Black and Gold shine bright on the horizon

The Shaun Lee Johnstone Trail race gave runners a tough challenge last weekend, mud, mist and the odd small pond to navigate. Nidd Valley Road Runners saw Lee Dalton romp home to win at his first attempt, increasing his half way lead from fifteen metres to fifty at the finish and despite taking a wrong turn broke the course record with 58.48. Close behind Tim Harvey secured sixth place in 1:03.25 and Carol Morgan won her age group with 1:12.56. Next was Christine Holleran in 1:23.33, Annie Burns 1:40.51 and Judy Greenwood 1:45.06.

On the east coast Bridlington Half enticed three Nidd Valley Runners out of their beds for an equally murky race. Simon Smith's good form continued with a pb in 1:38.14. Next home was Fiona Deacon in 1:43.42 and Michelle Smith in 1:59.19.

Across the water Amsterdam Marathon saw Andy Todd in action. A solid performance gave him a time of 2:57.28. Closer to home and a little muddier the Duathlon at Helwith Bridge gave Brian Sherwood the race of his life, a 23 mile bike ride sandwiched between two 4 mile runs all completed in 2:40.

The usual suspects were at Harrogate parkrun and were joined by a record number of Nidd Valley Road Runners. Jonathon Easton was first back in 20.31 followed by Nick Iles 23.18, Paul Manning 23.48, first lady, Helen Gregory 25.23, Stuart Hatfield 26.07, Steve Newton 27.05, Julie Mooney 27.17, newbie Dave Rushton 27.56, John Manning 28.59, Aimi Blueman 30.30, another newbie Ann Rushton 31.36, Diane Gregory 33.28, Rebbecca Ventress 36.33, Margaret Manning 37.51 and Yvonne Manning 40.07.

Everyone's gone South.

The Fell running section of Nidd Valley Road Runners completed their season with a trip to the UKA Fell Relay’s in Shropshire at the weekend. This was their second attempt at a team event littered with international and world class athletes. Teams run solo or in pairs over four legs and Nidd Valley sent two teams of six. The open team of Paul Geary, Tim Harvey, Lee Welsby, Simon Harris, Carol Morgan and Andy Harris finished a superb 82nd out of 176 teams. The vets team of Sarah Chalmers, Brian Sherwood, Maurice Kelly, Steve Newton, Phil Robinson and Tony Ledwaba-Chapman finished in 142nd place.

Continuing Nidd Valley’s reputation at marathon running, Alison Iles and Emma Dooley headed over to Liverpool to complete their first 26 mile event. Both commented on how well organised this was and highlights were running through the Mersey Tunnel and finishing in front of the Liver Building. Emma crossed the line in 3:54.37 and Alison 3:54.49. Closer to home Paul Manning was the sole Nidd Valley Runner at the Richmond Castle 10km. A favourite of Paul’s he clocked 50.56.

Harrogate parkrun continues to grow in numbers, hitting the 200 mark again. Four Nidd Valley Road Runners were amongst the Saturday morning crowd. Andy Todd was first home and 5th overall in 19.06, followed by Jonathon Easton 20.45, Stuart Hatfield 24.59 and Tony Ledwaba-Chapman 26.06.