Category Archives: News

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

Karen was 2nd in her category over the 5k distance run at Wetherby.

Julian was 2nd overall in the 10k and Hilary took 4th in category.

Gavin and Sue tackled the Kilnsey Fell Race and both did brilliantly.

Sue writes:

“I agonised for a week about entering the Kilnsey show fell race as I had never done a fell race before.

I knew my parents and sister would be there and as my dad ran this race aged 17 I knew he would be chuffed if I did it.

I was a nervous wreck and almost pulled out of entering it but after  a big hug from Gavin Smith, a sympathetic look from Dave Gorman as he battled his way to the beer tent and more support and hugs from the lovely Derek Ives I took a big breath and entered the show field to warm up. Here I had another wobble and marched up to Gavin and demanded another  hug (which I got), that wasn’t enough so I marched up to some random bloke and got another hug……..then another off Bruce Elsworth!

Feeling more relaxed after all the hugs the countdown  started and the race began
It was a tough ascent with the majority walking within minutes. Once at the top It became slightly easier but of course that didn’t last long as the descent was steep and slippy. I managed to stay upright and made my way to “the chimney”, a vertical stoney drop. With the help of a rope I swung down like tarzan and picked up some speed.
Brian hugill told me it was a great feeling running back onto the show field with all the crowds cheering and clapping. He was right. I felt like  an Olympic athlete.

I will definitely do more fell races and I’m sure I will calm down pre race although it was very nice getting lots of hugs!

My Dad was very chuffed and proud  of me too.”

Here’s a picture thanks to woodentops proving that Sue didn’t just hug people, and looked like a proper fell runner.

Sue descending