S W A L E D A L E ROAD RUNNERS

Chairman’s Report

We have had two club nights in the new running year and on each night we had over 40 people attending. Among those present were a few first timers so the club is showing signs of continued growth, which is a good thing. Planning is already taking place for the Richmond Castle 10k. Stuart Smith is busy attending meetings for the organisation of the Mid Week League. I am told there will be a new venue in Horsforth for one of the races.

It was great to see such a wonderful turn out for Norman’s fancy dress run. This reflected the club attendance at the Jolly Holly Jog which allowed the club members to celebrate the festive season together. Maybe a few more members will be seen running at local races during the spring and summer months.

Several of you will have started your training for the London Marathon this will include Martin Luxton, Lin Gossage and Glenys Nutter, who were drawn out of the hat to receive the three club numbers. I wish you all well in your training.

I wish you all a Happy New year and hope you enjoy your running.

John Hunter

Christmas Cracker 10k -

Scarborough

Accompanied for the first time by my husband David, we set off from home rather late and as we drove through rain I wondered whether it was worth making the effort. The day improved however when we saw a deer crossing the road in front of us and another waiting in the woods.

We arrived about 15 minutes before the start which gave me just enough time to sort myself out and run down to the starting line where I met up with Glenys and Erika at the front of the field. The course consised of 2 laps which passed through housing estates and the roads of Cayton. There was a fair hill at the beginning of each lap

with a few other hills throughout the course. The chap dressed as Father Christmas was very popular with the children who came out of their houses to watch and the people waiting at the bus stop. Although it wasn’t the most scenic of courses, we were spurred on by the support from Richard, Eric and David.

Erika Johnson finished third lady in a time of 39.50. I was pleased with my PB of 46.52 and Glenys ran well to finish in 60.35.

Alex Brown

Loftus Poultry Run            

WARNING: this race report is not suitable for vegetarians. As in 2003, my last race of the year was the Loftus Poultry Run, a hilly multi-terrain race of a vague distance between 7 and 8 miles. Last year we were running in near gale force winds, so the blue skies and glorious sunshine we enjoyed this year made it less of an epic and more of an enjoyable run. It is still a challenging course, with a long uphill drag for the first few miles and a couple of muddy fields to contend with, but there was a great atmosphere, with some serious competition among local clubs as well as a number of runners in fancy dress. The winners were rewarded with 20 pound turkeys, enormous hampers and a sack of potatoes. As these prizes were awarded the race organiser pointed out with a sadistic glint in his eye that these skinny front runners would not be able to lift their prizes. I didn't have to face that problem, but just sneaked into the prize list and won a seven pound turkey as third over 35. Thanks to the conditions I was slightly faster than last year andfinishedin57.01.

 

Liz Sowter

Langdale Christmas Pudding 10k

Considering the distance from Swaledale to Langdale, the club had a very good turn out for this popular pre- Christmas run, with 8 of us lining up at the start. For the last couple of years John and I have made a week-end break of it, and have stayed at the New Dungeon Gyll – to be highly recommended.

It’s a “well organised” race, with Rod giving it his ‘personal’ touch with his copious, hand written instructions for the race. The race starts at Chapel Stile, heads up the valley and finishes back at the local school. It is a deceptively difficult route ie one expects it to be ‘easy’ coming back, but it’s not!!

On the  morning of the race conditions were ideal – calm, cold and sunny. A large field of 475 runners set off in very good spirits. ( this figure doesn’t take into account the dog that followed us round most of the course. )The nature of the out and back course make you realise just how quickly other people are running, but it’s also an opportunity to support each other en route.

The winning time was 33.29 by Peter Newton of Claremont, with Rebecca Robinson, unattached, first lady home (36.39) Swaledale  runners were spread out throughout the field. First home was Richard Johnson (35.57), Alex Brown was next to finish in a great time of 46.12 – yet another PB – sorry Alex, but the official time of 43.46 doesn’t count!! John Hunter was hot on her heels (46.36)

 Pete Richardson just managed to sneak under the 50 minute mark (49.56)  Eric Nutter and I ran together. In spite of Eric’s recent hospital treatment, it was he who dragged me round  and we finished in a ‘comfortable’ time of 56.43 – some serious training is called for on my part.

Glenys Nutter had another great run and ran 3 mins. quicker than last year (59.51) For her efforts, she won her age category – well done.

Jo Richardson is getting back into race mode and finished strongly. (1.08.28)

This is a race I would highly recommend, and like many other races, you need to get your entries in EARLY

Marian Hunter

Jolly Holly Jog

17 club members enjoyed this scenic post Christmas race. Richard Johnson had some tough competition at the front end but finished 7th in 36.24. Tony Ward won the male over 50 trophy, finishing 16th overall in 37.55. It was good to see Keith Richardson making a rare appearance in a green vest completing the 10k in 42.54. John Hunter finished in 47.55 just ahead of the contest between Jackie Keavney 48.19 and Alex Brown 48.29. Vic Parkinson overtook me when I wouldn’t engage in conversation and crossed the line in 49.47, I followed a safe distance behind to finish in 50.46. Steve Hirst was next in 53.21, followed by Sharon Morrison (who doesn’t do races, by the way) in 54.27. Andy Broadley was next to finish in 54.52 with John Anderson close behind in 55.24. Marian Hunter recorded a 57.17 time and was joined at the finish by Helen Smith 62.41, Marathon trainee Lin Gossage 65.30, Jo Richardson 66.43, and Graham Turnbull 74.33.

Pete Richardson

Morpeth 11 km

New Years Day saw us up early and on our way to Morpeth. The town is the venue for one of the oldest races in the country, The Morpeth to Newcastle Half Marathon. However the club also organises the little known Morpeth 11km road race. It has been several years since Erika and I have run this race. This year we decided to return.

Nothing has changed much, the car park was full of horse vehicles on our arrival, the hunt having just left with a pack of hounds, we were not the only ones out for a gallop today. We collected our numbers in the Rugby Club. One of my little pre-race routines is to pick an even number and ensure all my pins fixing the number to my vest point to my left, why I started this routine I'll never know. No.346, not bad I thought.

The Race starts some 400yds down the road, Erika, Eric and I warmed up and Glenys held our coats, The Mayor of Morpeth is invited to start the race. Being New Years Day the field looks to contain only small field of dedicated runners.

The Mayor raises the starting gun and pulls the trigger, The noise is deafening, we set off and are still laughing about it 100yds along the route. The race settles as the first mile passes quickly, the wind has now increased. This is the start of a long climb through the surrounding countryside. The wind in places is so strong as to leave you nearly struggling to get forward momentum. After what seems an eternity you take a left turn to pass a large pharmaceutical factory, it is all downhill for the next 3 miles. Entering Morpeth you now turn left into a park with unusual steep rolling path which follows the river, pass under a footbridge and gallop the last 100yds to the finish, not forgetting to smile for Glenys who is poised with camera.

Erika followed not far from the leading lady, to grab 2nd prize, Eric wrapped against the biting wind, enjoyed a testing route.

Looking at the results after we had finished I was 13th, my race no.346, when added together totals 13, another superstition for the New Year!!

Richard Johnson

Norman’s Fun Run

35 runners braved the rather wet and muddy conditions at what we know as Norman’s Annual Fun Run, but what onlookers may think is a mass escape from the asylum.

Whilst some members chose to wear their latest gear that Santa delivered others donned more unconventional dress! So if someone told you they saw a big pink fairy, a brightly coloured birdman, a couple of Arabs, a nun and a monk being chased by the Devil, a Pirate, a Christmas tree, Scouse John, a man in a frock or a lady half out of her pyjamas out running, they probably did.

Many thanks to Angela and Norman for hosting the event, to Mick and Cyril, Coral and Amber for helping out. Congratulations to Norman ‘Tinker-Bell’ for winning the fancy dress competition. To Linda Turnbull who was presented with the quiz prize and to Richard Johnson who won the raffle for ‘Padraig’ (see the website).

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Pete Richardson

Race Diary

Feb 6th       Blackburn Winter Warmer 10k

Feb 6th       Dewsbury 10k

Feb 20th     Snake Lane  10m (Full)

Mar 5th      Haweswater Half Marathon

Mar 13th    Redcar Half Marathon

Mar 19th    Coniston 14

Mar 20th    South Leeds 5 mile

Richmond Castle 10k

The Richmond Castle 10k will take place on Sunday 16th October and I am pleased to announce that the Hilly Clothing Company will be sponsoring the event. Running legend Ron Hill is hoping to be in attendance and to compete in the race. New members Andrew and Avril Steele from Dale-Sport, Bedale and physiotherapist Angie Stirk have also kindly offered their support to the race.

Pete Richardson

Northallerton Branch of S.R.R.

The Northallerton branch will be open for business from Wednesday 19th January. The Mencap centre will be open from 6pm with a view to going for a run at 6.15pm as we have to be out of the building at 7.30pm (8pm on alternate weeks). Cost will be 50p per session, drinks will be available after your run. On 9th Feb there is a function booked which will mean we will not be able to meet that evening, hopefully this will be a one off although Mencap will have first choice with booking the building. The booking secretary will not book further events on a Wednesday if this proves popular and we make a long term booking. If you need any more information please contact me

Andy Broadley

Club Kit

Those of you who follow the fashion scene know that green is the in colour at the moment. This means our exclusive limited edition range of club clothing is a must have and there has never been a better time to make a purchase. We’re pleased to announce that the entire range is available at 2004 prices, what a bargain!

Hats £4.50 (only a few left)

Fleeces £22.00 (top quality and very warm)

Sweatshirts £12.00 (keep you warm pre-race)

Vests £13.00 (essential for that race)

Pete & Jo Richardson

New members

A warm welcome to new members Robert Jones, Andrew and Avril Steele, Karen Stephenson, and a warm welcome back to Dave and Emma Slater.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Jim and Sarah Gleave on the birth of their son Matthew.

Committee Meeting

The next committee meeting will be on Thursday 3rd February at the club house after training. If you have a matter you wish to discuss you can either pass it on to a committee member or you are welcome to attend the meeting.

Thought for the Month

Why is it some folk are willing to give a hand whilst others won’t lift a finger?

Cyril Fell