LSARRC News 14th May 2013

Inter-club race competitors went off-road for the second of the fell series at Caton Moor last Monday. The course comprised an 11 km traverse of rough pasture and 335m of ascent. Beautiful sunshine, improved course flagging and runnable slopes ensured that all completed the course in good times. The weather and the presence of the inter-club runners swelled 2012's modest 132 to a field of well over 200.

Lytham's team was led in by Terry Hellings in a good finish, 74th in 58:03, against a winning time by Carl Bell of 42:17. Colin Laidlaw arrived in 108th place and 1:01:24.  Third counter in the open team was Steve Quarmby making his first fell appearance for the season in 112th and 1:01:40.  Running particularly well on her favourite surface, Debbie Cooper romped home in 137th place and 1:05:37.  Greg Oulton, 193rd in 1:18:19 and Dawn Lock, 211th in 1:36:41, completed the team.  The trio of over 50s Hellings, Laidlaw and Quarmby made for a strong team in that age group and with Oulton formed the Veteran's Team.  Highest placed in the Inter-Club Series was Terry Hellings in 14th place and Debbie Cooper in an excellent 3rd in the woman's competition.

Simon Denye, rising performer in the Club and1st man across the finish line for Lytham at the Blackpool 10k

Runners were challenged by strong winds and scattered showers for the Blackpool 10K organized in favour of Trinity Hospice on Sunday. While still technically a fun run, chip timing and a different course indicate a more serious approach for this race. Poor conditions did not hamper local running star Stuart Robinson from an impressive fight against the elements to win in 31:39 with the first woman, Lisa Ainsley, finishing also in a good time of 39:53, nearly a minute ahead of her nearest rival. Cold, wind and driving rain was not enough to deter fifteen members of the Lytham Club from competing.  Once again fast-improving Simon Denye was the first Lytham runner home in 15th and 37:03. Thomas Howarth finished second for the Club in 38:01 and high 26th place out of the 3,000 runners.  Graham Webster was third Lytham competitor and third in the over 55 age category. Finishing well in the women's competition was Pam Hardman who finished 10th in the over 46 age group in 49:17 and Sylvia Gittins, third over 55 in 52:17. 

FULL RESULTS BLACKPOOL 10K: Simon Denye, 15th overall & 5th 36+ 37:03; Thomas Howarth, 26th 38:01; Graham Webster, 43rd overall & 3rd 55+ 39:24; David Jacks 43:39; Colin Laidlaw, 12th 55+ 43:46; George Rowley, 282 overall & 2nd U15 46:07; Pam Hardman, 502nd overall & 10th 46+ 49:17; Pippa Hughes, 628th  49:59; Alexander Wiggins, 559th 47:35; Fiona Geldard, 742th  51:15;Elizabeth Walton, 869th 53:13; Bob Clough,  944th 51:47; Graham Young, 953th 52:59; S. Gittins, 1003th overall & 3rd 55+ 52:17; Pamela Binns, 1525th 59:04.

Dawn Lock took on the Haigh Hall 4 Miles on Wednesday, the scene of the highly enjoyable March Relays. Lock ran well in the field of 53 to finish in 44:44, scooping the first WV60 prize. 

Club Members Bec Willetts, Richard Storey, Janice Cobley and Greg Oulton ran the hilly Blacksticks Blue 10k, the course including a climb up Beacon Fell. Runners enjoyed chilly but clear weather conditions and were rewarded with butties and cakes at the finish.

LSARRC News 7th May 2013

Lytham St Anne’s Road Runners were the genial hosts for their home fixture in the annual Inter-Clubs competition.  On the beautiful Thursday evening 201 competitors from six north-west clubs took part in the 5 mile race on St. Anne’s sea front. The competition’s strongest club, Preston Harriers, maintained their place at the fore of the competition and made a clean sweep by heading all the categories, open, women and veterans.  In a dominant performance by the Preston men, race winner David Rigby (25:51) was closely followed by 3 more of the team at a rush to the finish line.The Lytham team in 4th place overall were led by Joe Greenwood whose time of 28:21 placed him 11th in the high-class field.  Other good performance by Lytham’s men included Simon Denye, 20th; Peter Cruse, 26th and 2nd vet 50 with Graham Webster 38th leading the vet 60s.The women’s race winner in 31:34 was Joanna Goorney of Wesham Road Runners with Lytham’s team led by Katharine Hoyland, 10th in 34:00, Mel Koth 11th and captain Laura Ashworth 21st, finishing 4th of the six clubs. On a satisfactory night for the home club which fielded thirty runners, Lytham’s veterans team finished 5th and the vet 50s 4th, while the Club’s highest team place was 3rd by the vet 60s team.

Last outing at the 2013 Inter-Club Grand Prix at Lytham for Rob Goodall.

2^nd fixture Inter-Club Grand Prix, Lytham St. Anne’s results: Men: 11 J. Greenwood 28:21; 20 S. Denye 29:39; 26 P. Cruse M50 30:10; 30 N. Thompson M45 30:37; 32 T. Howarth 30:47; 38 G. Webster M60 31:22; 42 M. Willett 31:34; 57 K. Ashworth M40 32:20; 60 O. Hirsh M45 32:30; 72 T. Hellings M55 33:33; 78 S. Quarmby M50 34:02; 79 M. Selby 34:10; 86 D. Jacks M40 34:50; 91 W. Richmond M50 35:15; 117 R. Stevens M60 37:30; 127 A. Wiggins 38:51; 131 R. Storey M40 39:20; 135 C. Alexander 39:39; 145 G. Oulton M45 40:54; 153 R. Goodall 41:53; 156 R. Clough M60 42:28.

Women: 10 K. Hoyland 34:00; 11 M. Koth W35 34:50; 21 L. Ashworth W35 36:49; 30 J. Rolfe W50 40:00; 31 F. Wolohan 40:29; 33 G. Murphy 40:56; 36 C. French W35 42:39; 43 J. Pendered W45 46:52; 53 P. Hardman W50 63:19. 

The 10k race which took place in Stanley Park on Sunday was held in tribute to the celebrated local athletics coach and personality Alan Seddon. This race also marked the very last in the UK for Rob Goodall before his move to Australia. He bid his racing farewell in characteristic style, notching up one last PB. Seven club members turned out to run and finished well up amongst the 146 finishers.  Following the pattern of the Inter-Club the first two Lytham finishers were Joe Greenwood and Simon Denye.  Greenwood ran a superb 10K finishing in an excellent 36:34 in 6th place.  Denye ran 37:31 for 11th place, making it his 3^rd race of the week including the Welcome Tavern 5k (8^th, 18.11) and the Interclub. The race was won by a notable ex-pupil of Seddon's, Martyn Cryer in 33:06. OTHER RESULTS: 24^th Mark Willett, 39:59, 60th  Neil Bayton-Roberts, V50, 44:51; 93rd Alexander Wiggins, 49:03;  99th Greg Oulton, MV45, 50:34; 104th Robert Goodall, 51:20.

At the Keswick Half Marathon on Sunday, Catherine French represented Lytham around the hilly and breathtaking course situated in the North Lakes. French finished 386^th of 463 in 2.12.50. 

LSARRC News 29th April 2013

The Lytham Running club has been a hive of activity this week, a week which has heralded the opening of Summer Club Handicap season, celebrated member’s achievements at the Presentation night and seen members compete in a host of events including marathons, trail races and track events.

The Award Winners League at the LSARRC Presentation Night 2013
From L-R: Graham Webster, Liz Wharrier, Julia Rolfe, Roy Stevens, Janice Cobley, Tony Croft, Alex Wiggins, Andy Draper, Bill White, Kev Ashworth, Laura Ashworth, Rob Goodall, Bec Willett, Sylvia Gittens, Tom Haworth, Pam Hardman, Pam Binns, Dawn Lock, Fiona Geldard.  

On Friday the Lytham Club runners athletic achievements of the past year were recognized and a range of certificates, medals and trophies awarded. Eldest and long-standing member of the Club Bill White was there to present the prizes. Foremost in the awards were the Club Champions, Andy Draper and Mel Koth who each receive the lauded Championship Cups. Both Champions automatically won their age categories; Draper, the Senior Men's, Koth, the V35's and Thompson was also the leading V45. The Founder's Cup, the next most highly ranking award as it represents the athletes' ability to score best on the WAVA tables, a worldwide standard of excellence and the fitting winner was Graham Webster. The veteran athlete has set club records and finished first V60 in many competitions and local races. Webster also took the Mike Crowe Trophy for taking part in most races in the year and, naturally, won his age category shield.  Remarkably Webster also became only the third winner of a diamond standard.

Another prolific winner was Robert Goodall who made a clean sweep of the handicap trophies taking the Winter, Summer and Monthly Handicap Trophies together with the Bill White Most Improved Rose Bowl.  Laura Ashworth took the women's Marjorie White Most Improved award. Dawn Lock received the Windmill Plate for services to the Club, an award voted by the membership.

This year saw the largest number of claims for Colour Standards ever showing a healthy interest in personal achievement amongst members of the Club. Gaining certificates were Oliver Hirsh (bronze), Julia Rolfe (gold) and Pam Hardman (gold).  Achieving medals were Kevin Ashworth (V40 bronze), Simon Denye (SM silver), Laura Ashworth (V35 silver), Dawn Bloor  and Fiona Geldard (V45 silver), Julia Rolfe (V50 silver) and Pamela Binns (V65 silver), Andy Draper (SM gold), and Roy Stevens (V60 gold).  Attending her first Awards Ceremony and justly proud of her progress, newer member Janice Cobley attained bronze, silver and gold medals in the V60 category.

Thursday Club night saw the return to the summer Handicap course and proceedings got off to a fine start on a delightful sunny evening.  There was an exciting finish with Oliver Hirsh and Joe Greenwood storming to the finish. Joe, along with three more, Mark Willett, Mark Selby and Dave Jacks, all had excellent runs and recorded PBs.

At the Manchester Marathon on Sunday six Lytham runners took on the 26.2 mile challenge, all finishing in good times and setting PB’s. Tom Howarth was first Lytham male across the finish line, breaking the three hour barrier with his 2.58.32 finish. Pippa Hughes achieved her goal of a sub 4hr 30 finish, and Rob Goodall, alongside Mark Willett pacing, struck a pleasing PB by 22 minutes finishing in 4.38.23. Pam Binns had a tremendous run finishing in 4.41.56 - almost an hour faster than her previous marathon attempt in Edinburgh last year and a performance which positioned her first in the VF65 age category. Janice Cobley finished in a brilliant 4.45.02.

On Saturday Catherine French traversed the stunning, scenic and challenging Hawkshead 17k trail race route, finishing in 1.57.57. The course followed beautiful Lakeland trails, affording amazing mountainous views, skirting Lake Windermere and encompassing a steep rocky mile long stretch of ascent, affectionately known as the ‘coffin trail’!  

Lytham’s competitors in the Fleetwood 10 miler on Sunday were up against a brisk wind, but not enough to deter Oliver Hirsh and Greg Oulton from setting PB’s. Hirsh knocked nearly three minutes of his previous time, finishing in 71.06, 24^th finisher overall and 5^th V45. Oulton achieved his sub 90 min target finishing in 86.06, and representing the Lytham women, Sylvia Gittens finished in 95.44, 126^th in race.

Ella Moulding competed in her first track race of the season at the Mid Lancs League meeting at Blackpool. She ran in the U13girls 800m and despite having never raced this distance before she finished  2^nd in 2:37.06.

LSARRC News 22nd April 2013

Lytham Club members Andy Draper, Wille Richmond, Emily Hargreaves and Steve Hargreaves were in the sunny capital on Sunday competing in the celebrated London Marathon. They were amongst a massive 36,000 other athletes, fun-runners and fund-raisers all ready to race at 10am. Andy Draper finished in a great time of 2.41.27, just outside of his target of 2.40, but still knocking a significant chunk of three minutes off his previous personal best, ran at the Preston Guild marathon last year. Willie Richmond crossed the finish line in 3.44.11. The London Marathon runners fell silent on the start line on Sunday in memory of those who died in the Boston bomb attacks. There was a 30-second silence just before the start of the men's elite race and mass start at 10am. Many there wore black ribbons in a show of solidarity to those affected by the terror strikes at the finish of the Boston Marathon last Monday. The men's race was won by Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede in a time of 2:06:04 whilst Kenya's Priscah Jeptoo won the women's race in 2:20:15.

Five Lytham Road Runners turned out for the ‘Garstang Gallop’ 10k road race on Sunday, hosted by Garstang Running Club. A sunny start to the weekend, including the early hours of Sunday, had looked promising for the race however the clouds rolled in bringing rain and a cool breeze with them. The field of 138 competitors on the starting line at 11am were undeterred however, among them 5 sporting the green Lytham vest.  The course was rural, hilly and scenic, including the toughest stretches of climb in the first section of the race. Club high achiever Peter Cruse finished first for LSARRC, finishing in 9^th place overall in 39.40 and collecting the prize for 1^st MV50. Colin Laidlaw was next in, 42^nd overall in 46.38, followed by Steve Quarmby, 53^rd in 47.37 and Trevor Willoughby crossing the finish line in 79^th position, clocking 52.48. Catherine French was Lytham’s only female runner, finishing in 104^th place overall in 57.00. The race was won by John Lloyd, MV35, of Todmorden Harriers who finished the race in 36.07, and the female winner was Rebecca Sheffield (unattached), clocking in at 39.58.

LSARRC News 15th April 2013

Team LSARRC at the Interclub Grand Prix held
at Stanley Park in Blackpool. A record turnout of 35! 

There has been no shortage of activity within Lytham St. Annes Road Runners Club as Spring competitions and events get underway.  First-of-the-series fixtures for both the Interclub Fell and Grand-Prix Competitions took place this week; the latter attracting a record number of Club representatives with a tremendous 35 running. At Stanley Park on Wednesday, with Lytham's strongest available runners defending the Club, a good outcome was hoped for. The record 235 entry meant a competitive challenge from the other clubs and Lytham was pleased to hold on to fourth place in the Open, third in the Vet 50s and Vet 60s and fifth in the Women's and Vets categories.  Leading the Lytham contingent home was Joe Greenwood, who fought a tight competition with Andy Draper, finishing in 14th and 15^th  places respectively. In third position for the Club was Sam Banner, showing that his concentration on triathlon had not detracted from his running ability.  Fourth and first Vet 50 was Peter Cruse,  fifth was Thomas Howarth in 23:34 and in sixth, Simon Denye, another setting a course PB even after completing a gruelling marathon three days earlier.  Next in was Graham Webster, 2012 winner of his age category, and again first Vet 60.  Kevin Ashworth and Terry Hellings completed the Open team. The Lytham women were on good form, arriving back in the order Mel Koth, Katherine Hoyland and Laura Ashworth who, with Debbie Cooper and Pippa Hughes made up the team.The Vets' team consisted of Cruse, Webster, Ashworth, Hellings, Upton and Hirsh. Willie Richmond joined Cruse, Webster and Hellings for the Vet 50's and Roy Stevens and Janice Cobley, formed the Vet 60's with Webster.

Joe Greenwood and Andy Draper battle it
out for 1st LSARRC male home.

The Lytham Representatives at the
Wardle Skyline Interclub Fell Race.
L-R Greg Oulton, Dawn Lock, Tery Hellings,
Debbie Cooper. 

The first event in the Inter-Club Fell Racing series attracted five Lytham members to make up the team and attempt the seven-mile, 1300 foot climb around Wardle Skyline.  Boosted by leaders Sam Banner and Terry Hellings, the group achieved the surprising feat of counting in every category. LSARRC reached fifth in the Open, Vets and Vet 50s, fourth in the Women's and third in the Vet 60s. Of notable achievement and performance were members Sam Banner, who finished 6th in the Inter-Club and first Under 23 in 23rd position overall and Debbie Cooper who was 4th women in the Inter-Club, third counter in the Lytham Open team and 159th overall.  Terry Hellings returned to fell running after a break to secure 92nd place.

Roy Stevens competed in the Netherland’s Rotterdam marathon on Saturday in what could be described as Summer conditions – a very warm 21 degrees centigrade. He finished the 26.2 mile course in 4h 12m. Rob Goodall tucked yet another race under his belt as part of his ‘Farewell UK Tour’ as he prepares for life anew in Australia. This week, he ran the Flitwick 10k in Bedfordshire. He clocked a chip time of 53.50 and finished 408^th in a field of 786 runners. Goodall enjoyed the undulating course and is now in preparation for another challenge on the list: a marathon. Pam Hardman entered her 1st duathlon on Sunday - 5k run 20k bike 5k run which consisted of a lovely course in harsh weather conditions. She raced a great race, despite some technical difficulties with bike gears.

Lytham Juniors Report

Eight junior members of the club competed in Wigan Harriers track and field open meeting on Sunday. The first event was the U11 boys Long Jump and Simon Holt did well to finish 3^rd overall with a jump of 3.11m and Farron O’Higgins jumped 2.4m to finish 11^th. In the U11 girls Long Jump Rebecca Tate jumped 2.33m to finish 15^th. Chloe Norman was Lytham’s only U13 girl and she started with the 100m in which she ran 18.3 to finish 20^th and then later in the 200m she ran a great race to finish 9^th overall in 37.00. The Sprint event for the U11 age group was the 75m and in the boys races Simon Holt had a superb run to finish 1^st in 12.4. James Nichols was 7^th in 13.1 and Farron O’Higgins 15^th in 14.5. In the Girls races Georgia Norman finished 1^st in her heat and 11^th overall in 13.6, Hollie Winstanley was 15^th in 14.5, Rosie Taylor 24^th in 15.5 and Rebecca Tate 25^th in 15.6. In the 600m the wind played its part in slowing runners down and Simon Holt was the first Lytham runner across the line to finish 4^th in 2:11.4. James Nichols had a fantastic run to record a PB finishing 7^th in 2:17.8 and close on his heals was Farron O’Higgins in 8^th (2:18.6). Hollie Winstanley, who finished 9^th, was the first Lytham girl to finish in 2:32.2 with Rosie Taylor just a few seconds behind in 2:34.2. Rebecca Tate ran well to finish 12^th in 2:40.9 as to did Georgia Norman who finished 15^th in 2:50.7.

The club staged the first of its series of junior summer handicap races last week, in which eighteen young athletes contested the race and, running his first ever handicap race, Ari Diedrichs, was the winner with Stephan Matinousky finishing a close second. Simon Holt recorded the fastest time of 4:04 and Rebecca Tate was the fastest girl in 4:38.

LSARRC News 8th April 2013

All the hard work paying off: Simon Denye at the Blackpool
Marathon, on his way to a PB and Sub 3 hour finish.

Runners in the Blackpool marathon and half marathons on Sunday were given a timely burst of spring-time sunshine and the crisp and cool temperatures contributed to favourable racing conditions. Both races started and finished at the Bloomfield Road Football Stadium, fuelling a ceremonious atmosphere, and the 13.1 mile and 26.2 mile courses followed sections of the promenade. There was cause for celebration amongst the Lytham Road Runners competing. Simon Denye, the only Lytham member running the marathon, was the first local runner to finish in a highly creditable 22^nd place, out of 636 finishers. He successfully broke the three hour barrier finishing in 2:59:29, knocking 12 minutes off his PB in the process. Denye has now achieved silver standard in the U40 category - a goal successfully achieved before his 40^th Birthday in September. In the half marathon, Joe Greenwood strode home first for the club, finishing in 16^th place in a field of 1048, in 1:21:23. Mark Selby shaved a pleasing 21 minutes off his previous half marathon time by finishing in 1:40:40, completing the race in 188^th position. Lytham Lady Sylvia Gittens produced a great result with her 2:04:07 finishing time   

Awards night: The Lytham Ladies celebrate their success
at the Mid Lancs League Presentation.

A good season for Lytham was concluded fittingly with two of the Club's teams receiving awards at the Mid Lancs League's Cross-Country Presentation at Bamber Bridge Club on Friday. Silver medals were awarded to members of the Senior Men's Team, represented by Terry Hellings, Thomas Howarth, Greg Oulton and Graham Webster and the Veteran 55 Women's Team, of whom Janice Cobley, Pam Binns, Sylvia Gittins and Dawn Lock were in attendance at the ceremony. There was an additional honour for Graham Webster.  As strongest in his age group he had been first Veteran 60 Man in four of the six races - an excellent result for this outstanding athlete.  Webster was presented with an individual trophy to add to his silver team medal. 

Webster amasses the silver. Champion V60 and Team silver medallist
in the Mid Lancs XC League.

As club member Rob Goodall counts down his remaining weeks in the UK and gets ready for life in Oz, racing still has a firm place in his agenda. Goodall tied in the Lincoln 10k whilst visiting friends, and alongside fellow LSARRC member Mark Willett, joined 5000 entrants on the start line on Sunday. Bright and brisk weather conditions brought out a great support contingent for the two laps of Lincoln City, the race concluding with a stunning finish around the cathedral and into the Castle. Willett was first home in 157th with a chip time of 39:15 and a 27sec PB. Goodall clocked in with a chip time of 51:35, 1582^nd finisher, and netting 42sec PB.

Catherine French dropping down from
Mow Cop Castle at the annual fell race.

Catherine French crossed the Lancashire border into Staffordshire on Sunday to take part in the Mow Cop spring fell dash. The annual 6.5 mile race, involving 1300ft of climb, starts and finishes at the village hall. This year’s event had it all: climb, scramble, exciting decent, woods and trail, sunshine and snow, mud and boggy bits and amazing vistas on the tops. 100 runners competed in the event, with French finishing 92^nd in 1:19:42.

LSARRC News 1st April 2013

First three finishers in the March handicap, from L - R
Pam Binns, Bob Clough and Dawn Lock.

For keen Lytham runners Easter weekend's cool crisp sunshine provided ideal running conditions, in a range of events and races, in contrast to the extreme winter weather of last weekend which forced several north-western running events to be cancelled.

The Easter period was preceded by the end-of-month Club Handicap on Thursday with nineteen taking part.  The three fastest men finished just two seconds apart in a hard fought battle particularly between Thomas Howarth in eighth place and Joe Greenwood ninth, timed in at 42:10 and 42:11 and both setting PBs. The third fastest time was recorded by Sam Banner finishing a second ahead of Howarth.  The trio's times were Banner 20:39, Howarth 20:10 and Greenwood 19:26. Topping the competition for the first three finishing places were winner Bob Clough, followed closely by Pam Binns and Dawn Lock. Rob Goodall in 4^th place ran a PB to finish clear of runner-up Alex Wiggins in the annual competition for the Roy Stevens Plate.  These two have been heading the points table for some months and their awards are well-deserved.

Charming Caldervale Village in the heart of Bowland Forest on Good Friday was the site of

A power start, with a smile, for club visitor Emily Hargreaves

the Caldervale 10 mile race. Emily Hargreaves, a visiting member from her usual residence in Austria, took advantage of the ideal weather to complete the 10 tough hilly miles in an excellent 69:33 to finish second woman and fourth overall in a field 187.  Also challenging herself at the hills was Vet 65 Sylvia Gittins who was second in her age category and 160th overall.  She finished in 1:37:24.  Dawn Lock did the 4 mile fun run, part of the same event, in 43:29, 42nd out of 57.

Still Smiling! Emily in a sprint finish, first Lytham  lady home, 2nd lady finisher
and 4th place overall.

On Saturday Salford Harriers hosted the popular Salford 10k, starting from Salford sports village. 539 entrants ran and finished a fast, flat two lap course in bright conditions. Visiting club member Steve Hargreaves led the Lytham men home finishing 34^th in 34.03. Andy Draper followed closely, just missing out on a PB but still finishing a creditable 43^rd in 35.04. Peter Cruse came in next, 74^th in 36.35, and then Simon Denye in 82^nd place, breaking 37 minutes in 36.56 and achieving his 3^rd silver standard qualifying time. Graham Webster, coming in at 39.18 for 140^th place won the 2^nd V60 and Fiona Geldard made a commendable finish for the ladies, completing the race in 56.15, 492^nd finisher.

Four club members competed in the ‘Run the Bridge’ 5 mile race at Halton on Sunday. Janice Cobley netted a tremendous finish, easily clearing her gold standard target of 45 minutes in 44.11. Graham Webster took the prize for first V60 with his 31.32 finish, and Fiona Geldard and Greg Oulton finished in similar times around the 42 minute mark.

Dawn Lock raced the 9 mile ‘Muddy Bottoms’ which covers scenic countryside to the east of the M61, starting and finishing at Bamber Bridge leisure centre. She finished in 2hrs 19min.

Rob Goodall, Debbie Cooper, Pam Hardman and Bec Willetts spent Easter running sections of the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Fort William. Hardman and Cooper managed 80 miles from a total of 96 – with daylight and logistical issues only preventing them from completing the whole 96. Runners and supporters enjoyed the perfect crisp, clear conditions needed to enjoy the spectacular scenery.