Author Archives: Joel Dalby

Due to the snow that fell on Saturday night the Stanbury Splash was run over the Stoop course and as a result was only 5 miles rather than 7.5.

Sue, Jayne and Hilary all had excellent runs to bring the ladies team home in 4th place (by my fairly swift reckoning).

Jayne at Stanbury Splash (Photo: (C) Emma Yiu)

4 Skipton AC runners made the short trip to Embsay to run the BOFRA race.

First Skipton runner home was Craig Keedy in 19th position followed by Jayne Butterworth (1st LV50), Karen Hood (12th Lady) and Steve Hunn.

1. Jimmy Craig (Barlick) – 18:53
19. Craig Keedy – 23:21
30. Jo Buckley (Bingley Harriers) – 25:02
40. Jayne Butterworth – 26:30 (3rd Lady, 1st LV50)
59. Karen Hood – 30:07
76. Steve Hunn – 32:53

Gavin was our sole representative at this race up England’s highest peak, and finished a creditable 28th place in 1 hour 28 minutes and 36 seconds. Here is his account of the race:

“A slightly different course this year I was told, a nice easy start across trail, dry river beds with massive stones in, through a stream, through a bigger stream, across a bridge then find a way up. The map apparently was a rough guide. So up the ridiculously steep Lingmell, 550 meters elevation gain in about the same distance! Followed by a steady climb. Followed by bogs and streams. Followed by a steep boulder field to the top of England’s highest mountain.

Here, we had to hand over 1 of two tags (I guess they figure most people will turn back before the top so need something to make sure you actually go all the way), turn and head back through the hordes of tourists and ankle breaking rocks. Some very quick descending, back the same way, very fast until the super steep bit came then out of the blue, the legs went, and I went tumbling after. This suddenly seemed like a good approach until I realised there were big rocks so I picked myself up again.

Very shaky legs as the steep turned to the flat final 1km, amongst a couple of others, thankfully 1 shot off (no chance!), and the other was struggling so I put in a bit of a push (stagger), back through the streams and collapsed over the line. Unable to stand for some time. Best race I’ve done!

Who’s up for next year?”

Danny Hope (Horwich RMI Harriers) won the race followed by former Skipton AC runner Luke Maude (Barlick). The women’s winner was Caitlin Rice (Glossopdale Harriers).

1. Danny Hope (Horwich RMI Harriers) – 1:07:06
16. Caitlin Rice (Glossopdale Harriers) – 1:17:20
28. Gavin Smith – 1:28:36

Gavin and Triss took part in the Rombalds Romp – a Fell vs Trail race organised by Abbey Runners.

Triss at Rombalds Romp (c) Emma Yiu

Gavin at Rombalds 2015 (c) Emma Yiu

Gav came home in 17th in the Fell and Triss came in 32nd in the Trail. It wasn’t a hiccup-free run for either runner. Gav at one point found himself light of a shoe and Triss found the moor of Ilkley not giving quite the traction he wanted resulting in a badly grazed shoulder and a decent sized cut to the hand.

All the tumbles and slips were all made worthwhile though by the free beer at the end and a refreshing cup of water – sparkling water no-less!

rombalds romp

Skipton members travelled to the North-East for the Great North Run. Some great times all round.

Bradley Family fun day was blessed with glorious sunshine and this is good if you’re sitting in a field rather than running up a hill. Despite the hot conditions all 4 Skipton runners seemed to have decent runs, all going under 40 minutes.

For Skipton there was “the Pendleton 3” (Steve, Gavin and Joel) and Mel (below) who was making another outing on the fells after Stirton earlier in the year.

Mel leading a group on the first climb of the day (c) woodentops.org.uk