Sponsored by
Athletics: Stevens races in for first success

Published on Wednesday 17 June 2009 10:12

THE Calder Valley pairing of Jason Stevens and Joanna Porter decided to test themselves at the popular Kinder Trog Fell Race in Derbyshire.

And the decision paid off for Stevens who revelled in the hot conditions to record his first ever race victory, crossing the line in 1:55 to take the trophy by just two seconds after a sprint finish, with local runner Andy Pead.

Over 200 runners took part in the event which covers 16 miles with 3,500 feet of climbing in the Peak District National Park.

While Stevens was enjoying his victory, Porter was battling for a top 10 ladies position out on the dry, fast course, crossing the line an hour after Stevens as ninth lady.

Meanwhile, Calder Valley Fell Runner's club championships continued at the Hebden Bridge Fell Race.

The six mile event takes an alternative route up to the Stoodley Pike monument and returns via the bogs of Erringden Moor.

First to the finish line was Calderdale based runner James Logue of Horwich RMI, who made it two wins in a row.

Calder Valley's Adam Breaks recovered well to finish second having taken a bunch of following runners astray after taking a wrong turn.

Andy Clarke was first over 40 into the finish funnel and with Chris Standish third the Calder men finished as first team.

It was a similar story for the ladies who also claimed team victory. Jo Buckley continued her fine form to win with at least a five minute margin over Lucy Hobbs of race hosts Todmorden Harriers. Just fourteen seconds behind was next lady Sharon Godsman and third Calder counter was Claire Hanson.

Calder Results: Adam Breaks 47.30, Andy Clarke 49.44, Chris Standish 50.26, Steve Smithies 50.28, Jo Buckley 53.40, Tim Brooks 56.06, Tim Hayles 56.25, Phil Scarf 56.44, Mike Wardle 58.03, Johnnie Watson 59.08, Sharon Godsman 59.32, Carl Greenwood 60.53, Dave Culpan 60.58, Claire Hanson 61.25, Jeremy Wilkinson 61.58, Tony Steward 62.04, Barbara Lonsdale 62.28, Hugh Tooby 62.59, Martin Whitehead 63.28, Gillian Wibsey 65.41, Philip Jones 66.47, Graham Lloyd 66.52, Mick Banks 73.26.

Calder Valley members dominated the inaugural "Churn Milk Chase", a quick jaunt up to Crow Hill via the ancient Churn Milk Joan standing stone on the edge of Midgely Moor.

Eager to set a new course record were Adam Breaks, who made a return to fell racing with a hard-earned victory over club mate Steve Smithies who was first Vet just eight seconds behind.

Claire Hanson just edged out Jackie Scarf with a 19 second advantage to take the ladies' title, with Jackie taking the prize as first lady Vet.

Stainland Lions entered an open team in the annual Millennium way relay around Bradford.

Conditions were hot for the race which follows the 48 miles of footpaths making up the Millennium way, ran in five legs, starting and finishing in Bingley.

It has a total of 5,000 climb through woodland, fields and moors, and as always attracted around 50 teams with clubs from Holland and Belgium returning for the event, as well as home grown teams.

The Lions team finished 30th in a total time of 7 hours 51 mins and 28 secs.

Seven Stainland Lions scaled the heights of Pen-y-Ghent for the annual 5.5 mile fell race.

First home for the club was Richard Hand in 61 mins 39secs, closely followed by team mates Lee Naylor 61:55 and Warren Thomas 62:03.

Other Stainland runners: Graham Dyson 66:17, Steve Boyer 79:11, Sandy Gee 81:05 and Richard Fawthrop 81:55.

Two members of Stainland Lions took part in the Otley 10 mile road race last week.

The runners had to contend with the cold, wet and windy weather, but the Lions stuck to their task well with Steve Hallam finishing in 1hr 24 mins. 53 secs, ahead of team mate Dave Crowther, 1:43:49.

The Greenway 10K road race from Cleckheaton last week attracted over 100 runners including seven Stainland Lions.

First home for the club was Jess Riley in 40 mins and 22 secs, followed by Lorraine Naylor in 40:56 and Graham Dyson 43:59.

Other Stainland runners: Martin Wright 44:30, John Hirst 45:58, James Carville 46:03 and Andrew Toft 48:38.

Stainland Lion team: Richard Hand, Aileen Baldwin, Jimmy Smith, Linda Murgatroyd, Diane Waite, Jon Pridgeon, Warren Thomas, Richard Fawthrop, Steve Boyer and John Bassinder.