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Athletics: Mountain proves no obstacle
FELL, mountain and road runners converged on Llanberis for the 34th Snowdon International Mountain Race, which takes competitors up and back down Snowdonia's most famous peak.
Ben Mounsey and Steve Smithies of Calder Valley Fell Runners both ran superbly to record times of 1:14:22 and 1:18:26 respectively taking 17th and 25th places from over 400 starters.
While Mounsey has been mixing it with the very best of British fell running for the last couple of years it was Smithies' result that really stood out, with both of them beating many international runners and taking some notable scalps. Calder Valley's Andy Fleet also put in a sterling performance getting up and down the highest peak in England and Wales in 1:28:24.
Elite marathon man Andi Jones became the first ever man to take the title four times with this back-to-back win. Jones powered his way to the summit over three minutes ahead of the next competitor and was able to hold onto that lead in his history making run back to the finish in 1:08:15.
Not far behind was Yorkshire man and fellow England international Ian Holmes, who recorded the fastest descent of the day to overtake four runners on the long trek from the top. Murray Strain of Scotland was third man.
The most remarkable run of the day was from England international Katie Ingram who was eight minutes clear of next lady and national team-mate Pippa Jackson.
Ingram ran a super-fast time of 1:15:32 to finish in 20th place overall. England ladies made it a clean sweep with Emma Clayton coming third.
There was another mountain race closer to home on Saturday, the Ingleborough Mountain Race from Ingleton in North Yorkshire.
This, the latest counter in Calder Valley's club championships, featured a few Calder runners among its competitors. Kim Critchley of Knavesmire Harriers and Lisa Lacon of Holmfirth were first man and lady in 50:44 and 59:08.
Calder Valley results: Mike Wardle 63.05, Mick Banks 67.45, Linda Crabtree 70.19, Graham Lloyd 71.42, Tony Bradley 72:22, Martin Whitehead 74.25.
A NUMBER of red and white vests lined up outside the remote Packhorse pub in the windswept moors above Hebden Bridge as runners took part in the local Widdop Fell Race.
This cracking little event takes runners away from the sanctuary of the pub on a tour of the scenic moors. Competitors have to pick their way through narrow paths, tricky tussocks and ankle deep bogs before returning to the finish field through a section of shoulder high bracken.
Steve McDermott of Keighley timed his run to perfection, out-kicking Halifax Harrier Andy Thorpe to win the race in
51:46. Calder's Jason Stevens was third man in 52:52.
With a strong following from Wharfedale, it was their Harriers who went home with the men's team prizes.
Calder Ladies collected the team prizes with some determined running from Jackie Scarf, Clare Kenny and Claire Hanson who used their familiarity with the terrain to good effect. First lady back to the finish funnel was Deborah Gowans from Accrington in 1:03:42.
Calder Valley results: Jason Stevens 0:52:52, Chris Standish 0:56:23, Jonathan Emberton 0:56:29, Richard Hampson 0:59:52, Phil Scarf 1:01:12, Nick Murphy 1:02:20, Dick Spendlove 1:04:06, Rob Rawlinson 1:04:34, Tim Hayles 1:04:38, Rob Dobson 1:04:54, Mark Wharton 1:06:12, Jackie Scarf 1:06:23, Stephen Grimley 1:08:55, Clare Kenny 1:10:22, Claire Hanson 1:10:25.
CALDER Valley Fell Runners will be hosting its "Have a go at fell running night" from Mytholmroyd Community Centre on Tuesday evening.
Runners of all abilities will be most welcome. Check the website for details: www.cvfr.co.uk.
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Weather for Halifax
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy snow
Temperature: -3 C to -0 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
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