December bits!!! from Rob

It was really great to see so many of you at the Running Hare on Tuesday. I noticed that we were almost the last leave. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you all did too. Perhaps we ought to do it more often. It is easy to organise. Please let me know what you think.

We had a really good turn-out at the Border League on Sunday. It was a very disappointing outcome following an extraordinary set of weather conditions. You can't legislate or plan for everything! At 11.30 there was an alternative, cancel it. That would have been even worse. I have had mixed feedback since the race; not surprisingly there has been some critisism but mainly people have been very supportive. Thank you all for the support. It was a difficult call.

We are going to try and organise a "run in the hills" over the Christmas break. It might even be a "run in the snow in the hills". Please let me know if you are interested.

Have a very Happy Christmas.

Rob

Wrexham XC

Despite the cold weather there was an excellent turn out for what is effectively our home race.

Ladies ran first - Erika came 3rd, Dawn 21st, Margaret 56th, Sue 67th & Ann 86th, with the team coming 7th.

The men followed dutifully behind - Matt came 2nd (a mere 3 seconds behind the winner - I'm sure Les will be working on your finishing kick !! ), Eric 19th on his first XC appearance for Buckley, Simon 24th, Dave 65th, Huge Lewis 67th, Jeff 76th, also on a first outing, Mike 101st, Pete 107th, Paul D 115th, 'the Goat' 129th, and the team were 2nd !!!!!! in their division. If only we'd done that in the other races .......

The next race is Telford's at Lilleshall on January 22nd

Conwy Half Marathon - Sunday 21 Nov

http://www.sportpicturescymru.co.uk/

Three Buckley Runners raced in the second year of this event:

Stephen Bellis, 1 hr 31.36, M55 2nd
Paul Stinton, 1 hr 42.22
Ann Ablett, 2hr 29.07

Well done

Penmaenmawr Fell Race – Saturday 20th November

This classic fell race is said to be the oldest in Wales. It is not surprising it keeps going, it’s a great event. It is tough but runable with mixed terrain; grassy open areas, rocky tracks, a bit of road and the famous “bog”. It doesn’t go up huge mountains, but is liable to the worst of the weather, being mainly at over 1500 feet, exposed to the sea and held in mid-November. It is on-line entries only, with no entries on the day and stringent kit checks for waterproofs, maps, compass. As the organiser says in the notes to runners “Do not underestimate this event”.

Five Buckley Runners turned up for the event. A slightly altered course this year; running anti-clockwise instead and finishing down a very steep slippery single track described as “Overtaking not advised”. Nevertheless it is great fun, and the weather was fairly kind. Cold but not freezing, sun shining at times, visibility down to 50m (metres not miles!) at others, wet underfoot. Some excellent performances; Jez Brown continues his fine runs with 5^th overall in 1hr 13.49 and John Morris 88^th in 1hr 37.15 was first M60. Excellent runs too from Simon Roberts 25^th in 1hr 22.23 and Paul Donoghue 112^th in 1hr 41.03. Rob brought up the rear in 195^th (out of 237) in 2hrs 02.18 (2.01.20 according to results). We retired to the “Fairy Glen” pub for soup and rolls provided to all runners, and lengthy discussions of the course, the weather and who did what.

Good race, good results, good company. A race to be recommended.

Posted by Rob

Buckley Runners at the Pub

On the evening of Tuesday 14th December we are going to The Running Hare at Ewloe for a drink/meal/gathering. The plan is to run a bit earlier than usual (6.30 from the Sports Centre) then meet in the Running Hare about 8pm. No need to book but it would be great to have some idea of numbers. Please let Jane, Les or Rob know if you fancy it.

Rob.

London Marathon

The club has a London Marathon place (only one this year).

As in previous years the place will be offered to club members. In the first instance the place will be offered to the runner who: -

• has applied for a place in the marathon through usual ballot and been rejected
• was a fully paid-up member of the club at the time of the first Border League race

If you have applied and been rejected please contact Jane or Rob as soon as you get your rejection slip. You must keep you rejection slip.

In the event of more than one person being eligible we will draw the names (rejection slips) from a hat. If nobody is eleigible through that channel we will go to Plan B.

Posted by Rob

BL at Capenhurst Sunday 14th Nov

A good day at the races! Excellent turn-out from both the men and the ladies. Thank you all. It was a big turn-out, 311 we think, second highest in BL history. A few people were surprise at their high places. No wonder with that many runners, in a fast, competitive race. Times will be good. Ann says that even though she was at the back, it was her fastest run for ages. I can’t remember when I last ran better than 8 minutes a mile. Well done everybody

And some superb positions too. Matt had a flying finish to get 5^th place, with Jez in 10^th, Simon in 20th and Eric in 28^th. Six ladies, so even with Jane still injured we had a good result, Erika an excellent 55^th (second lady I think).

It was good to see Paul D back, and welcome to Jeff on his first run for us – he was our last counter in 111^th place. How good is that?

These are provisional positions, I took them off the score sheets, so there might be some slight changes particularly in the lower end of the results.

5^th Matt Rose

10^th Jez Brown

20^th Simon Roberts

28^th Eric Campbell

48^th Les Coathup

78^th Dan Hollingsworth

83^rd James Huggins

96^th Dave Boothroyd

109^th Steve Bellis

111^th Jeff Giffords

151^st Mike Jones

158^th Paul Donoghue

191^st John Morris

211^th Marcus Reid

245^th Leighton Williams

257^th Rob Mackey

Ladies

55^th Erika Robinson

216^th Dawn Urquhart

229^th Fen Higgins

236^th Margaret Ludden

282^nd Sue Ridings

311^th Ann Ablett

Posted by Rob

Ellesmere Half Marathon 6 March 2011

http://www.trismart.org.uk/default.asp?page=15


Held under UKA (License applied for)
Sunday 6th March 2011
Start 11am
Venue: The Mere, Ellesmere by kind permission of Shropshire Council
Course: Measured & mainly rolling roads around Ellesmere
Awards: Men and Women and 1st in all age groups kindly provided by Tesco Ellesmere
(Minimum age of race entry 18)
Kids 1 mile fun run to commence@1015 hrs Free entry
Adults 5+ mile road race @11am £6 Club £8 unattached
Fees: £11 Club £13 Unattached for 1/2 marathon payable to „Trismart‟.
Fees £6 club £8 unattached for 5+mile payable to "Trismart"
Entries accepted on the day if space/limits permits
Additional £2 for entries on day
Send entry with 9"x 6" S.A.E for acceptance and race number
To: Nick Thomas 6 Berwyn View Ellesmere SY12 0DZ
Tel: 07970624305

Cross Country

The results from Bangor were disappointing. We were struggling for numbers with Snowdon Marathon and Halloween Hellraiser on the same day, plus several injuries.

We had three ladies in the team, superb runs from Erika (6th) Sue 74th and Anne (92nd)

Five men started but the rough terrain took it's revenge on Les' ankle and he was forced to drop out. So we only had four finishers and got mullered in the team scores. But we still had some impressive results. Matt 13th only just over a minute behind the winner, Dan 81st and Steve 84th put in good runs. Rob as last counter in 143rd steadfastly refusing to be last.

Next race is at Wrexham on November 23rd. Really good fast, flat course on grass. It would be good to get a strong team out and not rely on me to count! Because I won't be there. Sorry to miss it but its the matinee of the Panto in Northop. My public needs me! The difference is when they shout "he's behind you" I think of the cross country and I know they are lying. Tickets on sale now!

Hope it goes well.

Rob.

Clwydian Hills

Perfect weather and an unusually strong field for this tough race this year, as it was a Welsh championship counter. Always a challenging outing (10m/3000ft), with a lot of arbitrary cruelty, and muddier this year than the last full race in 2008 (although at least the gully was snow-free).
10. Jez, 78.01
13. Simon E, 81.08
25. SimonR, 84.09
42. Huw, 89.54
84. John, 96.55
159. Rob, 129.38

Halloween Hellraiser

Into the heart of Cheshire for this multi-terrain race, which takes in fields, bogs, housing estates, gravel tracks, a quarry and a graveyard during its supposedly 9 mile journey around the edge of Nantwich (although as we all ran the last mile at 'Kenyan pace' I think it might have been more like 8.5). Jez continued his remarkable record at the event - coming 2nd for the third consecutive year, but in an ultra fast time which would have demolished the course record in previous years. Paul D made a welcome return from injury, Huw and Paul S showed a return to form, and John and Simon R both won their categories. 196 finishers.
2. Jez, 53.50
6. Simon R, 57.49 (1st v40)
29. Huw, 1:04:44 (2nd v50)
40. Paul S, 1:07:58
57. Paul D, 1:11:02
62. John, 1:11:35 (1st v65)

Snowdonia Marathon

Two thousand odd runners visited Llanberis yesterday for the 28th Snowdonia Marathon. Much has changed over the years not just the size of the field and the race was a credit to the organisers and legion volunteers who marshaled and staffed the plethora of drinks stations along the route. Many of the volunteers being youngsters, doubtless cold but ever cheery, ''ah the youth of to day'', worth their weight in gold eh?

The route had changed slightly also taking in some 'off road' terrain from the top of Pen-y-Pass.
Unchanged, an ever constant race feature however was the weather. Swinging from lovely bright and warming sunshine, to torrential rain then hail, both driven along by strong winds that conspired always to be against the field.

Four Buckleyites partook in the event, this being a reduced quota through injury and illness. Paul D injured but on the mend and Dawn's tummy letting her down the night before.
Sean and Dave led the way home with Fenella putting in a remarkable first marathon performance in some of the worst of the weather.

Been for a jog this morning as we had no milk. Surprised myself in two ways. First, it was 5.45, yep forgot the clocks going back and second, started to think about doing it again next year!
Take care
Chris

Sean Hooson 3.36.36 26th in category
Dave Boothers Boothroyd 3.45.24 40th in category
Fenella 'wife' Higgins 4.52.27. 37th in category
Chris me Higgins 3.54. 28th in category.

Welsh 1000 metres request

As organisers of the Welsh 1000 Metre Peaks Fell Race we are seeking runner's opinions on the merits of this classic mountain event. This takes the form of an on-line survey. We would be very grateful if you would be willing to circulate this email to your club members requesting their feedback. All they have to do is click the following link to complete the survey...
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DH8HW7L
The recent promotion of Glyder Fawr to 1000 metre status is already stimulating discussion in fell-running circles and we would like to know whether runners think this peak should be included in the full course to create what would arguably be the most challenging fell-race in the country.
We would be very grateful if you can help us to gather runners' opinions.
Yours sincerely
Andrew Middleton
Welsh 1000 metre Peaks Organising Committee

Border League at Caernarfon Sunday 24th October

It was good to be back at the Border League races. BL Races are always competitive, well organised and very sociable. The idea of seven road races being free to club members is another attraction. It makes it worthwhile being a club member. It is a good to get back and meet up with friends and rivals.

The Caernarfon event was excellent. It is a good course, perhaps not as easy as first impressions, an interesting combination of long steady climbs and short, sharp drops does not make for PBs. It was well organised, I wouldn’t expect anything else from Arwel and the team at Eryri. There was even a drinks station, very welcome on an unseasonably warm and sunny morning.

Good to see Buckley there in numbers and some new faces (or legs)(Eric and Leighton) and some returns (Marcus, James, Steve from flu and John from injury). Some excellent performances, particularly Eric Campbell, 27^th overall in his first race for us and 2^nd MV45, Les 1^st MV55, Simon 2^nd MV40, Erika 1^st Senior Lady and Fen 2^nd LV40. Despite these superb efforts it wasn’t quite the start we wanted. Several key men were unable to run and the ladies only had two runners, thanks to a combination of injuries and other commitments. It is many years since we last failed to field a full ladies team. Rather disappointing results (Men 4^th in Div 1, Ladies 7^th in Div 1 and the Vets were 5^th) but it gives us something to work on, we know we have team to succeed with. I’m looking forward to pulling it back in the next race.

7	Jez Brown	34:38
9	Matthew Rose,	34:51
17	Simon Roberts,	35:49
27	Eric Campbell,	36:36
53	Les Coathup,	38:47
61	James Huggins,	39:26
62	Daniel Hollingworth,	39:30
78	Steve Bellis,	40:50
108	Paul Stinton,	42:57
137	Chris Higgins,	44:49
142	John Morris,	45:12
179	Marcus Reid,	48:53
186	Leighton Williams,	49:31
209	Rob Mackey,	52:36
48	Erika Robinson,	38:18
162	Fenella Higgins,	46:49

Border League on Facebook

The Border League now has its own FaceBook page. Come and join us.

I'm really looking forward to the start of the Border League season next Sunday 24th at Caernarfon. But beware of the roadworks at St Asaph. They caused problems at Colwyn Bay for the Cross Country, the Ladies race had to be delayed as many runners were stuck in traffic for about 45 minutes. I don't envisage it being as bad early on a Sunday morning as it is on a Saturday lunch-time, but please leave abit of extra time for the journey.

We need to share cars too. We will meet at Northop Car Park, ready to set off at 8.45 on Sunday. See you there or at Caernarfon.

Rob.

North Wales Cross Country at Colwyn Bay

As usual the first race of the series was at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay. And as usual it was fine and sunny; unseasonably warm. And that is my excuse, and I’m sticking to it.

Another record turnout for the event, and a better turn-out for Buckley. We have struggled at this event in the past so it was good to see a full team of both men and ladies.

Erika had another superb run; 4^th lady overall in 18.14. She was well supported by Dawn 30^th in 21.10, Sue 83^rd in 25.11 and Ann 105^th in 30.21.

For the men, Matt had a good run finishing 26^th in 35.35, followed by Les 79^th in 39.12, Huw 94^th in 40.47, Dan 102^nd in 41.29. Pete had another good run finishing 104^th 41.46, with John 148^th in 45.29 and Rob 171^st in 51.53.

The men were 5^th in Division Two and 13^th vet team. Ladies were 7^th in Division One and 11^th Vet Team. Not bad as we were missing a couple of our usual cross-country reliables through injury or illness. Hopefully they will be back for the next race in a couple of weeks. But we could do with a few extra runners to guarantee a decent position at the end of the season, please!

Posted by Rob, who for the record is a Vet 60, not a vet 65 as it shows in the results which are on the NWCC Website.

Breidden Hills fell race

Morning mist gradually cleared for this race which takes in all those hills to the east of the Oswestry-Welshpool road (7m/2300ft). A great and long-established event, with good ridge running, great scenery, some tricky terrain, and home-made samosas (in the village hall afterwards). The two Buckley entrants finished 7 seconds apart, after an unbelievable final descent from Edwards, who flew past Roberts (almost literally) on the last hill. 117 finishers.
8. Simon E, 1:02:05
9. Simon R, 1:02:12 (1st v40)

Helsby half marathon entries

Looks like well over 600 registered already for this, so presumably likely to sell out even more quickly than normal.

Arenig Fawr

Another update on last weekend's activities. This was a North Wales champs race this year, so a strong field. Must have been a photo finish between Pete and John!
11. Simon E.
42. Pete
43. John

Sandstone Trail

Lots of events last weekend. Jez was the only Buckley member to take on the full Sandstone Trail in what must have been very trying conditions! He finished an excellent 5th in a strong field.

Flintshire 10km

Not so many runners out as in previous years but a good day for the club. Several other events on the same day. A very wet start following heavy rain overnight. This is a good event attracting well over 300 runners. A good number of club runners but clearly very popular with unattached runners. Fun runners would be a good term, because they were having fun, despite the weather. It was really good to see several friends, including an ex Buckley runners and an ex colleague of mine doing her first 10k.

The ladies (Erika, Rebecca, Margaret and Susanne) took first team prize and the men (Simon, Steve, Dave and Mike) took second in the mens team event. Erika had a superb run, 1^st lady and 12^th overall and Simon was 5th and 1^st MV40

Positions

Ladies

12^th in 37:19 Erika Robinson, 1^st Lady

75^th in 44:20 Rebecca Davies,

136^th in 48:38 Margaret Ludden LV45

187^th in 52:18 Susanne Brierley LV40

239^th in 57:03 Alison Jones LV35

Men

5^th in 35:28 Simon Roberts MV40 1^st Vet 40

19^th in 38:57 Steve Bellis MV55

19^th in 39:03 Dave Boothroyd, MV45

60^th in 43:00 Mike Jones MV40

121^st in 47:44 Rob Davies MV50

166^th in 50:49 Rob Mackey MV60

Posted by Rob

Rab Mountain Marathon, Eastern Lakes

The best event of the year (in my view!) was a real belter this year, covering some terrific mountain terrain in the Eastern Lake District around Haweswater: 6 hours to get as many points as possible on day 1, 5 hours on day 2. As with all score class mountain marathons, checkpoints were spread across the range - 5 pts for the easiest and most accessible ones, ranging up to 40 for the ludicrously placed ones (on top of mountains or at the bottom of inaccessible cwms etc). You decide your own route. Good weather throughout, although a very cold night at the overnight camp in Martindale was rather uncomfortable (to say the least) for those of us taking the 'ultra lightweight' approach! Chris and Fen really stepped up and found their mountain marathon feet this weekend, with an excellent result - and they managed to stay warm overnight. Huw and partner suffered from this event's very harsh lateness penalties, losing all their points on day 1 even though they were only just over the time limit. Simon R found himself 3rd vet after day 1, so went for big points on the highest peaks and remotest cwms on day two, including a desperate finish pelting down the shore of Haweswater with 3 minutes to spare, only to finish 4th by 3 points! Overall positions and scores (teams and solos are mixed in this event).
10th. Simon R (405 pts)
143rd. Chris and Fen (240 pts)
229th. Huw and partner (but would have been far higher without penalty!)

Wirral Multi-Terrain - Harrison Drive

Buckley were back up to a team of four again after Pete returned from his holidays and Paul decided to give his achilles a further good stretch.

Dave gained his revenge on 'Huge' Lewis (mainly because Huw didn't run)
Pete followed, in what he told us was his favourite race (not)
Paul bravely came in next
and The Goat, racing after missing last week due to marshalling duties, brought the team home

In the overall positions, Pete just has to win his section to win overall for the over 60s, Huge looks a rock-solid 4th if he races next week (and the rest of us are nowhere !)

Dave

Wirral Multi-Terrain - Wirral Country Park

So the intrepid quartet became a duo ! Huw & Dave took on the combined treats of the Wirral Way & the beach at Thurstaston for the second of the series.

Huw gained revenge for the first race easing past a tiring Dave just before the finish line.

No PBs this time - I put it down to a strong headwind rather than lack of fitness (no.37 on the list of running excuses).

Dave

Caenarfon 10k

Dawn and Fenella travelled to Caenarfon for the 10k on 5th September. As neither of us have raced for some time (which we are getting some stick for!) we were a little rusty and found it hard going for the first 3 - 4K, but got going once we hit the hills. We did not achieve very good times but Dawn came first in the V35 in 46.15 and I came 2nd in the V40 in 48.52. So good day out and both came away with prizes.
Fen

Cardiff 10k

Four Buckley Runners represented North Wales at the Welsh 10k championships in Cardiff yesterday. The highlight was Erika taking an excellent bronze medal in the women's race. Jez and Simon R both broke 35 mins for the first time. Dave M also recorded a superb pb (I think it was a pb!), while Jane ran through injury to finish for the team.
45. Simon R, 34.45
49. Jez, 34.57
92. Erika, 37.43

Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon - Remembering Doug

Two Buckley Runners completed the course today

Rob Davies 2.11.53

Ann Ablett 2.35.08

1206 finished

Wirral Multi-Terrain Royden Park

Last Tuesday the intrepid quartet of Huw, Pete, Paul & Dave made up Buckley 'A' in the first of the Wirral Multi-Terrain races at Royden Park near Thurstaston. The night was warm, and I looked like I'd been in the shower just from doing the warmup run. The course was a fine combination of fields, woods, road & sandstone escarpment & with over 240 runners it was like doing a Borders League race. Results were

Dave 33:15
Huw 33:21
Pete 34:31
Paul (suffering with his achilles ) 37:12
Team 15th

Next race is at 7pm on Tuesday Sept 14th at Station Road Thurstaston which promises to be another fun-packed event. If you need directions, Huw's your man.

To make a full team we need 5 people, so come on ladies, no wimping out next week - you know who you are !!!

Dave (for Paul)

Off-road Sereis; Last Race Friday 3rd

A good turn-out by Buckley Runners for the last race of the series. A smaller field than the last few races, but that is usual for this series. Many of the prizes are settled after the first three races, it is common to see the category winners watching this one. And this time there seemed to be no local runners turning up for a local race and filling up the bottom end of the results.

Quick shower, egg and chips and a drink and it is time for the presentation. Steve Bellis won MV55, Sue Ridings won FV50. It was good to see Marcus Reid completing the race, he had pulled out of the previous one with a leg injury. For his efforts and consistency he won 3rd MV45. He was delighted with his first ever prize. Well done Marcus.

Buckley Runners racing on the night; Paul Stinton, Rob Davies, Margaret Ludden, Rob Mackey, Mike Jones (plus Steve, Sue and Marcus). Results should be on Deestriders website in a day or two.

This is a great series. The course varies a little from year to year. This years tweaks were are huge improvvement bringing back some extra "off-road". It is well organised, friendly and good value. The weather has been kind this year. every race has been fine and dry. It was a warm, humid evening for the last one. Not ideal running conditions, but good for specatators and marshals.

Posted by Rob (who had a dreadful run - but finished)

Cilcain Mountain Race

New course is a great improvement (it descends via the Clwydian Hills fell race route). Big field this year, lovely weather.
10. Simon R, 36.24 (1st v40)
39. Steve B, 40.30
78. Paul S, 44.15
113. Gwyn Morgan, 48.11
140. Rob M, 54.28

Cnicht fell race

Simon E came 16th in 45m in this championship counter on Sunday.

Capenhurst 5k

Not many of us out this year for this fast and competitive local race.
13. Simon R, 16.59
55. Paul S, 19.08

Craig y Rhiw fell race

A good turnout from the 'fell running wing' for this revived race, which leaves the Rhydycroesau show and weaves around the English-Welsh border for 4 uncomfortably quick miles. A hilly forest with some muddy descents, around 1000ft of climbing and a nasty sting in the tail (ie uphill finish).
2. Jez, 27.35
7. Simon R, 29.18
21. Huw, 33.03
27. Pete, 34.08
34. John, 36.46

Race the Train, Tywyn, Saturday 21st August

This was the 27^th time for this classic event. And it threw up its usual mixture of rain and mud, slips and trips.

As usual Buckley Runners camped at Ynysymaengwyn near Bryncrug; the campsite packed with runners and their friends and families by Friday evening. There is a real buzz about the place. Saturday morning was bright and sunny. Tracy and Connor set off early to catch the train for the 3.5 mile “fun-run”. Then Jane and Rup took Amanda and Jess up for the start of the 5.5 miles at Dolgoch then dropped David off a mile further up the valley for the start of the 10 km race. Each of the races starts as the train comes down the valley. All finished safely in good times. David won the 10 km by a wide margin, breaking the course record.

We had 6 runners in the main race (14 miles and bit extra this year). By 2 pm it was grey and damp. 30 minutes later a steady drizzle started to turn the surface of the paths into slippery mud. By 3.30 it was coming down in sheets. Choice of shoe became critical as the ground became very slippery, however the rain was very refreshing over the last few miles.

Approximate finish times (taken off the clock on Steph’s camera); Paul Stinton 1 hr 44; Dan Hollingsworth 1 hr 48; Paul Donohue and Jane Linley both on 2.08 (they held hands across the finish line – I call that style!!!); Rob Mackey 2.19 and Ann Ablett in 3.03. Keith Jones (ex member but one of the originators of “Buckley goes to Tywyn”) did a very good 2.18 despite lack of training.

By 5.30 the rain stopped and the sun came out not long after. It was a glorious warm evening. We retired to the camp-site, showered, had a BBQ and a few drinks and talked until 2 o’clock on Sunday morning. Buckley Runners doing what it does best.

Another great weekend at Race the Train. My regret – not more Buckley Runners were there. Hero of the day – my wife Steph who stood near the finish line in the rain and cold to get photos of Buckley Runners finishing. She was cold and soaked by the time Ann got in, but she stayed and cheered right to the end. Huge thanks for that Steph.

It was my 16^th time at this event, and in some ways my best. My time of 2.19 was my best time for over a decade. People said I looked happy at the end, they were right. The training and the races this summer seemed to work. Huge thanks to Jane for putting up with me on all those Sunday runs and everyone else who has persuaded me to enter some of the longer fell races. Now I will have to go back and see if I can do it again next year.

See you all in Tywyn nest year.

Posted by Rob Mackey Sunday 22^nd.

Deestriders, Off Road Series

79 runners participated in the 3rd 'Off Road Series' run at Deestriders.

Buckley Results:
19th 33;04
PAUL STINTON

20th 33;18
STEPHEN BELLIS

23rd 33;35
DAVE BOOTHROYD

63rd 42;32
MARGARET LUDDEN

64th 42;54
SUSAN RIDINGS

68th 43.58
ROBERT MACKEY

Final Race Friday 3 September at 7.00pm

5K trail runs in Shropshire

The Ellesmere 5K trail run was held today. Low key event but very well organised by Trismart.

Next race is on 26 September at Colemere

http://trismart.org.uk

Ponderosa hill race

The usual competitive and tight race, as can be seen from the times below. You don't get much time to relax on this one! It's a deceptively tough race, as you can't do much holding back on the initial climb up Cyrn y Brain because the subsequent descent is so narrow, fast (and boggy!). Well done everybody - let me know if I missed anyone.
5. Jez - 27.29
12. Simon R - 28.42
31. Dave - 32.15
37. Huw - 32.54
38. Chris W - 32.55
47. Peter - 34.18 (1st M65)
104. Rob - 41.48

The Fox Trot - 7 August 2010

Well done Simon, Age category win

winner at a new fell/trail

race in Colwyn Bay.

2.75 Wainwrights! Unfinished business by Rob.

While you were all having fun on the Clwydians choosing your own race routes I was in the Lake District planning my own run. The weather on the coast was fine but low cloud hung over the hills all the early part of the week. On the Thursday the forecast was OK for the morning so I gave it a try.

My wife dropped me near Santon Bridge (centre of picture) and I set off to follow the to of the screes overlooking Wastwater. In 90 minutes I had done Whin Rigg and Illgill Pike and dropped down the very steep slope to Burnmoor Tarn. I set off up the path to Scafell, it is a fairly straightforward climb up just over 2000 feet to the summit. Steep and grassy to start, then a bit easier, but the last 1000 is up an exposed, loose, zigzag path. An hour later I was struggling, going very slowly on the slippery path, cloud coming down limiting visibility, fine rain and nobody else around (I hadn't seen anybody for over two hours). I think it was another couple of hundred feet to the summit but enough is enough. I accepted defeat and turned back. It took another hour and a half to get to Dalegarth Station in Eskdale to meet Steph, four hours in total. While she got me a cup of tea I washed my legs and the dog in Willan Beck. A quick change into warm clothes, a bit of food and back down the valley on the train. We found a pub with its own brewery to eat at in the evening. I slept well.

Only problem is, I know it was right decision to turn round. The mountain will be there another day and I can have another go. Its bugging me now; it will have to be soon but maybe next time

I'll do Scafell first and think about the others afterwards. Rob

More postcards

Following Rob's idea, here's a postcard from hols last week in the Maritime Alps - cheap flights to Nice, good hill running and climbing. This is a view from the Mont Pelat summit ridge at around 3000m. SR.

Push up the Pincyn

This excellent recent addition to the fell race calendar takes place in the unlikely surroundings of Clocaenog forest. It's a genuine fell race, mind, with all the climbing and awkward descents that implies. Sadly, Jez did his hamstring on one of those descents after being right up there with Neil Parry at the sharp end - get well soon Jez! Simon R finished 4th in 48.46, Jez limped home in 13th, Huw was 15th in 54.55, Pete 18th in 55.19. However, the real hero of the day was John - who abandoned his own race to help an injured female runner in distress.
Simon R.

Green grass of home fell race and fun run

After the first 23 runners finished this one, a huge gap ensued. It took a very long time for the penny to drop - we were the ones who'd gone wrong... So there ended up being a set of results for the short (AKA: cheats!) course and the long (real) course. In our defence, I'd say you inevitably play 'follow the runner in front' when you're tired at the end of the race (although of course it wasn't the end of the race!)
Anyway, Huw came 3rd in the proper race in 51m, with Pete 12th in 52m, Dave 17th in 53m, John 25th in 55m and Sue 41st in 71m.
In the fun run, Jez was involved in an unprecedented dead heat. Martin's funds don't yet run to photo finishes, and he was declared joint winner. Simon R was 8th.

The Fox Trot

There is a new race being held this saturday (7th Aug.) at 12 noon in Colwyn Bay. Details below and on WFRA website (www.wfra.org.uk)

THE FOX TROTSaturday, 7th August. 12.00 pmBM 7miles / 1050ft ascentEntry fee £5 on day (includes free drink and cake)

Venue: Newfield Pavilion, Walshaw Avenue, Colwyn Bay, LL29 7YAToilets/changing facilities availableTerrain: Woodland tracks, bridleways (95% off-road)

Registration from 10:45am

Directions:From A55 follow brown elephant signs for Welsh Mountain Zoo. Turn left at St Andrews Church (before you start climbing to Colwyn Heights) and take first right.

posted by Sue

Dartmoor Mountain Marathon

Fenella and Chris Higgins along with son Rich and friend Add travelled 'well south' as they say to take part in the Dartmoor Mountain Marathon over the weekend of the 24th and 25th July.
Starting in Princetown, Dartmoor nick was a fitting backdrop as teams and individuals made good their 'escapes' over the moors and tors. The weather was ideal with little sign of the notorious shrouds of mist out of which murderous Dickensian villains emerge soaked in bog water wearing Inov8's!
The going was surprisingly, hilly interspersed with some proper boggy ground that sought to suck the strength from your legs and shoes from your feet on numerous occasions. One competitor was eventually hauled by their arms by four strong men from some very wet ground. Getting him out was made the easier when he took his feet out of the stirrups! ( An old one I know but couldn't resist it)
Fenella's 'sensible' navigation ensured our arrival at the overnight camp. A welcome relief for tired legs. Son Rich and mate Add arrived soon after on what was their maiden outing. Camp was basic, water and pretty limited numbers of loos. No shortage of pitch space and some great views to wake up to. Day one completed and in first mix vet position about middle of the field over all.
Day two, dehydrated spag boll perked up with hot chocolate, no wonder sleep was hard to find the night before, so exited about breakfast was I.
Weather spot on again, pretty cool, high cloud cover and only occasional short lived blankets of mist. There was the inconvenience of random kit checks. We, Fenella at least must have an honest face as straight through to 'dib' and off. Son and mate not so, ha! Very soon, son and mate sprint past laughing on way to first checkpoint. Time will tell son.
Working through the checkpoints a 'reckless' but undeniably critical navigational decision (I still assert) was taken. This led through very thick gorse, no sign of a track not even a rabbit run. We made ground and time but poor Fenella, legs cut and as sore as a very cut and sore thing, fell over. More injuries including a pierced water bottle to boot.
Things went much better after that, so well in fact that son and mate rapidly came in to laughing range, Mrs Higgins promised she would still do the Rab and I found two jelly babies I thought I'd eaten earlier.
The finish? Second mixed vet, 39th out of 61 finishers and one ahead of son and mate. Whey hey.
Take care
Chris

Chester Marathon 2011, New route

http://www.chestermarathon.co.uk/

9 October 2011, pre registration open now



posted by Sue

Moel y Gamelin

Looks like the results for the Moel y Gamelin race (27 June) might never appear, so for completeness Jez had another superb run, finishing 2nd in uncomfortably hot conditions. Simon R was 4th and 1st v40, but a very long way behind. Dave B used his marathon conditioning to good effect, cruising the six peaks to finish 9th (I think) with Paul S very close behind (10th?) - picking up a v35 prize. Chris and Fen had good runs in what were very trying conditions, especially for the final climb over Gamelin.

Saunders Mountain Marathon

Simon Roberts and partner did quite badly in this event last weekend! Cumulative time of just under 15 hours for the longest Scafell class, which hardly anyone seems to enter (60k/3000m-odd over two days). Held around Haweswater in the Lakes, a fine camp in Longsleddale was some compensation. Perfect sunny weather on day one for a big loop of the High Street range, driving rain and gales on day two with tricky route-planning and navigation. A real contrast: the essence of the mountain marathon experience!

The Fairy Freckled Cow Trail Race - 4th July 2010

After one of the driest and hottest Junes in recent history, the forecast for July 4^th said wet and windy. They were right, certainly on the Denbigh Moors for one of the best trail races around. A field of 131 set off on a cold, wet, windy morning on this 11 km circuit of the paths and tracks around the Alwyn Reservoir. But what a good race! Excellent running, twisting and turning, undulating, sometimes in the forest, other times out on the open moorland. Just after half way there is a 300 foot climb up a hillside, then the route drops down into the forest for the run back, finishing over the dam.

Loads of prizes as always for a Denbigh Harriers race, a good way to spend a Sunday morning! Jez Brown was third, behind Neil Parry today. But a good run nevertheless.

The results

3 Jez Brown 41.2

38 Michael Jones V40 50.14

46 Peter Roberts V60 51.32

80 Margaret Ludden L40 57.57

94 Robert Mackey V60 59.59

97 Susan Ridings First L50 61.01

98 Tracey Colligan L Buckley????? 61.11

(Not sure about the last one. Not sure if it s a mistake in the results, or somebody new to the club.)

Was I happy.? It was my first outing on this race so I was pleased with my run but disappointed with the time on my watch. 60.05 was not what I wanted, I tried to beat the hour but just couldn’t. But I am much happier about the official time so the answer is “yes”.

And if you have ever wondered why “The Fairy Freckled Cow” follow the link for the full story. http://www.urbanmyths.ca/Myths/Y-Fuwch-Frech--The-Freckled-Cow.html.

Posted by Rob

Borders League 2010/11

After the AGM on Monday, there are no significant changes to the BL arrangements for next season. We discussed the races and venues for last year, a few points were noted, but nothing too exciting. Only issues

• Officers remain the same (that means I am still chairman)
• We have asked clubs to submit race details as soon as possible, even at the begining of season if they are available (for ours there is no reason for not doing this once we have confirmed the booking for the leisure centre)
• arrangements for notifying new runners for last race will stay the same (deadline exactly one week before the race
• We will improve communications for when races are under threat because of conditions (e.g. mobile numbers available for contacts with back-ups, sending alerts out the day before if there are foreseeable problems, possibly a facebook page)

Provisional dates, organisers and venues for next season (to be confirmed) are: -

Oct 24th Eryri at Caernarfon
Nov 21st EP at Capenhurst
Dec 12th Wirral at Hoylake??
Feb 13th West Chesh at Christleton??
Mar 13th Buckley at Mold (Fenn - please can I speak to you about this, Rob)
Mar 27th Deeside AC at Deeside College
Apr 27th (Weds evening) atWrexham AC at Wrexham

Posted by Rob Weds 30th June at 1.45 pm

Hotfoot up Famau

After numerous close shaves and unlucky events last year, Jez has the winning habit in 2010! This was his second victory in a week, and capped a fine night for Buckley - John Morris 1st v60, Steve Bellis 1st v50, Simon Roberts 1st v40. Loads more brilliant performances too, as can be seen from the times below. As ever, a great event from Martin - long may it continue. SR.
1 Jez 37.09
4 Simon R 38.41
6 Simon E 39.19
11 Steve B 42.11
19 Dave 44.36
20 Huw 44.38
25 John 46.07
27 Paul S 46.27
35 Chris 48.04
58 Rob M 57.44

Post Cards from far away places.

As the summer hols approach I thought we could have a "What we did on our holidays" blog or more precisely "Where did we go for a run?" blog.

While spending the weekend in Keswick I went for a jog up Skiddaw (3053 feet). Not been up for 45 years. I'd forgotten how steep it is. And how bleak it is at the top. Views were outstanding.

Rob

Riverbank Run (Rhuddlan)

Two great performances (multi-terrain race):
4th Jez Brown, 36.18
13th Steve Bellis, 39:26

Moel Hebog fell race

Cracking event, something of a classic. Perfect weather, free ice cream. Punishing descent though!
9th Simon R, 55:57

Trail Race up the Beast

A fantastic evening race that drew runners from a variety of clubs in numbers.
Buckley was again well represented not least as the race is organised and marshaled by colleague Buckleyites, John Morris, Dawn Urquart, Huw Lewis, Pete Roberts to name a few.
The evening was made all the sweeter by some brilliant Buckley performances:

1st Jez Brown 36:56
5th Simon Roberts 39:06
6th Simon Edwards 39:07
25th James Pickering 49:59
38th Fenella Higgins 54:19
41st Rob Mackay 56:50
43rd Sue Riding 56:58

For me, that's twice on the trot now, vanquished by Mrs. H. Third time lucky??
Thanks John, great night
Chris

Foel Fras

A tranquil contrast with last year, when bad weather decimated the field and led to numerous cases of hypothermia. A great turnout from Buckley for this long AL race (12.8m/3800ft I'm reliably informed!) around four peaks in the northern Carneddau. Conditions were good for fast times, with excellent performances again from Jez and Simon E, while Pete just missed first v60. Simon R
4 Jez, 1:50:50
9 Simon E, 1:52:40
20 Simon R, 1:59:18
55 Pete, 2:17:05
62 Chris, 2:20:22
66 John 2:28:10
68 Huw 2:29:28
83 Sue 3:26:30

Cross Country Dates - 2010/11

Colwyn Bay - 9th Oct,
Lilleshall - 22nd Jan,
Bangor - 30th Oct,
Oswestry - 5th Feb 2011,
Wrexham - 27th Nov,
NW Champs - 29th Jan 2011

The usual order and dates are slightly different this year, due to the increasingly crowded calendar


Posted by Sue

Call to All Buckley Runners - including Les!

The Beast Trail Race!
Not to be missed - next Tuesday Evening, 15th June.
4.5 miles from The Miners Arms, Maeshafn, Nr Loggerheads.
7:15pm start
Lots of prizes to be had.
Fell shoe recommended!

Deestriders Off-Road Series Race 1, Thursday 3rd June

The first race of the series saw a good turnout by Buckley Runners. The 5 mile route was mainly the same as previous years but with some interesting changes. There is less tarmac, some sections being replaced with narrow twisting paths through the woods or more sections of the field. Fortunately it was dry, some of the hills would be tricky in wet conditions. Generally a much better course, more “off-road”.

11th PAUL STINTON 32:45

15th STEPHEN BELLIS 33:07

23rd MICHAEL JONES 35:02

32nd JAMES PICKERING 36:40

33rd MARCUS REID 36:51

34th MICHAEL LUDDEN 36:57

45th ROB DAVIES 40:21

56th MARGARET LUDDEN 41:58

59th ROBERT MACKEY 43:48

61st SUSAN RIDINGS 44:22

I enjoyed the run, legs were tired but I got a new PB. Not difficult really because it was a new course. I like the series, it’s a good chance to measure yourself, a rare chance to run several times over the same route. Unfortunately I upset the local footballers, who were having a kick-around. One of them seemed to think I was unreasonable not to kick his ball back, which he had hoofed onto the course. It obviously escaped his notice that all the runners had numbers on their vests. It’s a race, Sunshine; stopping to return footballs is not part of it. It is worrying that people like him are allowed to vote, and breed.

Rob.