LSARRC News 20th March 2018

A new club record for Felicity Wolohan

A new club record for Felicity Wolohan at the Trimpell race on Sunday 18th March, Wolohan broke her own club record of 2:21:41 for 20 miles by 1:17, taking it down to 2:20:24.

LSARRC at Trimpell 20

With snow falling on Saturday night and Sunday morning, several races in the North West were forced to cancel this weekend, including the Wilmslow Half Marathon and Wigan 10k. Fortunately, the Trimpell 20 Mile race in Lancaster fared better and saw a good turnout from Lytham St Anne’s Road Runners despite the bitterly cold, windy conditions.

The race is traditionally used by runners training for Spring Marathons, and as a largely flat course along the River Lune attracts runners from across the North of England. This year, the course featured a new section, diverting from the river at 15 miles to add an unwelcome hill and exposure to the strong winds!

Despite this challenge, the club prevailed taking both the Men’s (Andy Draper, Neil Tate, Joe Greenwood) and Women’s (Felicity Wolohan, Gill Draper, Mel Koth) team prizes, along with 1st Women’s V40 prize for Mel Koth.

Full Results:
Andy Draper (2:05:29), Neil Tate (2:13:54), Joe Greenwood (2:16:45), Felicity Wolohan (2:20:24), Gill Draper (2:34:01), Mel Koth (2:42:35), Kirsten Burnett (3:20:19), Rachael Wignall (4:00:15)

On Saturday 10th March, Lytham member Debbie Cooper did the Haworth Hobble, a 32 mile off road route. Cooper reported the day started wet and it rained, heavily at times for the first 10 miles, "we spent a lot of the time in the cloud on the hills, so no views!!"  Cooper said she didn't take her coat off for the first 22 miles, when it finally started to warm up. The rocky paths could easily have been mistaken for streams with so much water running down them. The rest was deep mud and some of the descents were only passable by sliding. Cooper slipped down a flight of 4 steps covered in mud at one point and thankfully ended up standing at the bottom on her feet, not sure how she got from the top. To finish off the day the last few miles were at times through snow that had drifted against walls. At one-point Cooper was up to her knees in snow and struggling to get her feet out. Cooper was just glad to finish and thought that she was heading for a personal worst time on this route. In the end, Cooper was a couple of minutes faster than last year, but still a way off her personal best time. However, not bad in those conditions, she finished in 6:34.04.

The Rome half marathon took place on Sunday 11th March on a cloudy morning with 10,000 runners heading to the outskirts of Rome city centre to run a straight-out race to the Ostia coastline. A 9:20 gun time meant a very early start. The route was undulating with two long, steady and very tedious inclines at the 3 and 6-mile points which were no mean feat and resulting in a very challenging second half of the race. A mixed bag of weather was also thrown into the mix whereby, 3 heavy down pours and strong headwinds were experienced en route. As runners approached the coast however, the sun shone brightly which made the finish line even more appealing. Jennifer Hill said the run was well supported en route by local Italians cheering and keeping the runners going! She crossed the line in 1:34:27, a personal best by 10 minutes, 67th female and 2nd GB female! It was Matthews very first half marathon and he finished in a very respectable 2:12:54. All in all a fabulous race in an equally fabulous city. The pizza, pasta and red wine was very much deserved and enjoyed!

Saturday saw the first Track and Field event of the year.  Four Lytham juniors braved the snow and wind to make their track and field debut for Lytham to compete in the misnamed Winter Warmup Track and Field meeting at Stanley Park on Saturday 17th.

Amara Thorpe

First to compete for LSARRC was Brogane Murphy.  Murphy has only been with the club a few months but has been very busy competing at cross country, road and now track and field. Her first event was the under 15 girls long jump and she had a very credible best jump of 3.16m in her first ever long jump competition for 14th place.  Murphy went on to compete in the 1500m where she finished as 3rd under 15 girl in a time of 5m 43s.  Clemmie Tierney also competed in her first ever long jump competition as finished as 14th under 11 girl with a best jump of 2.75m.  Under 13 girl Amara Thorpe also making her track and field debut for LSARRC finished 15th in the long jump with a best jump of 3.16m and third in her heat of the 100m in a time of 16.7s.  Rebecca Fisher competed in the under 13 girls 70m hurdles and finished 2nd in her heat in a time of 14.9s.

Clemmie Tierney

Graham Webster was the sole Lytham senior athlete representing Lytham and competed in the final event of the day, the 3000m finishing in a time of 12m 13.7s.

Also on Saturday 17th March, three intrepid Lytham runners braved the weather to travel to Cartmel, to race over the fells in bitterly cold temperatures, bitingly cold winds and snow flurries.

John Wild ran the 10k in approximately 1 hour 11 minutes (provisional results), Chris Bowker and Greg Oulton ran the 18k, finishing in approximately 2:02 his 6oth run of the year, and 2:11 for Bowker.

For Bowker this was his first ever run on the trails or fells and admitted to being surprised at how tough the races are, but he thoroughly enjoyed the experience and is looking forward to more, including taking part in the club's Fell Championship series.

At the weekly parkruns, Neil Bayntun Roberts ran just outside a personal best time to secure 4th place at Lytham Hall, and Darran Ames achieved a best time of 20:56 for 10th.

Full Results: Neil Bayton-Roberts 4th 19:52; Catherine Carrdus 6th 20:31; Joanna Goorney 8th 20:43; Neil Tate 9th 20:55; Darran Ames 10th 20:56; John Bertenshaw 18th 22:18; Morgan Pritchard 19th 22:24; Graham Webster 20th 22:25; Andrew Draper 26th 23:09; James Buckley 30th 23:20; Debbie Cooper 33rd 23:47; Jason Sheridan 44th 24:36; Mark Hughes 75th 27:07; Finlay Hughes 76th 27:08; Stephen Tate 77th 27:09;

Jennifer Hill ran the Blackpool parkrun at Stanley Park in Blackpool, she was 22nd overall and 2nd female in a time of 21:35.  Well dome to Frankie Ball who came 2nd in the junior parkrun at Park View on Sunday he achieved a tie of 7:54.

LSARRC News 13th March 2018

Top ten finish for Ross McKelvie at the Lancaster 10K and 1st spot for Sylvia Gittins at the Todmorden 10K for VF70.

Ross McKelvie ran the Mother’s Day 10k in Lancaster on Saturday as a warm up for some upcoming races. Temperatures were very mild indeed and runners were soon discarding gloves, hats and other layers as the route wound its way across the River Lune from St Georges Quay and out towards Morecambe. Support was great along the route with cow bells a plenty keeping runners going in the balmy conditions. I finished in 10th place in a time of 38.12.

LSARRC at Red Hot Toddy 10k

Three Lytham members travelled to Todmorden for the Red-Hot Toddy 10k, on Sunday 11th March.  A friendly club race in perfect cold but sunny conditions which saw the runners tacking steep climbs in the early stages, with over 500ft ascent within a mile.  They were then rewarded with sweeping views of the Pennines from quiet hilltop country roads before reaching the picturesque town, alongside river and canal, for a fast largely downhill finish.  Sylvia Gittins took home the prize for 1st VF70 with a time of 67:56. Ross McKelvie was 13th overall in 43:04 and Kirsten Burnett was 5th FV40 in 58:58.

Also, on Sunday Julia Rolfe competed in the Roddlesworth roller on Sunday.  A 9k undulating and challenging trail race, around the reservoir at Abbey Village and then steadily up through the woods and then returning to the village.  Rolfe achieved an excellent time of 52:06.

As usual, many Lytham members completed parkruns around the country.  At Lytham there were 18 club members.  Lytham had 4 runners in the top 5 and Graham Webster was the fastest in his age category once again.

Full Results: Joe Greenwood (18:25, 2nd), Andy Unsworth (18:35, 3rd), Alex Tate (18:38, 4th), Graham Webster (21:23, 14th), Neil Tate (22:12, 17th), Alan Elstone (22:24, 21st), James Buckley (22:27, 22nd), Chris Bowker (22:32, 23rd), John Bertenshaw (22:56, 26th), Finlay Hughes (23:50, 31st), Mark Hughes (23:51, 32nd), Stephen Tate (26:41, 65th), Jacqui Murray (31:53, 105th), Michelle Sheridan (33:53, 119th), Jason Sheridan (33:56, 120th), Sarah Bagshaw (34:32, 126th), Julie Wiseman (44:58, 145th) and Nicola Wiseman (46:09, 148th).

Heidi Haigh completed the Blackpool parkrun at Stanley Park, she achieved a time of 23:52.  Joanna Goorney was first female at the Huddersfield parkrun in 20:17 and Felicity Wolohan was first female at the Princes parkrun in Liverpool in a time of 20:43.  Further a field Neil Bayntun-Roberts visited the Barry Island parkrun and came 6th in 20:24.

parkview junior parkrun

On mothering Sunday five junior members finished the junior parkrun at Lytham.  Frankie Ball continued his success and gained a new personal best time of 7:39 for 2nd.  Jayden Richardson also achieved a new best time of 8:14 for 3rd.  Finlay Hughes was 6th in 8:36 and Clemmie Tierney ran 9:25 for 12th.  Blair Selbie also achieved a personal best time of 9:46 for 16th.

LSARRC News 6th March 2018

Promotion for Lytham men’s and vet’s team, who top the division 2 leader board in the Mid-Lancashire cross country league.  This is the second year running that the team has been promoted in this league, a great achievement.

LSARRC men at Ulverston

The final fixture of the Mid- Lancashire cross country league took place on Saturday 3rd March 2018 and was hosted by Glaxo Road Hill Harriers and held at Ulverston.

In the senior men’s race the first team for Lytham didn’t disappoint, coming 3rd overall, and the second team came 16th overall.  Mike Toft and Joe Greenwood led the way, in the cold conditions, coming in the top ten and top 20, respectively. Just outside the top 20, in 21st was Andrew Draper.  This was the final race of the league, and the great performances throughout the season means the men’s team will be promoted next year.  Full Results:  Mike Toft (9th, 34:31), Joe Greenwood (18th, 35:43), Andrew Draper (21st, 36:25), Neil Tate (32nd, 37:25), Paul Veevers (37th, 37:43),  Thomas Howarth (49th, 38:41), Jonathon Tuck (65th, 39:46), Graham Webster (110th, 43:20), Terry Hellings (114th, 43:38), Chris Bowker (146th, 47:41), Jason Sheridan (155th, 51:54), Roy Stevens (160th, 54:08), and Greg Oulton (161st, 54:18).

Senior Ladies at Ulverston

In the ladies’ race 4 Lytham members competed.  Julia Rolfe ran the course in 35:40 for 63rd, closely followed by Pamela Hardman in 35:59 for 65th, Kirsten Burnett was 78th with a time of 39:50 and Dawn Lock managed to finish in 55:42 for 95th.  Overall, the team of Rolfe, Hardman and Burnett was 18th.

A depleted team of thirteen juniors from Lytham St Anne’s Road Runners made the trip.

Under 11 girls

In the Under 11 girls race Lytham were represented by five athletes.  First to finish the 2.2k race for Lytham was Jessica Ramsden finishing 29thin a time of 10.23, closely followed by Clemmie Tierney (32nd in 10.37).  Isabel Tuck (40th in 11.05), Leoma Gill (50th in 12.40) and the youngest member of the team eight-year-old Rosa Gill 54th in 14.12 completed the Lytham contingent who finished as 9th team.  The under 11 boys were next running the same course as the girls and the team of Lewis Bentley (18th in 9.14), Finlay Hughes (30th in 9.49) and Oliver Thomson (33rd in 10.20) finished 5th.

Under 13 girls

In the under 13 girls Sophie Bohannon ran her best race of the season to finish 2nd in a time 10.05 for the 2.6k race.  Brogan Murphy in her first season with Lytham has improved with every race and finished 21st in 11.09.

Under 13 boy Francis Ball in only his second race for Lytham ran an excellent race to finish 12th in a time of 11.21 for the 2.8k race.

The under 15 girls 2.8k race was next and representing Lytham well, were Laura Bremner (19th in 12.47) and Lucy Bohannon (23rd in 14.42).

Saturday saw the final event in the 315 Winter Series with 6 Lytham runners making the trip to freezing Lancaster.  In the 5k race Gill Draper had another excellent run in tough racing conditions and came home first Lady in 20.17.

First home for the men was Ross McKelvie in 4th place overall and a time of 18.03. Neil Baynton Roberts finished in 21.10, followed by Ian Balshaw in 24.25. Jake Balshaw braved the cold, windy morning and ran well representing the club juniors and crossed the line in 29.35.

In the 2 lap 10k event, Kirsten Burnett added to her impressive competitive mileage tally and ran strongly again and came in as a fantastic 5th lady in 53:50.

Across the UK, there were 409 cancellations for parkrun including Lytham Hall and Cuerden Valley.  Thankfully Blackpool went ahead and eight Lytham members attended the parkrun held at Stanley Park.  Jennifer Hill continued her good form, was the first female to finish and achieved a new personal best time.  Darran Ames was just 12 seconds short of achieving a personal best time, he managed to come 15th overall.  He was closely followed by first timer on this course Neil Bayntun-Roberts who came 18th.  James Buckley was 20th and managed a personal best time of 21:56 on his 70th parkrun.  G Browne also achieved a personal best time of 23:49 for 34th, as did Gillian Oliver who ran 29:53 for 114th.  Michelle Sheridan was 50th female and Ruth Bye completed her first Blackpool parkrun in 39:22.

Full Results:  Jennifer Hill (21:12, 12th), Darran Ames (21:32, 15th), Neil Bayntun-Roberts (21:39, 18th), James Buckley (21:56, 20th), G Browne (23:49, 34th), Gillian Oliver (29:53, 114th), Michelle Sheridan (34:20, 149th), and Ruth Bye (39:22, 168th).

Chris McCarthy ran the Big Half Marathon in London on Sunday, good conditions after the threat of cancellation due to snow. Race started at Tower Bridge and went around the city finishing at Cutty Sark.  McCarthy finished in 1:16:57 for 175th out of 11504.

Heidi Haigh

Further a field Heidi Haigh completed a marathon in Paphos, Cyprus in preparation for the ironman event in Lanzarote in May 2018.  The weather was warm but a little cloudy for the first 30K.  The event was very well organised, and Haigh said there was a great atmosphere.  On her 8th marathon Haigh finished in 4:05:30 knocking 20 minutes off her personal best time

The junior parkrun took place in Lytham on Sunday 5th March.  Four Lytham juniors braved the weather, Frankie Ball was first overall with a time of 7:48.  Finlay Hughes ran 8:39 for 3rd place.  Jayden Richardson was 5th in 9:28 and Blair Selbie ran 10:23 for 14th.

LSARRC News 27th February 2018

Draper and Hill achieve new heights at the Blackpool running festival and Stevens runs in Tokyo.

Jennifer Hill and Gill Draper

The weekend of the 24th and 25th of February saw the double 10K Blackpool running festival.  A beautiful two lap course around Stanley Park. A fun event for all abilities and ages. Due to increased demand and popularity the Stanley Park 10k is staged over 2 days. You choose which one, or why not both? The event uses the same beautiful course in the park as the Autumn Breaker 10k later in the year. Starting and finishing on the running track the route follows the well-maintained pathways around the park. It is a two-lap course, so is great for spectators who wish to stay at the track.

Both days were chilly for the double Stanley Park 10k weekend as the Beast from the East was on its way. overall though conditions were good.  On Saturday Lytham ladies were on form with Gill Draper and Jennifer Hill taking 1st and 2nd lady spots and also both achieving new personal best times of 41:04 and 42:20.  Ross McKelvie was the 40 minute event pacer, finishing in 38:54.  Other runners were Gerard Browne (47:54), Matthew Hill (50:02), Kirsten Burnett (51:35), Ruth Bye (59:28) and Sarah Bagshaw (1:05:36).

Sunday’s event brought a cold wind but that didn’t deter more club runners.  Chris McCarthy was the 40-minute pacer, finishing in 39:32, while Ross McKelvie paced 45 minutes (43:59). Kathy Gaunt ran well to finish in 48:01, followed by Gerard Browne (48:16).  Michelle Sheridan and Kirsten Burnett ran together to finish in 1:13:53.

Roy Stevens at Tokyo Marathon

Roy Stevens attended the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday 25th February and ran the course in 4 hours 30 minutes.  The Tokyo Marathon is an annual marathon sporting event in Tokyo, the capital of Japan. It is an IAAF Gold Label marathon and one of the six World Marathon Majors.  Stevens was able to register as a six-star finisher, those who have completed the six world marathon major races and receive an impressive piece of bling to add to their collection.

Saturday also saw the British master’s Athletic Federation 10-mile championship.  Very cold conditions and a strong headwind on the outward circuit along the prom seafront, faced the runners, however Graham Webster of Lytham still faired very well.  Webster of Lytham was 5th Vet65 and 87th overall out of 491 runners in a time of 1:10:30.

Four club members, Debbie Cooper, Pam Hardman, Julia Rolfe and Greg Oulton, travelled to Tockholes on Friday night to compete in the Mr Sparkle's Dark 'Un night time fell race.  Five miles over the Darwen moors with approx. 735 feet of climb, the race takes place in the pitch black of the open moors, with runners wearing head torches to light their way. With mud, ice, wind and freezing cold puddles to contend with we finished in 50:27 (Debbie, 47th), 56:58 (Greg, 57th), with Pam and Julia crossing the line together in 59:44 and 59:45 (62nd and 63rd.)

Frankie Ball at Lytham Hall parkrun

At the weekly 5K park runs around the country, 193 people completed the Lytham Hall parkrun, 14 of whom are members of LSARRC.  The first two spots went to Joe Greenwood and Andy Unsworth of Lytham, Greenwood was just a few seconds of achieving a personal best.  Junior, Frankie Ball ran exceptionally well and achieved a best time of 20:21 knocking 40 seconds off his previous time, and on her 70th run Joanna Goorney was the first female runner to complete the course.

Full Results:  Joe Greenwood 17:25 (1st), Andy Unsworth 18:36 (2nd), Joanna Goorney 20:07 (8th), Neil Tat320:11 (10th), Frankie Ball 20:21 (11th), Neil Bayntun-Roberts 20:35 (15th), Darran Ames 21:19 (20th), Terry Hellings 21:26 (22nd), Morgan Pritchard 21:32 (23rd), James Buckley 21:52 (24th), Michelle Sheridan 34:28 (163rd), Jeremy McCandless 45:28 (186th), Julie Wiseman 53:55 (191st, volunteer.), and Nicola Wiseman 53:57 (193rd, volunteer).

At the Blackpool parkrun Andrew Draper stormed round the course in 18:00 for first position.  Mark Hughes of Lytham finished in 22:04 for 20th, Heidi Haigh was 33rd overall and 4th female in a time of 23:15 and Gerry Browne was 43rd in 24:2.

On Sunday 25th February two Lytham ladies, Melanie Koth and Felicity Wolohan competed at the Village Bakery Wrexham Half Marathon.   An enjoyable race where 90 percent of the roads were closed and lots of support throughout the race which was held on quite country roads, both runners achieved great times.  Wolohan was 218th overall, 14th female, and 7th senior lady in a time of 01:28:18.  Koth ran the course in 01:39:18 for 519th overall, 63rd female and 12th Vet 40.for 22nd out of 48 runners.

Julia Rolfe did the Lostock 6, a 6-mile road race around Lostock on Sunday.  A bitterly cold day and an undulating course however Rolfe still achieved a good time of 50:06.

Also on Sunday 25th Greg Oulton attended the Kendal Winter Series of fell races. Taking place in the grounds of Sedburgh School, the race was four miles and 520 feet of climb and a cross between a Cross Country and a Fell race. With steep climbs, mud and ice it was quite a challenge after Friday night's fun. Oulton managed to come 108th in 44:23.

At the junior parkrun in Lytham Frankie Ball of Lytham was 1st overall in 7:47. Jayden Richardson gained a new personal best time of 8:43 and came 4th overall.  Finlay Hughes was close behind in 5th running the course in 8:46. Jack Greaves completed the course in 10:38 for 19th.  Blair Selbie ran a time of 10:46.

LSARRC News 20th Febuary 2018

Lytham men impress at the penultimate Mid-Lancashire Cross Country fixture, in Lancaster on Saturday 17th February.

LSARRC at Mid Lancs XC

It was a busy weekend for LSARRC runners as Saturday saw the 5th Mid Lancashire Cross Country League fixture at Ryelands Park, Lancaster, take place.

Mike Toft

In the senior men’s race the Lytham first team secured 4th position overall, with some outstanding performances.  Mike Toft finished 13th overall out of 129 runners in a time of 35:40. Joe Greenwood was second to finish for the club in 36:37 for 20th.  Thomas Howarth was 44th in 39:03, followed by Neil Tate in 39:30 for 49th,  Johnathan Tuck ran the course in 40:12 for 56th and Alex Tate was 63rd in 40:38.  The second team for Lytham secured 18th place and included the following runners:   Paul Veevers (40:50, 69th), Ross McKelvie ( 43:05, 93rd), Terry Hellings (44:20, 113th), Graham Webster ( 45:05, 119th),  Gavin Stanfield ( 47:46, 146th), and John Bertenshaw (50:35, 162nd). Jason Sheridan and Greg Oulton also completed the course in 54:09 and 56:39 respectively.  It was an especially busy day for Graham Webster who ran the Lytham parkrun in the morning, followed by the cross-country fixture in Lancaster, later in the day.

In the senior ladies’ race Lytham also managed to field two teams.  First home for the club, with an impressive run was Catherine Carrdus who finished 18th in a time of 26:06.  Melanie Koth ran well to finish in 44th place in 28:52, followed by Julia Rolfe who ran the course in 32:11 for 78th.  The team of Carrdus, Koth and Rolfe came 14th overall.  In the second Lytham team Kirsten Burnett finished 88th, followed by Pamela Hardman in 91st and Alexandra Everest in 97th, overall this team came 26th.

Morgan Pritchard and Frankie Ball ran for Lytham in the under 13 boys race. Out of 60 runners, Morgan managed to secure 27th place in a time of 12:56 and Frankie was 30th in a time of 13:05.  Brogan Murphy and  Rebecca Fisher competed in the under 13 race.  Brogran finished in 26th in 9:44 whilst Rebecca finished in 11:28 for 57th position.

Jessica Ramsden followed by Clemmie Tierney

In the under 11 boys race Lytham fielded 3 competitors.  First to finish the course in 8:33 for 49th was Lewis Bentley, not far behind was Oliver Thomson in 8:43 for 55th and Eric Wrigley who finished 63rd in a time of 8:55.  The team of Bentley, Thomson and Wrigley finished 10th overall.  In the girls under 11 race Jessica Ramsden managed to finish in the top 30 runners with a time of 8:46 (29th), followed by Clemmie Tierney in 8:57 (35th), Amara Thorpe 9:02 (37th), Leoma Gill in 9:55 (55th) and Rosa Gill in 11:30 (60th).  The team of Ramsden, Tierney and Thorpe finished 11th overall.

At the Lytham Hall parkrun also on Saturday 17th February 16 Lytham members braved the cold conditions to complete the course.  There were not as many club participants as normal due to the cross-country fixture at Lancaster, however there were several notable performances. On his 70th parkrun Graham Webster was the first home for Lytham in a respectable time of 20:59, and first in the age category VM65-69.  Darran Ames was the next to finish in 21:22, just 7 seconds off equalling his personal best time of 21:05.  Ames was followed closely by Jennifer Hill who secured 2nd female position and a time not far off her personal best, also.  Neil Bayntun-Roberts finished 3 seconds later in 21:18 for 13th position overall.

Full Results:   Graham Webster 20:59 (9th), Darran Ames 21:12 (11th), Jennifer Hill 21:15 (12th), Neil Bayntun-Roberts 21:18 (13th), James Buckley 23:10 (25th), G Browne 23:40 (32nd), Neil Tate 24:29 (40th), Stephen Tate 26:45 (76th), Kathy Gaunt 29:05 (97th), Jeremy McCandless 29:58 (102nd), Gillian Oliver 30:08 (107th), Ruth Bye 30:39 (113rd), Sarah Bagshaw 32:31 (127th), Rebecca Willetts 40:26 (157th), and Julie Wiseman and Nicola Wiseman were tail walkers.

Several Lytham runners completed parkruns across the country, and further afield.  Susan Hawitt completed the Greenwich parkrun, she came 115th overall and was 18th female.  Joanna Goorney ran the hilly 3 laps, scenic Roundhay parkrun in Leeds and was the first female, and 16th overall out of 301 finishers, to finish in a time of 20:56.

LSARRC at GNW Half Marathon

On Sunday 18th February the Great North West Half Marathon took place in Blackpool.  A fast and flat course around the coastal front of Blackpool.  The event is now in its 29th year and often attracts 1500 competitors of all ages and experiences.  The club was well represented and of the 10 finishers, 4 came in the first 200 runners. Paul Fauset of Dark Peak running club was first overall, in a personal best time of 74:35 First home for the cub was Neil Tate in 88:18 for 108th position overall.  Gill Draper was the first female home for the cub in an excellent 92:10 for 120th, with an equal time Paul Veevers secured 121st spot.  Ian Tate was 156th in 95:22 and Ian Balshaw achieved a personal best time of 2:07:50 for 806th.  Other runners included: Kirsten Burnett who ran the course in 2:13:48 for 914th, Laura Byrne ran 2:13:48 for 915th, Olivia Allen ran 2:16:05 for 953rd, Christine Walker ran 2:18:59 for 985th, Sylvia Elisabeth Gittins 2:21:27 for 1016th and Amy Fletcher finished her first half marathon in 3:15:02 for 1211th.

At the junior parkrun on Sunday 18th, 5 Lytham runners completed the 2K course.  Frankie Ball was 2nd in 7:47, 1st female was Clemmie Tierney in 9:05, Jayden Richardson ran 9:39 for 11th, Blair Selbie achieved a new personal best time of 9:58 for 16th and Sophie Tate finished in 14:30 for 43rd.

LSARRC News 13th Febuary 2018

Chris McCarthy, Joe Greenwood and Ross McKelvie and Lytham Hall parkrun

This weekend was another busy one for LSARRC. A huge 28 runners took part in parkruns over the country and worldwide! 3 runners decided to be ‘parkrun tourists’ and took part in Preston’s parkrun Catherine Carrdus was first women back with an impressive time of 20:54, Jennifer Jill was second female finishing in 21:51 and John Bertenshaw completed his 50th parkrun in 24:31. Richard Storey ran in the Lincoln parkrun and finished in 52nd place in 22:56. Neil Bayntun-Roberts ran in Barking’s parkrun and finished in 21:35.  Bob Clough on holiday in Australia couldn’t miss a parkrun so competed in New South Wales Curl Curl parkrun and got a time on 34:28.  Jason Sheridan also completed the Fell Foot parkrun in 27:21. Mark Hughes and Heidi Haigh compete in the Blackpool parkrun getting impressive times of 22:17 and 23:17 respectively.

Joanna Goorney and Gill Draper at Lytham Hall parkrun

10 local runners also ran the Lytham Hall parkrun, Joe Greenwood was first male back receiving a time of 17:37, Ross McKelvie was next male back finishing in 19”10. Not to be out beaten by the men Joanna Goorney was the first women back in 21:09 and Gill Draper was second lady in 21:17. Andrew Draper finished seconds later in 21:19, James Buckley in 21:31, Darran Ames in 21:39 and Kev Murray in 22:48. Stephen Tate was next back in 27:20 and Sarah Bagshaw in 33:31.

Also on Saturday was Caldervale’s 11 mile muddy shoe race. 3 Lytham runners competed in this race and stated that the race is mainly through fields and tracks around the Forest of Bowland and relies on map-reading skills to follow the route.  It certainly lived up to its name, with deep mud over much of the course, helped by the rain throughout.  Neil and Ian Tate came in 4th and 5th in 1:37:21 and 1:37:29, while Kirsten Burnett was 30th in 2:28:08.  Post-run pie and peas in Caldervale Village Hall were very warmly received.

On Sunday was the Lancaster Valentines 10k. 2 Lytham runners competed in this race stating that they were very lucky with the weather although it was still rather cold and windy! Ian Balshaw completed his 10k race in 57:19 and Christine Walker finished her race moments later in 57:24. Both runners said that this was a really nice course to run and enjoyed their race.

Also on Sunday was Lythams Junior parkrun with 7 of our juniors competing. Frankie Ball was the first Lytham junior back finishing his race in 7:59. Erc Wrigley completed his race in 8:50, Lewis Bentley in 9:12, Finlay Hughes and Leoma Gill in 9:52. Rosa Gill finished her race in 11:59, Lewis Ames in 12:12 and Sophie Tate in 14:25.

As ever well done to all the runners who have competed in the races this weekend.

LSARRC News 6th February 2018

Sophie Bohannon impresses at the Lancashire Schools Cross Country championships held at Witton Park, Blackburn, on Saturday 3rd February.

Sophie Bohannon at Lancs Schools XC

Sophie Bohannon and Rebecca Fisher of Lytham were both selected to represent Fylde in the year 7 race.  Bohannon ran an excellent race to finish second in a time of 9:18 with Fisher also running well to finish 60th in a time of 11:58. Morgan Pritchard was selected to represent Fylde in the year 7 boys race and ran a good race to finish 26th in a time of 9:49.  In the intermediate girls race Emily Balshaw (in a rare cross country outing) and running for Wyre finished in a respectable 29th place with a time of 21:29.
On Saturday 3rd February 19 LSARRC members attended the Lytham Hall 5K parkrun.  The first 4 places went to Joe Greenwood, Neil Tate, Alex Tate and Paul Veevers of Lytham, Greenwood rant the course in under 18 minutes.  Graham Webster was first home in the age category VM65-69 and Gill Draper was the female home for the club, and 3rd female overall.

Full Results: Joe Greenwood 17:53 (1st), Neil Tate 18:18 (2nd), Alex Tate 18:43 (3rd), Paul Veevers 18:52 (4th), Graham Webster 20:52 (14th), Gill Draper 20:53 (16th), Kevin Murray 22:17 (24th), Joanna Goorney 23:24 (30th), G Browne 23:45 (31st), James Buckley 23:59 (34th), John Graeme Bertenshaw 25:04 (49th), Stephen Tate 26:54 (67th), Kirsten Burnett 27:40 (76th), Laura Byrne 28:58 (92nd), Paula McCandless 31:54 (109th), Jeremy McCandless 31:56 (110th), Sarah Bagshaw 32:41 (118th), and volunteer/tail walker was Roy Stevens.

Several other Lytham members travelled around the country to attend other parkruns.   Close to home at the Blackpool 1st birthday parkrun 3 Lytham members completed the course, Heide Haigh, Mark Hughes and Finlay Hughes came 22nd, 33rd and 34th respectively. Felicity Wolohan completed the Princes parkrun at Liverpool and was the first female home, and 19th overall in a time of 20:17. 
Much further afield Bob Cough completed the Mosman parkrun in New South Wales, Australia, he came 66th with a time of 34:12.

Sylvia Gittins and Kirsten Burnett ran the Blackburn Winter Warmer 10K on Sunday 4th February.  The race began with a tough uphill climb for the first couple of km.  Runners were however rewarded with stunning views across the East Lancashire countryside on a crisp morning; perfect running conditions.  Welcome downhill stretches followed in what was an enjoyable and very well-organised event.  Burnett was first home for the club in 57:19 while Sylvia, with a time of 1:03:21, took home a prize as 1st FV70 runner.  Jessica Ramsden, sole Lytham junior athlete, ran the 2K course in a fantastic time of 9:49 taking 38th place in a field of 185 and 7th of 38 in her age group.

Heidi Haigh

Terry Hellings, Greg Oulton and Heidi Haigh opted for a weekend away in the Lakes and attended the Montane Grizedale Forest Trail Races.  Conducted in perfect conditions, blue sky, not too hot, not too cold, no wind or rain, a great day was had.  Terry Hellings did the Half Marathon, finishing 36th place in 1:51:55.  Heidi Haigh did the Marathon, finishing in 47th place in 4:43:05, and Greg Oulton finished the course in 100th place in 5:46:32.

The Half Marathon covered the same route as the first half of the Marathon, starting at Grizedale Visitor Centre and heading out on a circuitous trip round the trails within Grizedale Forest with a brief spell onto the fells, before returning at the start.  The Marathon then continued along the paths, bogs, roads and river beds of High Dale Park and Claife Heights.  The final distance covered was approximately 26.7 miles with about 4000 feet of ascent.

Park View junior parkrun

 Also, on Sunday 4th February it was the 1st anniversary of the setting up of the junior parkrun at Park View in Lytham.  Youngsters were encouraged to dress up as their favourite superheroes and refreshments were available at the finish line.  There was a great turn out of 112 runners, 20 of who were LSARRC members.  The first 4 spots went to Lytham runners with Sophie Bohannon first home, followed by Morgan Pritchard, Charlie Ormerod and then Frankie Bell.  Well done to Rosa Gill for achieving a personal best time of 11:12.

Full Results:  Sophie Bohannon 07:45 (1st), Morgan Pritchard 07:53 I2nd), Charlie Ormerod 07:55 (3rd), Frankie Ball 08:00 (4th), Eric Wrigley 08:46 (7th), Archie Tate 08:52 (8th), Jayden Richardson 08:28 (10th), Clemmie Tierney 09:11 (12th), Finlay Hughes 09:14 (13th), Amara Thorpe 09:28 (17th), Lucy Bohannon 09:36 (19th), Charlotte Fisher 09:46 (21st), Ella Wiseman 10:02 (25th), Rebecca Fisher 10:10 (29th), Max Walker 10:14 (30th), Blair Selbie 10:16 (31st),Jack Greaves 10:27 (34th), Leoma Gill 10:45 (39th), Rosa Gill 11:12 (41st),  and Sebastian Koth Wragg 12:24 (57th).