May 2005
Chairman’s Report
I’d like to begin by giving a big thank you to John Hunter who, supported by his hard working Committee, has led the club through a very successful few years. John now wants to get back to concentrating on his running and perhaps regain his advantage over a few of his rivals. John steps down as Chairman leaving the club in a very strong position.
I would also like to thank Cyril Fell who has stepped down from the Committee. Cyril has made a big contribution to the club as membership secretary and as a committee member and his input will be greatly missed.
My aims for the club are to ensure we continue to develop and grow both as a club and as individuals, and that we make sure we keep the special friendliness that exists amongst our members. As a club I want us to support each other, whether its helping our fastest runners to be successful in competition or in encouraging our newer members in their development as runners.
Let’s have a great year as a club and enjoy your running.
Pete Richardson
Swaledale Road Runners 2004/5
Success in races, an increase in membership, a sound financial base and a friendly supportive atmosphere in which to meet and run, what more could a club ask for? All the above are what I find at Swaledale Road Runners.
The last year has seen developments in all areas of the club. The early group now has so many members attending there have been times when they out numbered the later group, especially on dark cold winter evenings. The dedication of the 6 o’clock runners is shown in their addiction to speed work. Or is it Pete Richardson’s addiction and the rest gain the benefit?
The Newsletter goes from strength to strength. Jo Richardson does an excellent job editing each month, but it only really exists thanks to the contributions of club members. Last year close to 30 members wrote reports for the newsletter. The wide range of items is testament to the willingness of the club to support all in their running aspirations.
I started the year with the outline of a club competition in which points were to be awarded for positions achieved in named races. The idea was to attract more members to races. I am not sure if it was a great success, but the race reports show that members are present at races, and at times in numbers. The reports have encompassed a marathon in the desert, races in USA, walking in Austria, certain goings on in Lanzarote, races in the south of the country as well as local races. We have had a great deal of success in these events. Erika Johnson has won a set of County medals covering various distances. This year we joined the Yorkshire Vets, this has led to Glenys Nutter winning a gold medal and Eric Nutter a bronze at the York 5K and Tony Ward a bronze in the 10k Championship. In various races age category prizes and higher have been won. It was wonderful to see that Helen Smith won her first category prize at Kirkbymoorside last weekend. All of this goes towards lifting the profile of the club.
The Mid-week league was an even greater success than the year before. Erika Johnson was in joint first place and Paul Emson won his age group. Four club members, Richard Johnson, Paul Emson, Stuart Smith and Tony Ward were in the top ten which enabled our Elite team to finish second. 63 club members ran in at least one of the five events. 11 ran all five and another 8 completed four races. We continued our success in the Ladies event coming second to Ilkley. The Handicap at Ripon saw success for Blaise Ter Haar, who also happened to be one of those who ran in all five events.
An examination of the newsletter shows that each month we have gained new members, which of course is good news in itself. Each new member means a process of registration has to be followed. For several years Cyril Fell has acted as member-ship secretary. This is an important post as the strength of a club is measured by size as well as success. With the advent of the NoEAA computerised system Cyril has decided to step down from his post. I wish to take this opportunity to thank Cyril for all his hard work as membership secretary, but also for his excellent trips to Dublin.
The club has not just expanded in numbers, it has also expanded geographically. Each Wednesday the Northallerton branch meets and runs interestingly less hilly routes than are run on Tuesday and Thursday. I would like to thank Andy Broadley for all the hard work he has put into this development.
The winter training has gone well and it is pleasing to see so many people up at the trading estate investing in speed. Many thanks to Stuart Smith for all his efforts and to Pete Richardson for the work he has done with the early group.
The social side of the club continues to flourish, with events ranging from paint balling to panning for gold. Again, these events only happen because club members put in the effort to make them happen. Many thanks to the social committee for the work they do in supporting and helping to arrange these events. Each Tuesday and Thursday has seen someone willing to take the money, watch the club house and make the tea - all of these tasks make the club run smoothly. Again thanks to those people, especially Mick Gossage, who have undertaken these tasks.
During the last three years I have been fortunate to be Chairman of a club which is developing in all areas. I am sure that in the years to come the club will continue to flourish because the members are willing to take part, be involved and ‘do their bit’ to support the club. I wish to thank you all for your support. I now step down as Chairman of a great running club.
John Hunter
ship secretary. This is an important post as the
strength of a club is measured by size as well as success. With the advent of the NoEAA computerised system Cyril has decided to step down from his post. I wish to take this opportunity to thank Cyril for all his hard work as membership secretary, and also for his excellent trips to Dublin.
The club has not just expanded in numbers, it has also expanded geographically. Each Wednesday the Northallerton branch meets and runs interestingly less hilly routes than are run on Tuesday and Thursday. I would like to thank Andy Broadley for all the hard work he has put into this development.
The winter training has gone well and it is pleasing to see so many people up at the trading estate investing in speed. Many thanks to Stuart Smith for all his efforts and to Pete Richardson for the work he has done with the early group.
The social side of the club continues to flourish, with events ranging from paint balling, brewery trip, Xmas meal and panning for gold. Again, these events only happen because club members put in the effort to make them happen. Many thanks to the social committee for the work they do in supporting and helping to arrange these events. Each Tuesday and Thursday has seen someone willing to take the money, watch the club house and make the tea - all of these tasks make the club run smoothly. Again thanks to those people, especially Mick Gossage, who have undertaken these tasks.
During the last three years I have been fortunate to be Chairman of a club which is developing in all areas. I am sure that in the years to come the club will continue to flourish because the members are wiling to take part, be involved and ‘do their bit’ to support the club. I wish to thank you all for your support. I now step down as Chairman of a great running club.
John Hunter
The Great Grizedale Trail Race
"There's a bit of a hill at the start" Even by Richmond standards this route is undulating, and these words came back to me as I staggered up yet another slope, but fortunately the weather was perfect, views were fabulous and the pathways and well-marked. Of course the company was great too, not that I had the breath to chat, and 15 Swaledale road runners turned out for the day. Erika Johnson was first lady home in 66.54 beating her own course record. Richard Johnson was 5th man in 59.24, just beating first Vet over 50 Tony Ward who was close behind in 61.57. Pete Richardson led the next group with a time of 80.47, followed by John Hunter 81.03, Angie Went 82.43, Andrew Smith 83.04, Eric Nutter 85.32, Norman Bell 86.21, Andy Broadley 87.56 and Claire Stewart 88.53. Still smiling but slightly more tired than the racing snakes were Mary C-B 94.36, Jennifer Smith 96.11, Neil Stevenson 101.38 and Jo Richardson 115.48. I'd recommend the race to others but make sure you travel early as parking is limited, and pace yourself as there are no mile markers along the route. It would make a good family day out as there's a cafe, play park and climbing area as well as mountain bike hire and walking.
Mary Carnegie-Brown
Rothwell 10k
This race incorporated the Yorkshire Veterans 10k championship and as such attracted the counties top oldies. Perfect running conditions, a fast course and a quality field produced some very impressive times. Ian Fisher, well known in these parts for his mid week league domination, finished in 31.00 and this was only good enough for second place behind Julian Moorhouse of Birchfield Harriers who won the race in 30.03. Our own star on the day was Tony Ward whose time of 35.45 won the bronze award in the veterans championship in the over 50 category. This was a great achievement by Tony as he really was up against some fast runners in his age group and at the presentations it was nice that our club got a special mention as trophy winners so soon after becoming affiliated to the Yorkshire Veterans Association.
No prizes for the rest of us but I did manage a PB of 45.33, Alex Brown testing herself after a long injury layoff finished in 47.38, and was followed by Helen Smith in 59.01. Not wanting to be outdone by her husband Jo Richardson also achieved a PB with a time of 62.47 and Sue Smith crossed the finish line in 66.37.
A good race this one which has been chosen to host the 10k championship again next year. It would be nice if a few more of our club members could take part, who knows we could even compete for a few more trophies. Another special moment in the race was to be handed a bottle of water by Jane Tomlinson who along with her family was manning the drinks station. Who can fail to be inspired by this woman who has achieved so much through her running in spite of such a terrible illness.
Pete Richardson
No prizes for the rest of us but I did manage a PB of 45.33, Alex Brown testing herself after a long injury layoff finished in 47.38, and was followed by Helen Smith in 59.01. Not wanting to be outdone by her husband Jo Richardson also achieved a PB with a time of 62.47 and Sue Smith crossed the finish line in 66.37.
A good race this one which has been chosen to host the 10k championship again next year. It would be nice if a few more of our club members could take part, who knows we could even compete for a few more trophies. Another special moment in the race was to be handed a bottle of water by Jane Tomlinson who along with her family was manning the drinks station. Who can fail to be inspired by this woman who has achieved so much through her running in spite of such a terrible illness.
Pete Richardson
Kirkbymoorside 10k
The weather couldn’t decide what to do with itself on the morning of 1st May. It was sunny one minute and cloudy the next and as I walked along West End at 12.30 with Paul my husband and Kay, my sister-in-law to see the kids mile race the heavens opened and it threw down with rain. We huddled under umbrellas to watch the kids mile race, in which my niece, Evie was racing. Evie came 69th, improving on her place of 84th the year before.
There was a real carnival atmosphere in the market place as everyone got themselves ready and warmed up for the 10k race. At 2pm, right on cue, the sun decided to shine as we set off.
The route took us out of town towards Gillamoor, uphill all the way for two miles! There wasn’t a breath of wind and the sun was really beating down, ensuring that anyone who hadn’t warmed up beforehand was certainly warm now! When we reached Gillamoor, there were quite a few supporters standing on the village green and as we turned left into the village I heard strains of “Yellow” by Coldplay. I thought that someone had a boogie box playing from their bedroom window or something but it turned out to be a live band who were playing outside the pub. The lead singer of the band turned out to be Kay’s next door neighbour and it was great to be sung to as we ran through the village
As we turned right out of Gillamoor, a marshal offered me half a pint of beer. It was tempting, I can tell you!
We were soon at the first water station, with plenty of volunteers handing out the cups of ice cold water. It was so cold it made me gasp for air, but is was very welcome as the day was so hot.
Fadmoor was the next village that we came to, with more supporters out on the green, calling encouragement, such as “Downhill all the way from here!” Not long after Fadmoor, we reached the second water station, where we grabbed our second, very welcome drink. This time I was so hot and the drink was so cold I couldn’t manage to swallow it, so I poured most of it over my head.
We had a steep downhill stretch, followed by an equally steep but mercifully short uphill stinger. The organisers had placed a sign at the side of the road which said “Last hill!!” which was fantastic to see. The route is lollipop shaped, with the first and last part (the lollipop stick, if you like) following the same route, so we knew that the last mile really was all downhill, which was fantastic.
Turning the last corner into the market place and seeing all of those supporters was really encouraging, and I put on a final spurt towards the finish line. It was further away than I had thought but I kept up the pace and could barely see straight when I eventually got there! We were handed a bottle of water as soon as we finished which was much needed and we then filed round to receive our mugs.
All of the runners were cheered into the finish with equal enthusiasm by the supportive crowd from the first to the last. The Kings Head pub organised a barbeque and the prize giving took place there as well, with the winners receiving locally made pottery, rather than the usual medal and t-shirt.
This was a very well organised event, from the sending out of the numbers to the organisation on the day. There were loads of marshals on every turn, there was absolutely no chance that any runner could have gone the wrong way, the support from the crowds both in Kirkbymoorside and along the route was fantastic and the get together in the pub afterwards was, as you can probably imagine, most enjoyable!
This was my first race as an official member of Swaledale Road Runners and I hope, the first of many. I completed it in 69.35 seconds which has given me a good benchmark for future 10k runs. I’m looking forward to Kirkbymoorside 10k in 2006, where I aim to complete it in under 1 hour!
Special mention goes to Helen Smith who was 1st lady vet over 55 and won her first category prize.
Results were as follows: James Simpson 59.50, Helen Smith 60.00, Helen Ovens 66.25, Kate Staines 66.35 and Sue Smith 69.06.
Kate Staines
Another race in the West Midlands for me, partly along a route I used to take to work back in the 70s. This was mostly a trail/cross country race with hills that even Richmond had not prepared me for!
Conditions were good as, thankfully, the rain had held off during the morning, so the mud wasn’t quite as sticky as it could have been. Not much conversation with fellow runners unfortunately, so it was down to the serious business of a top three finish!
This was not to be. There were 62 other runners only marginally quicker than myself, out of a field of 190. My finishing time was 1 hour 25.04, 7th in the male over 50 class.
Slow, but steady progress I suppose.
Martin Luxton
Leeds Half Marathon
I travelled to Leeds to take part in the Leeds Half Marathon, a big event with only two Swaledale runners taking part. The race was very well organised with well stocked and well placed drink stations. I had been forewarned that the route was quite hilly by our new Chairman and that my time could suffer. The race started with a gentle downhill and then started to climb quickly for the next two miles or so. It was funny to be told by one of the Dragons team ‘it’s alright for you, your club train on hills all the time.’ Everyone knows just how much I love hills, but the training must of helped as I finished faster than at the Brass Monkey Half Marathon and was disappointed as I know I could have done better. The time on my watch was 1.41.48 but due to the time taken to cross the start line my official time was 1.43.52 and Pete Devlin finished in 1.51.44. This race is well worth doing and I would recommend it to anybody who wants to do a fast (are you sure? Ed) inner city race with a challenge.
Pat Neeson
Ilkley M.W.L.
It was great to see such a large Swaledale contingent at the first of this years league races. Fourth in the main competition and second ladies team were good results on the night.
There were some excellent personal performances on the night. Erika Johnson and Liz Sowter produced excellent times as usual and were brilliantly supported by new members Katie Riseley and Charlie Toothill.
Richard Johnson again led the men in with Tony Ward, Stu Smith, Paul Emson and Andy Gaines scoring well.
Dates of Races:
Tues 7th June RZH 7.45pm
Tues 21st June Skipton 7.45pm
Tues 5th July Harrogate 7.45pm
Wed 20th July Ripon - Handicap 7.30pm
The club is covering the cost of entry this year. Club vests must be worn.
Race Diary
Time to get those summer races entered and test the winter training out. The race folder is full of entry forms at the moment, so there’s no excuse!
May 29th Raby Castle 10k
May 29th Wigginton 10k
May 29th Melmerby 10k
June 4th Kirkby Malzeard 10k
June 5th Thirsk 10m
June 12th Harewood House Chase 10k
June 26th Rainton 10k
July 2nd Burn Valley Half Marathon (Masham)
July 10th Kilburn 7m
July 17th Eccup 10m Y.V.A.A. Championship
A.G.M.
At the recent club A.G.M. the following proposals were received, put to club members and agreed upon:
Creation of a position of Honorary Life President for Norman Bell in recognition of his contribution to the club over the years.
Creation of a committee position for a representative of the Northallerton branch, Andy Broadley to be considered for this position
The removal of the fine issued for late payment of annual subs.
Other proposals received and agreed upon were for committee positions. The committee is now made up of the following:
Chairman Pete Richardson
Vice Chairman Eric Nutter
Secretary Jo Richardson
Treasurer Angela Bell
Ladies Captain Erika Johnson
Men’s Captain Stuart Smith
Membership Secretary Richard Johnson
Northallerton Representative Andy Broadley
Newsletter Editor Jo Richardson
Publicity Liz Sowter
Trophy Winners
Best Overall Lady - Erika Johnson
Best Overall Male - Richard Johnson
Lady Veteran - Liz Sowter
Male Veteran 40/50 - Pete Richardson
Male Veteran 50+ -Tony Ward
Fastest Veteran - Paul Emson
Most Improved Male - Pat Neeson
Runner up Improved Male - Martin Luxton
Most Improved Lady - Alex Brown
Runner up Improved Lady - Lin Gossage
Endeavour Cup - Eric Nutter
Marathon Cup - Jackie Keavney
Fell Runners Cup - Sven Wardle
Founders Shield - Pete Richardson
Windy Miller Trophy - Pete Richardson
Junior Shield - Blaise Ter Haar
Kathy Windley Shield - Angie Bell
Chairman’s Cup - Stuart Smith
Wooden Spoon - Norman Bell
Subs
Subs are now overdue, £10 for full members, £5.00 for social, juniors and people in full time education. Please send to:
Richard Johnson, or see Richard at the club house A.S.A.P. Cheques payable to Swaledale Road Runners.
New members
A warm welcome to new members Andrew Smith, Suzanne Robertson, Anne Caven, Julia Spittle, Catherine Sunter, John Lynch, Charlie Toothill, Katie Riseley and Heidi Varley
G.N.R. Bus
We have had some enquires about our usual bus to the Great North Run. As most club members are boycotting the race due to the exorbitant rise in entry fee we were not going to run the trip. But if we get enough numbers for a trip to be financially viable we will run one. If you or any one you know ( don’t have to be club members) would be interest in a trip please let Norman Bell know a.s.a.p. Cost will be £8.00 p/p
Club Birthday
In April next year the club will be 20 years old. We would like to hold some events to mark the occasion, if you have any ideas please let any committee member or social committee member know.
Thought for the Month
When you are up to your neck in it, avoid losing your head!
Cyril Fell