Helsby RC weekly round-up 18th to 24th January 2016

helsby-race-reports@outlook.com

Borders League 2016, Race 4 – Abergele.

Welcome to the weekly round-up. The main event this past week was Race 4 of the Borders League with a fantastic turn out of green vests. So straight over to Chris Fitzpatrick, our Borders League Co-ordinator, for a race report:

“30 of the green army travelled over to Abergele for the 4th borders league race of the season, and both men’s and women’s teams needed to put in a good performance so they could live to fight another day in the top division. Now unlike the freezing temperatures of the weekend before it was almost tropical down in Abergele although the wind which was right into our faces for the first 2 miles was hindering any PB’s, although because it’s and out and back course a lot of us thought the wind might carry us home, how wrong we were, as it decided to change to a side wind on the way back, you know us roadies don’t like wind and hills! After the first 2 miles you go up a steep hill and into a caravan park, which was proper weird, we did a few laps of a caravan or 2 and then decided to turn around and head home. It was a really strong field as always so competition right through the field was fierce all the way to the finish line with some really brilliant performances and a few PB’s to boot. Great to see Adrian back running as well welcome back mate and good also to see a few new faces running there first borders for Helsby, well done Mark and Adele

El Capitano was first home for the men and Flo Jo first for the ladies. Can I say a massive thank you to all the supporters out on the course as well, few injuries and people feeling under the weather did not stop them coming down and cheering us all on, it’s very much appreciated.”

Thanks for the report Chris, and your rallying of the troops. The results have now been released. Helsby’s current standings in the men’s and women’s 1^st Division reflect a great team effort, and we also have a number of people really making a mark in the individual categories. Well done everyone.

Full provisional results are now available at: http://www.bordersleague.org.uk/results/

Parkrun

Despite the phenomenal turn out at the Borders League on Sunday, we had no less than 12 athletes participating in various Parkruns on the Saturday.

Widnes Parkrun was popular with Helsby this week where Colin Bishop finished 2^nd overall – well done Colin. And congratulations to Rachael Holden on her new PB at Widnes. Whilst over at Delamere there was also some great running with PBs by Neil Hughes and Ryan Cash.

Helsby’s consolidated Parkrun results can be viewed at:

http://www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=1721

Dirt

Four (or five!) of us did the Ashurst Beacon fell race on Saturday – just up from the Beacon Park xc course. Tim Palmer led home the charge (not counting Jamie Dowdall in his Darwen yellow) with Steve Riley, Janet Robertson and Chris Hatton braving the mud on a deceptively tough course. More trail race than out and out fell territory but lots of mud and a grinder of a 2 mile climb out from the valley to finish at the Beacon summit. Nice event.

 

Upcoming Events/Fixtures:

Wednesday 27^th January 2016 Helsby RC 10k Time Trial – meet at Helsby Sports Club at 6.30pm – don’t forget to keep safe and wear your high-visibility vest if you have one.

Saturday 30^th January 2016 Northern XC Championships at Witton Park Blackburn. Senior Women’s Race starts at 14:50 and the Senior Mens Race starts at 15:00. Full details can be viewed at:

http://www.northernathletics.org.uk/events/northern-athletics-cross-country-championships/

Please keep the reports coming in to:

helsby-race-reports@outlook.com

Thanks,

Jim

Helsby weekly round-up 11th-17th January 2016

Hello Green Army

WOW….What a weekend that was, I’m knackered. Not much to report on this week, only 1 race, only the BEST HALF MARATHON IN THE COUNTRY took place, on our doorstep, organised by us, you, Helsby Running Club,  and boy oh boy what an unbelievable weekend it was. So before I put in Degs’ mahoosive race report,, a few mentions and dates for your diary.

A note from Andy Robinson – Sandstone Trail Marshals’ Run on Monday 2 May – a message from Andy

Every year I run the Trail before the Challenge to check the route out.  This year I’ll be doing this on Monday 2 May (Bank Holiday) a few days before the main event.  I know some of the Green Army couldn’t get a place, and anyone’s welcome to join me on the 2nd instead – the price is to help out on the 7th (eg helping to man a CP).  If you’re interested let me know (andy@crewood.net).  I’m also looking for volunteers to provide support on the 2nd, who can drive us down to Whitchurch & then park up at the CPs to provide water etc……………..Sounds good this if you fancy a nice little 34 miler

Borders League Race 4 – Sunday 24^th January –Abergele 11am Start

Caravan Park, Beech House Road Postcode LL22 7PP
Both the mens and ladies team are looking for a good turnout once again from the green army, any questions, contact me on social media or Fitzpatrick_chris@hotmail.com

Park Run – Bit of a quiet one this week for obvious reasons but for consolidated results see below
http://www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=1721

So onto the big one

Four Villages Half Marathon #4VHM Over to Degs for his race report

So where do I even start with this one? Gotta start with thanks to all involved in making the race happen and what an event you all created. Not seen a bad comment about it. It had everything, great support, dopes in last year’s numbers complaining of not being in the results (yes some people hey, surely not a member of the Green Army Gaz?) and of course the non-stop “it’s snowing will it be on” updates on social media. Onto the race, arrived early straight from nights (cue violins and sad music) to help with the car parking and what a job I did 😉 didn’t see any crashes at all. Great to see everything running so well in the baggage area, number transfers etc all being so professionally ran. Lined up at the start with some muppet wearing last year’s number and then we were off. Great support for green army members within the first 50m. The first few miles passed quite quickly, had a chat with a couple of other runners (all wearing this year’s number I might add) lovely countryside to run through and great to have full road closures. Miles 8-10 I found tough but was pleased to see the route changed slightly as I was waiting for the steep hill normally around mile 10. Once at mile 10 having taken Captain Cols advice and attacking the first 10 miles its great knowing you have the best 3 mile finish to any race I’ve done, mainly downhill and the only race I’ll ever clock sub 6 minute for miles 12 and 13. Coming down the last hill wow what support “Green Army” screems heard for miles (Gareth Boyd) and a nice shiny PB to start the year off for me. Brilliant to see and hear so much support for our home race definitely spurred me on for my pb. Well done all Runners great times by all, supporters and volunteers!

Degsy

I echo what Degs has said, I think all the positive comments on social media and there has been tons of it, really tells you how well Laura and her team have done putting on for me the best half marathon I have ever ran in (and also helped out in). Every single one of you who has been involved over the past 6 months right through to race day,  the race could not go ahead without this fantastic support.  Seeing we have only 1 race report come in from the day, I’ve put a comment from a mate myself and CBH know from when we ran Ring Of Fire a few years back….Adam has summed it up perfectly

Joining the ranks to thank the Helsby team for a great event. In order of my day I was impressed by the weather updates, ease of parking, catching up with old and meeting new Green Army friends, the fact that you were able to support some number transfers on the day, MOTD on TV in the clubhouse to watch pre race, great route with support plus helpful & encouraging marshals everywhere they were needed, downhill finish, reflective memento vest, massage, loads of food options post race and a PB to cap it all off. If I lived closer I’d love to join the team……..See you at the next one.

I think there are too many great stories and PB’s galore to put a mention in for all of you, but well done to Colin Thompson and June Swift for being 1^st male and female home. One of my highlights was seeing a picture of Charlie getting chased by a few chickens, and the other was the fantastic support out on the course from loads of you, again too many to mention. Our “GreenArmy” chant really was being shouted very loudly throughout the whole 13.1 miles.

Full list of results below

http://www.raceplus.co.uk/raceplus-index.php?content=1&event_id=FVHM16

PS: DON’T FORGET…BORDERS LEAGUE THIS SUNDAY !

That’s all folks…Happy running green army!

Quick Four Villages catchup

Wow. Brilliant event!

Thanks to all of our organisers, volunteers, marshals, runners, supporters, the people of Helsby and those living around the course, the weather (you gave us a fright again!) …basically everyone that played a part in making this little race such a massive success.

A few links for you:

Race results

Race pics

Chester Chronicle race report

Chester Chronicle follow-up and picture gallery

FaceBook chat (you need to join, all welcome)

 

Ten ways running beats the gym!

Courtesy of: Kudos Sports

Helsby RC Weekly Update 3-1-2016 to 10-1-2016.

 

The big news from Saturdays parkruns was Helbys amazing 1-2-3 finish at Widnes with Derek Morris joining the proper runners, Colin Bishop and Colin Thompson, to complete the podium. Amazing achievement lads.

Full, consolidated results for Helsby parkrunners can be found below.
http://tinyurl.com/kvq2x25

Ben Fletcher sent in this report from The Auld Lang Syne fell race…

The Auld Lang Syne fell race is traditionally known as the end of season fell finale and attracts a strong field of runners, most in fancy dress. It is so popular you have to get your entry in quick, all 420 places sold out in 2 days, luckily our cheque arrived in the post on time and we made the start list.

New Year’s Eve (race day) arrived and we were both full of colds, but we decided to go for it anyway and just enjoy it.
We arrived at Penistone Hill in West Yorkshire and it was a tad bit chilly, we registered and got ready mingling with everything from Stormtroopers to a weightlifter with his extra large Dumbbell!

The legendary Dave Woodhead started us off with a bagpiper playing as we left the quarry and headed into the hills.

The route was a out and back with a loop taking in Top Withens summit and had a nice slippy bit in the middle where you drop down into a beck where I was having a great battle with Tony the Tiger and Suzanne was battling it out with a Stormtrooper and a Sumo.

Really recommend this race, plus you get the bonus of a bottle of Old Leg Over beer at the end.
Results
Ben 113th 57.10
Suzanne 329th 72.29

Cheers Ben.

Sunday saw the Cheshire County XC Championships, John Whitehead has kindly sent in this report.

So after days of rain on the lead up to the County Champs it was inevitable it was going to be a wet and muddy course so much so the course inspection the day prior brought a revision, The Senior Ladies would now run 6.2km and the Senior Men 9.3k… On the Day the weather at Reeseheath College was overcast, threatening rain and of course very muddy perfect XC conditions.

The Ladies were off first at 13A:40, as the gun went a charge from the line was made for two Laps of the surrounding fields and woodland, conditions underfoot were wet and gloopy in the mud to say the least especially through the cabbage patch. Support as always from Joe and Mario was there with a “Come on Helsby” at the points when it was really needed. June Swift led the Helsby charge for the Ladies holding her own and within touching distance of the leaders until ½ a lap to go when the mud got the better of her and she hit the deck (they don’t teach you how to stay on your feet in slippy mud, running in circles, on a track and over only 800m) fair play to her she got back up and recovered to finish in 10th Place and secure an invite as a reserve for the county team. Jane Ashbrook followed home shortly afterwards in her newly refurbished spikes courtesy of Joe and Vanessa claimed 1st place in her age category with a lovely gold medal to match.

Next onto the Men who were given an extra lap round the fields of mud, my personal aim “Don’t get lapped”… 14:30 on the dot the gun sounded and we were off with Paul Frodsham and Ian Rutherford in his new spikes leading the Helsby charge for the men. Ian unfortunately had a nightmare keeping his shoes on in the cabbage patch with his Garmin recording in graphic detail the nightmare of losing his Left Spike 9 times and the right 6 times (if anyone is looking for a new pair of spikes size 9 please see Ian), fair play though most people would of given up but not Ian he kept going each time and made as much ground up as possible to Mario’s encouraging words “If you can keep your shoes I think you’ll make up a few places”. I bet my suggestion at the start of the race, we should of used Gaffer tape to hold our spikes on doesn’t seem so stupid now!

Paul Frodsham was the first Helsby Male home, though we thought it was Mo Farah with his celebratory pose coming into the finish, The good news for myself though is, I didn’t get lapped, though Daniel Cliffe from Liverpool Harriers who won the race in a very impressive 31:03 came close if it wasn’t for a sprint finish on my second lap. So all in all a good day out for Helsby RC.

Full results from the day are below

http://www.thepowerof10.info/results/results.aspx?meetingid=148170

Cheers John

Also getting a notable mention this week is Darren O’Connor running Disney Marathon in a commendable 3:40 while taking time to soak in the sights and enjoy the experience rather than flat out race. Well done, Daz.

 

And finally a great piece of news from June Swift…..

Mario and Joe were nominated to receive a #BigThankYou as part of BBC Sports Personality of the Year.  I’m delighted that both Joe and Mario were chosen to represent athletics and received a call from Steve Cram and Paula Radcliff.  Please click on link below:

http://tinyurl.com/jekortx

Cheers

Gaz

Helsby RC Xmas & New Year round-up 2015

Hi everyone

Happy new year to you all and welcome to the Xmas & New Year round-up. A few green vests were out and about racing over the festive period so let’s get started with an excellent report sent in by Ben Fletcher…

Auld Land Syne Fell race

“The Auld Lang Syne fell race is traditionally known as the end of season fell finale and attracts a strong field of runners, most in fancy dress. It is so popular you have to get your entry in quick, all 420 places sold out in 2 days, luckily our cheque arrived in the post on time and we made the start list.

New Year’s Eve (race day) arrived and we were both full of colds, but we decided to go for it anyway and just enjoy it.

We arrived at Penistone Hill in West Yorkshire and it was a tad bit chilly, we registered and got ready mingling with everything from Stormtroopers to a weightlifter with his extra large Dumbbell!

The legendary Dave Woodhead started us off with a bagpiper playing as we left the quarry and headed into the hills.

The route was a out and back with a loop taking in Top Withens summit and had a nice slippy bit in the middle where you drop down into a beck where I was having a great battle with Tony the Tiger and Suzanne was battling it out with a Stormtrooper and a Sumo.

Really recommend this race, plus you get the bonus of a bottle of Old Leg Over beer at the end.”

Results

Ben 113th 57.10

Suzanne 329th 72.29 

video of start https://youtu.be/qcmd0b4DRjA

Liverbirds (double marathon)

Ivan and Dave Madders ventured to Liverpool on new years eve to catch the first race of the Liverbirds double, over to Dave for his report….

“Each new years eve ( and new years day if you’re particularly keen ) there is a marathon along Otterspool promenade in Liverpool called the Liverbird marathon double. No frills, £20 entry, paid direct to a choice of 2 charities, supply your own drinks/supplies and you’re away.

Ivan davies and myself entered this year and duly arrived on the promenade with 200 or so other madmen for the 10am start.

The route goes alongside the Mersey from adjacent to the albert dock Travelodge up to the end of the prom at Aigburth and back with this 6.55 mile loop being ran 4 times.

Ivan being a 3 hour marathoner set off like a greyhound leaving me to shuffle along at 8.30 pace. After 2 laps the weather as forecast took a turn for the worst with strong winds and driving rain creating horrendous conditions for marathon running.

Ivan suffering with a pulled groin soldiered on for 3 laps ( in a very solid time of 2.25 ) whilst I shuffled my way to the finish in a time of around 4.24.

38 plucky souls did both days with elite runner Terry Forrest running an unbelievable 2.38/2.45 successive marathons.

Great Craic between runners made this event a worthy effort with great support from other runners plus Its not every race the winner high fives all the other competitors on his way to a 2.38!

Awful conditions but I’ll be back!”

NWSL XC Race #6 (Arrowe Park)

We had a good turn out of green vests for the penultimate cross country race in the Sunday League series and it was fantastic to get a full team out for both the men and ladies despite the appalling weather. The venue was at Arrowe Park (hosted by Pensby) and the course consisted of 2 laps of energy sapping gloopy mud around the park. Thank you to all who turned up and well done to Ben Fletcher who had a stormer to take the first Helsby home honours and top 20 finish  and Joanne Lacking for another fine display of running to take the chequered flag for the ladies. Also big kudos to Tanya Downes for her first foray into XC running on what was a tough course, she seemed to enjoy it and will hopefully be back for more pain! The next and final race is on Sunday 21st February at Birchwood Park – make a note in your diaries.

A big thank you to Joe, Mario, Suzanne Fletcher and Chris Collins for their support around the course, Mario also coordinated the tokens and race positions at the finish. Please find the Helsby results below:

Men
19th Ben Fletcher
21st  Colin Thompson
61st  Phillip Roberts
67th  Derek Morris
96th  Paul Frodsham
108th  Ian Landucci
115th  Tim Palmer
143rd  David Feakes
202nd  Edward Roberts

Ladies
15th  Joanne Lacking
17th  Jane Ashbrook
32nd  Vanessa Griffiths
68th  Rachael Holden
73rd Lesley Feakes
96th  Tanya Downes

The mens team were 5th on the day and the ladies 4th.

Full results here http://www.stevesaunders.co.uk/xc/2015/race5_15.pdf

parkrun

A few more parkrun results than usual due to some extra events over Christmas. Please find all results below. Congrats to Colin Bishop on a double win at Widnes and well done to everyone else who took part. Helsby results below:

02-01-16

Delamere

84th Phil GILLARD 00:24:50
94th Geoff COLLINS 00:25:18
101st Louise MCEVELEY 00:25:43
207th Anne BELL 00:30:58

Ellesmere Port

28th Benjamin John WILLIAMS 00:28:22 

Widnes

1st Colin BISHOP 00:17:42
29th Michael WILLIAMS 00:23:15
47th Chris HATTON 00:25:26

01-01-16

Warrington

2nd Colin BISHOP 17:41
72nd Rhea THOMAS 26:56

26-12-15

Gloucester North

35th Jackie KEASLEY 00:30:16 

Delamere

22nd Gareth BOYD 00:20:32
55th David FEAKES 00:23:30
151st Lesley FEAKES 00:28:14
160th David WIGGINS 00:28:35
161st Stephen WIGGINS 00:28:36 

Widnes

1st Colin BISHOP 00:17:46
15th Joanne LACKING 00:22:03
20th Michael WILLIAMS 00:23:02 

Birkenhead

68th Geoff COLLINS 00:23:46

All results can be found here http://www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=1721

Reminders

• Wed 6 Jan – 4VHM medal making – we need lots of help to re-packing this years medals – please come along to the HCSC bar after our training run and help out as many hands make light work, chip barms provided.
• Sat 30 Jan – Northern Cross Country Championships, Blackburn. Another good day out for runners & spectators! Must be 1st claim for Helsby to be eligible, born in Cheshire or have resided for last 9 months. Pre-entry, so if you wish to run please let Paul Foster know before 13th Jan mooeyf@hotmail.com

That’s all this week. If you got this far thank you for reading and please let me know if I have missed any races. Remember, all results and reports should be sent to helsby-race-reports@outlook.com otherwise we could easily miss something if posted on social media.

Keep on running!

Cheers
Colin

Xmas Handicap Results 2015

Xmas Handicap Results 2015

A keenly fought race out on Helsby High Street last night (20 runners came in within 3 minutes)!

Congratulations to Hannah Sadaoui on winning the handicap race and to Chris B-H for the fastest time.
Results here:-
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/44f7135cdac47fa6325506208/files/Xmas_Handicap_Results_1.xlsx

Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year

Cheers Jackie

PS A couple of quick messages
Raffle tickets for 3 Xmas Hampers for Helsby Community Sports Club funds are on sale. Please buy them from Jo to keep the club going in 2016. Draw on News Years Eve; you don’t need to be there!

4 Villages advance road closure signs are now up, With  strong winds forecast, pleae put back up any signs you see fallen down.

Helsby RC weekly round-up 14th – 20th December 2015

Merry Christmas to you all!

After a fantastic Christmas Handicap and disco last night and with no racing in the week it’s all down to the Park runners to fill the final upadte before Santa comes to town.

Delamere:
Position      Gender Position      parkrunner      Club      Run Time  
1    1    Unknown ATHLETE    Unattached    00:16:00
27    1    Holly WEEDALL    Vale Royal AC    00:20:05
101    84    Geoff COLLINS    Helsby RC    00:25:22
103    18    Rachel ARNOLD    Helsby RC    00:25:35
150    32    Tanya Elizabeth DOWNES    Helsby RC    00:28:23
152    33    Jane ASHBROOK    Helsby RC    00:28:24
158    36    Jo FARWELL    Helsby RC    00:28:52
159    37    Claire MORTON    Helsby RC    00:28:54

Phenomenal time from the unknown athlete for that course… sign him up! Some great club rivalry going on there too. Nice to see that Park run is as popular as ever within the club.

Ellesmere Port saw Mr. Ben Williams in action:
Position      Gender Position      parkrunner      Club      Run Time  
1    1    Richard FARLEY    West Cheshire AC    00:19:06
16    1    Anest MÜLLER    West Cheshire AC    00:22:24
23    20    Benjamin John WILLIAMS    Helsby RC    00:24:25

But the real action was at the Widnes Parkrun with a Helsby Clean sweep. take a bow people!

Position      Gender Position      parkrunner      Club      Run Time  
1    1    Colin BISHOP    Helsby RC    00:17:37
12    1    Joanne LACKING    Helsby RC    00:20:50
14    13    Ian HAMLING    Helsby RC    00:21:04
36    34    Michael WILLIAMS    Helsby RC    00:24:36
38    4    Rachael HOLDEN    Helsby RC    00:24:47

Santa’s gift to the club!
Santa has been and left us a box of customised hi viz vests. These limited edition Helsby Green hi-viz vests with #GreenArmy on the back in reflective lettering are a gift to every club member. If you are a member of the club and weren’t able to make the Christmas handicap then please contact Jo Farwell to find out how you can pick yours up. There are three sizes, S (S/M) Medium (L/XL) and Large (XXL) (Chinese sizes 🙂 )

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!