Swaledale Road Runners

Congratulations to all those who completed the Swaledale marathon on Saturday. Steve Brown won the vets trophy and the men's team prize went to the Swaledale team of Steve Brown, Tony Lambert, Stuart Smith and Derek Parrington. Leading the ladies Emma Robinson had a great run to finish in 4.19 in her first attempt at the event. Photos taken by John Wilson and Pete Richardson are now available in galleries.

Full results are now available on the SOC website.

I enjoyed the conditions but never really felt like I settled into the race and I have to say it felt like a bit of a battle all the way round. Jackie with Jellybeans was a joy to behold at Whaw. I was pleased with the pace I kept as far as Gunnerside, arriving in 3 hours and 10 mins. Unfortunately, I started to feel my limits after Surrender Bridge and sudden onset of cramp meant that I spent a few moments rolling around in the heather, yelping. Believe me, it was nowhere near as fun as it sounds. Thankfully, a kindly fellow runner loaned me a tube of "Bell's Muscle Rub" which is a product I'm going to buy shares in. That allowed me to shuffle the rest of the way, finishing in 4.42, 21 mins faster than last time. Jess Brown.

Sunday morning and the front of my thighs are telling a different story from the sheer enjoyment of the Swaledale Marathon yesterday. Soaked at times and evidence of sunburn (yes, really), all I wanted to do was reduce the time it took me in 2009. Pleased to say, with my constant support team of 1, they helped me shed 35 mins from it. The route always lends itself to a great sense of personal achievement. Well done to everyone who participated in SRR too. Chris Sayer

This was my 10th Swaledale Marathon (I have the badge to prove it) and I think it was the first time I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute of it. Having struggled on the recce run a few weeks previously I was realistic about my level of fitness. I allowed myself to go as slowly as I wanted on all the difficult bits: the long uphills, the tricky steep downhills and the boggy sections through the peat hags. I then picked up the pace on all the easier sections, avoiding the tempations of fruit cake and swallowing yucky energy gels. I picked off quite a few people in the last few miles and finished faster than expected in  4.44 . For once, the thought 'never again' didn't even cross my mind. Liz Sowter

Tony Lambert said afterwards that this was probably the most enjoyable run he had ever done. He ran with Steve Brown, benefitting from Steve's  knowledge of the route and of every little legitimate short-cut. In the closing miles Tony was able to help Steve maintain his pace. Great team-work! 

Perfect running conditions with a fab atmosphere from the start. Felt nervous excitement on the start line as first time I've run the whole marathon. Started off steady and got into my stride by Langthwaite. Was great to have done the recce runs as I knew what terrain to expect and could plan ahead as to where I would walk, where I would take on electrolytes and water etc... Had a time of 4hrs 30 in mind at the start and managed to complete in 4 hrs 19, so well chuffed...Thoroughly enjoyed the race, great organisation, legs very stiff!!!  Emma Robinson

This was my seventh attempt at running my favourite race, the Swaledale marathon. The conditions were perfect for me, not too hot or cold and not windy, and it was great to see so many of the club members taking part. My start up Fremington Edge was perfect, I didn't get trapped behind any slow runners and just took it steady, even when Tony, Steve and Stuart went belting past I didn't try to keep up. On the whole the first three miles went really well, it was just the next twenty I had a problem with! I staggered into Reeth in 3.49 which on reflection isn't too bad considering. I'd like to say a big well done to all the club members who ran the race (and won prizes) and a big thank you to all who marshalled and encouraged us along the way, and a big thanks to Steve Brown and Emma Robinson for all the training runs (and cake).It was a shame I couldn't race properly but bring on attempt number eight, I still think I've got a 3.30 in me. I can't wait! Martin Randall

After nearly missing the start (too busy talking in the car park) I had a fairly slow start. This wasn't helped by the fact that Pauline and I thought the flags with times on were pacers like you get at the London Marathon and it took a while to realise that they weren't moving. After this things could only get better. Pauline and I had only done one recce previously and got lost, so we latched onto another runner who showed us the way as far as Gunnerside and from there we managed to make it into Reeth all by ourselves. I've done Swaledale twice before (yes I realise I should know the way by now) and this was definitely the most enjoyable. We just got inside our target of 6 hours which was a PB for me and it was great being able to run the last few miles feeling relatively ok. I'm pretty sure I'll be back next year. Julia Spittle