Weekend review: January 21 & 22

Saturday January 21, 2012

Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series - Anglesey

The incredible Holyhead Mountain was the highlight for the fourth stage on the internationally acclaimed Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series. The series is open to all runners and the adventurous out there with 10K, half marathon, marathon and Ultra distances on offer, trail runners can decide just how much of the fantastic coast they want to take on.

James Heraty from Endurancelife said “Anglesey is an incredible location and the trail running on offer takes the trail runners from sea level, to plunging cliffs and a mountain summit a mile from the finish line. On race day the windy conditions added to the tough challenge.”

Local runner Andrea Rowlands took first place overall in the Ultra race in a 4hrs 54 mins (20 minutes ahead of any rivals) spoke about the course “I’m delighted to of won and it felt amazing reaching the top of the mountain, it was incredible windy all day, I look forward to returning next year.”

Stage 5 of the 7 strong Coastal Trail Series is in South Devon 18th February more details at www.endurancelife.com

Men's 10km results

Women's 10km results

Men's half marathon results

Women's half marathon results

Men's marathon results

Women's marathon results

Men's ultra results

Women's ultra results

Results for all four races click here

Buchlyvie 10k

Despite the cold,wet and windy weather, 223 runners braved the Buchlyvie 10k. This is a road and trail race with its fair share of puddles and some mud, with beautiful views of Ben Lomond and Ben Ledi (but not this year!).

David Munro of Ronhill Cambuslang Harriers was the winner in 34.20. Craig Prior of Dumbarton AAC finished second in 35.59 and Jan Pichl of Salford Triathlon Club was third in 36.10.

In the women's competition Claire Couper was victorious in 39.21, with Katie White of Garscube Harriers second in 39.40 and Hazel Smith of Portobello Running Clubthird in 41.18.

There was an enthusiastic turnout from the locals who are grateful to the runners for helping to raise money for the village hall and the Andrew Clark Trust.

The event was marshalled by locals and the cadets.

Men's results

Women's results

Click here for full results

Sunday January 22, 2012

Essar Four Villages Half Marathon

Some tough running conditions saw a Tipton Harriers 1-2 in the Helsby Four Villages Half Marathon this weekend. Martin Williams lead home the field in 1:08:32, with 89 seconds in hand over team mate Ben Gamble, who improved on two 4ths and two 3rds in consecutive previous years (albeit in a slower time, giving some idea of the conditions). Christian Prior, City of Chester Triathlon, completing the podium and first from a local club, a further 28 seconds behind.

Photo © Mick Hall - www.mickhall-photos.com

This was the 31st edition of a highly regarded opener to many people’s season. The first race was established as an answer to the first London Marathon. Both events draw an incredibly loyal and friendly crowd, with the Four Villages ever popular with north west club runners as well as attracting high quality club entrants from further afield, together with a healthy cohort of civilians.

In the women’s race local Gemma Connolly was first home in 1:21:05, improving on last year’s 4th, followed by Belgrave’s Louise Blizzard just 4 places behind and first F35, getting closer to a PB time set 8 years ago. Completing the trio another travelling runner, this time from the East Midlands, Nicki Nealin of Huncote Harriers (another strong F40).

The strong and blustery winds and an exposed course, meant that the course record was never under threat. Nevertheless further down the field were numerous PBs — including Adair Broughton first from host club Helsby RC in 24th with 1:17:49 — on what’s never an easy course. The steady climbing from mile 7 to 10 normally finds out any weakness in legs nearing their limit.

Photos, l-r: Third placed Christian Prior, second placed Ben Gamble and 2012 winner Martin Williams © Mick Hall - www.mickhall-photos.com

Despite the unpredictable wind, the weather gave us a good temperatures for running and a massive improvement on some forecasts. A personal highlight was seeing clubmate Dave Feakes get a pretty respectable PB on his 50th birthday. A great race, that always gets good feedback. Here’s to the next one!

Thanks to sponsors Essar, ASICS and Running Bear and our numerous supporters and volunteers that make it happen.

For further information check out www.helsbyrunningclub.org.uk

Photos, l-r: Third placed Nicki Nealin, second placed Louise Blizzard and 2012 winner Gemma Connolly © Mick Hall - www.mickhall-photos.com

Men's results

Women's results

Click here for full results

Moorland Multi-terrain Race

Following a week of rain, a frail sunshine broke the clouds as runners assembled at the Avon Riding Centre for the third Moorland Multi-terrain race. At about 10km in length, the route is primarily off-road but includes maybe 2km of tarmac, making for a difficult footwear decision.

The race raises funds for the Avon Riding Centre, a charity dedicated to the provision of riding tuition and therapy to adults and children with all kinds of disability. It is organised by volunteers from the Bristol-based off-road running club, the Town & Country Harriers.

The course is varied and full of character. After a quick tour of the paddocks, the runners swoop down a steep, uneven slope towards a nature reserve. Athletes can easily lose sight of each other as they twist their way through the head-height forest of bleached reed stalks. The route then winds its way underneath two motorways and around the outskirts of an industrial estate, where watery ditches lie in wait alongside slippery tracks. Finally, competitors face a sharp climb across fields to a small wood, where the sprint finish can begin.

To perform well, athletes must be sure-footed, confident on mud, and have no hesitation in getting wet feet. Rob Hayes demonstrated how it should be done by taking an early lead and finishing in a time of 38:39 - over two minutes ahead of the field. This was Rob’s first race win, but judging by his strong performance, it may not be his last. Marcus Mumford took second place in a time of 41:23.

The ladies race was close-fought. Sally Johnson lost her leading position while stopping to retie a shoelace. Lou Summers seized the opportunity and, despite a hard chase, Sally was unable to catch up. Honours for first female go to Lou Summers of Chepstow Harriers, in a time of 47:09; with Sally Johnson of Nailsea RC crossing the line in 41:21.

The record number of finishers this year is evidence of the event’s growing popularity. Town and Country Harriers are delighted to have helped Avon Riding Centre continue its excellent work. Thanks go to Wessex Water for allowing access to their land, race sponsors Moti, and all the many volunteers who made it happen.

Men's results

Women's results

Click here for full results