New Years Eve 2008 - Auld Lang Syne Fell Race

Over 550 runners turned out in freezing weather for a final race of the year, although only one Spen male runner (me) and 3 ladies. Despite having deliberately not over-done the cycling on the lead up, I had what was probably my worst run of the year and felt uncomfortable from start to finish, only just finishing in the top half. Rubbish!

Click here for a full write up, and results.

Ingleborough Fell Race 2008 (AM, 7 miles, 2000ft)

There was a good Spenborough turnout for this Summer Classic. Best battle was between the evergreens Frank Reddington and Steve Moss. The guys should the youngsters (the 40 somethings) the way to do it.

The ever mysterious Skip Donaghue managed to be first Spen home and strangley managed to ease his club vest past all the cameras.

Frank won the battle of the supervets coming home just ahead of Steve Moss














Then less than a minute covered Michael Dransfield, Chris Jones and Gareth Patchett.
































Edward Wilkinson was next Spen back. claiming "this fell running is so easy"

Jackie Carter won the battle of the ladies coming in 16 minutes ahead of Hazel Pike


















Matthew Jones also had a good run in the Junior Race

The Curse of the Badger Stone - 24th May 2008

An epic tale of youth vs experience on Ilkley Moor

'The Curse of the Badger Stone'

Starring (in order of appearance) :

Ryan & Michael Dransfield

Emma & Edward Wilkinson

Matthew & Chris Jones

Act 1 - In the beginning...

The concept was simple; a relay race that matched a team of parents against their offspring to find out who would win. Simple eh? The event we chose was the “Badger Stone Relay”, an annual fell race held at Ilkley. Rumour has it that one of us (might have been Chris) had a navigational disaster at the same event last year causing the Spenborough trio to finish in last place?

Act 2 - The curse strikes once...

The first attempt to run the race in 2008 was back in April with a line-up that included James and Martin Thompson. However, we arrived only to find the race had been cancelled at the last minute. Still we had an enjoyable training run, and Michael got the chance to try his hand at bog snorkelling.

Act 3 - The curse strikes twice...

Not to be put off, we decided to try once more at the re-scheduled event on 24^h May. But this time, James Thompson, was unable to take part due to injuring himself in a bizarre shopping trolley accident. This effectively ruled out both James and Martin, due to our parent/offspring competition rules. Undeterred, we found two willing and capable substitutes in Emma and Edward Wilkinson, and the race was on once more!

Act 4 - The curse strikes thrice...

The teams were there, the weather was good, and the race was on! Ryan v Michael on leg 1, Emma v Edward leg 2 and Matthew v Chris on leg 3.

Ryan got off to an early lead ahead of Michael, but it was close, and no-one was prepared to accept my bet that Michael would win-out. They disappeared out of sight, and when they re-emerged on the descent, Michael had pulled out a lead, handing over a 30 second advantage to Edward.

Edward set off with intent, but Emma was in hot pursuit and closing him down. Again they disappeared from view, and it was some time later, we were all surprised to see Edward on the descent but no sign of Emma!

Unfortunately, Emma had made a wrong turn on the unmarked course during the descent, and lost valuable time. Consequently, Chris had a big lead on Matthew, which meant that it was always going to be an uphill (joke) battle for the youngsters from there on.

So experience won out over youth this time, but how long can it continue?

Sweets for the youngsters (1^st junior team) and beer for the parents (2^nd vets team), and a fun afternoon out for all. Watch out for a re-match in the near future!