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News:
YVAA 5th Monthly Grand Prix of 2009
For some time I’ve been trying to collect your times for distances from 5K to a Marathon. While I have managed to cajole some information out of a few people there are still loads of runners that have not given me any times. As you will see (on the MEMBER's Page) we’ve posted those. Almost any time supplied is likely to get in the top ten simply because we have so few contributors. So why not let me have your times and see yourself in the top ten for your age group. Click on the link (to e-amil ROB) at the top of the page, then Email your best times. Thanks.
Rachael and Kiersti at a previous YVAA Road Relay Championships, at Esholt 2007
Dianne and Al storming up the hill |
Welcome to Holmfirth Harriers
Some of the many vets that compete for the club at last year’s
Holmfirth Harriers has a thriving Vets section and has had many excellent results in local races and championships. This year we came 3 rd two and 4 th in other competition in the men’s section of YVAA Grand Prix and came 5 th in two of the women’s sections. As we have shown in the past with a better turnout we can win both men’s and women’s sections and so I will be striving to get you all out on a more regular basis this year. For anyone that has not run one of these races before they are really excellent races. Most are multi-terrain, about 5 – 6 miles long and vary from almost pancake flat as at York to quite hilly (!!!), like our own from Neiley. Races can be entered on the day, only cost £3 to enter, cater for all age ranges and abilities, from 35 to 80+. At most races there is also free food and a hot drink after the race. Prizes are given for all 5 year age ranges, depending on entry, with several spot prizes as well. If anyone would like to try out these races next year and would like a lift please see Rob (on the desk) at the club or by email. Other successes have been to numerous to mention with prizes being won in many local races but some notable championship wins in 2008 include; M35 in 1/2M, M40, M65 and F45 in the 15 mile, M45, M50, F45 and F50 in the Fell Champs. Details of all the races in this series can be found at www.yvaa.org as well as from Rob and the Vets Notice Board at the Clubhouse.
YVAA Programme for 2009 (as at 22/5/2009)
Individual AwardsSix races completed to qualify. Best 7 scores from 10 races. Age at AGM date determines age category for the season in grand prix awards . If you change age category during the season you are eligible for the new category in the individual grand prix races. This paragraph does not apply to championship races. Fees and Race DetailsRace entry fee is £2.00 for grand prix races (may go up to £3.00 after AGM in Feb). Enter on the day. Championships (except for the fell race) must be pre-entered as per the entry form.
YVAA5 th Monthly Grand Prix of 2009 Tuesday 23 rd June at 7.30p.m., Meanwood, Nr. Leeds
Just 8 Holmfirth Harriers made it to the YVAA Grand Prix race at Meanwood, near Leeds on a warm and sultry Tuesday night but those that ran came away with more than their share of prizes. 174 runners from 24 Yorkshire clubs completed the course with ages from 35 to 80! First home for the Harriers, making a rare appearance with Jean from their North Yorkshire home, was Andy Hauser, 17 th, 3 rd M50 in 30:15 followed by Chris Beadle who managed to spear himself on a stick when cutting the corners on the path, 27 th, 3 rd M35, 31:13; Rob Kersey, 38 th, 1 st M55, 31:43; Jacqui Dews, 55 th, 1 st F35 (1 st lady), 34:08; Maz Khoueiry, who chased Jacqui all the way to the finish!, 56 th, M35, 34:08; Jean Shotter,66 th, 1 st F45 (2 nd lady), 35:21; Bill Wade 83 rd, 2 nd M65, 36:39; Tim Cock,108 th, 3 rd M65, 40:41;and Claire Whitwam, doing brilliantly in her first year in the Vets Grand Prix, 110 th, 4 th F45, 40:45. The next event is at Honley on the 12 th July. This is a new course of 6 miles and almost entirely off road. The full list is on the YVAA website, www.yvaa.org and also on the Holmfirth Harriers website, www.holmfirthharriers.com Entry is only £3 on the day. Any Harriers not running who would be available to help on the day are asked to contact Rob via the club, email or phone (details on website).
YVAA3 rd Monthly Grand Prix of 2009 Sunday May 31 st at 11.00a.m., Haw Park Woods, Walton, Wakefield.
On a scorching Sunday morning 8 Holmfirth Vets made the trip to Walton near Wakefield for the latest race in the YVAA Grand Prix series. Over 170 runners turned out for this off road event on woodland paths, tracks and canal towpath. This year a big turn out of Meltham runners swelled the numbers, the race being part of their club championship. While very warm in the shady sections, the race was roasting when in the full sun with little or no breeze to cool runners down. The race was in fact won by Andy Whitworth of Meltham in 31:15 Holmfirth runners had success in the F50 category and M55 category and all runners added valuable team points. Holmfirth results: 27 th Kevin Yewlett, 1 st M55, 35:22; 29 th Rob Kersey, 2 nd M55, 35:34; 52 nd Lesley Ewart, 1 st F50, 38:05; 58 th Bill Wade, 1 st M65, 38:31; 61 st Robert Ellis, M45, 39:01; 90 th Helen Pettit, F40, 41:21; 96 th Rob Halstead, M50, 42:44; 117 th Claire Whitwam, F45, 45:18 In much colder conditions at Howarth the YVAA 5 mile championships took place within the Bronte 5. This is a tough 2 lap course but still attracted nearly 180 starters. Disappointingly only two Holmfirth runners ran the race but Mick Mavromihales made a welcome return to racing after a two year break and finished an excellent 8 th and 2 nd M45 in 28:57. Rob Kersey the only other Harrier to run finished just outside the medals, 4 th M55. The next races are the Meanwood race on the 23 rd June and then our race from Neiley on 12 th July.
Four teams of Holmfirth Vets made their way down to Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield for what is always a very enjoyable event, the BMAF Road Relays, on Saturday 16 th May. All 20 members, 16 runners plus Dianne, Helen, Liz and Tim supporting were on site by about 10.00 am and the tent was soon up and sheltering us from the blustery wind and rain squalls. Numbers were collected and running order of teams entered on time and while those running later legs went for a jog round the course and prepared to support our teams around the course, first leg runners in the W35, W45 and M50 teams made their way to the start. John Ewart leading off for the M50 team had another great run, clocking 16:53 and coming home 4 th. Helen Berry came back 29 th overall, in 18:15 an excellent 5 th in the W35 race and Jean Shotter like Helen more often to be seen on the fells, came in 85 th overall in 20:37 which gave her 8 th position in the W45 race.
Gary Armitage, Julia Johnson and Lesley Ewart were our leg 2 runners and all put in solid performances to maintain or improve our positions. Gary running in his usual smooth style actually moved up 3 places and into first position with a strong run up the finishing straight with a time of 17:15.
Julia came in 36 th overall, 6 th in the W35 race in 19:15 and Lesley 67 th overall having passed 18 runners bringing her home 6 th in the W45 race in 19:59. Andy Hauser another runner more at home on the fells but always turning out for these team events had the task of taking over in first place in the M50 team and was always going to struggle to hold off faster road specialists. He dug deep and hung on well just dropping two places to 3 rd in 17:58. Karen Sinkinson, like Julia promoted to the W35 team, came in 45 th overall, 9 th in the W35 in 20:21 and Chris Couch came in 20:18, 62 nd overall, to give the W45 team a final position of 5 th place out of 13 teams.
Kevin Yewlett was next off for the M50 team running strongly and putting Alwynn’s speed training sessions to good use to drop just 3 places to 6 th in 18:31. Dawn Broom ran the last leg for the W35 team and although struggling with her breathing, having forgotten her inhaler, she still picked up 12 places finishing 33 rd overall and 8 th in the W35 race in 19:12, this out of 22 teams. This left just the M50’s to continue with Dave Shepherd on leg 5 and Rob Kersey on the last leg. Dave was running his first National Road Relay and is in full Marathon training mode so stamina was never going to be an issue. The question was how was his speed? Dave had an excellent run coming in 9 th in 19:00 leaving Rob to try and hang onto a top ten position. Although running doggedly (and before some one else says it “more a Labrador than a whippet these days”) he dropped 3 places to runners over a minute faster to finish in 12 th position out of 33 teams. This was still the best position for a number
At 1.30 pm the M35 – 39 and M40 – 49 teams started their races of 4 and 8 legs. Unfortunately we were unable to put out an M40 team and so put out a mixed age team in the M35 – 39 race. Last year we won silver in this race but were without 3 of the 4 team members of last year, only Chris Beadle being available this year. First off was John Broom, like Dawn running his first team race for Holmfirth, after recently rejoining us, after coming back from Dorset. John ran a good first leg coming in 10 th in 16:18. Ricky South ran the 2 nd leg and although moving up to the M50 age group next year put in a cracking time of 16:28 moving us up to 6 th place. Chris Beadle, yet another runner who probably runs more on the fells than the roads ran 17:55 to finish 10 th again leaving Julian Rose to run the last leg and keep us in the top ten. Julian running his first National Vets Road Relay ran 17:10 and with a blistering finish, up the final straight, picked up one place to bring us home in 9 th place.
Many thanks to all the runners that made up the teams and to Helen Pettit, Dianne Waite, Liz Yewlett and Tim Cock for coming down to support us; hopefully we can get M40, M60 and W55 teams out as well another year. Many thanks to the club for paying for the transport and allowing many of us to doze on the way back. Must be our age!
YVAA Grand Prix, Race 2, Meltham
Another record entry for the Meltham Vets race saw 155 runners make the start line and 153 finished. Two runners were unfortunately attacked by horses and were unable to finish the race, suffering what we hope will prove only minor injuries, and had to walk back! The good weather of late meant conditions were drier than usual (we had snow last year) and while the strong head wind for much of the first half of the race made for hard climbs conditions were generally good for running. A good turnout from Holmfirth Vets, 18 in total, although only 4 women, the Lads Leap Fell Race having lured some away! Dave Watson won the race in 36:07 and was also 1 st M35. next home for Holmfirth was Charlie Adams M40, 25 th, 41:44 followed by Rob Kersey 1 st M55,28 th, 42:07; Steve Nash M40, 35 th, 43:23; Kevin Yewlett 3 rd M55, 36 th, 43:35; Robert Ellis M45, 54 th, 46:53; Rod Futrell 3 rd M60, 56 th,47:10; Lesley Ewart 2 nd F50, 60 th, 47:42; Bill Wade 1 st M65, 71 st, 49:26; Andrew Kerry M40, 75 th, 50:06; Katie Woodings 2 nd F40, 81 st, 50:41; Helen Pettit 3 rd F40,86 th, 51:50; Dayn Wilkins M45, 87 th, 52:00; Peter Roberts 2 nd M65, 88 th,52:20; Andrew Hambleton M50, 92 nd, 52:40; Claire Whitwam 3 rd F45, 109 th, 56:38; Tim Cock M65, 115 th,59:00; Steve White M55, 121 st, 59;42. Host club Meltham AC supplied runners with hot drinks and free food after the race while they waited for the prize giving. As usual there were 40 prizes for leading positions in the 5 year age categories and also about 10 spot prizes. Races continue at regular intervals throughout the year on Sunday mornings and some summer evenings, the next race in the series being on Sunday May 31 st at Walton near Wakefield. This is a nice mainly woodland course on good tracks and paths. The full list is on the YVAA website, www.yvaa.org and also on the Holmfirth Harriers website, www.holmfirthharriers.com plus of course on the Vets Notice Board. Entry is only £3. The race entry includes free food after the race, 40+ prizes (including spot prizes) great competition and an incredibly friendly atmosphere.
Let’s hope for another good (or even better) turn out in May. Details on the board and website shortly.
YVAA Cross Country Championships at York.
Some of the 30 Holmfirth Vets that ran at the YVAA CC Champs
Thirty Vets made it to the start line at the YVVAA CC Champs at the Knavesmire, York on Saturday 14 th February a great turn out yet again for this event. The relatively flat course, just two small climbs, was very wet and muddy in places but conditions were otherwise quite pleasant (for CC that is!). Of the 34 entries just one male and 3 female members of the team failed to actually start, which is something of a record in itself. Lesley had the best excuse having fallen down the stairs that morning and bruised her b**!
The first race at 12.30 pm was for the ladies, M50 – 69 men and M70 men, the ladies and M70’s running 5K and the rest of the men 10K. In the ladies race Dawn Broome ran an excellent 9 th and gained the silver medal in the F40 age group and Julia Johnson did brilliantly after her injury problems to finish 12 th, just missing out on a medal, 4 th in the F45 age group. They were backed up by some strong runs from Helen, Karen, Yvette, Margaret and Alison with Julia, Karen and Yvette gaining the silver F45 team medals.
The M50 – 69 race saw 110 runners battle it out over 4 laps John Ewart being our top scorer in 7 th, passing Gary Armitage on lap 3. Andy Hauser, obviously getting fit again, passed me on the same lap and we finished with four runners in the top 25. Once again it was great to see some of the ‘slower’ runners turning out for the club and being part of the team and it was these runners (Dave Shepherd, Steve White and Andy Hambleton) that helped the M50 – 59 team to win the ‘All to Count’ shield. John Ewart, Gary Armitage and Andy Hauser also got the silver medals in the M50- 59 ‘Three to Count’ team.
This year we also managed to complete an M60 - 69 team of Bill Wade, Malcolm Sizer, Norman Berry and Tim Cock who finished 4 th team.
The second race at 1.30 pm saw the M35 – 39 and M40 – 49 teams ‘do battle’. Dave Watson won the race comfortably some 40 seconds ahead of the 2 nd placed runner and was backed up by John Broome and Gary Graham to win Gold in the ‘Three to Count’ team medals, and also by Gavin Baxter, Nigel Moran and Chris Beadle to win the ‘All to Count’ team medals. The M40 – 49 team missing several of the faster runners were never in with a chance of the medals but we still managed to get 7 team members out. Charlie Adams had the best run in 58 th (20 th M40) and he was supported by Steve Rimmer, Jonathan Sykes, Rob Ellis, Andrew Smithson, Chris Whitelegg and Dayn Wilkins. Thanks to all those that ran and supported us, I hope everyone enjoyed it (at least after it was over!) and will race again next year in Sheffield. Thanks also to Ann and Brian Heywood who acted as time keepers for all the races. The full list is of results is on the Vets Board at the club and will be on the YVAA website, www.yvaa.org
Holmfirth Harriers Make Excellent Start at the First YVAA Grand Prix Race of the 2009 Season The new YVAA Grand Prix season started with a massive entry at the new race at Horsforth. The course included some stiff muddy climbs and descents plus tricky woodland paths as well as faster stretches of field path and tarmac. Veteran runners from 35 – 80 years and from 25 clubs made up the field of 174, another excellent start to the season. On a day when both the Dewsbury 10K and the Mickleden Straddle Fell Race clashed with the vets race Holmfirth managed to get out 10 runners, 5 men and 5 women. All those that ran had good races, 7 out of the 10 picking up prizes. A special mention should go to Claire Whitwam, running her first Grand Prix Race and terrified beforehand that she would not be good enough. She finished 27 th out of 68 women and 117 th out of 174 finishers so hopefully proved to herself and many others in the club that do not have the confidence to have a go at racing that they are easily good enough to race. It was also good to see another newcomer to the Grand Prix events Gary Armitage who quickly set down a mark by winning the M50 age group. Races continue at regular intervals throughout the year on Sunday mornings and some summer evenings. The full list is on the YVAA website, www.yvaa.org and also on the Holmfirth Harriers website, www.holmfirthharriers.com plus of course on the Vets Notice Board. Entry is only £3. The race entry includes free food after the race, 40+ prizes (including spot prizes) great competition and an incredibly friendly atmosphere. Holmfirth results: 9 th Gary Armitage, 1 st M50, 31:49; 19 th Rob Kersey, 1 st M55, 32:57; 58 th Rod Futrell, M60, 36:51; 66 th Robert Ellis, M45, 38:13; 71 st Lesley Ewart, 1 st F50, 38:40; 81 st Yvette Arthur, 2 nd F45, 39:48; 85 th Karen Sinkinson, 3 rd F45, 40:20; 86 th Helen Pettit, 2 nd F40, 40:22;117 th Claire Whitwam, F45, 45:11. The next race in the series is at Meltham on Sunday 22 nd March, 10.00 start and enter on the day. Let’s support this local race and get a really good turn out.
YVAA Grand Prix Race 10 and the 2009 Grand Prix Season The last race is the 2008 series saw yet another record turnout, 197, with Pudsey Pacers hiring a double-decker bus to get their 65 runners to the race! The atmosphere was better than ever and this was another excellent mostly off road course with no steep climbs but after all the rain of the last few days plenty of mud! We had only a small number of runners present – Ian Moore, Rob Ellis, Kevin Yewlett, Dayn Wilkins, Steve White, myself, Lesley Ewart and Jean Shotter with Tim Cock turning up to do the presentations but not able to get there in time to run. Our small contingent still managed a few prizes with Lesley getting 1 st F50, Rob after gradually closing the 100m gap from about the 1mile point, not quite able to get past Jim Weldon on the run in on the track to finish 3 seconds behind and 2 nd M55 and Jean 1st F45. Dayn also picked up a spot prize!
Some of the Holmfirth runners negotiating a very slippery slope where many came to grief.
The new season will be starting in February 2009 and the first race will be at Horsforth on Sunday 1 st Feb. Races then continue at regular intervals throughout the year on Sunday mornings and some summer evenings. The full list will go up on the board and on the website as soon as it is available. Entry is only £2 at the moment but may have to go up to £3 next year due to increased food, 1 st aid and prize costs. The race entry includes free food after the race, 40+ prizes (including spot prizes) great competition and an incredibly friendly atmosphere. The pictures below show some of our runners on a typical YVAA Grand Prix race.
Hilary Phil Tim This is racing as it should be; minimum of fuss, cheap to enter, fun to run but still very competitive within the age groups, organised by runners for runners and great camaraderie after the races. All races are multi terrain and generally trail or fell shoes are best although in dry conditions many runners prefer road shoes. Races vary enormously from nearly flat to extremely hilly but all Holmfirth runners used to doing our summer off road runs should be able to cope. This year has seen another increase in numbers with races regularly attracting 140+ runners. Both Holmfirth’s men’s and women’s teams have won team trophies in recent years but at the moment we are being swamped by mass entries from several other clubs. It would be great to have more Holmfirth Vets out next year both men and women so please look at the dates when they come out and see if you can fit some of the races in your diaries. For the faster runners amongst you your best 7 out of the 10 races count towards your individual score for the season and a minimum of 6 races are needed to be run to qualify for the individual awards. All races count towards the team awards. All pictures from www.flamingphotography.co.uk
YVAA ½ M, 15 mile and Fell Championships
Vets championships have come thick and fast over the last few weeks starting with the Road Relays (see earlier report) and finishing with the Fell Champs at Meltham on the 2 nd November. Only a small contingent made their way to Brid for the Half MarathonChampionships and our only medallist was the race winner Dave Watson who was also 1 st M35. The Sunday following was the 15 mile Championships incorporated within the Holmfirth 15. With many of our vets either marshalling or running in the WYCC (or both) numbers were again lower than usual but we still managed a number of YVAA medals including:
The YVAA Fell Championships, incorporated within the Meltham Cop race had an excellent turnout of 133 runners, 80 of whom qualified for the YVAA championships. Holmfirth had many runners placed within the 1 st three in their age categories, although a mistake with the medals order unfortunately meant that only the 1 st placed runner in many of the age groups actually received a medal. Conditions were generally good, although the deep mud on parts of the course made for tired legs by the end of the two laps. Holmfirth Runners: 5 th Dave Watson 1 st M35, 50:08; 10 th Bill Stewart (M);12th John Ewart 1 st M50, 52:35; 13 th Andy Shaw 1 st M45, 52:42; 17 th Julian Rank 3 rd M45, 53:25; 18 th Gavin Baxter 3 rd M35, ,53:36; 28 th Steve Rimmer M45, 56:10; 30 th Helen Berry (F), 56:30; 36 th Chris Beadle M35, 57:43; 37 th Rob Kersey M55, 57:45; 40 th Kevin Yewlett M55, 58:17; 50 th Edward Brown (M), 60:41; 66 th Pete Dolan M50, 62:52; 76 th Robert Ellis M50, 65;46; 78 th Rod Futrell 2 nd M60, 66:23; 80 th Paula Gould 2 nd F35, 66:35; 81 st Lesley Ewart 1 st F50, 66:39; 83 rd Rachael Mellor 2 nd F40, 66:51; 92 nd Karen Sinkinson 2 nd F45, 68:43; 101 st John Philpott M50, 71;53; 103 rd Tim Cock 1 st M65, 72:36; 105 th Blandine Renay 3 rd F45,72:52; 106 th Dayn Wilkins M45, 72:59; 107 th Rebecca Halstead (F), 73:47; 108 th Rob Halstead M50, 75:03; 123 rd Steve White M55, 85:36; 127 th Keith Bamforth 2 nd M70, 91:23 Full race details are available at www.ukresults.net/2008/cophill.html Many thanks to Meltham for another excellently organised race. Well we eventually got out 6 2/ 3 teams at the YVAA Road Relays at Esholt and were rewarded by a warm sunny day and some excellent racing. The highlight of the day from a club point of view had to be the 1 st place for the F45 team of Jacqueline France, Lesley Ewart and Karen Sinkinson with Jax also taking the prize for fastest lady in the F45 category. There were also excellent runs from Ricky South, 3 rd fastest M40, Gary Armitage and John Ewart, 5 th and 6 th fastest M50 as well as many of many of the slower runners who, though not as fast, still run just as hard for their teams. Thanks also to the supporters who all pitched in to help marshal the race. I hope everyone had an enjoyable day and that you all encourage more people to take part. Taking part in a team event like this is (at least in my opinion) the most enjoyable type of competitive event. Jeanette Pierson running for the F45 B team striding after about ¼ mile from the start. Kevin Yewlett M50, A team, being chased by Phil Martin M40.
I have quite a few other pictures of 2 nd, 3 rd leg runners but missed the 1st leg as was running myself and missed Andy on M40 leg 4. Let me know if you want a look at yourself and I’ll email you a copy!
Detailed results will be on the Vets Board at the club or can be found at www.yvaa.org
YVAA Race 9, Starbeck, Harrogate
A much better turnout this week, with 13 runners making the trip to Harrogate for this mostly flat race on paths, fields and through woodland, on Thursday. This year though there was mud in plenty, the woodland and field sections being quite slippery in places and everyone returning well splattered. In the ladies’ race Jean Shotter running her first race of the season was 3 rd and 2 nd F45; Lesley Ewart was 5 th and 1 st F50; Den Kersey (F55) running her 1 st Grand Prix race ever was 56 th. In the men’s race John Ewart was 6 th (1 st M50); Gary Graham 9 th (M40); Rob Kersey 24 th (2 nd M55); Ian Moore 30 th (M50); Andy Hauser, running his first race of the season, 35 th (M50); Bill Wade 49 th (1 st M65); Robert Ellis 50 th (M45); Richard Smith 60 th (M60); Alan Wakelin 70 th (M55), first time Grand Prix runner and Tim Cock 76 th (M65). Details of all YVAA events can be seen at www.yvaa.org The last race in the series for this year is at Spenborough on Sunday November 9 th so hopefully we will get a good turnout for this local race which will start and finish on the track. You can all imagine you are flying round the last lap of the 5000 or 10000m like the Olympic champions, as you come into the finish! Lesley could do with some support in the ladies race, so come on ladies come and have a run, treat it to as a warm up for the Abbey Dash, those of you that are entering. Lifts are always available if people want to cut the cost of travelling.
Only 6 Harriers made it to the latest race in the YVAA Grand Prix series at Knavesmire on Wednesday. This low turnout from the Holmfirth Vets, on a hot and sultry night, was not repeated by other clubs and a record entry of 184 runners started (and finished) the race. The race over traffic free cycle paths, field paths plus small sections of road was excellently marshalled by the host club, Knavesmire Harriers and the food after the race had to be seen to be believed! The Holmfirth contingent may have been small but they made their presence felt in the results with the winner of the race, Dave Watson (1 st M35), 30:37 well clear of the next runner. Next Harrier home was Gary Graham 6 th (3 rd M40), 35:12; followed by Rob Kersey 19 th (1 st M55), 37:19; Lesley Ewart 55 th (3 rd Lady, 1 st F50), 41:44; Robert Ellis 73 rd (M45), 43:49 and Tim Cock 123 rd (M65), 49:53; Details of all YVAA events can be seen at www.yvaa.org The next race is at Starbeck, Harrogate on Thursday 21 st August. This is, in the main, a flat course with only one short undulating section through some woods at about half way. I know it’s a long way for a Thursday night but it would be great to see a few more runners out. Lesley could do with some support in the ladies race. Lifts are always available if people want to cut the cost of travelling. The last race in the series for this year is at Spenborough on Sunday November 9 th so hopefully we will get a good turnout for this local race.
YVAA Grand Prix Race 6, Neiley, July 6th
Having had two fine nights when slashing back the nettles, brambles etc and good weather when putting the flags/tape out on Saturday, what do we get on Sunday morning? Torrential rain just at the time people would have been setting off for the race. Several people coming from the east said they nearly turned round but in the event the rain eased to a gentle, almost unnoticeable patter for the race and while making it very slippery underfoot, was quite pleasant to run in. Numbers were down on previous races this year, a combination of the weather and tough course I suppose but still a very satisfactory 115 runners. In all we had 44 members out helping and / or running, a pretty good result especially since it clashed with the Track and Field that we were hosting at Halifax. Many thanks to everyone, especially the marshals/other helpers, without whom, events such as this, would not exist. Special mentions should go to Chris Buttery who took over the race day organising of the refreshments (Den was racing in York, but she was up till 12.30 making rolls etc), to Russell Banham who took over as timekeeper on Friday night and also to the 3 police constables that marshalled at Farnley Tyas. With the clash of events it has been particularly difficult getting enough help this year and at times I was seriously thinking; “this will be the last time” but like a fool I’ve said we will do it again next year if needed. Hopefully the new Race Calendar will help us to avoid major clashes of events next year.
And so to the race……
Dave Watson (1 st M35) won at will in 32:35, some 1m 20s in front of the second placed runner Sean Cotter from Leeds. Next Harrier home was Gary Graham 5 th (2 nd M40), 35:50; followed by Andy Shaw 9 th (M45), 37:12; Darren Hanson 11 th (M40), 37:33 by far his best run since returning to racing earlier in the year; Rob Kersey 19 th (2 nd M55), 39:24; Ian Moore 22 nd (M50), 39:41; Phillip Hobbs 23 rd (M40), 40:04; Pete Dolan 29 th (M50), 41:01; Andrew Keast 34 th (M40), 42:42; Rod Futrell 40 th (M60), 43:52; Bill Wade 41 st (2 nd M65), 44:11; Carol Greenwood 42 nd making a welcome return to racing (2 nd F40 and 2 nd Lady), 44:12; Duncan Gaskell 43 rd an ex-member, who the longer serving members will remember well, just back on a flying visit; 44:18; Chris Whitelegg 45 th (M45), 44:31; Karen Sinkinson 51 st (1 st F45), 45:26; Barbara Hinchliffe 53 rd (1 st F50), 45:29; Robert Ellis 55 th (M45), 45:34; Ian Denny 60 th (M45), 46:35; Helen Pettit 63 rd (F40), 47:06; Dayn Wilkins 65 th (M45); Andrew Hambleton 71 st (M50), 48;07; Keith Wild 72 nd (M50), 48:12; Richard Smith 74 th (M60), 48:30; Tim Cock 80 th (M65), 49:06; Alison Whitelegg 87 th (F45), 50:44; Keith Bamforth 107 th (1 st M70), 59:08 and Hilary Booth 112 th (F45), 60:54.
Another excellent event at Meanwood saw 143 runners take to the undulating woodland and fields course. This was a course where concentration was required all the time to cope with the sometimes stony paths, the many roots and low tree branches. Only the occasional grassy field sections gave you a chance to relax slightly. At the moment Pudsey and Bramley are bossing the men’s section, 6 runners in the first 10, 1 st & 2 nd 35,1 st & 3rd 40, 1 st & 2 nd 45, & 2 nd 50. We need some of our top younger vets out to give them a bit of competition. Gary Graham (M40) continues to run well and was 8 th (5 th M40), followed by Sean McCaffrey (M40) just 3 places behind. Next was Rob Kersey 21 st (1 st M55), followed by Robert Ellis (M45) 52 nd; Bill Wade (2 nd M65); Peter Tipling (M50) running his first race of the series and Tim Cock (3 rd M65). Sadly we had no women taking part from Holmfirth at this race I think they’ve all deserted to the fells where we are having a lot of success by all accounts.
The next race is our race from Neiley on Sunday July 6 th. We need every runner that can put one leg in front of another to run in this race to boost our team points in all sections.
If you are crocked or unable to run but can still walk then I desperately need marshals and helpers at the club house (entries, finish, helping with food and raffle)
The new Pudsey event on Wednesday 11 th June started with nearly a 2 mile jog to the start and then followed an excellent but quite gruelling course of supposedly 4.6 miles. Nobody I spoke to afterwards could believe it was that short, it certainly seemed at least 5 and a tough 5 miles, at that. The slog up the long, very tough climb, at the finish turned many runners’ legs to jelly and was taken at a walk by many. We only managed 9 runners this time and no women. John Ewart continues to run consistently well finishing 10 th, 31:29, but with Bingley’s Jon Cordingley now an M50, 30:12, had to settle for 2 nd M50. Next came Gary Graham (M40) 13 th, 32:01; Sean McCaffrey (M40) 23 rd, 33:34; Ian Moore (M50) 34 th, 34:22; Rob Kersey 35 th (3 rd M55), 34:31; Bill Wade 59 th (2 nd M65), 38:10; Robert Ellis (M45) 65 th, 39:01; Robert Halstead (M50) 73 rd, 39:37; Dayne Wilkins (M45) 85 th, 41:25. In all 144 runners took part from 21 Yorkshire clubs.
Fifteen Harriers turn out at Walton Vets Race On a mild but very wet Sunday morning 15 Holmfirth Vets made the trip to Walton to run in the 3 rd race of the YVAA Grand Prix series. Although firm underfoot the many puddles ensured that all the runners came back splattered in mud so the warm showers were very welcome at the end. Well done to the 4 new recruits running in the GP Series for the first time; Hilary Booth, Sandie O’Conner, Ros Haigh and Darren Hanson. I hope the wet conditions didn’t put you off and that you will become regular supporters of the YVAA events. First home was Gary Graham (M40), 9 th, 32:33 followed by Sean McCaffrey (M40), 17 th, 33:48; Rob Kersey (M55), 26 th & 3 rd M55, 34:55; Ian Moore (M50), 28 th, 35:07; Bill Wade (M65), 41 st & 3 rd M65, 37:19; Darren Hanson (M40), 53 rd, 38:52; Robert Ellis (M45), 72 nd, 40:26; Rob Halstead (M50), 82 nd, 41:34; Dayn Wilkins (M45), 93 rd, 42:43; Tim Cock (M65), 99 th, 43:22; Paul Senior (M35), 125 th (delayed by a pit stop!), 48:08; Hilary Booth (F45), 142 nd, 54:26; Sandie O’Conner (F50), 146 th, 56:44; Ros Haigh, 147 th, 57:13. A special mention for Dayn who when he started running in these events was in the last few runners but is now well up the field and his times have improved significantly: for this course, 45:10 in 2006, 43:41 in 2007 and 42:43 in 2008.
Holmfirth Harriers Vets Storm to Silver Medals in the National Road Relays Holmfirth Harriers took 4 teams to the 21 st National Open Masters Road Relay Championships at Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield, on Saturday. This event is always a great day’s racing and spectating, with teams from the length and breadth of the country taking part. The highlight of the day was reserved for the afternoon race when the M35 – 39 and M40 – 49 teams battled it out. Unable to raise an M40 team Holmfirth put in an M35 team consisting of two M40’s and two M35’s. Sean McCaffrey (M40) ran the first leg coming in 9 th in an excellent 16:51and was followed by Dave Watson (M35) on the second leg. Dave ran the second fastest leg of the day for an M35, coming back in 15:00, bringing the team up to 2 nd. Dave was followed by Chris Beadle (M35) who gave it absolutely everything to only drop one place to 3 rd in 17:37 and then Gary Graham (M40) stormed round the last leg in 16:49 to recapture 2 nd place and the silver medals. Dave Watson also gained the individual silver medal for the second fastest M35 time of the day. This emulates the Holmfirth ladies’ team achievement in 2005 and is the first medal (unless anyone knows differently) for a Holmfirth senior men’s team at National level in any event.
The silver medal winning team of Dave Watson, Chris Beadle, Sean McCaffrey and Gary Graham The weather conditions were almost perfect for running, being virtually still, with just an occasional light drizzle. In the morning the women and over 50 men tackled the 3 mile undulating course, the W35 – 44’s running 4 legs, the W45 – 54’s running 3 legs and the M50 team 6 legs. Holmfirth ladies teams have a tradition of excellent results at these Championships, usually being close to the medal positions. This year was no exception with the W35 – 44 team just missing out in 4 th place and the W45 – 54 team coming in a creditable 5 th. The M50 team, missing 3 of their fastest runners still ran well to finish 17 th of 32 teams. Thanks especially to Gary Armitage and Andy Hambleton who stepped in at the last minute when illness and injuries decimated the original team. More pictures for the race are on the website. See link on ‘Home Page’. Details of all races follow: W35 – 44: Kath Farquhar 17:55, 4 th; Helen Pettit 20:15, 7 th; Rachael Mellor 19:35, 5 th; Jacqui France 19:01, 4 th. Kath also ran 7 th fastest leg of the day in W35 age group. W45 – 54: Lesley Ewart 19:47, 6 th; Yvette Arthur 22:04, 9 th; Karen Sinkinson 20:39, 5 th. Lesley Ewart was 13 th fastest on the day in W45 age group. M35 – 39: results given above. M50 – 59: John Ewart 9 th, 16:55; Kevin Yewlett 16 th, 18:41; Ian Moore 20 th, 19:01; Gary Armitage 15 th, 18:01; Andy Hambleton 19 th, 23:21; Rob Kersey 17 th, 18:32. John Ewart was 17 th fastest on the day in the M50 age group. Many thanks to all those that turned out for the team, everyone seemed to have a thoroughly enjoyable day and who knows perhaps we can get out a M40 – 49 and M60 – 70 team next year. Maybe we could even hire a coach and all go down together and take some supporters down as well!
Meltham
Sixteen members of Holmfirth Harriers braved the snowy conditions on Sunday to take part in the 2 nd race in the YVAA Grand Prix Series. Though down on numbers compared to the first race, due to the weather and the clash with Easter Sunday, 83 runners from 20 Yorkshire clubs attended and were rewarded by another excellent race superbly marshalled and organised by Meltham AC. All 83 entrants, varying in age from 35 to 70+ finished the 6 mile off road race. Conditions varied from clean fresh snow to thick mud but were pleasant for running and there were the usual smiles and banter at the finish once people had got their breath back. Dave Watson, M35 had an easy win in 35:35, nearly 3 1/ 2 minutes ahead of the second placed runner.
Holmfirth Results: 1 st Dave Watson 1 st M35; 6 th John Ewart 1 st M50; 14 th Ian Moore 3 rd M50; 15 th Sean McCaffrey M40; 20 th Rob Kersey 3 rd M55; 21 st Dave Knight 2 nd M35; 25 th Rod Futrell 1 st M60; 26 th Andrew Keast M40; 30 th Bill Wade 2 nd M65; 36 th Lesley Ewart 1 st F50; 38 th John Philpott M50; 46 th Karen Sinkinson 1 st F45; 49 th Helen Pettit 3 rd F40; 53 rd Robert Ellis M45; 54th Tim Cock M65; 60 th Rob Halstead M50. It was good to see some of the less regular racers taking part and many of them figuring in the prizes. Every runner contributes valuable points for the overall team championships so all runners of whatever standard would be made very welcome. The next race in the series is at Walton near Wakefield on Sunday 1 st June. A completely off road course over pleasant woodland paths, tracks and canal path. Have a go, you will enjoy it.
After the race prizes were collected by the first three in each age category and spot prize winners while members of Meltham AC provided tea/coffee and cakes for runners, supporters and marshals. All this for just a £2.00 entry fee; this has to one of the best, if not the best race series, both for value for money and variety of courses, any where in the country. All runners are welcome to enter any of these races but only runners over 35 years are eligible for prizes.
YVAA Grand Prix Race 1 Horsforth
At the 1 st race in the 2008 Grand Prix series a small team from Holmfirth Harriers scored a number of successes for the club. Results: 16 th John Ewart 2 nd M50; 37 th Ian Moore M50; 54 th Lesley Ewart 1 st F50; 58 th Bill Wade 1 st M65; 72 nd Karen Sinkinson 2 nd F45; 84 th Paula Gould 2 nd F35; 98 th Dayn Wilkins M45; 105 th Steve White M55; 113 th Tim Cock M65. This race had 157 finishers as was the usual great event with a fantastic spread of free food afterwards and 41 age group prizes plus spot prizes and all for only £2.00 After the race the trophies for the 2007 Grand Prix series were presented with John and Lesley Ewart again completing a family double winning the M50 and F50 trophies. Rob Kersey won 2 nd in the M55, John Broome 3 rd in the M35 and Bill Wade 3 rd in the M65. The men’s team was second in both team competitions (‘4 to count’ and ‘all to count’) but gained the ‘all to count trophy’ as the rules don’t allow both trophies to be held by the same team. The ladies were 4 th in both their team competitions. This year there will also be a ’Best of the Rest’ trophy for both men and women. These will be for the teams with the best overall score after their top 4 runners have been taken out of the results; in other words a trophy to encourage the slower runners in a club to race. So come on all you vets it doesn’t matter how fast you are all runners from our top competitors to ‘social runners’ are wanted. All will count towards the team events. The races are multi-terrain and incredibly friendly affairs and while they are very fast at the front there are plenty of slow runners further down. Lifts are always available and many of us share cars both for economy and increased enjoyment of the events. If you haven’t run before and would like to know more talk to any of the runners on the above list or Rob on the desk at the door.
Report from YVAA CC Championships Sunday13th January 2008 At Cliffe Castle / Greenhead High School Keighley Although this was a very much a weakened team with 11 men and 3 women missing on the day, the 26 remaining team members ran with real grit and determination on a tough, muddy and hilly course to do the club proud. Individual highlights were the gold medals for Dave Watson in the M35 race (2 nd man overall) and also for Julia Johnson in the F40 category (3 rd lady overall) plus the bronze for Lesley Ewart in the F50 category. In the team events Dave Watson, Gavin Baxter and Chris Beadle gained silver medals for 2 nd M35 team in the ‘first 3 to count’ competition; Gary Graham, Andy Shaw, Sean McCaffrey and Steve Rimmer just missed a medal in 4 th place in the ‘first 4 to count’ and with Ricky South, Andy Smithson, Phil Hobbs and Dayn Wilkins were placed 4 th again in the ‘all to count’ team event in the M40 – 49 age group; John Ewart, Andy Hauser and Ian Moore won silver in the M50 – 59 ‘3 to count’ team and with Dick Facey and Steve White were also 2 nd in the ‘all to count’ team. In the ladies team events we were unable to field a team in the F35 – 39 age group but Jean Shotter, Lesley Ewart and Christine Couch picked up bronze medals for 3 rd place in the F45+ ‘3 to count’ competition and with Karen Sinkinson, Barbara Hinchliffe, Yvette Arthur and Jeanette Pierson won the shield for 1 st place in the ‘all to count’ competition. Many thanks to all those that made it to the start and also for those that came along and supported the runners. Apologies for lack of photos but I forgot to check the batteries in my camera before I left. If anyone else has any digital pictures I would be pleased to have copies for the website. Rob
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of years and the whole team enjoyed the day. 
Tim
Dave, Karen and Julia
Rob with Andy gaining on him on the 2 nd lap. 
Dawn heading up the last small climb 
This race really illustrated how virtually anyone can run these races with the first runner finishing in 34:19 and the last in 91:45 Everyone earns points for their team and all get the same support and encouragement. The oldest runner, by the way, was 80 years old, Don Johnson from St Theresa’s. 
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