The unassuming, ever encouraging Jez Brown whacked the opposition at the Pincyn on Saturday.A race seductive in it's name but holding a real bite for the unsuspecting. Doubtless navigational skills played a part Jez !!
Yer man was also in the prizes, John Morris 'fresh' from Snowdon hit further form winning the V60 accolade on the day.
They weren't the only Buckley Blues ''giving it plenty'', Si Edwards arrived at the finish in good style as did Paul Donners.
So then peeps, scores on those doors
Jez, 44.38
Si 48.13
Paul 57.40
John 58.08
Take care
Higgins
Sunday, 31 July 2011
Friday, 29 July 2011
The Green, Green Grass of Home
Llangynhafal on Weds 27th was the finale of the Martin's series of three summer fell races. These excellent events are becoming increasingly popular, with a field of 120 turning out on a warm summer evening for what was described as 4.5 miles. Martin sets a new course each year (that means anew PB!) but as most people went wrong last year he thought he would send them round the right way this time - sort of a new route.
The race itself was competitive throughout the field with some fine performances from some top class runners. Jez was 5th, Simon picked up a prize in his age group, John "You can't keep a good man from winning" Morris won the vet 60 category. Sue and Rob both had a decent run. (I think that is everyone but the results aren't out yet). Buckley numbers a bit depleted with a long injury list from Saturday.
The route is challenging with three climbs. It starts up the gravel road towards Cilcain, follows the cycle track towards Moel Famau with a steep climb to the summit, A fast dash back towards the valley floor but just when you can nearly see the finish it turns right, across a track my dog would have difficulty running on and up an even steeper climb to the Easternmost Cairn. The route down is a guessing game; you pick your way through the heather trying to find the track. Its a waste of time - there isn't one until the final plunge down to the finish. Its a very good 4.5 miles. Mapometer reckons just over 5 with 2011 feet of climbing. But this is much better than sitting at home watching telly, or intervals on the industrial estate. If you want see the route go to mapometer and search for "green, green grass of home 2011".
Then back to the pub for beer and prizes.
Posted by Rob
The race itself was competitive throughout the field with some fine performances from some top class runners. Jez was 5th, Simon picked up a prize in his age group, John "You can't keep a good man from winning" Morris won the vet 60 category. Sue and Rob both had a decent run. (I think that is everyone but the results aren't out yet). Buckley numbers a bit depleted with a long injury list from Saturday.
The route is challenging with three climbs. It starts up the gravel road towards Cilcain, follows the cycle track towards Moel Famau with a steep climb to the summit, A fast dash back towards the valley floor but just when you can nearly see the finish it turns right, across a track my dog would have difficulty running on and up an even steeper climb to the Easternmost Cairn. The route down is a guessing game; you pick your way through the heather trying to find the track. Its a waste of time - there isn't one until the final plunge down to the finish. Its a very good 4.5 miles. Mapometer reckons just over 5 with 2011 feet of climbing. But this is much better than sitting at home watching telly, or intervals on the industrial estate. If you want see the route go to mapometer and search for "green, green grass of home 2011".
Then back to the pub for beer and prizes.
Posted by Rob
Sunday, 24 July 2011
International Snowdon Race 23.07.2011
Perfect conditions prevailed for competitors and spectators alike for the running of the International Snowdon Mountain Race. As usual a good contingent of Buckley Blue were on the start line, sad to say there was a fair bit of Buckley red along the course, more on this later.
Certainly for me it was fascinating to chat to and be alongside runners who've you've only previously read about in books and magazines. As ever, typically it seems on the 'fell running scene' there is little if any evidence of elitism. I have consequently arranged a 'vest' swap with one England International as 'ours' matches her married name and I liked the colour of hers. Any guesses?
There were some sterling and not least hugely impressive performances from colleague runners.
John Morris won his age catergory in a race that by it's very nature attracted competitors literally from around the globe. Similarly Simon Roberts was an astonishing third in a hugely strong and well represented category. Not surprising as I caught a glimpse of the decent Simon and thought the devil was after you!
Fenella Higgins and Steve Bellis both left their marks on the race, unfortunately in red. None the less both picked themselves up, Fen even stopping to assist my Calder Valley cousin who had also had a crash! I can tell readers there are some very swollen and currently none cooperative joints in the Higgins' household and knees this morning.
So scores on the doors peeps,
Summit Time Chip Time
Simon R. 54 1.22.27
Dave B. 1.03.57 1.38.31
Steve B. 1.04.41 1.41.44
Chris H. 1.08.37 1.41.50
John M. 1.06.44 1.42.03
Fenella H 1.17.16 1.59.17
TDL have the full results.
Take care
Chris H.
Certainly for me it was fascinating to chat to and be alongside runners who've you've only previously read about in books and magazines. As ever, typically it seems on the 'fell running scene' there is little if any evidence of elitism. I have consequently arranged a 'vest' swap with one England International as 'ours' matches her married name and I liked the colour of hers. Any guesses?
There were some sterling and not least hugely impressive performances from colleague runners.
John Morris won his age catergory in a race that by it's very nature attracted competitors literally from around the globe. Similarly Simon Roberts was an astonishing third in a hugely strong and well represented category. Not surprising as I caught a glimpse of the decent Simon and thought the devil was after you!
Fenella Higgins and Steve Bellis both left their marks on the race, unfortunately in red. None the less both picked themselves up, Fen even stopping to assist my Calder Valley cousin who had also had a crash! I can tell readers there are some very swollen and currently none cooperative joints in the Higgins' household and knees this morning.
So scores on the doors peeps,
Summit Time Chip Time
Simon R. 54 1.22.27
Dave B. 1.03.57 1.38.31
Steve B. 1.04.41 1.41.44
Chris H. 1.08.37 1.41.50
John M. 1.06.44 1.42.03
Fenella H 1.17.16 1.59.17
TDL have the full results.
Take care
Chris H.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
The Druid fell race
Bit late with this update, but it was a record field of 123 and a lovely evening for this great local race last Wednesday. The race goes up, and around, Foel Fenlli from the pub of the same name in Llanferres. The club had a good turnout and some great performances - Jez with an excellent 2nd place, but also fine returns to form for Paul D and S. Category wins for Steve, John and Simon. Much excitement at the finish line, as several frisky bullocks took the opportunity to make a break for it. They presented an unusual additional hazard for the sprinting runners - more like Pamplona than Llanferres.
2. Jez
5. Simon R
13. Steve B
19. Paul S
21. Huw
33. Paul D
51. John
110. Susan
112. Rob
2. Jez
5. Simon R
13. Steve B
19. Paul S
21. Huw
33. Paul D
51. John
110. Susan
112. Rob
Monday, 27 June 2011
Moel-y-Gamelin Sunday 26th June
After the cold of Wednesday and the rain on Friday we had the heat of Sunday for this 9.5 mile fell race.
The race starts from the
Must be nearly home now. Except for…………… remember that fierce climb I told you about? It is actually steeper going up than it is coming down. But when you do reach the cairn it is undulating for a while; over
Eight Buckley Runners ran in this club championship
Posted by
Sunday, 26 June 2011
Tattenhall Tough Team Race Friday 24th June
If it was cold on Moel Famau on Wednesday, by Friday it was wet. Few people can remember this classic race being held in wet conditions but this year made up for it. It rained steadily all evening, but at least it was a bit warmer. It was perfect conditions for running.
This race is different. 9 miles total with about 700 feet of climbing. It starts on the road for 3 miles, then on tracks mainly climbing before a sharp drop down, a bit slippery in the rain but OK. At the end there is a mile of fast downhill through fields and 2.5 miles back on the road.
Did I mention the railway? Before you can run down a fast mile of fields you have to go up. Its a big "up" too. A straight 300+ foot climb up an inclined plain, gradually getting steeper until it is nearly vertical at the top (it felt like it was) made rather tricky as the concrete sleepers covered with leaves were a bit slippy! As you finally scamble up the last yard the Grim Reaper extends a creepy skeletal hand to help you on your way. Other races have St John Ambulance but this one goes one better. Then you can go downhill! And it is a team event. Last runner across the line counts.
Nine Buckley Runners were there. Jez, Simon R and Eric had a fine run and were second male vet team. Dawn, Pete and Huw competed in the mixed vets. Paul Stinton ran with a couple of Wirral runners to make up a team. Rob and Jack had a very a very quick Tattenhall runnner top make up their team (We never saw him during the race, he was back in the bar, changed by the time Jack and I finished). But we all had a run and all agreed it was great fun.
And for information the Grim Reper drinks pints of bitter and eats bread rolls. I know because I saw him the bar later.
Posted by Rob
This race is different. 9 miles total with about 700 feet of climbing. It starts on the road for 3 miles, then on tracks mainly climbing before a sharp drop down, a bit slippery in the rain but OK. At the end there is a mile of fast downhill through fields and 2.5 miles back on the road.
Did I mention the railway? Before you can run down a fast mile of fields you have to go up. Its a big "up" too. A straight 300+ foot climb up an inclined plain, gradually getting steeper until it is nearly vertical at the top (it felt like it was) made rather tricky as the concrete sleepers covered with leaves were a bit slippy! As you finally scamble up the last yard the Grim Reaper extends a creepy skeletal hand to help you on your way. Other races have St John Ambulance but this one goes one better. Then you can go downhill! And it is a team event. Last runner across the line counts.
Nine Buckley Runners were there. Jez, Simon R and Eric had a fine run and were second male vet team. Dawn, Pete and Huw competed in the mixed vets. Paul Stinton ran with a couple of Wirral runners to make up a team. Rob and Jack had a very a very quick Tattenhall runnner top make up their team (We never saw him during the race, he was back in the bar, changed by the time Jack and I finished). But we all had a run and all agreed it was great fun.
And for information the Grim Reper drinks pints of bitter and eats bread rolls. I know because I saw him the bar later.
Posted by Rob
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