July Road and Fell Results

14th July 2009

James Herriot Country Trail Race, Castle Bolton, 26th July

We had a much better turnout for this target race with 13 toe-ing the line. The race is a great introduction to fell running, 14k in length, with 2 tough climbs but not too hard and with glorious views all round. Unfortunately the weather was not as glorious as the views, though for running it was much better than last year when it was run on possibly the hottest day of the year. The rain stopped before the start and didn't restart until most of us had finished, so we shouldn't complain. 

Mark Dowson went out fast, but was passed by Andy Normandale on the first and biggest climb of the day. However Mark  stayed in contact over the next 5 miles and then unleashed a strong finish over the last 2. It came down to an eyeballs out sprint finish with Dowson in 10th place the victor, Normandale 11th and 2nd over 50. Next to finish was Matt Driscoll in 27th place with Mark Harney 44th completing the team. Just behind Mark came Mike Hetherton who claimed 2nd place in the over 60's. Missing a lady runner to the front of the field, we were unable to retain the mixed team title which we won the last 2 years, but won the mens team.   

After the race we retired to the Wheatsheaf in Carperby for Sunday diner and a drink. A grand day out !

10 Mark Dowson
 59m 47s
11 Andy Normandale
59m 48s
27 Matt Driscoll
 63m 39s
44 Mark Harney
 67m 0s
46 Mike Hetherton
 67m 12s
93
 Graham McAnany
 74m 20s
121 Geoff Binns
 78m 15s
130 Mike Tasker
 79m 14s
132
Sharon McAnany
 79m 42s
134 Howard Winzar
 79m 51s
158 Debra Howell
 82m 17s
166 John Tattersall
 83m 22s
174 Sarah Woodhall
 85m 31s

Pinchinthope Plod, 21st July

On a showery evening a few hardy Acorn members faced the hills of North Yorkshire rather than the roads of Stillington 10km. The start was a hurried affair with several runners not being aware of the starters’ pistol and crossing the line a little late (er.. that was me – Andy). We quickly ran into the woods, and I found myself surprisingly close to the front. A stiff climb was followed by a single file path, which stretched the field out. Out on to the moors and the heavens opened. I wear glasses and everyone will know that wearing glasses whilst running in the rain on uneven ground is a recipe for disaster. Therefore I put them in a back pocket, and ran on with the ground being somewhat blurred. Of course the glasses dropped out and I was forced to re trace my steps and after about 400m (surprisingly) I found them sloshing around in the mud. So back to the race, I started to race back through field. It was very satisfying to keep overtaking people for the remainder of the distance. I think that I nearly managed to recover the lost time but not quite enough to enter the prizes.  Andy Normandale had a far more normal event, and after a slow start passed most of the field in a trademark uphill blast. Once on the tops he took a scenic tour of the moors before rejoining the race to finish in 10th place and win the V50 section again. 

Snowdon/Inglebrough Races 

Mike Raynes did the recent Snodon race, finishing about 70th, while the same weekend Mike Hetherton was running Inglebrough and winning the over 60's category.

Walkington 10k, 10th July

The turnout was disappointing for a club target race, but well done to those who ran and in particular to Mike Tasker for winning the over 65 age group:

The boy is back !! After a traumatic few months, Mike Tasker is working his way back to top form with a fantastic win on a difficult hilly course at Walkington! Watch out Howard "me amigo" !! 

95th   Paul Lewis           43.42

111th Martin Vickers     44.36

177th Mike Tasker       47.13     1st M65

197th John Tattersall   47.50

Selby 10k, 7th July 

Our mens team sealed victory in the York Summer Road Series with Mark Dowson again our top finisher in 5th place. There was some great packing behind him, with Chris Alder and Mike Raynes in 6th and 7th places, Matt Driscoll and Dave Lancaster in 13th and 14th places and Steve Simpson completing the team in 16th.  For the ladies Laura Goodson was an excellent 3rd and Jo Ellerton 8th (3rd over 35).

We had comparatively few who won overall podium placings. Well done to the 2 who did, Dave Lancaster 2nd over 50 and Jo Ellerton 3rd= over 35 lady. Mark Dowson was highest placed man in 7th place.  That makes our mens team victory a superb team effort. Other men who ran at least 4 of he 5 races and finished in the top 20 overall were Chris Alder, Matt Driscoll, Chris Judge and Dave Lancaster.  We won comfortably from Pocklington with Knavesmire in 3rd. In the ladies event we were 5th with Knavesmire winning.    

Just the staggered start handicap to go now at Stillington on 21st July.