Racing takes a back seat at Nidd Valley.

Nidd Valley Road Runners kept the competitive streak alive last weekend even though races were thin on the ground, a growing Harrogate parkrun always has a Nidd Valley runner to be found on the start line. Andy Todd moved up an age group but still crossed the line first for Nidd with 19.46, followed by Maurice Kelly 21.20, a tie for Chris Buck and Paul Geary in 22.42, Tony Ledwaba- Chapman 27.20, Nick Iles, running with  his daughter in 30.53, Katie Edgar 32.07 and Clairwyn Richardson 32.40.

 

Mark David headed to Addingham for the mid week Beamsley Beacon Fell race, a great 5.5 mile route, Mark finished in 48.46. The final Harrogate Summer Race League race took place at Wetherby and Nidd Valley ladies secured their best placing with third team in the ladies and vet ladies sections overall.

Seasoned runners tackle new horizons.

New races and seasoned runners go hand in hand. The Three Lakes Classic at Rother Country Park tempted four Nidd Valley Ladies to give it a go with its country location and superb vistas. Philippa Moorse has been racing the longer race and this 15 miler suited her finishing in 2:32.05, Debbie Gibson was back next in 2:36.47 followed closely by Annie Sweeting 2:37.06 and Judy Greenwood 2:50.44.

 

A fell race not commonly heard of locally is Model Hebog and Mark and Emma David showed their expertise over the 4.2 mile route, climbing 2461 feet along the way. Mark crossed the line in 86.22 and Emma in 94.20. Mark also ran at Buckden Fell Race, a slightly less arduous route in 55.31.

More locally Staveley Stampede had a good turn out, Jillie Townend was first back for the club in 56.35, Aimi Blueman next in 60.46(pb) and Pam Bagot 61.09.

Harrogate parkrun had its largest turnout so far with over 300 finishers. Nidd Valley’s first back was Andy Todd 19.31, Paul Stalker 19.47, Paul Geary 20.29, Rachel Eastaff 24.29, Sarah Donaldson 25.26, Jillie Townend 27.21, Tony Ledwaba Chapman 30.06, Katie Edgar 31.00 and Clairwyn Richardson 35.22.

Bed Race Bonanza

With one of the largest crowds and no repeat of last year’s wet weather three Nidd Valley teams joined the other 87 for a record Great Knaresborough Bed Race.

 

Nidd Valley’s Men’s A team of Paul Stalker, Andy Todd, Alan Davidson, Lee Welsby, Lee Dalton and Nat Welsby ran their fastest time of 14.13 to finish 4th, the Men’s B team of Steve Newton, Dan eagling, Phil Fernyhough, Chris Buck, Paul Geary and Andy Robinson recorded their highest placing of 14th in 15.54 and the Ladies team of Amanda Metcalfe, Fiona Deacon, Christine Holleran, Sheena Jackson, Helen Gregory and Alison Iles finished 4th in 19.09.

Not so fortunate was the Otley 10 mile, hosted by Otley A.C, where the rain made an appearance. Nidd Valley Road Runners was represented by Lee Dalton (5th) 59.14, Andy Todd 1:07.11. Alan Davidson 1:09.42, Carol Morgan (3rd Lady) 1:10.03, Fiona Deacon 1:18.17, Sheena Jackson 1:19.54, Steve Newton 1:21.04, Christine Holleran 1:22.08, Jenny Manning 1:28.58, Debbie Gibson 1:31.26, Sarah Donaldson 1:32.46, Michelle Smith 1:38.36 and Judy Greenwood 1:41.07.