We meet every Wednesday for a 6:30pm start at the Helsby Community Sports Club. We’re now on the winter program of road-based on a rotating cycle. Wear something bright, reflective or lit if you can. Getting started: give it a go. Come and say hello, make yourself known. Something like “Hello I’m new, I’d like to go for a run” should do the trick. More…
Helsby runners results
Hi all
Well what a day that was and what a good feeling to be able to send out results with so many names on!
Don’t really need to describe the weather though…, a bit windy should do it, but it didn’t seem to deter many of the Helsby contingent producing great times in the conditions. I know it was Jayne’s , Adrian’s and Hannah’s first foray into the half marathon so hearty congratulations for them producing very impressive times to now build on. Dave Feakes, wearing the elegant number 50, isn’t convincing anyone that he reached that category today, not with the PB he secured! Well done also to Jane Ashbrook for a 2nd place in her category.
Unfortunately I didn’t manage to speak to everyone today so if there any more PB’s out there or tales to tell please let me know and I’ll get this report updated for the blog. Photo links on other blog reports or twitter/runhelsby
And I should really reiterate what so many people have said today, that it’s with lots of hard work from many individuals, and some in particular, that the Helsby half is continually so successful. It’s a real honour to be part of a club that has people with so much commitment, drive and energy and I think the enthusiasm now evident at the club is clear for all to see.
Great support round the course too
Results for the Historic Helsby Half 2012 below
Individual results for Helsby runners extracted below (if I’ve missed anyone please let me know!). I’ve used gun position and time for this so check your chip times as they’ll be quicker!
24th Adair Broughton 1.17.49
144th Ian Landucci 1.28.26
153rd Chris Baynham-Hughes 1.28.52
191st Jim O’Hara 1.30.22
231st Jane Ashbrook 1.31.51 (2nd in age category!)
269th Ivan Davies 1.33.06
289th Jayne Joy 1.34.03
307th Ed Halliwell 1.34.33
311th Paul Porter 1.34.37
332nd Gareth Boyd 1.35.43
336th Alex Fitzmaurice 1.35.49
404th Steve Riley 1.37.49
445th Dave Feakes 1.38.54
460th Geoff Shaw 1.39.03
462nd Adrian Jackson 1.39.04
560th Carol Shaw 1.41.32
624th Albert Berry 1.43.35
670th Hannah Hughes 1.44.49
793rd Lesley Feakes 1.48.05
958th Chris Igoe 1.52.47
969th Dave Madders 1.53.00
996th John Thompson 1.53.55
1000th Alison Meakin 1.53.57
1184th Nesta Hawker 1.59.55
1224th Betty Grieve 2.01.27
1275th Liz Dobson 2.03.39
1423 Peter Causton 2.11.07
1426th Kay Pirali 2.11.15
1487th Ivor Johnstone 2.15.49
1622nd Kevin Bell 4.04.28
However, the highlight and performance of the day surely goes to Kevin Bell for completing what is a record breaking 31st Helsby Half marathon in 4 hours 4min and 28 seconds. Kevin was determined to finish and shows not just what this race can mean to individuals but also acts as testament to their character. I think this in itself puts a great perspective on all our performances on the day. I’ve also been informed that Kevin’s wife may well be bringing along his collection of medals one night after a Wednesday run which will be great to see.
Keep on running
Adair
Four villages festival of wind and running
Thanks to all our marshalls, volunteers, runners and spectators. Another brilliant event!
Some tough running conditions saw a Tipton Harriers 1-2 in the Helsby Four Villages Half Marathon this weekend. Martin Williams lead home the field in 1:08:32, with 89 seconds in hand over team mate Ben Gamble, who improved on two 4ths and two 3rds in consecutive previous years (albeit in a slower time, giving some idea of the conditions). Christian Prior, City of Chester Triathlon, completing the podium and first from a local club, a further 28 seconds behind.
This was the 31st edition of a highly regarded opener to many people’s season. The first race was established as a local answer to the first London Marathon. Both events draw an incredibly loyal and friendly crowd, with the Four Villages ever popular with north west club runners as well as attracting high quality club entrants from further afield, together with a healthy cohort of civilians.
In the women’s race local Gemma Connolly was first home in 1:21:05, improving on last year’s 4th, followed by Belgrave’s Louise Blizzard just 4 places behind and first F40, getting closer to a PB time set 8 years ago. Completing the trio another travelling runner, this time from the East Midlands, Nicki Nealin of Huncote Harriers (another strong F40).
The strong and blustery winds and an exposed course, meant that the course record was never under threat. Nevertheless further down the field were numerous PBs — including Adair Broughton first from host club Helsby RC in 24th with 1:17:49 — on what’s never an easy course. The steady climbing from mile 7 to 10 normally finds out any weakness in legs nearing their limit.
Despite the unpredictable wind, the weather gave us a good temperatures for running and a massive improvement on some forecasts. A personal highlight was seeing clubmate Dave Feakes get a pretty respectable PB on his 50th birthday. A great race, that always gets good feedback. Here’s to the next one!
Steve Riley
More pics at http://www.mickhall-photos.com
Dave Pinnington’s pics on Flickr
Results and event video over on the main site at http://www.helsbyrunningclub.org.uk/
Women’s results
Gemma Connolly 01:21:05 St Helens Sutton (55th overall)
Louise Blizzard 1:22:00 Belgrave Harriers (59)
Nicki Nealin 1:23:32 Huncote Harriers (70)
Men’s results
Martin Williams 1:08:32 Tipton Harriers
Ben Gamble 1:10:01 Tipton Harriers
Christian Prior 1:10:29(PB) City of Chester Triathlon Club
Runcorn town park NW XC results 15th Jan 2012
Hi all
Results are now available for the North West Series XC held at Town Park Runcorn 15th January 2012, see below for link
http://www.btinternet.com/~steve.saunders/ss/xc/2011/race4_11.pdf
Some cold weather hardened what is usually a muddy course but with a beautiful blue sky and frost on the ground a near perfect day for cross country ensued.
Photos in the blog below courtesy of Mick Charman of Spectrum
Other photos online courtesy of Dave Pinnington of Penny Lane
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davepinno/sets/72157628885302261/
Once again the Helsby ladies continued to impress which has now put them in lead position for the team results to date, so be sure to congratulate them! The mens team are currently 5th.
Many thanks also to the support on the day from Mario and Joe and friends and family and also to Kathryn Roberts who helped marshall on the day.
Helsby positions and places as follows:
Mens Results
10th Adair Broughton
59th Roy Gaskill
81st Steve Riley
91st Adrian Jackson
116th Andy Smith
Ladies Results
3rd Jayne Joy
4th Jane Ashbrook
16th Janet Robertson
17th Rachel Arnold
Please note the next NW XC will be on 5th February at Walton Hall Park, Liverpool, details will follow regarding that race.
Dash in the dark
You like running, you like darkness? Now’s your opportunity to combine the two interests. Clwydian Range Runners’ Dash in the Dark series is back this winter. Three race from Coed Llandegla, first one’s tonight:
Friday 20th Jan 2012
Friday 10th Feb 2012
Friday 2nd March 2012
Monday training, Castle Park
Just a quick reminder that Castle Park training at Frodsham, taken by Joe and Mario, is on Monday nights, from 6:30pm. Meet off Netherton Drive (just off Howey Lane). Parking available.
Sessions last about half an hour, will be great to see some new faces there too. Not just for fast folks!
Fancy being sponsored?
Hexx, the people making our hoodies, also run a grassroots sponsorship program for aspiring sportspeople. The scheme offers a clothing package, nutrition and media support. It’s not just for elites and seeks to encourage people aiming for big improvements in their sport (I can think of a couple of people!). Not limited to runners, so if you’re active in another sport or know someone interested let them know. Deadline for applications: 27 Feb.
Read more in the attached PDF: HexxTalent-2012.
Abergele border league results sun 8th jan 2011
Hi all
Please find attached results for the latest Border League Race at held at Abergele Sunday 8th Jan.
http://www.bordersleague.org.uk/
Described as an accurately measured 5 mile out and back course, oh, with a random bit through a caravan park, 14 Helsby runners started and finished the race with some strong performances thrown in, including a 5 mile PB for Adrian, well done. Age category highlights included podium finishes for Jane Ashbrook with 3rd, Vanessa in 3rd, Albert in 2nd and Robbie in 3rd.
Helsby positions and times listed below
22nd Adair Broughton 28.42
79th Ian Landucci 31.37
118th Roy Gaskill 33.22
125th Jane Ashbrook 33.38
135th Jayne Joy 34.04
148th Adrian Jackson 34.51
155th Vanessa Griffiths 35.15
156th Albert Berry 35.16
186th Carol Shaw 36.25
201st Andy Smith 37.07
206th Phil Gillard 37.23
255th Betty Grieve 40.12
263rd Jackie Keasley 40.53
304th Robbie Webster 45.18
Helsby ladies should also be congratulated for finishing in first position on the day in Division two, with some more races left to run they can now provide a strong challenge for promotion. Helsby men consolidated their position in mid table of Division Two on the day.
Helsby ladies also finished in 2nd place in the improvers trophy table so shows what a great year they are having.
The link below should also take you to the handicap rankings, which is a great way of seeing what your current form is and if you are improving.
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/lindleyjane/BorderLeagueResults/Results1112/handicap1112.htm
Sadly, and rather remiss of me, I’ve missed sending this on previous results and so I should mention that on two previous races in this current Border League series we have had two Helsby ladies win the handicap rankings. Betty won the Prestatyn race 1 and Vanessa won at Birkenhead Park race 2. These are great performances which should have been noted previously. (Sorry!)
Regards
Adair
Cheshire Championship XC results 7th jan 2012
Hi all
Full weekend for Helsby runners and many thanks for those doing the double, starting with Saturday’s windy and muddy Winsford escapade to Knights Grange. (Sundays Border League results will hopefully follow shortly)
Results here
http://www.cheshireaa.com/Results/XCC/2012/XCChamps2012Results.pdf
Saturday’s race was the Cheshire Championship Cross Country, quality fields with Helsby ladies once again retaining their 2nd place vets category medals spearheaded by Jane Ashbrook in a brilliant 10th place closely followed by the shockingly improving Jayne Joy not far behind in 12th.
Jane and Jayne may well be representing Cheshire in the future with these performances.
Janet who was 3rd in her category and Rachel also had strong runs to maintain their podium places for the team result. Well done ladies. Of note Helsby ladies were 4th overall so bodes well for next year.
Support was ever present in the form of Joe, Mario and Vanessa and due to separate races for the men and ladies we could also support each others races. There is a great spirit to team events.
Mens race was 10k with 4 laps, ladies 7.5k with 3 laps.
Mens results
37th Adair Broughton 47.27
114th Phil Gillard 58.37
Ladies results
10th Jane Ashbrook 40.03
12th Jayne Joy 40.29
23rd Janet Robertson 45.26
25th Rachel Arnold 45.47
34th Jackie Keasley 51.07
Next cross country is the Northwest League at Runcorn Town Park this Sunday 15th January, start time of 10.00am. Details here
http://www.btinternet.com/~steve.saunders/ss/xc/dirtown.pdf
This will be a great introduction for those not yet longing for the mud, good atmosphere, local and free tea/coffee and sandwiches after. Give it a go!
Regards
Adair
NWXC Results race 3 arrowe park 4th dec 2011
Hi all
Well it’s been nearly a month! but results are now online for the Arrowe Park XC race that was Race 3 in the Northwest XC series held on 4th December 2011.
Full results can be found at the website below
http://www.stevesaunders.co.uk/
as well as some photographs I managed to take here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/runhelsby/sets/72157628296948039/
After having slept a couple of times since the race I will have to apologise for a limited report, however, I can remember some great Helsby performances, a little bit of mud and a few spots of rain held under a sky the colour of concrete.
Ian Landucci stormed round for the men in 1st place for the Helsby contingent and 28th place overall ably followed by Roy Gaskill who ran admirably well considering it was his first foray into cross country.
Helsby men’s positions and times as below:
28th Ian Landucci
61st Roy Gaskill
83rd Adrian Jackson
90th Andy Smith
However, it is with the Helsby ladies where some significant improvements were spotted with Jayne leading home the charge for an amazing 5th place overall, with Vanessa chasing hard behind for a great 13th and Rachel just behind in 18th which meant all the Helsby ladies finished in the first half of the field.
5th Jayne Joy
13th Vanessa Griffiths
18th Rachel Arnold
The ladies team is currently in joint 2nd place with all to play for! Well done.
The next race in this series is Town Park, Runcorn on 15th January. It will be great to have some strong teams for what is a local race.
Thanks also to support from Joe and Mario on the day
good looking and green
Regards
Adair
Round the walls race results 26th Dec 2011
Hi all
Please find attached the results for the 40th running of the Boxing Day Round the Walls race at Chester Racecourse.
Due to wall repair and bad weather in previous years, this was the first running round the walls since 2006 on what was a slightly extended course (basically two laps round the racecourse rather than one).
Strong winds and excess mince pies didn’t deter the four Helsby runners with the standout performance from the ever improving Jayne coming in as 2nd senior lady on the day. Over 420 runners completed the course.
13th Adair Broughton 30.16
86th Jayne Joy 36.05
107th Geoff Shaw 37.13
310th Janet Shaw 47.09
Full results can be found here: http://www.westcheshireac.co.uk/roadracing/RoundtheWalls
If there were any races I’ve missed and someone would like to post a report or send a link to results it’ll be great to put them on the blog.
Please remember for those wishing to do a recce of the Helsby Half Marathon it’s scheduled for 9.45am to 10.00am on Friday 30th December at the club.
Regards
Adair
