2014 Results

This page only contains race results for Spectrum Striders RC members.  Included are all results from Striders club championship races, plus some other races where Striders ran.

If you are looking for results for one of the Spectrum Striders RC races, please look under the "Our races" menu at the top of any page on this web site.

If any results are missing and you want them to be included, please send a link to the online results This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

July

Wednesday 2-Jul-2014 at 7:30pm:  Forest Park Ladies 5k

Please see the race web page for full details of the race, including how to enter.

151 finishers, last finisher in 43:46.  Full results are on this web site. 

Anne Fortune's time of 26:10 broke the Club LV60 record of 26:52 set by Janet Redpath at the Dunham Massey 5k on 13-Jun-2013 by 42 sec.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Saturday 5-Jul-2014 at 2pm:  Moel Siabod fell race (Capel Curig in Snowdonia, category AS, 5.4 miles, 2300ft climb)

This was race 2 (of 3) in the 2014 inter-club fell race competition.

Helsby RC won this race with 247 points, followed by Pensby Runners with 135, Spectrum Striders RC & Tattenhall Runners both with 64.  Full results are available elsewhere on this web site.

After 2 races, Helsby now lead the series with 497 points, followed by Pensby with 357, Tattenhall with 318 and Spectrum with 183. 

111 finishers, last finisher in 110:55.  Full results are on the Welsh FRA web site.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Saturday 5-Jul-2014 at 7:30pm: Heptonstall Festival fell race (Heptonstall, West Yorkshire, category AS, 5.9 miles, 1627ft climb)

94 finishers, last finisher in 1:56:51.  Full results are on the race web site.

Race report from Adam Leadbetter:

"After a day out in Leeds for the start of the Tour de France, what better way could there be to warm up for watching stage 2 than a fell race taking in two crossings of the route?

The race starts on the cobbles of Heptonstall, climbs out of the village and then plunges through woodland to the valley floor.  A twisted ankle on this section slowed me down a bit, but I was struggling for any speed on the technical descent anyway.  This was followed by a long, mostly runnable climb through fields and out on to open moorland.  Passing one of the farms, there was a very Tour-like atmosphere with each runner being cheered on by a small crowd, who had gathered to watch.

From the top, it was straight back down in to the valley and then back up through the woods into Heptonstall.  Once again my climbing made up a few of the places I had lost as my descending was letting me down.

A great race on a tough little route, and one I'll happily go back to."

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 6-Jul-2014 at 11am:  Beagle Bash 10k (Bentham, North Yorkshire)

74 finishers, last finisher in 1:21:08.  Full results are on ukresults.net.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 6-Jul-2014 at 9am:  Southport Half Marathon

898 finishers, last finisher in 3:06:08.  Full results are on the race web site.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 6-Jul-2014 to Saturday 12-Jul-2014:  Tour Of Merseyside

This is the second running of The Tour.  It consists of 6 races in 7 days totalling 52 miles (similar to the Tour Of Tameside in the 1980's/90's). 

160 runners completed the Tour.  The last finisher took a total of 11:29:46 for the 6 races.

Full results are on the TDL Event Services web site.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Thursday 10-Jul-2014 at 7:30pm:  The Wizard 5 (nr Alderley Edge)

This was race 5 (of 7) in the 2014 Cheshire County Road Race Grand Prix, run by the Cheshire County AA. 

237 finishers, last finisher in 56:26.  Full results are on the SportSoft web site.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Saturday 12-Jul-2014 at 11am:  Holme Howler 10k obstacle race (nr. Carnforth)

168 finishers, last finisher in 1:43:37.  Full results are on ukresults.net.

Well done to our 4 Striders who ran together and were first team.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 13-Jul-2014 at 11am:  Trawden 7 mile trail race

154 finishers, last finisher in 88:41.  Full results are on ukresults.net.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 13-Jul-2014 at 9:30am:  "We Love Manchester" 10k

This race is sometimes known as the City Of Manchester 10k.  It starts and finishes at the Regrional Athletics Track at Sportcity, next the the Manchester City football stadium.

2328 finishers, last finisher in 2:05:40.  Full results are on the TDL Event Services web site.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Tuesday 15-Jul-2014 from 7pm:  Club 5k Handicap

Many thanks to Janet & David Redpath for once again organising the handicap.

Many thanks to all of the helpers.  Many thanks to all of the other helpers, no less than 21 of them!

Thanks to all of the runners who registered in advance again this year.  It makes the organisation so much easier on the night.

Fastest runners on the night were Luisa Candioli and Chris Millington.  The winners were Mel Pownall and Chris Smethurst.

Anne Fortune's time of 25:45 broke her own Club LV60 record of 26:10 set at the Forest Park Ladies 5k on 2-Jul-2014 by 25 sec. 

Les Hewitt took a video of the finish, which has been uploaded to Youtube.  Add 33:50 to the video time stamp and you get the approximate race time.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Wednesday 16-Jul-2014 at 7:30pm:  Sefton Park 5 mile

440 finishers, last finisher in 67:11.  Full results are on the race web site.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Wednesday 16-Jul-2014 at 7:30pm:  Lion's Bridge Trail Marathon (Leigh)

27 finishers + 2 DNF, last finisher in 6:23:56.  Full results are on Malc's Blog.

This was Caroline's 100th marathon!  She wrote the following article which appeared in the October 2014 issue of the Club Newsletter:

My 100 Marathons

Oh dear... my dad is a man of quotations and many times, growing up, I heard the words “’Tis not in the plaudits of the crowd, but in ourselves are triumph and disaster found”, but I receive an email from Julian asking for “a newsletter article on how you got to and where your 100th marathon was?”  Eek!  So here goes....

I didn’t initially set out to run 100 marathons, in fact, I’d run for 18 years before I succumbed to the challenge, it just seemed such a long way to me!  Then in 2006, I ran the Blackpool Marathon, partly with the intention of getting a ‘good for age’ time so I could run the London Marathon.  I then did what lots of runners do, ran two marathons each year, trained for the first, ran it, had a break and then trained for a second.

But as I often went out on 20 mile training runs, I decided I may as well be running a marathon! So in 2011, after I’d run my two planned marathons, I noticed there was a local marathon, the Lion’s Bridge Trail Marathon, organised by a member of Astley and Tyldesley Road Runners. I duly went along and ran it and it all snowballed from there!

I’ve run road marathons and trail marathons, I’ve run on beaches, I’ve waded through mud and across rivers, I’ve run up hills and down hills, I’ve run in the light and in the dark, I’ve run them on consecutive days and I’ve even run 105 and a half laps of a track (on 2 occasions!) to get to a 100.

The London Marathon has been in there, but even though I’ve had the opportunity to run it each year I’ve only run it once.  I’ve learned there are so many more marathons out there.  My favourites being Snowdonia, Great Langdale, White Peak and the Northumberland Coastal marathon, all in very scenic places and, apart from the latter, have a tendency to be hilly!

I’ve also run some Long Distance Walking events.  These are open to walkers and runners and there tends to be a 50/50 split.  They are often set in beautiful countryside and require you to follow a route description or navigate your way around a series of checkpoints and, given the well-stocked checkpoints (I often described them as a ‘cake’ marathon), you could finish weighing more than you did at the start!

For my 100th marathon I went back to the Lion’s Bridge Trail marathon on 20th July, which was just prior to my going on holiday, the intention being to run the marathon, then set off on holiday, throw my trainers out of the window and not run for the next 2 weeks (which my sister believed would prove more of a challenge to me than running 100 marathons!).

On completing 100 marathons, you can become a member of the 100 Marathon Club and you can choose your own engraving on your medal.  I chose the Japanese proverb “The journey is also the destination” because, for me, it has proved to be a fantastic adventure and I intend to keep on running them!

Oh, and by the way, yes, I did manage NOT to run for the 2 weeks of my holidays....but I did eat cake!

Top of month  -  Top of page

Wednesday 23-Jul-2014 at 7:30pm:  Harrock Hill fell race #3 (near Parbold, category BS, 5.2 miles, 900ft climb)

This is race 3 of a series of 4 races.  Your best time in any of the 4 races in a year counts towards the Club Fell Championship.

191 finishers, last finisher in 1:23:25.  Full results are on the FRA web site.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Friday 25-Jul-2014 at 6pm:  Lakeland 100

This is a 100 mile circular trail race with 6300m of ascent, starting & finishing at Coniston.  The time limit is 40 hours and if you sleep the clock is still ticking!

Unfortunately, Dave Hudd had to retire after completing 59 miles.

192 finishers, last finisher in 39:49:20.  Full results are on the race web site.

114 runners retired.

Saturday 26-Jul-2014 at 11:30pm:  Lakeland 50

The Lakeland 50 takes place over the last 50 miles of the Lakeland 100 route, from Ullswater to Coniston and has 3100m of ascent.  The time limit is 24 hours.

549 finishers, last finisher in 23:37:11.  Full results are on the race web site.

54 runners retired.

Run report from Charlie Sharpe.  You can access this report plus some pictures from the event on Charlie's blog.

This years Lakeland 100 was fantastic! Same great organisation, checkpoint support was awesome once again with various teams taking over checkpoints (such as running clubs, shops, pink fairies) to look after around 300 starters in the 100 mile and 600 in the 50 mile race.

I had a perfect weekend, catching up with friends from all over the country who had descended into Coniston on Friday ready for the briefing and 6pm start.  Oh.. and the weather was perfect (aside from a smidge of rain Saturday evening, though I was tucked away in my tent then).  Some say a little hot, though after the AAUT in Spain 2 weeks ago where temps passed 40°C this felt nice.

After kit check (it is actually checked...) you go through a little funnel of being weighed and collecting race packs etc then I had the afternoon to get some food and catch up with friends before the briefing at 4.30pm.  There was a male singer at the start line to add to the atmosphere and the first 500m or so through Coniston was lined with people.  I set off steadily to the side and apart from ducking and dodging all the iPads people were filming on all was well.

There weren't any really fast starts this year apart from Lee who seemed to be pushing quite hard initially, a small group of about 10 of us behind him.  As we passed the Coppermines YHA, it had already started to spread out a little bit.  After a couple of km heading up Walna Scar Road at a gentle pace, I found myself in 3rd with Lee and Marco just a few seconds ahead.  We ran together chatting a bit for the first few checkpoints, running towards Wasdale as the sun was setting, not a breath of wind – simply perfect running conditions!

At the Wasdale CP, Lee had dropped back a little bit and I was first to dib in.  A cup of coke and we set off towards Black Sail.  I ran up and at the next gate I turned to give it to Marco / Lee and there was nobody there.  I'd just run from the CP chatting but there was nobody there!  Felt a bit silly but carried on enjoying the run up and out of the end of the valley on my own.

A good descent down to Black Sail YHA and ran on up and over to Buttermere.  Darkness just hit on the descent to Buttermere so I whipped the torch out (I'd packed it in the very top pocket of my pack this time and not in the bottom!) a quick photo shoot on the way down followed by the easy run around the lake to the CP.

A steady run along towards CP 5 at Braithwaite – this section weaves around a few little streams and is gradually climbing.  I caught a flash of a torch behind in the distance and was still moving well and remembering the route was pretty easy from last year.  I was looking forward to the first bit of food at the CP but when I got there I didn't really feel like the rice pudding, so I had a handful of grapes and filled a water bottle with cola (which I did for the majority of CPs from now on).  From here the route is fairly flat and not very technical, some gentle climbs but nothing like the ones just tackled before Buttermere and after Howtown.  The night section went pretty smoothly, just kept running along at a steady pace, sipping away at coke and water, keeping on the course and enjoying the clear starry night.

Just before the 45 ish mile CP at Dockray, Marco who was running strong came past and took the lead.  I got into the CP and had a few peaches and set out again still just before sunrise.  I filled up with some apparently flat coke only for it to explode in a huge jet that reached across the road a few moments later (ha-ha who flattened that?).  I managed to follow the next section without any detours, aside from a bit of confusion in a short section with a few cow fields where I couldn't spot the gate and ran around looking for it.  All was good, a nice quick few km along the road and into the Dalemain Estate where the halfway point was (about about 55 miles I think 'cos it's actually 105 miles total I believe).  I got in and got my drop bag, grabbed a bottle of Lucozade out, downed a cup of tea, had a mouthful of custard and filled my bottles up, then straight on for Pooley Bridge, quite a fast section which is relatively straightforward too.

I usually think about what I'm going to do at the CP when I'm approaching e.g. what do I need to do, eat or drink etc.  For some reason I decided to take both bottles with water and didn't take any cola.  I set out from the CP looking forward to getting on some good climbs again to make a good push on, but after a couple of km my eyes were shutting.  I stumbled along up the climb and found a Mr Corless taking some action shots.  Not sure if it had been the caffeine or the sugar in the cola keeping me going up until now but I was struggling to keep the eyes open.

The top section seemed to drag a little before descending down to Haweswater track pretty well and dipping into a couple of the streams along the way woke me up nicely and I made my way on to the mighty Delamere Spartans CP at Mardale Head where there was plenty of energy!  I topped up with coke again and pretty much just headed straight off I think?

The climb up from there seemed longer than I remembered.  I kept a good pace up and over and I knew the rest of the route from memory a lot better which meant I could relax and just run along enjoying the sunshine and look forward to a fruit smoothie at Kentmere!  There was a lot of energy at Kentmere too – Jenn was racing around sorting out my water bottles and bounding about looking really enthusiastic!

I enjoyed the smoothie then set out up Garburn pass which is another great bit of the Lake District.  I really enjoyed the section down into Ambleside and was feeling pretty good although perhaps got a bit too relaxed and noticed I hadn't been pushing very hard in the last few miles.  I had run the section from here to Coniston with Julie (a client who did the 50), though other than that hadn't been on any chunks of the course since I ran in 2013.

There were lots of people out enjoying the weather as I followed the route along the river and could see all people playing in the river, which looked incredibly tempting!  I had been tipping water on myself along here quite frequently and before I knew it I had reached the Chapel Style CP when it was getting towards the warmest part of the day.  All the water and drinks seemed to be warm and I was just ready for something cold, anything cold.  Just in time one of the marshals was dishing out ice cream for themselves so I had a scoop which was simply fantastic!  Sitting out on the sofa in the middle of a field in the Langdale valley, what could be better on a Saturday arvo?

Anyway I got up and ran on towards the FINAL CHECKPOINT!!  It was a mixed feeling – I was enjoying the run that much that I didn't want it to end.  I ran on and worked my way along some of my favourite parts down to the penultimate climb, got to watch a few 4x4s negotiating their way along the rough track as I was ascending slowly...  Didn't spot the highland cows today but could see the final CP as I began the short descent through the farm at Tilberthwaite.

Last year I didn't hang about at the CP because there was only a 10 min or so gap between me and 2nd (which I managed to make up and gain my own gap to take 2nd).  I enjoyed a few strawberries and a chat to the crew before I took the final 4-ish mile section up and over into Coniston.  No sprint finish needed this time, just a steady run down into the town and into the finish for another 2nd place in 22 hours 40 odd minutes.  Aside from getting a bit lazy in the latter stages all went well and I had a fantastic weekend!!

There were some fantastic performances all around from the front end right the way to the guys coming in after nearly 40 hours – I think that's even more impressive!  I've run for that length of time in longer events a few times and it's tough – especially heading into a second consecutive night with no sleep!

Post-race I went for a dip in the lake and lay on the beach for a bit... the perfect way to cool down, then it was out for dinner which I managed a soup and about 3 mouthfuls of a main before getting a takeaway box!

Sunday morning there were still runners finishing in all kinds of states from sprint finishes to painful shuffles.  The prize presentation is definitely worth staying for, with a video of the weekend that had been made and edited already, some funny competitor stories and of course the trophy and prize bit!  Some amazing runners out there over the weekend!  Same time next year?  Who knows!

One last thing... What did I eat?  Half a tin of peaches at Dockray, a few strawberries at Tilberthwaite, a few grapes at Braithwaite, a mouthful of custard at Dalemain, fruit smoothie at Kentmere and some ice cream at Chapel Style CP.  Along with 2 breakfast 9bars just before the start....  I think... that was about it.

I had 400ml of cola at 7 checkpoints and a cup of cola at 3 others.  I put Elete electrolyte into my water, of which I had about 500ml at probably 10 checkpoints and a bit out of streams.... and a Tesco's own isotonic after Dalemain.

From memory that's about the lot.  Should have had a cola again at Howtown as shortly after then was when I got a bit sleepy and relaxed the pace a little it felt like, although I haven't actually any Garmin data to check I was enjoying the run probably a bit too much!

Massive thanks to everyone that helped out, organised, ran, cheered, clapped, took photos and got involved with the event in any way.  Also obviously well done to all the runners too!  There is a fantastic video floating around of the whole event, try searching it out on Youtube it's worth a watch.

[The official race video is here on Youtube.]

Run report from Chris Millington.  The full report plus pictures was published in the September 2014 issue of the Club newsletter "Striding".

Lakeland 100 – My biggest challenge yet

Last year I ran the Lakeland 50 and loved the experience, the camaraderie and the buzz of being part of this ‘strange community of people’.  The Lakeland 100, actually 105 miles with 23,000ft ascent, is not the next logical challenge.  Physically and mentally it’s many times harder and is considered to be one of the UK's toughest challenges.  But hey ho, you all know me!!!!

Andrea and I arrived at Coniston on the Thursday night so Friday could be a day of rest before the main event started at 6pm.  After registering and having kit my checked and being weighed and having collected my race pack, I spent the day relaxing with Andrea and Christine Hudd down by Coniston Water.  I made sure I loaded with enough food to keep me going – a full English breakfast, a ‘99’ ice cream and gammon and eggs for lunch.  I was ready for the challenge ahead.

On the start line stood over 305 brave (crazy) runners.  An opera singer blasted out Nessun Dorma (“None Shall Sleep”) and we headed off through Coniston to rapturous applause.

Coniston to Seathwaite
Distance between checkpoints: 11.3km (7miles)
Ascent: 659m (2162ft) Descent: 606m (1988ft) Time to complete: 1:32:27

We ascend towards Walna Scar Pass for several miles over dusty, rocky terrain with the sun continuing to bear down on us.  We head into the tiny village of Seathwaite to the first checkpoint.  Absolute chaos ensues with the hundreds of runners arriving at the same time.

Seathwaite to Eskdale (Boot)
Distance between checkpoints: 11.1km (7miles)
Ascent: 385m (1263ft) Descent: 419m (1375ft) Time to complete: 1:38:46
Total time running: 3:11:13

This section is largely undulating farmland, but not without some significant leg work and good climbs.  Navigation is so easy at this stage with so many runners around and we have done our preparation and recced the route on several occasions.  It wouldn’t be long though before the sun set and the runners begin to separate.

Boot to Wasdale Head
Distance between checkpoints: 8.6km (5.4miles)
Ascent: 297m (974ft) Descent: 287m (942ft) Time to complete: 1:20:50
Total time running: 4:32:03

This section is short, but begins with a steep climb onto open fells.  We head across remote and desolate land past the spectacular Burnmoor Tarn.  It’s evening, but barely any cooler than the mid day heat.  After a short road section (there can’t be more than a few miles of tarmac in the whole route), we head back onto trail and into Checkpoint 3 under cover of darkness.  We’re in for a treat, its Woodstock themed with colourful lights, hosts in fantastic fancy dress and Hendrix blasting out...  We stop for 10 mins to fuel up, grab a bag of sweets and head on out.

Wasdale Head to Buttermere
Distance between checkpoints: 11.0km (6.9miles)
Ascent: 712m (2336ft) Descent: 667m (2188ft) Time to complete: 2:21:51
Total time running: 6:53:54

At this point I know what’s ahead.  The next section is brutal beyond belief and I have a feeling like I just want to put it behind me (mentally and physically).  The main feature is a long climb over Black Sail Pass.  It’s epic.  Time and time again you think it’s over and it goes on again.  It’s inconceivable that you could run this section.  By comparison we’ve had it good so far.

As we ascend we look over our shoulders – a spectacular line of head torches spreading out as far as we can see, like a giant string of fairy lights.   The sky is stunning.  Not a cloud in sight and peppered with more stars than I ever recall seeing.

Buttermere to Braithwaite
Distance between checkpoints: 10.5km (6.5miles)
Ascent: 573m (1880ft) Descent: 613m (2011ft) Time to complete: 2:02:24
Total time running: 8:56:18

After another enormous climb, we rally together and are running well; both of us a similar pace.  The checkpoint at Braithwaite is a welcome sight as it marks the beginning of a flatter section.  In the checkpoint I had a change to fresh socks, ate a small bowl of pasta and some chocolate raisins and washed it all down with flat coke.

Braithwaite to Blencathra Centre
Distance between checkpoints: 13.7km (8.5miles)
Ascent: 478m (1568ft) Descent: 305m (1001ft) Time to complete: 2:41:26
Total time running: 11:37:44

Time to clock some easy miles!  Perhaps not.  We push on regardless, persevering briefly along the A66 and onto a disused railway.  It feels odd running on the flat and incredibly tough with so many hills and miles in our legs.  The flat section doesn’t last long.  The early morning sun was rising at this point, a welcome sight, but feeling very warm as it rose into the morning sky.

Blencathra Centre to Dockray
Distance between checkpoints: 12.3km (7.7miles)
Ascent: 417m (1368ft) Descent: 252m (827ft) Time to complete: 2:21:51
Total time running: 13:59:35

This section is relatively long.  It has more disused railway and miners track which on paper it’s not as hard as many others.  It’s flattish, but very technical and deceptively gruelling.

Dockray to Dalemain
Distance between checkpoints: 16.3km (10.1miles)
Ascent: 370m (1214ft) Descent: 638m (2093ft) Time to complete: 2:59:59
Total time running: 16:59:34

I ran into Dalemain, absolutely brimming with positivity, knowing I was now half way and that Andrea would be there to offer some encouraging words and a big hug.  What made it even better was Geoff and Sheree Hand were there to see Ran MacKay off on the Lakeland 50, but also got to cheer me in to the checkpoint.  The rapturous welcome from many other spectators and runners made it feel like the finish line, not the just over the halfway point.

This is a special point in the race, it’s synced with the Lakeland 50 and I arrived 40 minutes before they are due to set off.  Perfect.

Dalemain is also a much welcome stop as this is where we get our drop bags.  At around 25 minutes, it’s probably my longest stop, mainly due to my changing my top and shorts and socks (felt heavenly), trying to eat stew and chatting to Andrea, Geoff, Sheree and Ran.

Dalemain to Howtown
Distance between checkpoints: 11.5km (7.1miles)
Ascent: 294m (965ft) Descent: 285m (935ft) Time to complete: 2:14:11
Total time running: 19:13:45

I leave Dalemain revived and ready for the final half with renewed energy.  I flow beyond Pooley Bridge taking runnable stretches of trail to Howtown.  The Lakeland 50 runners begin to pass me.  Their fresh legs pull me along and to the bemusement of those that pass me, I find myself cheering them on.

Howtown to Mardale Head
Distance between checkpoints: 15.2km (9.4miles)
Ascent: 765m (2510ft) Descent: 672m (2205ft) Time to complete: 2:58:08
Total time running: 22:11:53

This section is horrendous.  One large climb up Fusedale Beck on to High Kop and then descending to the second leg which is a notorious rocky scramble of about 6 miles around Haweswater.  It’s barely runnable.  I head round the lake and into the Delamere Spartans manned Checkpoint where I received special treatment as promised by my good friend Debbie Read!!!!!  But struggling to eat anything: the butties and soup did not seem palatable, so I opted for a cup of tea with sugar (the first I’ve had in years) and dunked custard cream biscuits to keep me going.

Mardale Head to Kentmere
Distance between checkpoints: 10.4km (6.5miles)
Ascent: 511m (1677ft) Descent: 589m (1932ft) Time to complete: 2:21:35
Total time running: 24:33:28

I battle my way up Gatescarth Pass.  By now I have been running for 24 hours and after a momentary blip, and a much needed phone call and pep talk from Andrea, I was feeling good again.  I ‘cruise’ into Kentmere checkpoint and ordered my very own fruit smoothies from one of the many manned blenders lined up ready for our special requests.  At this point I was taking on fluids, but was continuing to struggle with food and only just managed to eat a banana.

Kentmere to Ambleside
Distance between checkpoints: 11.8km (7.3miles)
Ascent: 491m (1611ft) Descent: 602m (1975ft) Time to complete: 2:06:34
Total time running: 26:40:02

Leaving Kentmere I caught up with a fellow 100 runner and we chatted all the way up Garburn Pass and before we knew it, looked up and we had reached the top.  Hitting Ambleside is a big rush of adrenaline.  There are huge banners and awaiting crowds cheering you on.  I sprinted through town at ‘immense speed’ shouting to the crowds as I pass the pubs etc...  I know at the checkpoint Andrea and her family are waiting and this is pulling me on with a new found vigour.

By now I am shattered as I have been running for 26.5 hours but there are ‘only’ 15 miles left.  I re-energized with more cups of tea with sugar, ginger cake and custard cream biscuits.  Having spent 10 minutes chatting to Andrea and her family, Ran arrived at Ambleside, well into the Lakeland 50 and looking good.  At this point we made the decision we would run the remaining 15 miles together as the sunset and the rain began to fall.

Ambleside to Chapel Stile
Distance between checkpoints: 9.0km (5.6miles)
Ascent: 234m (768ft) Descent: 213m (699ft) Time to complete: 1:38:06
Total time running: 28:18:08

Daylight is fading.  Conversation helps us through.  It’s dark, wet and miserable when we hit the flat; I steadily shuffle my legs at a slow running pace.  We’re glad to arrive at Chapel Stile, a marquee lit with fairy lights serving beef stew.  I did however not eat any.  I reverted back to my cups of tea now with three sugars and dunked biscuits!  (I did also manage cold custard and cake as well).

Chapel Stile to Tilberthwaite
Distance between checkpoints: 10.6km (6.5miles)
Ascent: 387m (1270ft) Descent: 323m (1060ft) Time to complete: 2:12:18
Total time running: 30:30:26

There’s nothing flat about this section.  It’s a lengthy slog over boggy fells and boulders.  One step at a time we make our way forwards.  Trekking across the wet boulders is starting to feel dangerous.  Across a boggy field and on to an unmanned checkpoint we dib in.

Tilberthwaite to Coniston
Distance between checkpoints: 5.7km (3.5miles)
Ascent: 283m (928ft) Descent: 385m (1263ft) Time to complete: 1:19:51

Finally we make it to Tilberthwaite.  This last section is basically up and over Tilberthwaite fells.  It is very, very steep on both climb and descent.  Of the people heading over, it’s far from a party atmosphere, more a string of long suffering tortured souls moving like zombies.  The terrain is particularly brutal; at times we scramble on both never-ending ascent and descent...

The only thing that now stands between us and victory is the craggy, dangerous, rock descents.  With serious caution, we lower ourselves tentatively into Coniston.  At this point on the miners track, we looked at our watches and identified how far we had to go.  We calculated we had approximately 30 minutes left, but for me to get to the finish line in under 32 hours and for Ran to smash his goal, we had 20 minutes to go.  We decided to go for it!

As Ran and I stride into Coniston, we remember how to run and beyond the petrol station we break into a sprint finish towards John Ruskin School.  Running towards the finish line at 1:50am in the morning I was surprised at the number of spectators still awake cheering us along the way.

I can’t make out anyone as it is dark so as I near the finish line I shouted: “Andrea Millington where are you?”, to which she replies: “I’m here darling” (to the amusement of other spectators).

Total time running: 31:50:17

I dib in for the last time and I am led into the school hall by marshals, to be met by a huge cheer from the 100s of people still there.  There are spectators eagerly awaiting their friends and family to return, runners tending to achy and blistered feet showing off their medals and those just reliving experiences with others runners and supporters.

The buzz is amazing, but by now the enormity of what I had just done was setting in and I was tired.  I managed to drink a recovery shake but did not feel like eating the free meal on offer.

We got back to the B&B.  I had shower (having got very dirty legs and no doubt I didn’t smell very pleasant) and then bed.  I did however not sleep. The adrenaline and the throbbing of my feet kept me awake, so 4 hours later, I was back on my feet getting ready for breakfast.

Even though I felt starving and was really looking forward to it, breakfast was a struggle.  It wasn’t until later that evening back in Warrington having fish and chips, that my stomach allowed me to enjoy food and an ice-cold beer.

I’m over the moon to have completed the Lakeland 100.  For me it was a challenge as much physically, as it was mentally.  Failure was never an option.  I was going to finish the 105 miles.  Throughout the whole 31 hours and 50 minutes Positive Mental Attitude got me through (even though at times I couldn’t remember whether it was mental positive attitude, attitude mental positive!!!!)  I kept saying this throughout the whole race to keep me going.

It was truly an amazing experience that pushed me at times to tears of desperation, but also to moments of true exhilaration.  Would I do it again I keep getting asked......  Yes I probably would, but don’t tell Andrea!

Final distance covered: 169.0km (105.0 miles)
50th of 309 (of which 192 finished)
Final time: 31 hours 50 mins and 17 seconds

Top of month  -  Top of page

Saturday 26-Jul-2014 at 2:30pm:  Turnslack fell race (category BM, 8 miles, 2000ft climb)

62 finishers, last finisher in 2:40:08.  Full results are on the FRA web site.

Two race reports this year.

Firstly by Neville Griffiths:

"This race is from Calderbrook Church and crosses the moors between Littleborough and Todmorden.  This moor is normally very wet, but after the recent dry spell, the going was firm under foot.  The route is flagged, but with the deep growth of tussock grass and bracken, this was hard to see and a number of runners went off course.

We were all told we must carry water, as it was so hot.  The route out was mostly over narrow paths and climbing gradually to a trig point at the farthest point of the route.  Then we turned and made our way to the first of the two steep climbs.  The going was hard because of the deep vegetation, but once on top of the hills there was good running across the hillsides.

The final obstruction was through head high bracken down into a gully and then a climb out over a high stone wall.  The finish is up the steps to the church door and then some very welcome tea and cakes in the church."

Second race report is by Julian Spencer.

"Turnslack fell race 2014 was run under horribly hot conditions.  This is the first time when the safety kit for a fell race was replaced by a water bottle!  Last time we ran this, I remember it was very wet underfoot and might have been raining.

The race is from a church and you finish up 20 steps at the church entrance.  This year the heat got to me, so I felt unwell for at least 40 minutes after I finished despite drinking 2 pints of water, eating home made cake and a coffee.  Running on very hot days is not good for this Julian!

The two steep hills are still there at miles 6 and 7 miles to be enjoyed/suffered."

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 27-Jul-2014 at 10am:  Great Warford 10 mile road race

279 finishers, last finisher in 2:21:14.  Full results are on the SportSoft web site.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 27-Jul-2014 at 10:45am:  Littleport Leisure 10k (nr. Ely, Cambridgeshire)

161 finishers, last finisher in 1:12:42.  Full results are available here.

Top of month  -  Top of page

August

Wednesday 6-Aug-2014 at 7:30pm:  Pie & Peas 5

261 finishers, last finisher in 67:41.  Full results are on the Vale Royal AC web site.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Saturday 16-Aug-2014 at 1:30pm:  Darwen Gala fell race (category  BS, 4.7 miles, 928ft climb)

92 finishers (+1 DNF), last finisher in 1:20:51.  Full results are on this web site.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Saturday 16-Aug-2014 at 9am:  Pennington Flash parkrun

This parkrun on the day before the Birchwood 10k is a counting race in the Striders XC/MT Champs.  Pennington Flash parkrun is free to enter and takes places every Saturday throughout the year at 9am.

201 finishers, last finisher in 50:30.  Full results are on the parkrun web site.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Wednesday 20-Aug-2014 at 7:15pm:  Capenhurst 5k

This race is now officially called the "Ellesmere Port RC 5k".

239 finishers, last finisher in 49:04.  Full results are on race web site.

Anne Fortune's time of 24:39 broke her own Club FV60 record of 25:45 set in the the Club 5k Handicap on 15-Jul-2014 by 1 min 6 sec.  It's the third time Anne has broken this record since the start of July.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Wednesday 20-Aug-2014 at 7pm:  Robbie Webster's Wobbler fell race (Frodsham Hill)

As measured by a GPS in 2013, the course was 5.23 miles, with 823ft of ascent.

78 finishers (+1 DNF), last finisher in 72:42.  Full results are on the Helsby RC news blog.

Top of month  -  Top of page 

Bank Holiday Monday 25-Aug-2014 at 1pm:  Cilcain Mountain Race, Moel Famau (category AS, 4.6 miles, 1286ft climb)

156 finishers, last finisher in 72:36.  Full results are on the Welsh FRA web site.

No age categories were shown in this years results.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Wednesday 27-Aug-2014 at 7:30pm:  Harrock Hill fell race #4 (near Parbold, category BS, 5.2 miles, 900ft climb)

This is the final race of a series of 4 races.  Your best time in any of the 4 races in a year counts towards the Club Fell Championship.

222 finishers, last finisher in 1:27:31.  Full results are on ukresults.net.

Final Striders rankings after 4 races

Thanks to Les Hewitt for compiling this table of fastest times.

Members shown in italics are second claim.

2014 overall race series results

These are decided on a points basis from your finish position, with your best 3 of the 4 races to count.

77 runners conpleted 3 or 4 races.  Full series results are on ukresults.net.

Top of month  -  Top of page

September

Wednesday 4-Sep-2014 at 7:30pm:  Hades Hill fell race (Whitworth, near Rochdale, category BS, 5 miles, 1181ft climb)

92 finishers, last finisher in 59:37.   Full results are on ukresults.net.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 7-Sep-2014 at 11am:  Shelf Moor fell race (Glossop, category BS, 5.7 miles, 1500ft climb)

This was the 3rd and final race in the 2014 inter-club fell race competition.

Helsby RC won this race with 198 points, followed by Spectrum Striders RC with 176, Pensby Runners with 75, & Tattenhall Runners with 31.  Full results are available elsewhere on this web site.

Helsby won the series for the second year in succession with 695 points, followed by Pensby with 432, Spectrum with 359 and Tattenhall with 349. 

98 finishers, last finisher in 1:31:04.   Full results are on the FRA web site.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 7-Sep-2014 at 10am:  Wigan 10k

2559 finishers, last finisher in 2:04:48.   Full results are available here.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 7-Sep-2014 at 9:30am:  South Cheshire 20 (Crewe)

210 finishers, last finisher in 4:03:16.   Full results are available on ukresults.net.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 7-Sep-2014 at 10:15am:  City Of Salford 10k

2735 finishers, last finisher in 2:00:09.   Full results are on the TDL Event Services web site.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 7-Sep-2014:  Great North Run

41551 finishers, last finisher in 5:18:45.   Full results are on the Great Run web site

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 7-Sep-2014 at 8am:  Gritstone Grind

This is an end-to-end race along the 35 miles of the Gritstone Trail, from Kidsgrove to Disley.  There is a 12 hour time limit.

67 finishers (+ 2 DNF), last finisher in 11:05:18.   Full results are on the race web site

Both Charlie & the 1st lady both set new course records.

Here is Charlie's race report.  There are photos on Charlie's blog.

Another fantastic "Beyond Marathon" event, which was in its second running this year.  The route is on the edge of the Peak District and links the train station at Kidsgrove to Disley, a 35 mile linear route, that seems to take in everything resembling a hill between the two points – Mow Cop, The Cloud, Wincle Minn, Croker Hill, Tegg's Nose, Kerridge Hill and Sponds Hill – before dropping through Lyme Park into Disley.  There were 3 checkpoints and about 5 self clips between those.

There were some last minute places going about 2 weeks ago so I got a transferred place.  I'd been out in Switzerland for a week hitting just over 100 miles with about 8000m of ascent over the days I ran but was feeling great and quite fancied the run!  It's a similar thing to the Sandstone Trail over towards the other side of Cheshire.  On the whole the route was easy enough to follow if you were looking out for markers.  The most difficult bits were if you came into a farm yard for example and there were multiple paths in a similar direction.  Nothing too technical although I managed to overshoot a turning and ran back adding a measly 1 km to the distance.  I hadn't recced the route although in 2013 I helped out at checkpoints and had run a few miles of the route.  Also I'd passed by a few of the areas in other races, so a couple of parts looked familiar.

An early start to drive to the finish in Disley where we registered, parked and where the post race feast was.  A coach to the start for runners, arriving about 8am, and then there was a short time for people to get ready and warm up starting at 8:33am.  I ran a couple of km along the canal path we would start on and then there was a quick briefing before the off.  Lots of friendly faces around and the perfect clear, sunny morning helped charge everyone up.

I set out at the front at about 4 min kms for the first 4km which was canal path.  I could hear a set of foot steps behind so chatted to a guy Damien who seemed to be breathing very hard for the start of an ultra, we had a bit of broken conversation until the gradual first climb up Mow Cop which was fine apart from a cow that was in the single track path between two fences.  I tried shoving it out of the way but it didn't really have anywhere to go so rather than mount it and risk getting DQ'd for getting assistance I slid under the fence and ran around in the field before rejoining the path.  That was the last I heard off any other runners today.

Fantastic running along after Mow Cop.  I was enjoying the trail and could see I was approaching the Cloud quite quickly.  I recognised this section having run the Cloud 9 fell race route a few years ago and before I knew it I reached the CP at 9.5 miles in about 1 hour 8 mins and 9 minutes clear of a small group 2nd to 5th.  I find when I'm looking out for markers and running through new places I don't tend to notice the miles going by especially on such a nice day!  Didn't really notice the gradual climb of Wincle Minn and moved well towards the transmitter tower.  I looked back to admire the view and two heads moving up the track caught my eye.  I was a bit surprised by this and increased the pace off down the descent...  I glanced across and saw them clearly... turns out they had helmets on and were on mountain bikes... never mind!  I had run a couple of km around the 2nd CP last year whilst cheering on a client of mine who did the race and I recognised where I was and moved well into the CP.  I took some water as I'd drank my bottle by now and a few jelly babies and moved on up the next climb.

It was quite a fun section as we hit Tegg's Nose which was quite a good climb and lots of amused walkers as to what I was doing.  Pretty nice area again and a good descent.  I knew the CP wasn't far after Rainow although it was a little further than I expected and I'd forgotten about this ascent.  Pretty stiff and I managed to jog it up with some pretty small steps with a small group of walkers passing a few comments on my mental state.

Passing the top of a shooting range was a bit daunting so I kept my head down and before long reached this big white thing, The White Nancy.  After that a couple of undulations and I glanced at the watch to see what kind of time I'd be in for.  I'd expected anything up to 5 hours and thought with 3 km to go I had plenty of time to reach the end in about 4.56ish.  As the kms passed what I'd expected them to I thought about the little out and back I did earlier that added me some distance and upped the pace even further to try and get sub 5.....

I rolled in 5 hours 1 minute... not seen the official results yet but it was almost 1 hour ahead of a group of 3 that came in joint 2nd and I was 14 mins under the course record.  Some good performances all around on a surprisingly challenging course and a warm day.  Post race involved laying in the sun all afternoon tucking into a fantastic post race food spread with lots of fruit!

As always a perfectly organised event and at £18 entry fee, probably cheaper than staying at home!

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 7-Sep-2014 at 9:30am:  Montane Trail 13 (Delamere Forest)

149 finishers, last finisher in 3:38:09.  Full results are on the race web site.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Thursday 11-Sep-2014 at 7pm:  Club Road Mile

Thanks to Janet & Dave Redpath, Brian Lambert and Johnathan Cahm for doing the finish recording, and to Julian Spencer for typing up the results.

The Road Mile is a counting race in the Club road championship and can also count for Club Standards.

The route is in the Birchwood Park complex, starting and finishing near the Alive and Well gym.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 11-Sep-2014:  North West Triathlon (Nantwich)

Kate & Vince on their triathlon début did the "Sprint" distance – 500m pool swim, 20k cycle and 5k run.

There were 185 female finishers, last finisher in 2:48:21.

There were 349 male finishers, last finisher in 2:00:01.

Full results are on the event web site.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Saturday 20-Sep-2014:  Northern 6/4 Stage Road Relays

The venue for the 2014 Relays was Birchwood Business Park in Birchwood, Warrington.

Each leg was 6k for senior men and women.  Distances are approximate and are not accurately measured.

Full results are on the SportSoft web site. 

Men - 2pm

There were a total of 117 teams and 23 incomplete teams.

Women - 2:05pm

There were a total of 68 teams and 9 incomplete teams.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 21-Sep-2014 at 9am:  English Half Marathon (Warrington)

2014 finishers, last finisher in 3:43:10.  Full results are on the HS Sports web site.

Age categories this year were in 5 year bands up to age 55.

Sunday 21-Sep-2014 at 9am:  EHM 10k Road Race Challenge (Warrington)

This 10k was run in conjunction with the English Half Marathon (EHM).

391 finishers, last finisher in 2:30:49.  Full results are on the HS Sports web site.

Age categories were in 5 year bands up to age 55.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 21-Sep-2014 at 11am:  Sutton 6

This is a 10k road race.

135 finishers, last finisher in 1:19:55.  Full results on the race web site.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Saturday 27-Sep-2014 at 10am/11am:  Sandstone Trail Races (A: 17.1 miles/2150ft climb, B: 10.6 miles/950ft climb)

This race was on Saturday, not the usual Sunday, due to date clashes with other races. 

A Race starts in Duckington village, B Race starts near Beeston Castle, both races finish in Delamere Forest.

Full results are on the Deeside Orienteering Club web site.

The excluded time spent waiting to cross the A51 is not included in the runner's race time.

A race

154 finishers (+3 DNF), last finisher in 4:13:27.

B race

154 finishers (+3 DNF), last finisher in 2:35:02.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 28-Sep-2014 at 10am:  Macclesfield Half Marathon

689 finishers, last finisher in 2:50:54.  Full results are on ukresults.net.

This was race 7 (of 7) in the 2014 Cheshire County Road Race Grand Prix, run by the Cheshire County AA.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Sunday 28-Sep-2014 at 8:45am:  Berlin Marathon

22209 men and 6790 women finished, last finisher in 7:07:46.  Full results are here.

Top of month  -  Top of page

Tuesday 30-Sep-2014 at 7pm:  Track Mile (at Victoria Park, Warrington)

Many thanks to those who helped on the night (hope we haven't missed anyone out!) – Carol Stynes-Martin, Janet & Dave Redpath, Liz Whitfield, Andrea Millington, Angela Moore, Vicky Walls – also to Les Hewitt for typing up the results.

This is a closed event for Spectrum Striders members and takes place as part of the usual Tuesday evening track training at Victoria Park. 

Jude's time was a new Club FV40 mile record, beating Louise Dempster's record of 5:59 set in the Club Road Mile on 2-Sep-2004 by 11 seconds.

Top of month  -  Top of page