about 150 metres, and not succumbing to a bit of race rage, I managed to get some space and get into my stride for the 2 laps in Wthenshawe Park. The winner of the race was Jospeh Bailey of Salford Harriers in an incredible time of 14.36. First back for A&T again was Paul Mannion in a time of 16.13 taking 11 place. Then next it was the same 3 way tussle between Lewis Eccleston, Alex Foster and Colin Rigby. On this occasion Colin must have timed his finishing run better as the order was reversed with Colin coming home in 16.59 for 28th place. He was followed closely in by Alex in 29th place with 17.02 and not far behind him came Lewis with 17.09 and 31st position. Arnold Melling was next and not far off winning his category with 19.37 and 90th position. Next home was Dale Kenyon taking 110th position with 20.40, who was just ahead of Nasser Isman-egal who attained yet another PB with 20.45 and 115th position. And completing the A&T line was myself again with a time of 21.54 and 146th position. At the post race analysis Nasser was again buzzing with his PB and was then recalling the events of the race to the A&T team. I think he as Paul Mannion in his sights as he was calculating if he keeps knocking 20-30 seconds off his 5k PB how long it would be before he beat Paul. I'm not sure it works quite like that Nasser but well done on another PB. Also Alex and Dale managed to wear each others number so Dale was made up with his amazing run! Next race in the series is in 2 weeks time on Thursday 28th July at 7.30.

Sunday Run by Dan Reason

Does anybody fancy joining me this Sunday for 12 -15 mile run? It would be great if all those participating in the Chester marathon could get together and help each other along over the coming weeks, anyone else that just fancies a long one is equally welcome.

If interested come along to Ginpit car park at 0930 on Sunday.

My number is 07973566350 if anyone would like to confirm prior to Sunday.

Bull Hill Fell Race by Andrew Coates

Last night saw the running of the Bull Hill Fell Race from the Wagon & Horses pub in Hawkshaw near Bury. This race forms part of the Radcliffe Athletic Club 3 day challenge which includes a XC race tonight and a trail race on Saturday (http://www.radcliffeac.org.uk/ / http://www.radcliffeac.org.uk/forms11/3dentry.pdf).

There was a good turnout of A&T runners for this the 7th race in the A&T Fell championship. My own fitness level were tested severely on this event with every one of those missed training sessions of the last two years being felt with every step! The rest of team A&T (Mark Ruscoe, Simon Ford, Marcus Taylor, David Ruscoe, John Foulds, Tracy Parry) really showed how Fell Racing should be done with all producing great performances.

The Race was tough with lots of hilly terrain but whilst being completely banjaxed at the end, I was left with a strangely satisfied feeling which is to be recommended.

Being very close to a virgin on the fells I am pleased to say that the guys from the Fell Section at A&T really, really made me feel welcome. I would really recommend more A&T members having a go at a Fell Race or two, you will be made very welcome and it really is good to run something a bit different....oh and the views are amazing.

Why not make a note in your diary? The next date in the A&T Fell calendar is August 3rd at Hailstorm Hill, Bacup, 6.5 miles and FREE to enter, now there's a bargain!

Saturday Run

Michaela and Carole and possibly a few others are meeting at the Gin Pit on Saturday 9.30am for a nice and steady 8 miler.

Please spread the word.

Well done to the 12 runners who turned up tonight.  Especially those who are running again following an injury.  One new member, Andrew completed the 6.3m route.  Thanks for the continued support, especially to Vanessa, who treated us all to Oranges.

Hope to see you all next week
Michaela

Wednesday Session Times - 13th July

If anyone knows their times on the 2 x 1400's from tonight please email me and i'll add them on the blog

stevensgary@hotmail.com

4 hills hard and jog down
followed by 2 x 1400's hard
finished with 4 hills hard up and jog down

Well done to Faye in her first session with the club, a triathlete who wants to improve her running, hope to see you again soon.

Next Meeting

For your diary the next club meeting will be Sunday 4th September at 8pm in the Cricketers room.

Any agenda idea's please email Mark Riches
mark.riche​s@talk21.co​m

We will blog the agenda the week prior to the meeting.

A&T Trail Half Marathon‏

A long side the Gin Pit Trail Marathon on Bank Holiday Monday 29th Aug which is a 6 lap course, we are planning a half marathon open ONLY to A&T members.

It will consist of three laps of the marathon course and will start and finish at the Gin Pit.

It is an accurate distance and members might want to use it as either a race or a training run for Chester Marathon.

Entry is £10, it will be timed and there will be a medal to finishers.

For more details and to down load an entry form go to:-

http://www.malcsblog.net/?p=1228

Thanks

Malc

Follow me and my marathon runnning at:-

www.malcsblog.net

For any new members who have not come along to the Thursday night training group yet, we meet at 6.15pm on Atherton Train Station car park and leave at 6.30pm prompt.  There are three routes on the blog to choose from this week - 5.5m, 6.3m or 9.5m.  Anyone wanting to run 3 miles, we can plan a route for that distance so please do not be put off by the longer runs.  

 

For those members who haven't been down to the club on a Thursday night for a while ~ be great to see you again, to help support this sesson!

Thanks
Michaela

Gill Pimblott

Here are the figures for the Gill Pimblott 5K

Total made from online entries, cash entries and raffle minus water, food, st.johns, ukresults expenses = £427.00

Thank you as ever to everyone who helped on the day and to everyone who took part.

Thanks also to the members of Atherton Running Club who made a big effort to support the race.

Bull Hill Fell Race (BS)- Thursday 14th July 2011

This Thursday is the next Champs/Grand Prix race hosted by Radcliffe AC which is part of their 3 day series.

It is 5.5m long with 1100' climb. Start time 7.30pm and registration is at the Wagon & Horses pub, Hawkshaw, Bury (Google it for directions).

£3.50 entry on the day.

Unfortunately I'm resting very sore legs so will not be able to make it, so I can only suggest people make their own way or meet for a 6.15 departure from Atherton rail station.

Good luck to all who give it a go.

Wasdale Horseshoe Fell Race by Paul Jackson

On Saturday 9^th July, Mark Ruscoe and I took part in this 21 mile/9000’ ascent fell race which is arguably the toughest in the fell race calendar.

Well supported by Sarah, the boys, Lyndsey and some family friends we set off from Brackenclose, next to Wasdale campsite.

The conditions were humid, with mixed visibility but mostly clear. The race started at 11am and the first climb is up Illgill Head and across the top of the screes to the first checkpoint at Whin Rigg summit. Then we dropped down to Greendale valley where fell running legend, Joss Naylor M.B.E. hands out drinks to the runners as they pass his farm.

The next ascent is to the summit of Seatallan, then across the Pots of Ashness and a steady climb up to Pillar summit. From Pillar we dropped down to Black Sail Pass where Lyndsey was waiting with much welcomed refreshments. I was 50 minutes behind Mark at this point who was running strong. I was trying to shake off a bad spell, but was struggling to do so.

Then there is a traverse around Kirkfell to the point where the race really starts and that is the ascent of Great Gable. This is a real hands on knees effort especially on already tired legs. There is a cut off time to reach this summit, which I just about managed.

The descent off Gable is a killer and the quads get battered, but seeing my family stood at Styhead Pass and hearing them shout my name, spurred me on. When I reached them I was totally exhausted and could barely speak. I crammed in some flapjack, chocolate biscuits and water, before trudging off up towards Esk Hause and the ascent of the Scafell Massif.

The final summit of Scafell Pike come into sight and it was a huge relief to reach that checkpoint. Then bear right and head for Lingmell before taking the long run down the steep ridge back to finish at Brackenclose.

Our first attempt at this race was over and we both successfully got round, and apart from some cuts, bruises and blisters we were in one piece.

Mark, in fine form before his attempt at the Lakeland 100 ultra run, finished in 4 hours 53 minutes.

I (never one to rush things!) ground it out in 6 hours 27 minutes.

Thanks to Sarah, Lynds and the boys for their support.

Penrith Triathlon 2011

Hi All,

Just a quick one to let you know about the Penrith Sprint Triathlon which is going ahead on  Bank Holiday Sunday, 28^th August. I would greatly appreciate it if you could pass this onto your friends and fellow club members, either through your website, email groups, carrier pigeon, mountain goat or just by shouting it from the hilltops.

Organised in partnership by Eden District Council and Arragon’s Cumbrian Tri Club, the Penrith Sprint is a BTF registered event now in its fourth year, which takes in some of the fantastic scenery (and hills!) on the edge of the Lake District.

Having been billed as a beginner’s event in its first year, last year’s third running saw the event attract 240 competitors ranging from absolute beginners to some high class athletes producing some extremely quick times. The course provides a challenge to all levels of athlete, or non-athlete in my case.

If you haven’t experienced the event before, the course comprises of:

• 400m pool swim, started in waves.
• 22km bike loop on open roads
• 5km run on adjacent fields

The event will utilise chip timing, secure and numbered transition on an astro turf pitch with the route being comprehensively signed and marshaled at all corners and junctions.

As event organisers we aim to make this event the best it can possibly be with participant enjoyment and generally having fun the most important factors in the event. Having received positive feedback from participants and officials we’ll be striving to make this year’s event even better!

Each participant will receive a technical t-shirt, food and a goody bag upon completion of the course. There will also be prizes/trophies for the mens, womens, team and vet categories.


Entries

The easiest way to enter this year’s event is online through the TriHard website, which can be accessed directly by clicking here.

A PDF version of the entry form can be found attached, with maps available from here for those who haven’t seen the course before.

Entries have already been flowing in, we’re well on course to match last year’s field size so get your entries in quick!

If you’ve already entered yourself please pass this on to as many people as you think will be interested. To help the Facebookers amongst you there is a group set up for you to join and invite all your friends to take part too at:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201816496533167&view=wall

The closing date for entries is Thursday 18 August at 5:00pm.

If you have any queries about the event at all then please don’t hesitate to contact me at jeff.marshall@eden.gov.uk, 01768 212474, or in person at Mansion House, Penrith.

See you all there….

Jeff

Jeff Marshall
Triathlon Co-ordinator
Eden District Council
01768 212474
jeff.marshall@eden.gov.uk