Fireworks from speedy Lions runners in Guy Fawkes race

A healthy number of club runners headed to Nidderdale to tackle the challenging 10 mile course and Lindsay Upton led the Lions home in an excellent 1:11:18, finishing 28th overall, second woman and first FV45.

There were also two personal bests from John Carless, who finished in 1:21:01, taking more than five minutes off his previous best, and Margaret Conway, who finished in 2:08:46; an improvement of four minutes and 47 seconds on her previous best.

Amjid Khan finished in 1:25:18, just ten seconds ahead of Steve Hallam in 1:25:28. Helen Armitage followed in 1:29:41, with Cat Daniel finishing in 1:36:57 and Michelle Rogerson in 1:38:30.

Maria Chandler crossed the line in 1:40:22, followed by Sandy Gee in 1:46:29 and Zoe Russell in 1:47:08. Adam Morton finished in 1:52:42, while Trish Hallowell came home in 2:06:37. Steve Boyer finished in 2:08:26, with Sandra Pinder completing the Lions’ results in 208:46.

On Sunday, Ray Mooney flew the flag for Lions at the inaugural Meltham AC Tough Trail, which replaced the popular Cop Hill Fell Race with a new and challenging route. The race certainly lived up to its name, taking runners over mixed terrain with plenty of climbing and Mooney finished in 1:12:59.

Meanwhile, Helen Hudson was the sole Lioness at the Race You To The Summit fell race, comprising around 4.3 miles with over 800 feet of climbing.

Hudson’s excellent run of 46:34 was 47 seconds faster than last year’s time and earned her first place in the FV60 age category.

A total of 46 runners took part in Lions’ Beat The Curfew Run, which set off from the clubhouse at Heath Rugby Club.

The event highlighted the concerns of runners who, with the arrival of dark nights and mornings, think twice about heading out for a run, or feel the need to change to stick to well-lit areas and avoid off-road paths.

Stainland Lions host club runs for all abilities every week, as well as track sessions on Wednesdays. New members are always welcome to attend.