Harriers Take First Place In The Team Relay At Abersoch Triathlon

And now for something completely different, a race with a prize for catching the rat runner. Strange but true the Kettlewell Anniversary Fell Race has a special prize to the competitor that catches the runner carrying a rat. No animals were harmed in this event. Aside the rat catching this is an AS category race and counter in the 2025 English Fell Running Championships, the 5 miles and 1800 feet of ascent course features grassy tracks with some boggy sections, including two significant climbs accompanied by fast descents that starts and finishes by the river near Kettlewell Village Hall. Luke Foley came in as first Horwich runner timed at 37:10 and 17th, hot on his heels by vet legend Rob Hope (24th, 38:35 and 1st Vet50). Rising star Sam Fairhurst (67th, 43:28) pipped Fell Club Captain Dan Gilbert (71st, 43:36) to the post. While James Titmuss and Adrian Bramham finished 98th (45:52) and 109th (46:43) respectively.

In similar vein is The Settle Hills Fell Race a popular, extremely so with The Red Vests who had double digit entrants, and scenic fell-running event organised by Settle Harriers in the Yorkshire Dales. A mixed-surface 7-mile and 1,640ft ascent race with a tarmac start/finish, there’s grassy paths, rocky trails, tussocky moorland featuring steep climbs (particularly up above Attermire Scar and High Hill) and rapid descents for those with such skills. At his favoured discipline Matt Fawthrop was first red vest across the line claiming an excellent 5th place in a sub hour 59:26. Followed by Nick Kelly (17th, 1:04:47), Adam MacDonald (19th, 1:05:15), Kevin Newall (36th, 1:12:09), Sandra Kelly (42nd, 1:14:31, 1st LV50), Garry Chadderton (56th, 1:16:29), Douglas Fleming (57th, 1:16:54), Mark Seddon (67th, 1:19:50), Alison Mort (70th, 1:20:53), Helen MacDonald (73rd, 1:21:20), Katherine Newall (106th, 1:31:08) and Lawrence Pinnell (112th, 1:34:30).

Team Horwich Gone Rogue was sent to do some damage at the Menai Holiday Cottages Triathlon in Abersoch. Our ladies acquitted themselves admirably finishing the Sprint Distance in 6th with overall victory in the Team Relay Event. The 750m swim was performed by Emma Bradley (14:57), the 20km cycle by Milly Lever (48:58) and the 5km run by Charlotte Wilkinson (22:36).

In this weekend’s Park Run round up when seasonably high temps were reached but perhaps not so for Paul Murray who was in Scotland to participate in the not so often run Aviemore course finishing 88th in 40:27. Michael Crook went to Pennington for a 181st placing (39:32). All-rounder, Marcus Taylor was just off the podium in 4th overall with a quick 20:31 at the Cruella-hilled Bolton. The Jackson Five, sorry Two, Rob and Steve decided on a change of scenery and ended up at the very busy (612 runners) Worsley Woods. Rob was 12th (18:58) and Uncle Steve still going strong in his 70th year and two knee replacements later was 443rd (34:32). Also in attendance was Gordon Stone (342nd, 31:13). After much deliberation on choice of course Richard O’Reilly reverted to type and ran his favourite Haigh Hall. Despite the heat “killing him off” on the ascent finish he handed in his barcode 9th overall (1st Vet55, 20:51). That sub 20 time remains elusive. Also at Haigh were the Orrells Sophie (144th, 30:45) and Leo (187th, 35:17). Pipping Worsley in terms of the popularity stakes 688 parkrunners donned their plimsolls for the Stretford Park run. One of whom included Richard Pollitt running in 45th place and just outside a sub 20 (20:03, blame the pram pushers). Fancying some post-race fish and chips the Middleton’s journeyed to Fleetwood placing 29th (23:16) and 94th (30:11) respectively. Not known for its fish and chips Gillian Smith ventured outside her usual to compete at Morecambe (261st, 35:13). At the newish Worden Park were duo Michael Salmon (85th, 26:04) and Linda Webb (84th, 26:04) setting identical times and featuring an appearance from marathoner Richard Howarth (90th, 26:14). Park runner of the week is Isaac Parker who finished 2nd at Coldham in a rapid time of 18:41.