Antony Bradford - blog link

If you haven't seen it yet, our top road runner Antony Bradford has a really cool blog, with some interesting articles and great race reports.

Here are links to his reports on the Norton 9 Mile race, and the Liversedge Half Marathon.

Should competing athletes be expected to take on roles of responsibility within the club?

Most of the blog entries so far have been race reports, so here is one to break with tradition.

Should competing athletes be expected to take on roles of responsibilty within the club?

An accusation often leveled at athletes is that they are not prepared to take on roles of responsibility within the club. But is it fair to expect this from a competing athlete?

It's a tricky one, and I'm sure views will be divided. But there are 2 key words for me here, competing and expected. I've given this some thought, and my personal opinion is that it is something that should not be expected of a competing athlete, and here are my reasons for saying that...

• Our club motto is "train to compete", and in order to compete to the best of one's ability, it's necessary to put a lot of time into training, and that doesn't leave much time for anything else.

• We need to attract new members, and that means marketing the club. What better way of marketing the club is there, than week after week, pulling on a club vest, getting out there and competing?

• The club needs successful athletes to get articles in local papers, and to show up in the results in athletics periodicals, again promoting the club.

• In addition to the time needed for training, there is the travel to events, and in the case of those who are also the parents of competing junior athletes, taking them to and from events and providing support for them and their fellow team-mates.

• Contrary to popular opinion, training isn't all about having "fun" (although it can be at times) in fact sometimes it's a real drudge, getting out in the cold & wet and putting in the miles when you're tired from a hard days work is just plain tough!
  

Taking the above points into consideration, I believe that the competing athlete plays just as important a role (no more or less) for the club as an official of the club. Naturally, if the athlete personally feels they are able to dedicate the time and resources into taking on a such a role, there should be nothing to stop them doing so.

Thoughts anyone?

Noon Stone Fell Race (AM, 9 miles, 2300ft)

This is a great race, a real tough fell race, and one of my favourites. There is a nice web page about it on the Todmorden Harriers (organisers) site, and a pdf map. The race has been used in the British Championships in the past, and has a bit of everything, including a third of the course which is unflagged.

In 2006, Steve Moss and me (Chris) did this race, and it had snowed the night before, leaving the hills covered in 3 inches of snow. On the Saturday morning, it was a glorious day, brilliant sunshine, and I ran the entire face with that "glad to be alive" feeling. Check out our 2006 results.

This year, it was cloudy and grey, and I was the solitary Spen runner, but at least it was fairly warm at about 8C. I was also looking forward to it in a strange way, although I knew it would probably be the toughest race I'd done in the last 2 years. My sense of urgency regarding the looming 3-Peaks race in April made me want to test my legs out a bit.

The race starts with a short run down a lane to split the field, then it's straight into the first major climb. Then it drops down towards, but not quite reaching Withens Gate (Leg 2 on Calderdale Way) before climbing once more to Stoodley Pike. From there it drops down again to Withens Clough Reservoir, crosses the stream and climbs once more. At the top of the climb, it's onto the unflagged section which is basically across a heather moor, to the first checkpoint (Two Lads) 2nd check point (Little Holder Stones) 3rd check point (rain channel), then it's about a mile of reasonably runnable stuff before dropping back down the first hill, and finishing half way down the lane.

My tactic was to try not to over-cook it at the beginning, which I have a bad habit of doing, and to have something left in the tank for the end of the race. For me, pacing myself is going to be the biggest challenge in the 3 Peaks, so I want to try to restrain myself a bit in the shorter races during the lead-up.

The toughest section was the unmarked crossing of the moor, mainly because the "bog monsters" were out in force! I sunk over my knees a couple of times, and it was really strength sapping stuff. Anyone who's been running on any races over the tops recently will know what I mean, since it seems to me that almost every race is made harder by the ground being saturated from the persistent wet weather we've had over the last 2 years.

So, how did it go? Well, there were bits where I felt good, and bits where I felt bad. For some reason, my descending was a bit cautious (unusual for me) but sometimes it goes that way, I can never tell whether I'm going to be a bit cavalier or not until I tackle the first descent, and today I was not. On the other hand, I climbed the steep ascents fairly strongly (the ones where everyone walks) and I was OK over the rough stuff. I still felt that I had a bit left in the tank at the end, my lungs were good, but the legs could tell they had taken a beating.

Down to the Top Brink Inn for a "Fell Runners Chip Butty" for £1.50 and a pint of Taylors Landlord. Now that's what Fell Racing is all about!

Oh, and my time was unofficially 1:32:10 which was 4 minutes faster than 2006 (and faster than Steve's 2006 time to boot) - can't complain at that!

Actual result was the same time 1:32:10, 95th overall out of 248 finishers, with 3 retired. A big leap in overall numbers since 2006 when there were only 110 in the race.

Full results here

National Cross Country - Parliament Hill

Frank wouldn't be caught without his Athletics Weekly







A beautiful sunny day in London saw me (Gareth) and Frank Reddington down in London for the National. Good train ride down with Frank dictating his latest Athletics weekly to me for the journey (Some kind of hypnotic learning means I now know the favourite for the East Devon Shot putt pre season warm up event, even though I wasn't listening).

After a warm up on the Friday night is was off for a pint and a meal before an early night. With very blurred memories of more Althetics weekly and radio 3 wafting in my ears I drifted off for a good nights sleep.

Breakfast in the hotel was good with plenty of wholemeal bread and cereal. Me and Frank then went to pass some time at the Imperial War Museum before heading back to prepare.

The 14 degree weather means its 'singlet' only weather. We head for the course. After taking a long way round to get to the course we watched the junior men and the senior ladies. Sadly no spen athletes in evidence. Then the terrible job of finding the spen 'tent' (which was actually a tree) and our numbers. After mild panic we found Amanda and we were ready. U13 boys had a couple of our runners and one finished 7th (Liam).

Last minute toilet stops (yes stops, must be our age) and then to the massive start. Beating Frank is a neccessity to avoid banter in the pub (poor Frank is the milestone to fitness and always everyone's benchmark for a good race). I was OK though as had been 2 mins faster the week before so I was not under pressure.

The start was the usual gallup and it was the last time I saw Frank. Then into the mud and the hills (well hillets). Very muddy as usual but feeling strong I edged up the pace to 7min mile (yes impressive eh!). Passed Liam Spencer of Keighley half way round lap 1 so I knew I was cooking.

Parliment Hill is the hardest of them all I think, and there was no danger of it being short after all the critism in the Athletics weekly (yes I remember that clearly). So after some 57 minutes (57.12) of running I 'sprinted in'. 985th out of 1455. Frank wasn't as far back as I had realised and came in 1083rd in 58.53 (yes 100+ runners in less than 2 minutes).

Then I was up for a KFC and a copy of Cycling Weekly . We then went out for a bite to eat and a gallon of beer. I don't really remember what I was listening to as I fell asleep but I can't find my cycling weekly and even more worrying is I now know that Doris Sweeney (Tiverton Wheelers) is favourite for the East Devon Ladies O55 50 mile Time Trial!

Winter hill Fell Race (AM 11.5 miles, 2750ft) Report by Steve Moss

Lining up for this race as the only spen runner felt more like normal as the rest seem to have acquired some sense and gone off to lesser climbs. Still this is still one of the tougher moorland runs made harder by the conditions of ice and more ice, having discovered some of the deeper pits of mud covered by a thin layer of ice.

male winner Simon bailey in a time of 1h 29 53 secs
female winner Anna luptin in a time of 1h49 32secs
my time 2h 24mins and glad to finish.

Not sure what my next outing will be but intend to do some training for the three peaks and the Fellsman as we hope to put a team in of Steve H, Paul H, myself and Alan Greenwood. Hope to do the Calderdale Hike and the Howarth Hobble.

Mickleden straddle 1st of february BL 13.8 miles 1950ft.- Steve Moss

Once again with only 6 days rest the Spen/ mountain marathon runners engaged in the mickleden straddle race, with an early start to sunday morning (with the threat of heavy snow on them there hills) we set off to face the challange.

The course is long outward run over mickleden edge to the res/ and along Cold side then looping back to check point 5 then a long run back to the finish at langsett barn. The tracks were like frozen waste land with ruts made by passing mountain bikes and very tuff on the ankels with some runners returning with blooded legs and sore feet. But with true feelings most runners finished with smiles and enjoyed the fresh winter air.

Results steven moss 2h 24 mins10sec
steven heminway 2h 30mins50secs
paul hoodless 2h 38 mins pb
robert gaylor 2h 55mins47secs pb
nazir hussain 3h 03min 10sec (PB by 1hour didn't he do well

Winners time man Dave Taylor in 1h 45 07 first lady Lisa Lacon in 2h 01mins

This is my second run of the year and hoping to do the Winter Hill next week as part training for the bigger and longer runs in the season If any one wants to join me they are welcome.

Stanbury Splash 2009

This year, I am going to do some training for fell races and mountain marathons rather than just turn up on the day and hope for the best. However, as it's been grim up north since Christmas, I needed some motivation in the form of a proper fell race. The Stanbury Splash seemed like a good candidate to generate some enthusiasm.

For once, the weather looked promising as I arrived. There was no sign of the rain, sleet and gale force winds that are usual round Penistone Hill. I handed over my entry fee and received a race number and a malt loaf (Can't stand malt loaf. Perhaps I can sell it on eBay.) and then headed down to the start. I met Gareth and Chris (both in shorts but I'm not that brave for a January race) and after the usual warnings about not to getting run over on the road, we were off.

The race itself was fairly tame and enjoyable this year. I didn't ford the river too far upstream and nearly drown. There was no inch thick crust of ice over a foot of mud on which to gash my shins. I didn't even fall in a ditch on the descent off the moor. Even the mud was er... tolerable.

Finished 5 minutes slower than last year but not disapointed as I'd had a good run and wasn't last although Gareth and Chris had finished their tea when I got back.

(PS - Gareth looked a bit sore at work today - I feel fine!)

Spen Results:
124 63:22 CHRIS JONES V40
131 63:58 GARETH PATCHETT V40
223 71:40 CLAIRE GREEN F
234 73:12 CHRIS KING

303 Runners

Full results and photographs here

Tigor Tor fell race - 10 mile 1750ft - Report from Steve Moss

Five brave spen runners set of for this moorland top fell race (part of the totley race series. We lined up with the 345 other hopefulls on a wet and cold morning.with Nazir Hussain(spen) getting to the front hoping to get some advantage over vet runner Steven Moss. The course proved to be very wet and boggy Nazir's advantage soon faded away and some runners were soon fumbling round for lost shoes. The course weht across a moorland top were the runners were spinning off in three diffrent directions trying to gain some advantage in the deep thick heather. Towards the end there were some deep river crossings where Steven Moss flounderd up to his waist in some vere cold and boggy mud but managed to come home first with Steve Hemingway coming in a good second place (after having a bad chrismass suffering the dreded lurgie and looseing a stone in weight),

Times as follows

Steven Moss 1h 36s pos 199th (Winners time Lloyd Taggert in 1h 07s
Steven Hemmingway 1h 39 s
Paul Hudless 1h 46s
Robert Gaylor 1h 55s
Nazir Hussain 2h 13s

We hope to turn out next sunday to do the Mickleden straddle BL 13.8 miles and1980ft if any one else wants to join in contact me on 07799756886

White Holme Circular Fell Race (18th Jan)

Since a few of us, including myself had earlier in the week entered for this years 3 Peaks Race, I decided it was time for me to up the mileage, and enter a longer fell race. This race is another of Allan Greenwood's races (check his website here) and a 12 mile category C race seemed ideal at this point in time. The fact that I haven't run anything more than 8 miles for over 3 years did give me a few doubts, but I figured that if I didn't go mad, it would be ok.

The race starts at the Summit Inn in Littleborough, and climbs for the first 2 miles to join the Pennine Bridleway heading out towards Stoodley Pike, before looping round, and re-tracing the first 2 miles in reverse.

I looked around at the start to see if there was anyone I knew, but guess what? no red & gold vests (anyone starting to see a pattern here?). There could be any one of a number of reasons for this of course, here are just some...

1. I have no friends (possible)
   
2. General apathy (probable)
   
3. Everyone was too busy (possible)
   
4. Fear of me kicking their ass (highly unlikely)
5. Afraid of embarrassing me by kicking my ass (possible)

Anyway, whatever the reason I was the only Spen runner there

Since most of the race is on the skyline, it's relatively flat after the 1st two miles where the majority of the 1200ft climbing is done, and on the Pennine Bridleway, the surface is reasonable so the pace can be high. However, it was very boggy on the tops. A guy in front of me sunk up to his shorts in the mud, and I went in over my knees a couple of times, almost losing my shoe on one occasion which cost me some time since I was fumbling to get it on again with frozen hands. It was also very exposed on the tops, both cold and blowing a gale, and I was glad I decided to run with gloves and hat on.

As I suspected, the distance meant I was starting to fade a bit at the end, but not as bad as I thought, as I didn't lose any places, and in fact gained a couple on the final descent.

Unofficial time for me was 1:42:12 which was better than I expected all things considered.

Results link (I'm shown in the wrong age category, not that that helped at all)

Heartfelt Thanks

Debbie Hepworth requested that her thanks were conveyed to everyone who paid their respects to her late husband Tim last Friday (January 9th).

There was a touchingly large turn-out at the Service of Remembrance at Hardcastle Crags, near Hebden bridge, the Committal at Burnley Crematorium and the subsequent get-together in the Stubbing Wharf, Hebden Bridge.

It was universally agreed that it was such a tragedy that such a wonderful 'reunion' of old friends, many former members of Spenborough AC, should happen in such terrible circumstances but that Tim would have been proud

The Service of Remembrance was held in a clearing of the woods near Gibson Mill and formed a magnificent and very apt setting, as Tim was so passionate about outdoor pursuits throughout his life.

He will always be sorely missed but never forgotten.

RIP

Yorks XC Champs Success!

Spenborough's Liam Stedman and Bethany Ellis scored a historic championship double in the two younger age groups of the county cross-country championships (thus proving to some of the 'slightly elder' members that age is EVERY substitute for experience).

Liam gained a comfortable 20-second victory over local lad - Rotherham's Luke Cotter in the Under-13 Boys section but, although Paul Davis also grabbed a creditable 15th place, Spenborough had no third finisher as the team prize went to Rotherham.

Bethany claimed the gold medal in the Under-13 Girls division by the narrowest one-second margin, ahead of Halifax Harrier's Holly Callagham.Emma Wilkinson (7th) and Katie Byrne (22nd) provided excellent support to enable Spen to grab a set of silver medals in the team competition behind winners Sheffield and Hallamshire.

Full results:
http://www.noeaa-athletics.org.uk/FileUploads/yorkshire_men_x_country_results09.xls
http://www.noeaa-athletics.org.uk/FileUploads/yorkshire_women_x_country_results09.pdf

Yorkshire XC Championships 2009

A freezing cold day in Rotherham welcomed the competitors for the 2009 championship. A small number of entries from Spenborough ensured that a complete team finish was unlikely.

A prior commitment from myself meant that my participation seem impossible but a late cancellation and a quick call to Chris Jones who was already at the course to confirm the start time of the race gave me just enough time to jump in the car and fly down the M1 to arrive with about 20 min to spare.

This may have been a smart move as when I got there Chris was shivering and his teeth were chattering looking like he had little enthusiasm to compete. Frank (Reddington) was there at the course but was nowhere to be seen. A sure sign of his serious intentions as he was off on his own getting himself in the 'zone'.

The only other Spen entrant was Kevin Ogden but he had not arrived. Not surprising as Kevin is not renowned as a cross country specialist.

Lining up at the start the plan was to keep the warm gear on for as long as possible and only remove it at the very last minute. I decided to stick with the plan of keeping warm and kept on the tracksters, hat and gloves (big jessie!). Chris went for the gloves and just to highlight how cold it was Frank wore a long sleeve top under his Spen vest(unheard of).

Just to make sure everybody was chilled to the bone the officials (thanks Gordan) kept everybody on the line a further couple of minutes explaining the rules and regulations.

The course was a 5 lapper with some steep climbs and plenty of switchbacks so you could see your fellow competitors. Great if you are closing on people. Not so great if you are fading. The grass was frozen underfoot to give a hard, fast running surface.

At the gun Chris and myself stayed well to the back of the field with Frank stating his intentions early by pushing up into the pack. Quite quickly Chris chased and caught Frank with myself following not far behind.

After passing Frank, Chris pushed on and it wasn't until the start of the second lap that I was able to to catch up with him. Over the next lap I managed to open up a 40m lead over Chris with Frank bravely hanging on about 100m further back. I knew I would need this advantage as over this sort of distance my stamina was always going to be suspect.

Over the last couple of laps Chris and I fought out a titanic battle with Chris closing on the hills and myself pulling away on the flatter sections. Into the last lap Chris had got the gap down to about 20m but I knew if I could get to the top of the last hill in front my basic speed would carry me home.

Frank's usual mid to late race surge was unfortunately lacking today and into the last lap it looked like he had given up the ghost. To be fair Frank had been suffering with a chesty cough all week and only made a late decision to run.

The final result ended with me being the first Spen home, Chris less than 10sec behind and Frank somewhere in the region of a minute back. Sweet revenge for myself as Frank has beaten me in the last 2 yorkshire XC championships. Chris was well pleased with his performance as he had achieved his goal of beating Frank too.

Overall a good day even though we finished toward the rear of the field. Many thanks to the other Spen runners and spectators who stayed to cheer us old duffers round the course. Always most welcome especially on a day like today.

Results

168 46:05 Michael Dransfield
172 46:16 Chris Jones
186 47:18 Frank Reddington

205 runners

Full results here

Photos

End of 1st lap with Chris just ahead of Michael (behind the K&C runner)

Frank crossing the drainage ditch



Michael in full flight



The three amigos post-race

Ovenden Fell Race (3rd january)

3rd race in 4 days for me, and after a grand total of 260 miles running in 2008, I was about to clock up my 17th race mile (assuming I finished) getting me off to good start for 2009 (ok, so 6 of them were in 2008).

I tried my best to talk some of our Spen team mates into turning out, but in the end opting for freezing your nuts off on a Saturday morning seemed less attractive than alternative options to everyone else, and on the day, I was the only one from the club who turned up. "You're all a bunch of softies" I say ;)

I was quite surprised at the number who did turn out though, 137 in all, boosted by the race being part of Bingleys internal club championship series. It was pleasing to see a couple of my friends from other clubs, both who had run at the Giant's Tooth 2 days earlier, and one of whom had also done the Auld Lang Syne.

John (my Rotherham buddy) said he'd run along with me, but wasn't fit (hah) and told me not to go off to fast otherwise he'd just drop off (hah, hah). Whilst I had to warn him that I'd had 6 pints the night before (always good to get the excuses in early eh)

We got chatting with Nigel (Halifax buddy) at the start, and then all set off from the embankment, and up the hill side towards the Withens. Despite John's lack of fitness and his warning me about not going off too fast, I was struggling to keep up with him, and by the time we reached the top, he was a good 20 yards ahead of me and Nigel was some way behind.

To cut a long story short, I never caught John, although I came close a few times, and Nigel passed me after about 3 miles (as usual) but I later pulled him back (less usual). I think for him it was too many races in a short time especially since he was coming back from a fractured ankle injury, so I expect it will be the last time I beat him this year!

The ground was frozen hard, which made it more runnable, and the times were generally pretty good. I finished 53rd from 137, which I was really happy about. Probably my best race of the 3.

Results

I really enjoyed the race, nice route, location and good organisation.

Race information

Tribute to Tim Hepworth

TIM HEPWORTH 1945-2008

One of the finest and most highly regarded coaches in Spenborough & District AC’s history Tim Hepworth tragically died on Christmas Eve, December 24th, from a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs).

Although remaining independent and not actually a member of Spenborough, Tim was, for many years, the premier tutor of 400 metre runners at the club, several of whom went on to County, International and, in the case of Peter Crampton, Olympic recognition.

He took Peter to European Junior Championship glory at Birmingham in 1987 in a still club record time of 46.03 and many feel it is much to do with Tim’s regular and passionate presence at the Princess Mary Stadium in Cleckheaton that, right through to his retirement, and in these days of constant poaching by bigger clubs, Peter never saw a need to leave his local club.

Tim also encouraged many less naturally talented but enthusiastic athletes to get the best out of themselves and, just as importantly, gain enjoyment and camaraderie whilst doing it.

More importantly he was a true friend and confidant to so many people from all walks of life and was always happy to share his love of the great outdoors with everyone he knew.

It is surely fine testimony that, even after moving out of the area to Hebden Bridge some years ago, many of those mentioned maintained close contact with Tim and his wife Debbie (also a regular feature of the Spenborough set-up for many years).

Tim was a fine athlete in his own right as well as a passionate walker and cyclist and gained huge respect for his commitment never to ask anything of others anything he wouldn’t ask of himself.

His views were always forthright, sometimes controversial, yet usually justified and, whether agreeing or disagreeing, there were few who did not respect him for them.

All who knew Tim will find his premature loss incalculably hard to stomach; those that didn’t know Tim should be saddened that they never had the privilege.

To Debbie and other family members, we express our deepest sympathies in these difficult times and can only offer in consolation the thought that he will remain in the hearts and minds of many of us forever…

Keith McGhie

Pennine 10k - 2009

COLD COMFORT

The 2009 road racing season in West Yorkshire kicked off with Halifax Harriers’ annual Pennine 10k in Brighouse, which has now been going for over two decades and seemed to some to take that long this year.

A healthy (or in some cases not so healthy, following Christmas endulgance!) Spenborough contingent donned plenty of winter warmers to offset the cold conditions and pushed their way towards the front at the start - most knowing full well it was the highest placing they would hold all day!

Kevin Ogden (to whom few of the previous sarcastic comments apply) powered his way through to a fine eighth place (third in V35) amid a good quality field headed by former England international Andrew Pearson.

A grimacing, once evergreen but now decidedly deciduous, Keith McGhie was next home in red and gold in 14th place, an agonising one second away from the V45 prize (come on Halifax Harriers - you can afford more than one prize in each of the vets catergories in a field of over 300!).

Mick Howard, Mark (SMK Sports) Kitchen, first Spen female Jackie Carter, Hazel Pike and Edward Wilkinson (check out the picture of them chatting near the finish - more effort in future please), completed the Princess Mary Stadium-based assault on what was a tough race.

Full results

New Years Day 2009 - Giants Tooth Fell Race

What better way to clear your head after ringing in the New Year than running a short fell race? For me, running on New Years Day has become something of a tradition over the last few years, and I particularly like this race since it's nice and short at 3 miles, and you still get that feeling of starting off the year by doing something positive.

Sadly, it was a pretty poor turnout from Spenborough, just Gareth, Matthew and Chris (me). Although Michael and Frank turned out to support (always appreciated) and I dragged Sue and Sarah along for extra support and to take some snaps of the event.

I led the Spen boys for 60% of the race, but Gareths superior flat speed proved to be too much and he passed me on the reservoir embankment and maintained the lead until the finish. Matthew gave a good account of himself as one of the younger entrants and finished in a respectable position.

It would be nice to have a few more red & gold shirts in the field, as we are always outnumbered by the other local teams like Halifax and Holmfirth. So come on guys let's try to get our act together and show up in numbers!

And here are the results

All photos courtesy of Sue Jones.

Gareth finishing with Chris a couple of places back (you need to look carefully or double-click the picture)...


Matthew mixing it up with the adults...


The runners...

The runners + team mangement & support crew...

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!

Calderdale Way 2007

Good weather for the 2007 Calderdale Way and a decent results with Spenborough finishing 45th despite a weakened team.

Dan Stewart and Jeff Hornby off to a strong start on leg1. A tough leg that tends to attract each clubs strong pairings. Back in 45th place.

Then Chris Jacobs and Steve Moss pulled back places on leg 2 to get us to 38th.

New boy Chris King partnered Michael Dransfield on the fast and uphill leg 3. Chris (endurance man) found the speed a bit high and the distance a bit short and we dropped to 50th.

Then Dave Lane and Paul Sutcliffe (on the other tough leg) gained a place to be followed by

Frank Reddington and Gareth Patchett who pulled back another 3 places.

Steve Carter and Martin Thompson then sneaked back one more place on leg 6 to complete the 45th overall.