Reports from Committee 1999/2000

Election of Committee 2000/2001

• 116 paid in either 1998-1999 or 1999-2000 - have been allocated numbers
• of these, 107 paid in 1999-2000. (9 are still overdue one year)
• of these, 19 have not been registered, being 2nd claim or non-runners
• so 88 have been registered - are being given membership cards - if you have not already received your card and do not get it sent with your newsletter, then either there has been an administrative error or you have not paid up!

Meanwood Trail Race

2000 - 263 finishers (last year 190). £150 donated to Lineham Farm. £197 profit to V.S.

Harewood Trail Race and Hop

2000 - 424 in 10mile and 53 in 2 mile (last year 90/27). Over £1750 profit - all to St Leonard's Hospice. - see report on page 6

2001 - Sunday September 16th - see discussion on page 6

Grand Prix Format 2001 - Ian's suggestion to reduce number of events and Ingo's to have a champion of champions were discussed in a sub-committee a couple of weeks later - see page 9 of this Newsletter

Cross-Country Dates

Sat Oct 21 Halifax, Sat Nov 4 Skipton, Sat Nov 25 Shipley, Sun Jan 14 Otley

Races start approx 1:30 (women), 2:15 (men). £3 to Paul/Carole ASAP but ideally at least 10 days before the first event you want to run.

Any Other Business

• Mark Bean is getting married on October 28th - all Striders are invited to the evening celebrations (editors apologies - this VSNews did not go to print until Oct 26)
• John Keston may be visiting the Club on November 7th
• Help is required for Abbey Dash - contact Colin Morath if you are available

In case you missed any of the Newsletters during the last 12 months:

Men - Mick Wrench

Women - Kathy Kaiser

Men Vet - Bob Jackson

Women Vet - Carole Schofield

Men Vet 50 - Geoff Webster

Group Winners:

Niels Laustsen

George Little

Paul White

Britt Laustsen

Xmas 1999 - John Sutcliffe (20 ran)

Spring - Ian Place (28)

Summer XC - Mick Wrench (18)

Autumn - Jerry Watson (23)

Bob Wilkes M60 10k Bradford

Mens A 7:16:34 4^th

Mens Vets 7:53:31 3^rd (14th overall)

Womens 8:53:20 2^nd (26th overall)

Fastest legs :

Kathy Kaiser & Nikki McNally (2)

Liz Ball & Lisa Wilyman (5 - record)

Ian Townsley & Jerry Watson (6)

South Leeds 5 - V.S. wimmin winning team - Jane, Britt, Alison

Paul Briscoe - 4th Harewood Trail, 1st vet Harew'd Chase

George Dawson - 98th marathon at Nottingham

Gary Shipley - 1st Menwith Hill 10k, 3rd Woodkirk 10k

Jane Sutton - 1st Baildon Boundary Way

Mick Wrench - 3rd Baildon Boundary Way

Nikki McNally - 1st Skipton 10

Steve Thirkell - 4th Leeds M, 3rd Potteries M

Nov1999(24pages), Feb2000(20), May(20), Jul(32). Bob commented that the year's bumper issues were due to a combination of regular contributions from a few Striders and specific race reports from a large number of Striders - there had been 16 contributors during the year. New contributors are always welcome - e-mail is preferred but handwritten or typed articles are just as acceptable.

Rob Liddle: Rob was an 800 and 1500 metre runner as a junior with Hyndburn A.C. (Accrington) and then started running again last year, joining Windsor Slough and Eton before running last year's Great North Run in 1:28 (his father is a Geordie, hence the reason for the long trip). He ran London 2000 in 3:34:30 and the Datchet 10k in 37:49 before moving to Leeds in the Summer and joining us. His first appearance as a Strider was a good run as a last minute substitute in the Leeds Country Way. Just recently he ran 1:23:00 at Great North - he was pleased with his time but it would have been even better had it not taken him over a minute to get through the start.

Christina Burnham: Christina was inspired to take up running after watching husband Rob, brother-in-law James and father-in-law Danny run London 2000. Or perhaps she thought it was someone else's turn to hold the kitbags. She has entered London 2001 so, if the ballot is favourable, there will be 4 Burnhams to look out for in the results.

Terry Bean: Terry used to "run a bit" for the Striders a few years ago. He won the Leeds Marathon in 1988 having been runner-up to Keith Cluderay the previous year and represented Yorkshire in the Inter-counties 20. He then retired for a while, started again a couple of years ago including running our Meanwood race twice and the Harewood race, and has rejoined us after finishing second in the Nidderdale 8. He is an excellent addition to our veterans' team.

Steve O: see page 25

Gary Shipley makes it legal: (from Paul Furness) After years of living "over the brush", Gary and Dawn have finally made it legal. The crafty couple sneaked away to Bournemouth for a romantic weekend and to tie the knot. Sincerest congratulations to the happy couple from all Valley Striders. The lengths Gary will go to avoid having a Stag night and buying his mates a drink.

Mark Bean: By the time you read this, Mark will have married Sarah King on October 28th at Leeds Register Office followed by a reception at the Leeds Hilton.

The e-mail distribution list is now up to 27 Striders and covers 3 continents (Ingo and Niels in Europe, Ruth and Mark in North America and Jane in Australasia)

Best wishes to Ray Price who has had a mild stroke but made an appearance at the AGM and is looking well on the road to recovery.

We knew we were onto a good thing when we had 280 pre-entered; Jo and Peter Lambert took another 180 entries on the day, and in spite of the fact that petrol had only started re-appearing in the pumps the day before there were only 40 no shows, so 425 lined up at the start and all but one finished.

While the 10 mile race was going on over 50 juniors and adults competed in the 2 mile race which was won by 14 year old Matthew Thackwray in 12:51 with second 13 year old Laura Kirk in 13:04 (and there wouldn't be too many Striders beating 6:25 or 6:32 pace on that 2 mile course).

Involved in the race in marshalling, car-parking or administrating were 36 Striders, 8 wives of Striders, and 15 from St Leonard's Fundraising Centre. There were also 6 of Alan and Evelyn's friends from Colton Village serving refreshments in the Village Hall.

Thanks to everyone who helped and in particular to those of you who saved your petrol during the week so that you had enough to get to Harewood on the Sunday.

The race was won by Bob Duncan from Nestle Rowntree in 58:12, second in 59:13 was Shane Green (P&B), third Richard Gay of Beverley and 4th our own Paul Briscoe in 60:26. Conditions were excellent, but it was a tough course. Or maybe they'd stopped for sightseeing on the way round. Of the first 8 places, only 2nd and 6th were not vets. The first woman was 45 year old Sue Garrod of Goole Viking Striders in 68:58.

In joint last place was Annie Green, a features writer on the Yorkshire Post - see article opposite that appeared the following Wednesday.

Although the race was a resounding success with no major problems, we have discussed many ideas for improvement for next year's race, which, subject to permission from the Harewood Estate, will be held on the equivalent Sunday. These ideas include:

We will be having a post-race meeting in October with St Leonards but then in April next year will review this list - if you have any comments on the race let me know and I will include them for discussion next April.

P.S. (from meeting) - final total was £2200!! - thanks again to everyone

WE’VE GOT new pens, my friend and I. And we’re very proud of them — so much so that she’ll probably be flaunting hers as she goes about her work as a nurse, filling in charts with a flourish. We deserve them because we came in joint last in the Harewood 10-mile trail race on Sunday.

When it comes to racing we cede last place to no one. It couldn’t have been a better day for a long run; mellow sunshine, light breezes, wonderful autumnal colouring wherever you looked. Not surprisingly then, the turnout was excellent and it was clear from the first that we weren’t going to set the running world alight as we set off through the Harewood Estate, near Leeds. The first couple of miles were the usual torment but gradually we settled down so that by mile five, running around the reservoir, we were enjoying ourselves.

There was lots to look at — the Emmerdale set, for instance, the Eccup Reservoir and a motley collection of dogs from the Canine Defence League Home, out for walks. "Do you want one of these?" puffed a dog-walker as he struggled to control a friendly but obviously dim mutt who’d got its lead caught between its back legs. I concentrated on pounding up the hill but I could see that my friend was sorely tempted and we’d end up running over the finish line with a mongrel over our shoulders.

There was lots of help and encouragement from the marshals and passers-by, despite the fact that we were obviously well in the rear.

We even got advice and support from the sweeper-up who was trailing runners on his mountain bike and gave us the benefit of his 30 years’ running experience. We needed it. However, full of mini Mars Bars and isotonic drinks, we linked hands and sprinted to the finish where we were given water and a round of applause.

Considering I hadn’t run more than three miles since the London Marathon, it wasn’t a bad effort and my friend can now face the prospect of next month’s half-marathon with new-found courage and a bit of experience under her belt.

Three cheers for the Valley Striders, Lord Harewood and everybody who turned out on Sunday. And three cheers for Nurse Judy Johnston who will hate me for mentioning her name. If you ask her nicely she’ll show you her pen.

Wimmin's Section (from Sylvia)

Not much to report this time. Or perhaps there's lots happening that I'm not aware of. I go to the Club on a Tuesday "only here for the Briscoe's". Regulars on Tuesdays at the moment are Carole, Janet, Kathy and Lisa - it would be good if there were more enjoying the showers.

At the recent Roundhay Park 5, a multi-terrain event in aid of St. Gemma's, Kathy was 1st F, and Erica 4th.

Well done everyone at the L.C.W. - see Kathy's report. No team has been entered for the Wound Wither Woods Welay as it clashes with the 1st WYXC (Oct 21). Maybe next year. However there's a lot of interest being shown in the Calder Valley relay (Dec 10). Let's hope the weather is kind.

Best wishes to Fran who has moved down South (thanks for the flask!!).

Good luck to Britt who's in Southern India for 2 months working in a hospital. I spoke to her the day before she left Leeds and she'd just heard that there was no toilet paper in the hospital. Bob gave her a lovely presentation of a unique design T-shirt "VS International Wimin's Team Captain" (and shirts on the same theme to Ingo and Niels). She and Niels have reserved places on the Calderdale Way Relay and we look forward to seeing them.

We have two very active orienteers in our team - Sara and Madeleine (W). Both have completed 2 day mountain marathons recently - Sara the Open Country M.M. in the Eastern Lakes and Madeleine the Mourne M.M. Well done.

• Tuesday training runs are from Leos at 18:45 on a monthly cycle - 400metres, fartlek, mile reps, hills. During winter the 400m are on Otley Road, the miles on the High Ashes and the hills on Church Lane. If you don't fancy the 2 mile warm up / warm down you can always drive to the start of the session! Also approximately half the runners each Tuesday go for a steady 9 mile (or shorter run) rather than the formal session on the pretence that they have raced the previous weekend or are racing the next weekend or are not fully fit or have any other excuse. So with that choice of training options, maybe we'll se a few more of you on a Tuesday evening - it's not so pleasant training in the dark on your own!
• Thursday sessions are from Scott Hall 18:45 - six to seven miles "steady" - Paul Furness is the contact on 269-8231.
• Sundays are 09:15 from Parkside Road / Smithy Mills - contact Steve O on 239-1946 or Paul Furness on 269-8231.

After a Tuesday training session on 10th October, a sub-committee (Bob, Carole, Geoff, Sylvia, Kathy, Ian P, Tim and Paul B - they're the ones to blame) sat to discuss this and came up with the following enhancement to Ingo's proposal.

There will be a Valley Striders Champion of Champions event for 2001. This will consist of 7 categories each consisting of 4 events. We have not yet decided which events will be included in the CofC, but the following list will give you some idea, and if you have any preference for any of these, let me know. Because some of the entry closing dates will be before the next newsletter is published, the events printed in bold are definitely in next years CofC.

1. Short Road - 10k and less - 4 from - Dewsbury 10k (Feb), Harrogate 10k (Jul), Hyde Park 5k (Aug), Horsforth 10k (Oct), Roundhay 5 (Nov), Abbey Dash (Dec)
2. Medium Road - 10mile and ½marathon - 4 from - Brass Monkey ½ (Jan), Ackworth ½ (Mar), Tadcaster 10 (Apr) , Otley 10 (May), Leeds ½ (May), Thirsk  10 (Jun), Guy Fawkes 10 (Nov)
3. Long Road - 15 mile and above - 4 from - Spen 20 (Mar), London M (Apr), Leeds M (May), Holmfirth 15 (Oct), A.N.O.
4. Cross Country - the 4 West Yorkshires - January, October, November(*2)
5. Valley Striders Handicaps - Winter 5m (Dec 31), Spring 10k (Mar), Summer trail (Jun), Autumn 10k (Aug or Sep)
6. Off-road and Trail - 4 from - Chevin Chase (Dec 26), Guiseley Gallop (Apr), Baildon B.Way (Apr), Horbury Hike (May), Harewood Chase ? (Jun), Briscoe's Brewery Chevin Trail Race (new)(Jul), St Gemma's 5 Roundhay Park(Oct), Burley Bridge Hike (Nov)
7. Fell and Long Trail - 4 from - Rombalds Stride (Feb), Jack Bloor (May), Hutton Roof (May), Yorks off road marathon at Haworth (Sep), Rivock Edge (Nov), Stanbury Splash (?)

When we come to finalise the 28 events, we'll try to spread them as evenly as possible through the year, with the first event for 2001 CofC being the 2000 Chevin Chase and the last one probably the Abbey Dash.

Runners will need to run 8 races which come from at least 5 categories. There will be ladies and age-group prizes and maybe others besides.

However, for those who only run road, there will be a special category for 6 out of the 12 road races. This is in line with Ian's suggestion that the Road G.P. should be streamlined.

For those who only run fell, Geoff's Fell Championship will continue in its current format (and Geoff will continue to calculate the scores!)

Two things I forgot to mention in the July VSNews - Peter Lambert was 1st M60, and for those who didn't know, the guy on the bike who was "encouraging" Striders particularly up the hill on Stonegate Road was none other than founder and vice president Stuart StJohn down from Scotland for the weekend. A productive morning for Stuart as one of the runners was so "encouraged" that he sent his (belated) subs the following week!

Race Watch Hand Run G.P

Pos Time -icap Time Pts

1 Mick Wrench 40.23 11.45 28.38 99 

2 Ingo Zoller 40.50 9.45 31.05 97 

3 Steve Webb 40.53 13.00 27.53 100

4 Martyn Hopson 41.01 7.45 33.16 94

5 Chris Kaye 41.37 8.15 33.22 91

6 Neil Dutton 41.46 11.15 30.31 98

7 Paul Furness 41.48 8.30 33.18 93

8 Bob Jackson 41.51 8.30 33.21 92

9 Ian Townsley 42.02 9.45 32.17 95

10 Mick Loftus 42.05 10.45 31.20 96

11 John Hallas 42.23 6.45 35.38 89

12 Mick Tinker 42.31 6.00 36.31 87

13 Lisa Wilyman 43.13 7.00 36.13 88

14 Sara Dyer 43.33 3.00 40.33 85

15 Carole Schofield 43.48 2.00 41.48 84

16 Roy Flesher 44.13 10.45 33.28 90

17 Britt Laustsen 46.45 4.30 42.15 83

18 Ian Place 50.25 10.30 39.55 86

Abbey Runners Three Day Challenge (from Ingo)

Three Striders (Mark B., Ian T.and Ingo Z.) met at the fields near the start to the 10k road race. A slightly embarrassing low turnout, so these three had to keep the Strider colours flying throughout the Abbey runner race series. And how the colours were going to fly...

It was cooling down just in time for the start of the race, and the Striders set off for the start of an excellent performance. In-form Ian finished the testing 10k first of the Striders, in under 38 min., followed by 'almost-in-form' Ingo in sub-39, and 'not-yet-in-form' Mark in sub-40.

The three Striders met again at the fields, this time roaring to go for the 5k cross country. Ian claimed to let it go slowly, and to have a good rest for the following morning, nevertheless he finished the course in 18:20 min., followed closely by 'take-it-easy' Ingo in sub-19, and 'see-how-it-goes' Mark in sub-20.

Reinforcements had arrived! With Britt and Niels L., Geoff and Mick W. a bit of respectability was restored. Further Striders were seen at the start and at several spots along the course. They must have delayed their Sunday run to ensure they didn't miss this event. Mick W. disappeared into the distance early, followed by the 3-day-diehards and Niels. Geoff and Britt followed closely behind.

Ian speeded up around the 4M-mark, to finish in outstanding 61.18, second Strider behind Mick. Ingo's calf packed up around the 7M-mark, he struggled hard to finish in just under 64min, 35 sec. ahead of Niels. Mark too paid tribute to his performance on the previous days, still recording a seasons best when finishing fifth of the Striders. A very relaxed Geoff followed, closely shadowed by the last of the contenders, Britt.
Sorry, no prizes today, just a few GP points to be distributed...

P.S.: When checking the T-shirts the 3-day-diehards wondered if they went through the events in the right order. 5k XC, 10k road, 10M road, at least that is what the T-shirt said...

Some people don't like this two-lap course - it always seems such a long drag uphill out of town and up Harlow Moor Road. But then to finish each lap is a steady downhill on Otley Road, flat towards the town centre and a nice gentle downhill finish (unless the smell of coffee from Betty's tempts you to stop with 200 yards to go). Mick wasn't tempted by Betty's and showed it was a fast course with his 34:50.

I acted as chauffeur from Meanwood and it cost me 2 points as Ian and Ingo finished ahead of me. Niels also risked not getting a lift back by finishing ahead of George

50 Mick Wrench 34.50 

98 Ian Townsley 37.08 

111 Ingo Zoller 37.32 

157 Niels Laustsen 39.05 

169 George Little 39.31 

171 Bob Jackson 39.32

212 Roy Flesher 40.45

276 Peter Lambert 42.40

379 Howard Jeffrey 45.44

431 Mike Brown 47.14

621 Melanie Gray 53.18

648 Janet Carter 55.05

Three Striders here were Mick Wrench (34th 63:38), Neil Dutton (56th 66:07) and Bob Wilkes (188th 79:05). Judging by those times it was clearly a tough course.

I had run a couple of weeks earlier with Jerry on a training run for leg 6 of the LCW. He was definitely running easier than me and he did mention in passing his 2:17 at London (but that was over ten years ago), but there was a bit of heavy breathing so setting his par time for 10k at 36:45 seemed reasonable. It didn't quite work out that way, as I could tell when he passed me half way along the back road of the Res. And so it was that he finished 16 seconds ahead of a much improved John Hallas, who did not hold it against me when we ran together in the LCW 5 days later.

This was the final G.P. meeting of Germany vs. Denmark and Germany stayed a couple of points in front. The next (and final) time they would be in a race together they would be a pair in the LCW. They both broke the par time of 50 minutes as did Bob Wilkes and Martyn.

This also being the final Handicap of the 2000 Grand Prix (the December Handicap is in next year's G.P.), this is an appropriate time to thank again our ever-present timekeepers recorders and subtracters Mike and Eileen.

Race Watch Hand Run G.P

Pos Time -icap Time Pts

1 Jerry Watson 49.05 13.15 35.50 99 

2 John Hallas 49.21 8.30 40.51 87 

3 Bob Wilkes 49.29 4.15 45.14 81

4 Ingo Zoller 49.31 12.30 37.01 98

5 Martyn Hopson 49.33 9.45 39.48 89

6 Niels Laustsen 49.58 11.15 38.43 94

7 Paul White 50.03 7.00 43.03 84

8 Bob Jackson 50.16 10.45 39.31 91

9 George Little 50.24 11.45 38.39 95

10 Ian Townsley 50.28 13.15 37.13 97

11 Lisa Wilyman 50.34 8.30 42.04 85

12 Kathy Kaiser 50.50 9.00 41.50 86

13 Geoff Webster 51.12 7.15 43.57 82

14 Rob Liddle 51.20 13.15 38.05 96

15 Mick Wrench 51.30 17.15 34.15 100

16 Alan Whittle 51.38 4.15 47.23 79

17 Keith Cluderay 51.51 12.45 39.06 92

18 Roy Flesher 51.59 13.15 38.44 93

19 Mike Brown 52.28 6.15 46.13 80

20 Harry Bates 52.30 12.45 39.45 90

21 Ian Place 52.57 12.30 40.27 88

22 Britt Laustsen 53.58 5.15 48.43 78

23 Mark Bean 56.55 13.15 43.40 83

Mission Accomplished (a.k.a. Bradford 10k) (from Ingo)

This multiple championship (AAA, Inter-Counties, Yorkshire) event fielded something like the strongest turnout for a British 10k road race in recent years. And of course the Striders could not miss this event, featuring a multinational team consisting of England's Lisa W and (in the separate Yorkshire vets championships) Ian T and Bob and Paul W, Denmark's Britt and Niels L, and Germany's Ingo Z. Key man for this event certainly was Mr. Wilyman, who did not only support the Striders on strategically chosen points around the course, but also took great care of the Striders' locker keys during the race.

The main event started in a huge bunch squeezed into a very tight start, then used some of Bradford busiest roads (closed to traffic) to stretch out the pack. Both Niels and Ingo enjoyed mixed-gender pace groups (what does the UK athletics rule book say to this?), and after being down a few seconds off their target times at the half-way mark, speeded up in the second half. Near the finish they encountered the only real obstacle: a track around the football pitch, which looked and felt more like a proper XC course than anything else. But even this did not stop them from slashing a huge slice off their PB's. The women were less happy, apparently the hills did more damage to their race speed, so the organizers' claim of a flat and fast course is in serious doubt on their side.

Afterwards Ian T enjoyed a good, hard run, just missing his PB by a second or two, but still finishing fastest of the Striders by a good margin. He was followed by the evergreens Paul W and Bob W. The vets event being separated from the main event certainly did avoid them losing too much time in the starting bunch, on the other side the huge and strong turnout (including famous internationals like women's winner Esther Kiplagat) certainly helped the Striders' international men reaching their targets.

Times and positions:

Vets' race: 1. Andrew Wetherill (Redhill RR) 31:44, 39. Ian T. 36:20, 137. Paul White 43:14, 171. Bob Wilkes 45:42
Open race: 1. Julius Kimtai (Tipton H) 29:06, 40. Ian Fisher (Otley AC) 31:01, 114. Esther Kiplagat (Kenya) 33:01, 208. Ingo Z. 36:46, 224. Niels L. 37:31, 288. Lisa W. 41:07, 377. Britt L. 47:33

We expect to get our usual club allocation of two entries for the London Marathon so if you get a rejection from their ballot and still wish to run contact Paul Briscoe to be included in our club ballot. NB Mick Wrench and Dave Cusack get first call having been unsuccessful last year so it may be that you will get priority for 2002 if they are unfortunate enough to be rejected again this year.

Business and Pleasure in Bridlington (from Paul White)

What could be better than Bridlington in October – who needs Spain, Portugal or Cyprus? The attraction of sun, sea and ….. running. Seeing that the Bridlington Half Marathon was a Grand Prix event gave me an opportunity to take my wife on an exotic, no expenses spared, weekend break mixing business with pleasure.

We set off on the Friday and visited Burton Agnes Hall (a magnificent example of late Elizabethan architecture – still lived in by descendants of the family who built it in 1598). On Saturday we went to Sewerby Hall (built 1714-1720 and occupying a dramatic setting overlooking Bridlington Bay with 50 acres of gardens), Flamborough and Filey.

On Sunday morning the race started on the promenade directly outside our hotel. We ran out to Flamborough and Bempton before turning back towards Bridlington running through the grounds of Sewerby Hall on our way to the sea front finish. It was a very interesting and enjoyable race through countryside and quite testing, no hills but plenty of "ups" and not many "downs".

Although it was a Grand Prix event there was only me and my arch rival (and good friend) in Group D, Bob Wilkes. I finished 1:34:56 (151^st), Bob 1:37:58 (190^th) 445 ran.

It was good to be on the spot for the race instead of having to travel. But instead of having pasta meals and muesli for breakfast I was having 3 course meals and a full English breakfast.

I was disappointed that there weren’t more Valley Striders runners. It’s great getting 100 points (for only the second time) but I would much prefer to finish say 10^th out of 15 or 20 rather than first out of two.

All in all it was a very enjoyable weekend and a good race which I can recommend next year.

The table opposite shows how the runners line up with just 4 races to go.

Any one who has completed 4 races is theoretically still in with a chance, so have been listed.

The codes in brackets show G.P. Group (A to E - see previous VS News for explanation) and age/sex category (M, M40, M50, L, LV). If funds suffice, there will be prizes in all 10 groups/categories

will be held next year at South Leeds so keep Saturday 7th April free in your diaries

See notes at foot of previous page

8 races (or more): MickWrench (A,M) 800, Ingo Zoller (B,M) 788, Niels Laustsen (B,M) 786, Bob Jackson (B,V40) 777, Bob Wilkes (D,V50) 764, Paul White (D,V50) 756, Peter Lambert (C,V50) 740, Lisa Wilyman (C,L) 737, Britt Laustsen (E,L) 718

7 races: Neil Dutton (A.M) 692, Alan Hutchinson (A,V40) 681, Roy Flesher (A,V40) 666, Ian Place (B,V50) 657, Kathy Kaiser (B,LV) 635

6 races: Steve Webb (A.M) 597, Ian Townsley (B,V40) 585, Alan Whittle (D,V50) 527, Sara Dyer (D,LV) 526

5 races: George Little (B,V40) 478, Eric Cusack (B,V50) 477, Jane Sutton (C,L) 471, Dick Dale (C,V40) 461, Tony Haygarth (B,V50) 460, Bernadette Clayton (D,LV) 456, John Hallas (C,V40) 443, Mark Bean (C,M) 425

4 races: Steve O'Callaghan (A,V40) 381, Madeleine Watson (D,LV) 360, David Cusack (C) 359, Mike Brown (D) 339, Geoff Webster (C,V50) 339

There are also 11 Striders who have run 3 races, 8 with 2 races and 15 with 1 race.

... the Collingham Fun Run. The Striders Sunday run went out from Smithy Mills round the Res and towards Wike. At this point, those who hadn't planned in advance headed back for Smithy Mills; those who had, continued on the Leeds Country Way to Collingham and to Alan Hutchinson's 3½ mile fun run. (I use that term loosely as the route went directly up a steepish then steady hill for 1½ miles and then back down again.) Winner was 14 year old Matthew Thackwray of Harrogate, just behind were 53 year old Harry Bates and 47 year old Keith Cluderay of Leeds, running in together but separated by the photo-finish judge. (In fact I knew that Harry's Morecambe Marathon trophy was getting a bit lonely in his trophy cabinet and needed the company of the 1st man plaque from Collingham). Packing in 8th, 9th and 10th places were Steve O, Ian P and Dick. Connie, Jenny and Jane were at the finish to ensure that the lads did not have to run the 12 miles back to Smithy Mills after the race, although Harry and Keith did run the circuit again as a lap of honour.

A Marathon Debut (from Ian Townsley)

On Sunday September 24th, at the age of 46, I lined up by the side of the river Trent with over 9000 other people at the start of the Nottingham Marathon. By chance, amongst such a large gathering, Bob Jackson and Mick Loftus turned up independently at the same spot within seconds of each other and with minutes to spare, Bob made a joke about a Sunday morning run. I was nervous, a cold nervousness that left my muscles cold despite the usual warm-up routine. I hadn’t attempted this sort of distance before. It was only in August after Bob and I had run 16 miles (nearer 17, ed) whilst he showed me the final leg of the Leeds Country Way that I had decided to enter the full marathon - I had felt so good at the end of the 16 miles. Since then I had crammed as many miles as possible into the three weeks despite a niggling groin injury. This included an 18-miler from work at the end of which I wondered where I would find an extra 8 miles from but found consolation in the thought that it was easier running with people, I would take in extra carbo drinks, I would have rested for a couple of days before the event etc, etc.

As the clock chimed ten to start the race I felt as prepared as I could possibly be under the circumstances in terms of mileage, diet and hydration. I tried to kid myself into thinking that to finish the event would be an achievement but secretly hoped to get there in under three hours - just under 7 minute mile pace. The start was a slow one - the race included both the full and the half marathons and the wheelchair race. The first mile took me nearly eight and a half minutes during the course of which my calves became extremely stiff as a result of them being cold. This caused some discomfort for about four or five miles and then appeared to disappear.

I have never been a great clock watcher in running and glanced at the watch at only about half of the mile markers as a rough guide. Throughout the first half of the run I continually felt I was behind the clock, yet reached the half way point at about an hour and a half, bang on schedule.

I took the opportunity of taking on water, High Fives and a sponge at every drinks station from enthusiastic volunteers. The weather was extremely kind - it was cool and still despite a forecast that it was going to be warm.

I got a surprise at 12 miles because the ten mile marker had been wrongly placed so that it was further up the course than it should have been, I consequently missed the 11-mile marker and was looking out for it when the 12-mile marker appeared, as this was only a mile short of half way it was a huge psychological boost.

When the point came when the full marathon runners branched off from those running the half there was almost an eerie silence and I felt a sense of loneliness as runners were now strung out instead of being bunched together.

There were many spectators along the route and the value of the encouragement and applause that they gave could not be underestimated, I thanked them at every opportunity as I did the marshals and the men and women and boys and girls who handed out the drinks. At 15 miles I felt strong but resisted the temptation to accelerate as I knew there was still a long way to go, at 17 miles I passed Mick and after exchanging a few pleasantries carried on until at 20 miles a guy with a Wakefield vest on asked me "if Steve O was running today". At this point I still felt I was behind the clock, my ability to multiply by seven temporarily deserting me. Between 22 and 23 miles for the first time I suddenly began to feel heavy legged and wondered if I was about to "hit the wall", I also briefly got a stitch, it was at this point I think that we went through Nottingham Forest football ground, the race apparently included many of the sights of Nottingham, but they were, I am afraid to say, lost on me.

I again received a massive boost with the arrival of the 23 mile marker when I told myself that there was only 5K to go. At 24 miles a glance at the watch and I had over 12 minutes to go and for the first time I knew I could make it. All thoughts of tiredness disappeared and my mind became concentrated. The sight of the 25 and then the 26 mile markers were absolute magic, and as I saw the official timer a feeling of euphoria swept over me, as I crossed the line in 2:59:21 I thumped the air with joy. I had achieved a long-standing ambition in completing the distance and in a time that I was absolutely delighted with.

I was met by my wife and my dad as I tried to remember the rules; keep moving, keep warm, etc but frankly I was on a different planet and stayed there until Wednesday at least. I heard the loudspeaker announcing Bob’s arrival at 3:10 (3:09:55 - ed), Mick finished in a PB 3:13 and Roy Flesher and George Dawson completed the Striders line-up.

Had I not joined the Striders in June after being "unattached" for eight years I would never have entered this race, it was my first marathon but it certainly won’t be my last.

To those who are Injured (from Bob)

I apologise that I cannot keep up to date with all of your injuries and recovery plans, so just to cover all eventualities, please fill in the gaps in the following paragraph as it applies to you

Best wishes to ______________ who is has a _________ injury sustained while ______________ ____ months ago. (He)/(She)* is now undergoing (physiotherapy)/(psychotherapy)* and expects to be back in training within ____ months with the hope of running the ________________ in _____ 200_.

But seriously, best wishes and a speedy recovery to all Striders currently out of action.

Broløbet - the World's Largest Half Marathon (from Niels)

On 12th June, the recently opened bridge linking Copenhagen, the Danish capital, to the town Malmø in southern Sweden staged the half marathon 'Broløbet' (The Bridge Race). Around 95000 people had entered the race. At the end of the day, 78366 of these had crossed the finishing line, making it the largest half marathon in history. Among the finishers were (at least) two Striders, Britt and Niels Laustsen.

Strictly speaking, the term 'bridge' is not quite correct because the link consists of a tunnel (2.5 miles), an artificial island (another 2.5 miles), and a bridge (5 miles). To complete the half-marathon distance, the race course ended with 3.1 miles along the Swedish coast. The height difference between the bottom of the tunnel and the top of the bridge is 90 metres, so it was a fairly hilly course (according to Danish standards).

The weather on the day was perfect for running: clouded, a slight breeze from the west (that is, from behind), and a temperature of about 15^oC - just warm enough even for the soft Danes to run in vest and shorts only!

The event began with an elite race for runners like Abdelkaber El Mouaziz, Stefano Baldini, Catherine McKiernan, and Joyce Chepchumba. It was won by Tola Tesfaye, Ethiopia, in 59:46 (male) and Risituta Joseph, Tanzania, in 1:07:54 (female), indicating that it was a fast course (mainly because of the tail wind, I believe).

After the elite had disappeared, the rest of us could start, but only in groups of 1250 runners every 5 minutes; for security reasons 6000 runners at most were allowed in the tunnel at any time. To avoid complete chaos with all 95000 people arriving to the start at the same time, we were divided into smaller groups according to country of origin and post code for the 'local' (that is, Danish and Swedish) participants. Because of our Leeds address, Britt and I were allowed to start at the attractive time between 10 and 12am.

The race began at the Danish coast, about 400 metres from the entrance to the tunnel. Realising that I was about to get stuck at the back of one of the starting groups of 1250 runners, I decided to delay my start by taking a 'strategic leak'. This trick brought me right to the front of the next starting group. In this way I managed to get the incredible feeling of entering the tunnel almost on my own, that is, with nobody in front of me, and, more importantly, it gave me an unrestricted run for the first 2 kilometres. Then I hit the massive wall of people who had started before me, and for the rest of the race I literally had to run from one side of the road to the other to pass through the gaps between slower runners, joggers, and even walkers. It was quite clear that this special 'once-in-a-lifetime' event had attracted a large crowd who would otherwise not even consider taking part in a half marathon (or any other race).

Even though I was among the early starters, the air in the tunnel was already pretty hot and foul because of all the sweating people; I wonder what it must have been like later on in the day... For this reason it was very nice indeed to reach the end of the tunnel and get out into the fresh sea air.

After crossing the artificial island, a long, steady climb to the top of the bridge began. There was a beautiful view from the top of the bridge, and less ambitious competitors than this reporter stopped to enjoy it (and maybe recover from the long ascent), some even taking a camera out of their bum bag.

Then came the long down-hill stretch towards Swedish ground at the other end of the bridge; I tried to keep up my pace (reminding myself of Steve O's running style, of course) while navigating through the crowd. Fortunately, Denmark and Sweden are in a passport union, so we were not required to show passports! On the final part along the Swedish coast I realised that I had paced myself well as I was able to catch up with and overtake most of the runners that I had chased across the bridge.

I finished in 1:28:55, 2½ minutes slower than in Leeds Half Marathon. Taking into account the congestion of runners on the bridge and my lack of training, I was very pleased with this. Britt finished a bit later in 1:43:28. More important than our times, though, is that we can now claim to join the exclusive club of Striders holding a world record (although ours is shared with 78364 other people)!

After the finish, the real challenge began. Before starting, we had handed in our clothes, drinks, etc., in a little black rucksack; these rucksacks were then transported in big trucks across the bridge and put in long rows on a football pitch at the finish, sorted according to starting number and the time the rucksack had been handed in. So, there you were, sweaty and tired after having run 13.1 miles, facing a football pitch covered in completely identical rucksacks, and only one of them contained your belongings! Surprisingly, I was lucky already in my second serious attempt, but I should not be surprised if there are still people over there looking for their rucksacks...

Finally, everybody had to wait in a long queue to get on a coach back to Copenhagen; it would surely have been much faster to run back---but we were not allowed to do so. (I am very grateful to the organisers for providing me with this perfect excuse.) Anyway, it was an excellent day, and in spite of the queuing I was very impressed by the organisation of the whole event; nothing went terribly wrong, and almost everything worked perfectly well.

P.S. Apparently, the last man crossed the finishing line at 8pm, nearly 11 hours after the first competitors set off.

Firstly, hello to everyone and thank you to all of you who have written to me via e-mail and kept me up to date with the Striders news. My family and I have settled easily into the Kiwi way of life and so far I’m having a great time with the prospect of even better things to come with Summer and hot weather on the way.

My intention had been to join a running club more or less in the first week after arrival but this proved to be much harder than I had anticipated. The majority of Kiwis participate in some form of sport and many run; I live two miles from the sea-front and it is constantly dotted with runners and ‘power-walkers’ along the whole of its 5 mile stretch and at the weekend it is buzzing with runners, in-line skaters and walkers. But few of these runners actually belong to a club and in fact there aren’t that many clubs to choose from. The biggest and most well known is the YMCA Marathon Club, based in Auckland, which, as its title suggests, specialises in preparing runners to run a marathon. That’s fine, but not when they meet at 8am on a Sunday morning and 7am in the Summer! My other local club, Epsom Joggers, meets on a Tuesday, and just as in England, it’s the one day of the week on which I am unable to attend. So basically I have been training on my own, clocking up a reasonable amount of mileage, but with no speedwork or precise purpose.

I had entered the Auckland Half Marathon, which is to be held at the end of October, but due to the fact the race is going over the Harbour Bridge for the first time in its history, it has been massively oversubscribed and as yet I am not included in the starting field. Apparently the bridge will start to sway violently if too many runners are allowed on at one time, although the organisers are hopeful that they can secure an increase on the present numbers and that should mean I get in. I’ll let you know……

Anyway, I decided I had to find a race to keep myself keen and last Saturday (9^th October) entered a local 10k sponsored by New Balance. Just as there aren’t loads of clubs, neither are there stacks of races to choose from and this race was fairly low-key. I went with another female runner, Catriona, who has come over from Sydney and the huge, thriving club, Sydney Striders.

On arrival at the race, the scene and pre-race activities were just as you’d expect in England. The route was an out-and-back 5k, run twice. Incidentally, there were just as many women running, if not more than the men, although few looked as though they belonged to a club. I warmed up, feeling slightly nervous but not too keyed up; my main worry was finishing outside 42 minutes, which I would have been disappointed with. Secretly I was hoping to get under 40 minutes but was counting on being happy with a sub 41 minute run, considering my lack of serious training. Mind you, I had Paul Furness via e-mail psyching me up, telling me to fly the Valley Striders flag and show these "Kiwi birds" what they were up against!

The gun went and I was at the front, along with a bunch of men and Catriona. It was a weird feeling as I was in the leading pack, not trailing steadily further behind some super-fast men, as you would expect. I was running at a pretty comfortable pace and didn’t feel the need to go like a rocket, as there was no one in front of me. Gradually as the first quarter of the race progressed, six men pulled away and I lost Catriona from my shoulder. As I went through the half way mark I looked at my watch and saw 19:40, which gave me great hope of finishing under 40 minutes but, although the course was relatively easy, it wasn’t dead flat and there was a wind whipping off the sea and forcing you back on each return leg of the loop. This took its toll and although I managed to get past two of the men in front, I lost time over the last 2k and finished in 40:13 as first lady.

Now, you will probably remember the last (and only) time I have come first, which was in the Baildon Boundary Way last year, when I was completely overcome with the thrill of winning. I didn’t feel a fraction of the elation this time, probably because I realised the standard is pretty low over here and what I had just achieved was no great shakes. Moreover, they have a curious attitude to winning, totally unlike their Australian neighbours. The Kiwis encourage and support everyone, of all ability, to participate in sport and a massive amount of time and energy is devoted to it, both inside and out of school, which is obviously to be applauded. However, over recent years there has apparently been a move away from the celebration of winners towards a recognition of the fun of participation, which means there are often no prizes awarded for the front finishers. Not only that, but they don’t even really acknowledge you have won, which I think takes the edge off a winning performance. To make things worse, they were giving out spot prizes of New Balance T-shirts and other decent products and it seemed that two thirds of the field qualified for a prize and not me! I tried to wangle one out of the guy dishing them out but he got very flustered and a Kiwi woman got her knickers in a twist over my audacity, so I thought I’d better let it drop and came home empty-handed. In fact, I ran home with Catriona, who was resplendent in her lovely New Balance spot-prize T-shirt. Still, I was proud to be wearing my white Valley Striders vest and I think I gave the "Kiwi Birds" a run for their money!

3^rd October 2000: Hi again, I’ve been sent confirmation that I’m in the Auckland half marathon, which is great news apart from the start time of 6.30am ! I also have to get a ferry over to the start beforehand because of the route over the harbour bridge. There doesn’t seem much point in going to bed, I’ll have to be up so early.

I ran a half marathon last Sunday around the town of Henderson. I came 4^th in a time of 1:30:24, which I was a little disappointed with, but Catriona came 3^rd with a PB of under 90 minutes so she was thrilled; she’s race fit at the moment in preparation for her full marathon at the end of October.

I’m going to try and train well over the next few weeks so that I can clock a decent time in the Auckland half, and make sure I beat my husband, Paul, who’s training like a demon in a bid to pass me (I’ve told him no chance). Bye for now, at the risk of boring you silly, I’ll send another report after that race.

My contract at the university comes to an end on 30th September; I shall then move to Copenhagen to take up a position there. In fact, this has probably already happened when you read this.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everybody in the club for an excellent time, for lots of good advice on racing (which my repeated knee problems sadly have not given me the chance to take full advantage of yet---but hopefully next year...), and for the many lifts that you have given me to various races and from Leo's on a Tuesday evening. I have enjoyed the friendship and good humour at the club, the tough Tuesday training sessions (maybe even the hill reps), the steady Thursday evening and Sunday morning runs, and racing you all along the roads, on the paths, and through the deepest mudholes in Yorkshire.

Before you start celebrating that the last Viking is finally leaving Yorkshire, beware: in my new job I shall stay in close contact with my colleagues at the University of Leeds, so this is not "good bye", just "see you later"---next time hopefully in connection with London Marathon 2001 (provided that I stay injury-free this time).

Best wishes, Niels.

Road races in Germany, how do these differ from the ones around Leeds? Let's find out! So I phoned the organizer on the evening before the race, and yes, the limit wasn't reached yet. He registered me immediately, and on the next day I came to pick up my number. Surprisingly everything was prepared, four pins, one race number and even a receipt for the starting fee were included in an envelope. And I did not even have to pay a late entry or an unattached fee!

The race itself was not very eventful, marshals wherever they were needed, and a four-and-a-half-lap course, which consisted mostly of right-hand turns! I didn't have a very good run, which was probably due to me having restarted training just a week ago, and my racers still waiting for me in England. The absence of km-markers didn't help much either. Nevertheless I managed a good sprint to the line, finishing 3rd in my age class (M30-39), just one second ahead of my nearest competitor.

Afterwards every competitor got his certificate, and a cup in every age category. And even small prices for the first three in every single category!

I asked my friend, Paul Banchero , our web master for LMJS if he had a photo of me at one of our Lake Merritt events, but if not, I will dig some up to send you. I don't have a scanner, so would have to send photos by postal mail.

I was 2 minutes faster, so was happier than if I had won anything. I had won my W70 division in Kamloops with the 2 mins slower time for the 10K road, but was 4 mins behind the W70 winner in the cross country. I still love being involved with these events, even if my times have radically declined. I'm sure Max would point at my lack of "speed work", but I still hope more racing at shorter distances will do the trick.

As you might guess, I will certainly be going to WAVA XIV in Brisbane next July. Horrors-less than a year now! I know I can do the cross country, but after my miserable marathons at Gateshead, and again over 5hrs in May this year in Lincoln, Nebr., I doubt I should try running the one in Australia.

I haven't committed to a tour or the events yet, but most likely will join a group from the US west coast. Do you know if Kathy Kaiser has information on any British tour going? The year I went to Rome for that WAVA meet, I joined with a group Barbara Dunsford put together. She isn't doing that tour leading now, but could give a good recommendation.

I like your "training" for the Olympics. (I had written to Ruth that I was in training by making cups of coffee and toast at 2am). Sounds as if your viewing will be "live"? at those hours. I haven't figured out our broadcast schedule yet I do enjoy your news letter. Thanks so much for sending it to me.

I also look back on the wonderful time I had at Leo's, and really appreciated such a grand surprise for my 70ieth birthday!

Best regards, Ruth

News from America (from Mark Hoon)

Last November I decided to re-enter the Richmond Marathon. The year before I raced just 6 days before my son was born and because my wife was pregnant she did not come down with me. This time we all went down and stayed in a big hotel in the centre of the city. Richmond is an old Southern town - it was of course the capital of the Confederacy. There are many monuments to that effect and it is still the state capital of Virginia but compared to Washington life there seemed to be quiet and provincial.

On race morning we took a slow walk to the start and I wished my son a happy first birthday and started out on the 26.2 miles. There was an all-star guest list - almost. Two Kenyans attracted by the $1000 winners prize had turned up to race. They obviously just wanted to win the prize money and not race since they ran the first 2 miles in 11½ minutes yet they claimed to have run 2h15m marathons!

I ran my own pace and finished third behind them in 2h32m. I was 4 minutes slower than the previous year. I think that was mainly because it was hotter and there was no one to run with except the first 2 miles with the Kenyans.

This year's marathon is 4 weeks away. After 4 years of running out of town I have opted for a hometown marathon again. The club I have joined is organizing its first Marathon. It runs through parks on the outskirts of Washington.

Mark

(from Keith Cluderay)

Wedding day came and I drove to Steve's house in my official role as best man / chauffeur to find Steve (with 1¾ hours to the wedding) resplendent in his running gear, he had been for a 10 mile chill out he said (looked rather warm to me).

So as Steve headed for the shower, I drove off to drop his bags at his overnight hotel. Back at Steve's ½ hour later and he was a changed man and all ready to go.

We drove to the Register Office where we were greeted by Danny's wife Caryl who is a registrar if births, marriages and deaths. She had forgotten it was Steve's big day, but managed to rearrange her schedule to conduct the wedding herself! Caryl made the service seem much more personal and friendly than normal but unfortunately she can't give Striders discount. Having met Caryl professionally on a less happy occasion registering my father's death, we are now looking for a Strider to give birth so she can complete the hat-trick.

So off to Esporta for the receptions and photos in the picturesque surroundings. After the food came the speeches, light hearted by prior arrangement with Steve. I started the warm up for Steve's oratory with tales of running etc and Sunday steady run jokes (cleaner variety) which seemed to go down nearly as well as the wine.

Then over to Steve who gave one of the best Groom speeches you're likely to hear including the tale of how he first met Jane when he saw a vision of loveliness on the beach at Benidorm and when she moved Jane was stood right behind her (you need to be big and brave to tell that one with the wife only feet away). After the speeches it was the usual drinking/dancing/drinking which went off without a hitch and a good evening was had by all.

Monday morning back on chauffeur duty to take Steve and Jane 'O' to LBA (a 5 minute journey note) for Jane's honeymoon surprise - a cruise from Cyprus visiting Turkish and Greek Islands which she did not find out about until arriving at Cyprus.

They were only back less than a week and it was off to Spain for a fortnight at their shared police property and what a contrast was this second journey to the airport! The trip to Manchester went via Glasgow where he ran 3:07 in the Glasgow Marathon (Steve's last in the police - he was 3rd police V45 and only 4secs behind 2nd place) and the real race began at 1pm to get to Manchester for a 5:15 flight (check-in at 2:45!!).

No time for a shower, but a flannel and a change of clothes on the passenger seat as Jane drove down the motorway. 3:30 came still 50 miles to the airport, I rang him to say the flight was running about an hour late, but having worked at an airport don't bank on it.

They arrived at the airport at 4:15 and dumped the car in the parking area while they checked in (1½hrs late), Steve left Jane anxiously waiting while he went to park the car in the car park. Steve got back at 5:15, thank goodness for delays. Later Jane was heard to say the usual "Never Again!!", not to the wedding nor to the cruise nor even to the marathon but definitely to late checking in!!

The eleventh running of the Leeds Country Way Relay took place on Sunday, 3 September. Congratulations to the 36 Valley Striders who represented the club in this years race. The race results have now been finalised and this is how our three teams finished:

• A Team 4^th place in 7hrs 16mins 34secs
• Vets Team 14^th place (3^rd Vets Team) in 7hrs 53mins 31secs
• Ladies Team 26^th place (2^nd Ladies Team) in 8hrs 53mins 20secs

The "A Team" had its best run in years. Fourth place overall is the highest position for a Striders team since Steve O was a lad. Ian Townsley and Jerry Watson posted the fastest time on the final leg, Scarcroft to Garforth. Their time of 59mins 34secs was quickest on the day, and won them an individual "Fastest Leg" award.

The "Old Men’s" team finished 3^rd in the Vets category behind Steel City Vets and Wakefield Harriers Vets. Prizes were awarded to the first two Vets teams so unfortunately no silverware this time boys. However, a special mention must be made about the oldest pairing in the Striders Vets team. Messrs. Lambert and Furness (combined age of 115 years) ran a faster time on leg 5 than the Striders A Team. Come on you young lads, I hope you will give us a bit more competition next year.

The "Valley Striders Ladies" were the most successful of our three teams at this year’s race. The Striders ladies won a team trophy as second Ladies team to finish and two individual "Fastest Leg" awards. Kathy Kaiser and Nikki McNally ran the fastest time on leg 2 (Stanley to Morley) in a time of 1hr 23mins 5secs and Liz Ball and Lisa Wilyman also were the fastest ladies team over leg 5 (Golden Acre Park to Scarcroft) in a time of 1hr 15mins 3secs. Liz and Lisa also set a new course record for leg 5, beating the old record set by Striders Carole Schofield and Jane Sutton in last year’s race.

Many thanks to all Valley Striders who ran in this years race.

NB: The date for the LCW Relay in 2001 will be 2 September. Will all Striders please ensure that you are not:

• on holiday on 2 / 9 / 2001
• ill on 2 / 9 / 2001
• washing your hair on 2 / 9 / 2001
• cutting your toe nails on 2 / 9 / 2001
• on a stag / hen weekend on 2 / 9 / 2001
• doing anything else on 2 / 9 / 2001

We all had an excellent relay on Sept.3rd, everyone ran really well and we were rewarded with 2nd placed ladies team.

Well done to everyone who took part, I would like to say a special thank you to Erica for being on standby, and to Janet and Doug, who after Janet's 1st leg run with Maddy, followed the rest of the team around the course back to Garforth.

We received two of the fastest legs trophies: Liz and Lisa on leg 5 not only ran the quickest time on the day but also set a new leg record and beat our men's time into the bargain, Well done to both of you. Nikki and myself were the quickest ladies on the day for leg 2.

So thank you to all our wimmin for such a sterling effort, and for your support and commitment.

Now as we did so well on the L.C.W how about the Calderdale Way, I've had 5 or 6 ladies ask me about this one.

It is a very similar race to the L.C.W., but in December, December 10th to be exact, so there is a possibility of bad weather. The route follows some very exposed paths around Halifax, so it really does need a good recce. but is well worth the effort.

So if anyone is interested please give me a ring fairly quickly so we can arrange some recce runs ------Tele 2694820 --------Oh! I'd better go now the phone is ringing!

Kathy

Spiders News

This is a popular Horsforth Fellandale promotion and we all had fun spidering around the woods on Otley Chevin. The course was rougher than I remembered from last year, so apologies to anybody who took at face value my assurance that it would be easy compared with the Badger Stone Relay!

All first legs put in storming efforts; Paul Webo stuck close to the Bingley and P&B big guns, Jerry was first Vet, and Liz was second lady on the leg, and indeed second lady overall. Thereafter the A team fought hard against strong opposition and the after effects of the previous night's summer handicap. The Vets and Lady Vets also upheld VS honour, and Hutch got the "You've Been Framed" award for his involuntary forward roll with half pike in a muddy puddle.

Thank you to all who ran in this and other fell relays and thereby helped to raise the profile of the club in fell running circles.

This is a deceptively tough 'A Long', at least it deceives me every year! This year I followed advice and set off conservatively; this meant I was further down the field and further from the finish than normal when I collapsed under the strain of the killing descents. Paul Webo bizarrely chose Holme Moss and Sedbergh as his comeback races and I last saw him at checkpoint 2 as he ploughed on to a creditable 16^th place. Ingo had an excellent run; when he passed me he was just ahead of perennial Ladies winner Vanessa Peacock and he managed to stay ahead of her, finishing 34^th. If GW had known what a nightmare I was having he might have been able to stir himself and beat your correspondent.

This race is exactly what it says on the tin; a full marathon, in Yorkshire, off the roads. The start and finish was at Penistone Hill Country Park and I thought the route was an interesting one, combining bits of the Calderdale Way and Worth Way and crossing Ovenden, Oxenhope and Harden Moors. It rained steadily throughout so the expected views never materialised. I had a steady tour in 3:51 (versus winning time 3:23) but was well beaten on our unofficial age grading basis by Sara's 4:57. Unfortunately Peter Lambert aggravated a hip injury and had to drop out early - but was still credited with a completion in the results. Ken and Kathy were running strongly until in the closing stages Kathy suffered a traumatic fall and damaged her arm very badly (but still finished in 4:23). This required a stay in hospital; we wish her a speedy recovery and hope there is no lasting ill effect.

We had a minor crisis en route to this event. As we sped along the Skipton By Pass Sara announced she'd forgotten to bring any running shoes! Fortunately PB Sports were in attendance, and after a quick look at the range on offer she decided the most pressing need overall was for some new road running shoes. The pristine white Saucony Jazz 5000's she chose were looking distinctly second-hand by the end of this B Medium race, which takes in the summits of Whernside and Great Coum and all the muddy bits in between. Meanwhile I had a very good climb to be second at the trig point on Whernside, then losing four places on both of the big descents to end up 10^th. The event sponsors were very generous; loads of kit to prizewinners, plus cosy merino wool running socks to all finishers.

Rivock Edge Race, Silsden

Calderdale Way Relay

Briscoe's Brewery Auld Lang Syne Race, Penistone Hill Country Park, Haworth

A full carload of Striders turned up, and, although squeezed on the rear seats, all of them did actually run this event! Overall the event was much strongly supported than last year, with Todmorden turning out all their big guns, and deservedly winning the team prize.

After a slightly delayed start the two internationals took off close to the leading pack, followed by the Spider Sec, Ian P. and the wimin's captain. A good runnable event should mean that this order would be maintained all the way to the finish line. Should it? After more than half way round the course the Strider internationals suddenly saw a familiar figure ahead of them: a gold-blond male, wearing pink gloves! Did the Spider Sec find a secret fuel recipe, or did he have a double in the race? No, he just found an ingenious short cut, cutting roughly half a mile and a few dozen feet of climbs off the course! No one should doubt his navigational skills any longer!

Strong running by the internationals nevertheless meant that they passed GW before reaching the final summit, and finished in 18th (IZ) and 22nd (NL) position overall, restoring the expected order, a few seconds or minutes ahead of GW, IP and wimin's V50 winner Sylvia Watson!

Gribdale Fell Race 15Aug 9 miles 1400' (from John Hallas)

This was my first outing in a fell race for 13 years and given the way my legs felt the next morning, probably another 13!). The start was from the Forestry Commission CP at Gribdale near Great Ayton. About 100 runners took part and there seemed to be a good proportion of women taking part. It was a nice informal event and I believe it is part of an evening race circuit. (The final event is at Guisborough on 3/9/00). From what I can gather the course is a shortened reverse of the Guisborough Moors circuit.

Straight up a forestry track to Captain Cooks Monument followed by plenty of up and downs through the forest tracks and then across the moor to climb Roseberry Topping. Touch the top, back down the stone staircase which was very slippy and back along the moor to the car park.

I have been running again over the last few months and doing between 15-20 miles a week. My training is going well and I am starting to run faster times over the training routes I am doing. In some ways this race was a set back in that I felt thoroughly outclassed by almost everyone else and my legs were dead on the climbs. I have always been slow on the descents but normally made up on the moorland tracks and the climbs. That has all left me behind and I am now just consistently slow.

Despite my feelings of tiredness it was an excellent route, a good hard work out and I feel I will gain from the experience. I will be back for more.

Fell Championship Races : Official Reports

Only two Spiders turned out for this race. These were Paul 'wot me fit' Webo and his grandad Geoff Webo. Paul had a good run in this his first fell race for some time and finished in 15th place. Meanwhile G.W. found that the race was about 15 miles too long and finished well up in the last 15. He ran the last 6 miles at the amazing speed of 12 minutes per mile and collapsed at the finish from this superb effort. Sylvia had been out supporting the runners on her bike. She arrived back at the finish in time to see G.W. being sick.

This race is not as long as Holme Moss but a good bit harder. Steve Webo said he was going to start cautiously to save energy for the second half of the race. Steve must have been hoping for a cup of tea on route because he was carrying a plastic mug. Ten seconds after the start, Steve dropped said mug and it was kicked up the road by someone doing an energetic start. So while Steve was dropping to the rear of the field in search of mug, mug was going off rapidly in the opposite direction. A further kick and mug jumped up in the air to be caught by G.W. The mug was returned to Steve but by now G.W., S.W. (and his mug) were sharing last place. This set Steve off in pursuit of the leaders and he quickly disappeared up the fell side and eventually passed V.S. two other representatives, Ingo and Paul Webo.

Unfortunately Steve's burst of enthusiasm caused him to run out of fuel about ¾ of the way into the race where he was passed by P.W. and I.Z. Paul proved that he is fitter than he thinks by putting in a good run to be the first Spider back, with Ingo, showing that he is fit as he thinks he is, 2nd Spider in his last long fell race before he goes forth into Europe in search of some flat runs.

Steve was next back in 3hr05min which was much slower than he expected but it was more than half an hour faster than G.W. who staggered in in around 3hr 40min. A little later he was sick. He should be put down. The poor old devil.

Fell Championship Positions (from Geoff)

Steve W 539 Sara 510 Ingo 287 G.W. 268 Ken K 192 Sylvia 167

Paul W 115 Madeleine W 114 Jerry W 100 Kathy K 90 Tony F 78

Jane S 59 Mick W 57 P.B. 52 Eric C 45 Mick L 44 Vadim 40

Just 7 races to go - see next page!

Sun Oct 22 1130 Withins Skyline 7 – Penistone Hill, Haworth

Sun Oct 29 1130 Gayle Inn 4½

Sat Nov 4 1400 Shepherds Skyline 6 – Shepherds Rest Inn, Lumbutts, nr Tod

Sat Nov 11 0800 Burley Bridge 21 Trail - B in Wharfedale - NOT ON PREV LIST

Sun Nov 12 1100 Lordstones 11 – Kirkby, nr Stokesley, N.Yorks

Sat Nov 18 1030 Tour of Pendle 17 – Barley Village, nr Burnley

Sun Nov 26 1100 Rivock Edge 10 – Silsden - THE LAST ONE!

The Burley Bridge Hike on Nov 11 is a 21 mile LDWA event for runners and walkers which is organised to raise money for the proposed Burley Footbridge over the River Wharfe. So far, Mr Fattorini, a landowner, is the main obstacle to overcome (but not in the race). This is a good race with nothing much in the way of trophies. But there is a meal at the finish and cups of tea and buns on the way round. The circuit includes Burley Moor, Ilkley Moor, Canal Towpath and Hawksworth Moor and is mainly on good footpaths. Last year 5 Striders took part. This is a good training run.

The last one - It is expected that the Spiders will be out in force for the Rivock Edge on Nov 26 at Silsden. Unfortunately Ingo will be no longer with us so it has been decided by the Committee that he will be replaced by any Strider who ran in the Baildon Boundary Way and whose name begins with a silent 'W'. So that's great news for somebody!

Sylvia had a steady run round this unmarked 7 mile course above Mytholmroyd and she still won one of the old folks prizes despite going the long way round and taking the wrong route near the finish. Furthermore she beat G.W. who had a steady run to halfway and then set off at speed for the finish. Alas, he too took the long route and then with about a mile to go he ran into a gorse bush along with two other runners. The hapless trio were well and truly hooked up as well as scratched all over. G.W. crawled out and jogged to the finish about 90 seconds behind S.W. He should not be allowed out.

Many special happy returns to the following:

• October - Andy Blakeley (40)
• November - Tony Sardo (40)
• December - Nigel Covey (45), Dick Dale and Mike Crosfill (50)

May you enjoy success now that you are youngest in your new age-groups!

Steve invited Striders to an Airienteers internal club event in Adel Woods (based at Leo's) in June.

When we got there, everything was already organised - maps were ready and we were given instructions. Many of the Airienteers were on defined routes - 10 checkpoints for the juniors, 15 for the seniors, to be completed in the quickest time with penalties for missing a checkpoint.

We and the other Airienteers were set a more difficult challenge - take in as many of the 23 checkpoints as possible within 45 minutes - but with a 10-point penalty for each minute over time. The checkpoints had different scores from 5 to 25. But if we went for a 25 pointer (and they were at the furthest points of the course), and it took us an extra 3 minutes over time to find it, we were actually worse off.

Bob and Steve decided to have an easy evening by running as a pair (Bob was worried about running in spectacles for the first time) but still couldn't find one of the 25-pointers at the Northernmost end of the woods.

Niels was first man and Britt first woman proving that maps are an international language Points Time Net

Scored Penalties Points

Niels Laustsen 235 0 235
Mick Wrench 235 20 215
Alan and Robert Hutchinson 205 0 205
Steve O'Callaghan & Bob Jackson 235 40 195
Peter Cox 175 10 165
Geoff Webster 175 40 135
Britt Laustsen 150 20 130
Sylvia Watson 145 20 125

What a great start to the season for the Striders at Halifax. Strangely for a venue that was at the top of a hill almost in the Pennines and after two weeks of rain, the course could be described as no worse than steadily inclined and was almost dry. We can't guarantee that for the other three races in the series.

The wimmin's team finished second with good packing of the top-to-middle-order positions by Lisa Wilyman (19th), Madeleine Watson (24th), Kathy Kaiser (26th) and Janet Parkinson (33rd). Sylvia was 52nd out of 65 finishers.

The men also had a full team. Paul Briscoe looked at his team-sheet at the start and said "I hope we can get 4 in the first 100 today". In fact we got 6 in (just) - Paul (16th), Jerry Watson (19th), Steve Webb (23rd), Neil Dutton (60th), Alan Hutch (87th), Bob J (99th). Tony Haygarth (126) and Bob Wilkes (130) completed the squad. The team were 7th.

Grand Prix 2000

(Jon Willingham or Tim or Gary)

Sun Oct 15 1200 Bridlington ½marathon (Yorks vets ch)

Sat Oct 21 1st West Yorks x-c at Halifax

Sun Oct 29 1030 Holmfirth 15 (Yorks ch & vets ch)

Sat Nov 4 2nd West Yorks x-c at Skipton

Sat Nov 25 3rd West Yorks x-c at Peel Park Bradford

Sun Dec 3 Abbey Dash (NO ENTRIES ON DAY)

Grand Prix 2001

Tue Dec 26 Chevin Chase (NO ENTRIES ON DAY)

Sun Dec 31 1100 Winter Handicap 5

Sun Jan 14 4th West Yorks x-c at Otley

Sun Jan ?? Knavesmire Brass Monkey ½ (NO ENTRIES ON DAY)

Sun Feb ?? Dewsbury 10k (NO ENTRIES ON DAY)

Sat Jan 6 Yorkshire Championships at Bodington Hall, Adel

Sat Jan 27 Northern Championships at Witton Park, Blackburn

Sat Feb 24 National Championships at Maiden Castle, Durham