It is pleasing to report another successful year. We received a mention in The Runners’ World magazine as being a friendly club willing to welcome beginners. I am not sure how they found out the truth. To underline this Norman Bell is taking out a group of 15 beginners at 6:00 on a club night and more keep appearing. Our membership numbers have increased to the extent that we received three London Marathon places this year, we normally only receive two.

The Mid-Week League results were extremely pleasing. The Ladies achieved second place and although Ilkley were worthy winners we can but wonder what the result would have been if the Richmond race had taken place. The Club Team was placed 5^th and with Norman Bell winning the handicap race, others also being well placed, we can be rightly pleased with our efforts. 40 club members took part in the four events. The 2004 League started at Skipton and 25 members made the journey. I am pleased to say that the Ladies are in second place and planning to close the gap on Ilkley.

As I keep repeating that we are a running club, last year there were 50 race reports in the news letter (that does not include some of the USA races). Marathons were run in Europe (Budapest/Dublin) and America (New York/Boston) as well as in UK. Through out the year there were reports of PBs and excellent efforts. Team prizes were collected by the Ladies at Yorkshire Dragoon and by the club at the Fell Rescue 5 mile as well as the success at the Swaledale Marathon. I introduced the club nominated races point system in the hope of seeing more of the club at local races. Time will tell if it is working.

We had another successful Dublin trip, word seems to be spreading as runners from other clubs are already asking about this year and are disappointed when told those who are going are making their own way. Many thanks to Cyril and Winnie for all their efforts and well done to all of those who took part.

Many thanks must go to Brian Paddington for all the effort he put into the Coast to Coast club relay. We finally made the sea at Robin Hoods Bay just in time to catch the Fish’n’Chip shop. I know all those who took part on any or all of the days had a wonderful time.

The annual day out in Newcastle/South Shields went well and we will no doubt be organizing a coach this year but with the entries closing so quickly there maybe a few disappointed runners in the area.

The Castle 10k went well apart from a few blips which were out of our control. Many thanks to those who gave of their time to make the race the success it was. Vic Parkinson did an excellent job organising the marshals and is looking forward to running in the race this year.

The re-structuring of the social committee has allowed a framework to be developed around which social activities can be planned. When cross training becomes a social event we must be doing something right. The club turned out in force when Eric and Glenys invited members to a mid week run starting at their home. The scenery was wonderful and the food excellent. It was good to meet up with the members of Ripon Runners at the same event.

We did attempt to create a link with Blackburn Road Runners but it did seem that it was easier to travel from Richmond to Blackburn than it was to travel in the other direction, never mind it was an enjoyable race.

Many thanks to Richard Johnson for maintaining the club web site. There is no doubt that it is visited by many non-members, close to 100 entries for the 10k were on entry forms obtained from the site. Some of our new members first heard about us via our web page.

The newsletter goes from strength to strength a matter we must thank Jo Richardson for. The contents of the newsletter allow members far and wide to keep in touch with the club. The amount of information we send out could be a factor in the decline in numbers at the monthly club meeting, the meetings may be redundant.

Thanks to Jo and Pete Richardson we have club fleeces, sweat shirts and hats. It is great to see ‘The Green’ at race meetings hopefully I will see more of you at races in the next year and will be able to report on the success of the Club Points Championship. July’s races are the Swaledale Mid Week League 8^th July, Ripon Handicap 21^st July, Burn Valley Half (Masham) 2^nd July and The James Herriot Trail run 25^th July (Club Picnic)

Having visited the Grizedale Visitor Centre last year with my family I knew this was a lovely area and, bearing in mind it was one of the Club's designated events, it took little persuasion for Norman to enter this one too. The midday start meant we could pick Norman up in Richmond at 9 am and still get there in plenty of time. The visitor centre was easy to find and there appeared to be plenty of free parking available. We soon found the Nutters, Johnsons, Hunters and Slaters followed by the café for a pre-race cup of tea and the loos. Unfortunately Emma was unable to run on the day but I'm sure that this pleased her little dog.
Ten minutes to go and we'd better find the start line which, according to a couple of people I'd asked, was "just down there". This turned out to be just down there and 300 yards up the other side! Alice, "I'm tired Daddy", was now happily riding on my shoulders going up the hill (not ideal preparation for a tough 10 miler) as Anna and Ethan lagged behind. We were twenty yards from the back of the field when the gun, or whatever it was, went off so a bewildered Alice was quickly deposited on the ground as Norman and I ran after the other runners and left her. Fortunately Anna soon gathered her up but so much for the pre-race photo with the mountains in the background!
Glenys had warned us that the start was tough and we soon knew she hadn't been kidding as we slowly climbed up and up. It must have been about 3 or 4 miles before the route started to level out a bit and around this time we caught up with and passed Marion. .
Underfoot the surface was very good and although the tracks reminded us of running in the forests around Osmotherley we were pleased not to have to endure any mud to speak of. After about an hour it started to rain. I suppose we had run approximately 6 or 7 miles at this stage but with the undulations and total absence of mile markers it was hard to tell. .
We were waiting for the sting in the tail, one last hill before the end according to Glenys and she was right again, before descending back towards the visitor centre when a very pleasant girl came level with us whom took some persuading to actually overtake us. She had been following our two green vests for so long that she thought we should finish in front of her - what wonderful Corinthian spirit we thought. However, we would have none of it and encouraged her to push on ahead as we still weren't sure where the finish line was or whether, in any case, we could actually keep up with her .
Very soon after this welcome distraction we heard the encouraging shouts of the children and I've got to admit that I felt a little lump in my throat, this being the first time they had seen me in a race. I'm going to make the most of it whilst they are still young as I'm sure there will come a time when they are too embarrassed to admit that their Dad is not one of the front runners. .
Although a bit damp, Norman and I were nowhere near as wet and cold as Anna and the children, who appeared like a couple of little drowned rats with arms held aloft hoping their Dad would pick them up. As Anna struggled to get to grips with the camera (she managed to miss us but not someone who was just behind!) it was hard not to slow down more than we did. .
It was at this point, and only 50 yards from the finish line as we were soon to find out, that Marion sped past us, running as if her life depended upon it. Norman and I finished seconds later, somewhat in a state of shock, before a drink of water from a plastic dustbin brought us to our senses. We were, after all, only here to get some tough miles in our legs and we had certainly done that. The wonderful scenery was a bonus and we were grateful for the support of Anna and the children. Also, Anna is in no doubt whatsoever about what to do the next time she is standing near the finish when someone looks as though they are going to pass me and I'm not looking totally incapable of a final spurt i.e. shout "watch out behind - get a move on".

As the rain steadily got worse we got some extra training as we ferried the children back to the car. It was a pity the weather was so bad as we had intended to meet up with the other Swaledale runners after the race for the usual exchange of thoughts. However, after a quick change into dry clothes, a flask of tea and half a sandwich each we were on our way home.

Overall the race had an amateurish, unorganised feel about it with the absence of mile markers, easily identifiable marshals and water stations until the finish. We didn't seem to get much for our £8 entry fee but I agreed with Norman that we'd definitely enter again.

It was only a couple of days later that Norman said we had missed out on free tea and hot cross buns after the race - but we hadn't known. Also, there had been plenty of spot prizes handed out and Marion was lucky enough to have been given a bottle of wine for finishing where she did. Cheers Marion!
 

Andy Broadley

This was a race which started with a mission, my brief was to meet a man with a package, we arrived at our destination early, a slug of coffee and eye contact was made across the car-park, I took the mother-in-law for protection. Pleasantries were made and said package was handed over.

Back in the car all was revealed, I was the proud owner of a new Green Vest, my old maroon one cast aside. I was now a confirmed Swaledale runner. Fellow green vest members also started to arrive, we all made our way to the start line, below the tree line of the Grizedale forest. After Race instructions were received we galloped off into the woods. An arduous three mile climb rewarded us with fantastic views over Coniston and Hawkshead, an undulating track on the tops followed before a long fast and furious descent, a nasty cattle grid some 100m metres from the finish made for a wild leap before a sprint decided the finishing order for my first outing in a Swaledale vest, I was narrowly pipped at the post, but was pleased to come in second place. Erika was first lady after bizarrely being let through when the leading lady stepped into the woods to answer the call of nature. Dave Slater finished next with our chairman John Hunter finally showing Eric Nutter a clean pair of heels. Marian passed Andy Broadley and Norman in the last mile, Glenys Nutter wrapped up the team nicely.

Post race goodies included hot coffee/tea and exceptional Hot Cross buns in the forest centre, Norman had long departed and missed a right treat. The prize giving heralded a swathe of prizes, Richard, Erika, John, Marian and Eric all came away with bottles of plonk, the moment snapped by photographer Glenys.

Having followed the training program almost to the letter I felt ready. We set off to London on the Friday; the weather was chilly as usual. But by the time we reached London the temperature had climbed to 18.5c. (Not good), I collected my running number and iron on transfers to put my name on my vest. Then the rest of the weekend was spent at my cousins house carbo-loading and mugging everyone that came to visit to sponsor me. On Sunday morning I woke to find my prayers had been answered. It was raining as I had hoped. I got to the start with only 20 minutes to go before the off. There were 8 starting pens and I was in no 8 so it was over 9 minutes before I reached the start line. After a very welcome toilet stop. I set off at a steady pace with shouts of " come on Clint " urging me on all the way to the finish. I kept a steady pace for 22 miles then it was time to take it one mile at a time. I finished in 4.hrs. 18. I didn't see any celebrities but I was too tired to look out for them anyway. Overall a very enjoyable day and I also managed to raise approx. £1000 for diabetes UK.

For approximately 20 years I have watched the London Marathon on television and thought I want to do that but never believed I could or would. So having my name drawn out of the club ballot meant a dream would come true.

Sue Smith kindly offered to train with me, which we diligently did in all weathers (snow, rain, hail, gale force wind!, just ask Sue). Many thanks Sue.

We travelled down to London on the Saturday and at the Marathon I met John ‘the Penguin’ Bingham of Runners World, who is an icon to all of us who run at the back of the pack. John invited me to join his pacing group and run the marathon with him.

Standing on the start line was quite an emotional experience and as a group we set off on our 26.2 mile journey. Somehow the rest of the group disappeared and for a number of miles John and I ran on our own together and he kept me well entertained with his wonderful stories and anecdotes. He asked me all about Swaledale Road Runners and what characters we have in the club. Hopefully none will appear in his forthcoming columns!

The marathon was a fantastic experience and to actually cross the finish line was one of the best moments of my life. I shall cherish the medal forever.

Before joining the club I never ever thought I would be able to complete marathons but thanks to the support, encouragement and patience shown to me by club members I have been able to make my dream a reality. Thank you all.

Marathon results: Liz Sowter 3.18.31, Pete Wicks 3.21.27, Dave Slater 3.52.59, Eric Nutter 3.55.07, Clinton Peart 4.18.06, Pete Richardson 4.25.26, Jo Richardson 5.59.21.

As preparation for the evening leagues Richard and I scoured the racing calendar for a 10km race. Not knowing the area around Kirby Moorside very well we were not sure what to expect, though we did suspect some hills, but we didn’t bargain for the unseasonally warm day and considering the unusual start time of 2pm it was even warmer by that then. The start leads you uphill out of the town on a steady climb for the first couple of miles on quite lanes. By the time we came to villages at the top there was a nice breeze to cool us. After the halfway point the course starts to head back with a nice decent for much of the way. The brass band serenaded us in and the high street was swamped with spectators from the three local hostelries making for a raucous finish. I finished first lady (42:23) and Richard was third man (36:04), winning some pottery plates made in the town. There were about 230 finishers, with a considerable number of Thirsk & Sowerby Harriers.

Another unseasonably warm day saw us this time over in Cumbria in the town of Milnthorpe. It was run almost entirely of very narrow country lanes, the sort with grass growing up the middle, consequently traffic wasn’t an issue though I did have an encounter with a wayward cat that was caught in the race melee. The race was hillier than I expected, though there was a nice downhill finish. This time I was second (42:26) and Richard did his normal trick of just being out of the prizes by being fourth (35:28). Glenys picked up a prize for her time of 61.09 and Eric finished in 46.49

Well done ladies on such a strong start to the mid-week league. This time last year we were in third place and we gradually worked our way up to come away with the trophy for second team. This year we are already in second place out of eleven clubs, ahead of Dragons - that other club in green - and behind last year's winners Ilkley. They are going to be a tough team to beat, but we are definitely the club that they need to worry about. Skipton wasn't exactly a local run for us but we came out in force and with several ladies making their debut at that race the only way from here is up! If you haven't already done so, have a look at the results on www.harrogate-league.co.uk and dream about who you might beat next time. If all this competitive talk sounds a bit much, just come along and enjoy yourselves. But if we could just enjoy ourselves a little bit faster than all the other clubs, so much the better!

If you would like to enter or need more info please see me on club nights. Even more info can be found on www.harrogate-league.co.uk, showing results, course maps, photos and how to get to the races.

Race dates are as follows:-

Thur 20th May Nidd Valley 7.45pm

Wed 9th Jun Otley 7.45pm

Wed 23rd Jun Thirsk 7.45pm

Thur 8th July Swaledale 7.45pm

Wed 21st July Ripon 7.30pm - (handicap and presentation)

As you can see we are hosting the race on 8th July, we would like as many members to run as possible but if any of you are not intending to run your services in marshalling would be appreciated. You may even have friends or family members who could assist. If you can help out please contact either Jo or Pete on 01677 427657 or at the club house.

                                                            Stu Smith

Congratulations to club member John Bull who has completed the Marathon des Sables, a gruelling 144 miles over desert sands (yes 144 miles, its not a typing error!). A full report will be in next months newsletter.

Best Overall Lady - Erika Johnson

Best Overall Male - Paul Emson

Lady Veteran - Jackie Keavney

Male Veteran 40/50 - Roger Webber

Male Veteran 50+ - Eric Nutter

Fastest Veteran - Paul Emson

Most Improved Male - Dave Slatter

Runner up Improved Male - Jim Gleave

Most Improved Lady - Ruth Wilford

Runner up Improved Lady - Ruth Sweetland

Endeavour Cup for Outstanding Performance - Glenys Nutter

Marathon Cup - Liz Sowter

Fell Runners Cup - Stu Smith

Founders Shield - John Hunter

Windy Miller Trophy - Norman Bell

Junior Shield - Johnathon Bunce

Kathy Windly Shield - Jo Richardson

Wooden Spoon - Sue Smith

Chairman’s Cup - Richard Johnson

Subs are now due. To enable you to avoid the monthly penalty you must now pay before 1st June. Most important is the fact that you will not be able to represent your club if you have not paid your subs before this date. You can forward them to me at : ’Goodison’ 1 Maple Road, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 4BW. Cheques should be payable to Swaledale Road Runners.

June 14th Climbing Wall - see details next page

June 16th Social Run - see details on next page

June 20th Paintball – see attached

July Keld to Richmond Run (details to

follow)

Sept 3rd Visit to Blacksheep Brewery (to be confirmed).

Dec 11th Christmas Dinner - Holly Hill Inn

It was wet and muddy but this just added to the fun of our day. We were split into two teams, the Yellows who had yellow guns and the Reds who had black guns (the instructor was Irish so what did you expect!). The day was made up of about 5 different courses in which we had to complete tasks such as taking over villages and defending our fortresses against the other team. We were kitted out in oversized combat gear (or in Georges case undersized !). We had been told at the briefing at the start of the day that if we were cornered and told to surrender we had to go to the ’sin bin’. On one particular course one of the opposite team was pointing his gun at everyone and shouting ’surrender, surrender’ so the majority of our team were ’sin binned’, Little did we know he was bluffing and actually didn’t have any paintballs left, we were well and truly tricked! The last part of the day Norman and George were put in a bit of an unfair disadvantage as they were put in a pen and we were told to let fire on them, by the screams of pain our aim had obviously improved as the day had gone on, but we all came home with plenty of bruises. A great day was had by all and the next Paint balling day is planned for Sunday 20th June so get those names on Norman’s list and don’t miss out on a great day out.

Yvonne Richardson

The details for the climbing wall session are:

Monday 14th June from 7:30 till 9:00. Approx cost based on 12 people climbing is £8. We divide the total cost for instructor and harnesses between the number there. Further details see me at the clubhouse or ring me on 01325 310444 e-mail geoff@kensettg.freeserve.co.uk

I will need to confirm numbers by Thursday 27th May.

Members of Swaledale Road Runners and Ripon Runners are invited to Leighton Lodge for evening runs.

There will be three or four routes planned to suit different ability groups.

Meet at 6.30pm. Runs start at 6.45pm. For further details contact Eric or Glenys on 01765 689077

A warm welcome to new member Lin Gossage

June 20th Race for Life Darlington

July 4th Skipton Tough Ten 10m

July 14th Pitstop 10k Croft

Kingsmill bread are giving tokens with every loaf which can be redeemed for sports equipment for the club. Make your butties out of Kingsmill and give your tokens to Jo, if we collect enough the club will benefit. The tokens will be on bread and bread roll packets until the end of August 2004.

Success is good luck – ask any failure.