Guy Fawkes goes with a bang

Ripley Castle was the fantastic venue for the start of the Up and Running Guy Fawkes 10 organised by Nidd Valley Road Runners at the weekend. It has become one of the most popular 10 milers in the North of England and has constantly received great reviews for its organisation and marshalling in recent years, although the route is one of the most challenging with three big climbs.

Local lad Jack Simpson took the lead from the off and was never challenged, finishing in 55.26, just shy of the course record. At the finish he commented, ‘It is one of my favourite races and the undulating route suits me well’.

Second went to Paul Marchant from Rothwell and District Harriers in 56.24 and third went to Ian Fisher from Otley in 57.14.

The ladies race was not that cut and dried as Emma Yates was over taken by eventual winner Helen Cross just after half way, Helen from Pocklington Runners recorded 1:06:48 and Emma from York Knavesmire Harriers crossed the line in 1:07:57. Third lady went to Sarah Fawcett from Hallamshire Harriers in 1:08:41.

It is with great thanks to the sponsors of this years event, Harrogate Spring Water, Harrogate Osteopaths, DK Darts and Ridgeway Fitness and Health that it was all possible.

Making History at Nidd Valley.

For the first time in the clubs history Nidd Valley Road Runners sent a junior team out to race, for the past 30 years Nidd Valley have been exclusively an adult only running club but have recently taken the plunge to form a junior section. Valley Striders put on a group of races  held on mainly trail paths within Harewood Estate and include a 10 mile, 5 mile and 2 mile race. The juniors took on the 2 mile event and had a great experience. In the Year 9-10 group Sam Riley was 3rd and Alex Robinson was 6th, in the Year 7-8 group Oliver Kavanagh was 5th, brother Jacob was 8th in the Year 5-6 group and in the Year 3-4 group Jake Stalker was 6th, Dan Dalton 7th and  Daniel Burrell 9th.

 

In the 10 mile event Lee Dalton put the disappointment of the previous weeks 2nd place finish and went one better, at the 5 mile turn around he had forged ahead and finished a good minute in front of his nearest rival, his time of 63.18 reflected the tough conditions from the wind and recent rain. Next back for Nidd was Phil Robinson in 85.11, closely followed by first lady back for Nidd, Fiona Deacon 87.36, Annie Sweeting 108.31 and Sarah Chalmers 113.23. Opting for the 5 mile route Paul Stalker got caught up in the misdirection of the first 20 runners home and crossed the line in 39.37, Fiona Robinson finished in 57.22 and Bob Sweeting 58.35.

 

With Halloween came the chance to run in the first Chevin Chiller, a very scary 4.5 miles in the dark requiring head torches. Four brave Nidders took on the challenge, Carol Morgan was 2nd lady in 33.11, Chris Buck 37.30, Phil Robinson 38.14 and, first time for Nidd Valley, Vicky Marlow 54.00.

 

Mark David has been doing his stuff, firstly at Great Whernside, in a time of 48:34,  with 1500 feet of climb over 3.9 miles, straight up and back from Kettlewell. The following day he ran at Guisborough Three Tops, crossing the line in 1:31:19, climbing to 1600 feet for a  full blast of autumn on Roseberry Topping.