September 2014 - Darwen Dashers

The Dash
September 2014
Editorial
Firstly I must hold my hand up – I inadvertently had last month’s issue as being April. Many thanks to Dave
Moir for pointing my error out to me in his inimitable style. I’d like to say it won’t happen again but this is the
second time I’ve done it now! It must be an age thing. Anyway, this month is definitely October Nove Mar
September.
Carol and Des’s wedding do was attended by a very merry throng of Dashers who did wonders for the bar
takings and filled the dance floor. Thanks to the happy couple for inviting us and I’m sure we all wish you all
the best for the future.
I was very sorry to hear that Brian Tull’s other half, Shirley, has recently suffered a broken arm. Best wishes for
a speedy recovery from us all. I’m s ure you will soon be able to beat Brian at arm wrestling with the other arm
so all is not lost.
Can I offer my condolences on behalf of us all to Karen Atherton who’s father passed away last week. Sadly
there has also been another bereavement, Tony Martin, who many of the long standing members of the club
will remember. Brian Tull was a close friend of Tony’s and asked me to include this short tribute to him:
It was with a deep sadness that I discovered tha t my old friend Tony Ma rtin had recently passed a wa y.
Tony was an avid runner and continued his support even when he had to stop due to injury.
Tony had previously been a member of Red Rose Road Runners, Darwen Dashers and Blackbu rn Road Runners.
He enjoyed racing and I remember our many years of ra cing togeth er and th e occa sional pint afterwa rds.
Tony had many good friends and will be deeply missed.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Brian.
As we now move into the autumnal months and we have less daylight hours to run in there will be a move
towards running on the roads so please make sure you wear something reflective and take care. A reminder
also for those of us who carry on running on the moors: make sure your headtorches are charged up!
Until next month
What month is it??
Mr Sparkle
Please welcome this month’s new members
Paul Brain
Tracy Morante
Giovanni Posteraro
Fiona Salt
Simon Taylor
Barry Ross
Dave Ponton
Susan Robinson
Debbie Robinson
Cover pic: After Grizedale by Jam ie Dowdall
Chairman’s chat
Beginners group
So we see another beginners group draw to a close and we are very pleased to
see so many progress and join the Dashers under the £13 membership offer.
Massive thanks to run leaders Vikki, Alison, Chris C, James MS, Alex B assisted by
James France who have done such a consistently fantastic job with so many new
runners. Without a rest the leaders have now moved on and started another
beginners group that will take them up to Christmas. The culmination of the current group is
summed up by this great picture of them at Bolton parkRun after 9 weeks training.
Christmas Do
It might seem a long time off, but we have booked Bridge St Social Club for the Dashers Christmas
Party on Saturday 13th December from 7:30pm. We haven’t worked out the ticket price yet, but we
will keep it as low as possible to just cover our costs (entertainment, room hire & buffet). For those
of you who have yet to experience a Dashers Christmas Do, you can expect the following:
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Alcohol
Prize giving for those completing the minimum of 6 races in Road, Fell and ParkRun
championships
Most Improved Dasher and Dasher of the Year awards. We will publicise the nominations in
next month’s Dash so you have plenty of time to vote.
Draw for the club’s free London Marathon places (bring your rejection slip with you)
Dancing
Food
Bit more alcohol
So get the date on your calendar and make sure you are there! Partners & friends welcome.
Jonathan
Committee meeting minutes 14/8/14.
PresentJonathan, Brian, Chris, Barry, Carly, Rebecca
Clothing Vests expected after factory summer shutdown. JS reported that after many years handling
the club clothing, Linda is happy for somebody else to take over this role. Huge thanks from
committee to Linda for her help. CC volunteered to deal with club clothing.
Fun run Still no confirmation of reimbursement for certificate printing from Jill Ashcroft. Action JS to
follow up recent email to JA.
Beginners group
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Still no confirmation of reimbursement for run leader training from Jill Ashcroft. Action JS to
follow up recent email to JA.
Start date for next beginners intake needed. Action CC to discuss & agree date with other
run leaders.
Subscription renewals Action CC to write to those dashers who have still not renewed their
membership. Letter is to include Dashers bank details.
Team events Action CE to promote and coordinate teams for the Stockport Road Relay on 13/9/14.
This month we welcome new members Paul Brain, Tracy Morante, Dave Ponton, Giovanni
Posterano, Deborah Robinson, Barry Ross, Fiona Salt and Simon Taylor.
New road race On-going. Action CC
Christmas Do
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We have booked Bridge St Social Club for the evening of Saturday 13/12/14.
Action BT to discuss the request to get better beer and bottles of wine in the function room,
rather than just the lower bar.
Action RS to book DJ.
Action JS to ask Alex Sunter if he would like to provide the buffet.
2015 championships After some discussion it was agreed that:
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races will be agreed within the committee before being publicised wider. Action BS to share
road championship suggestions with committee. Action JS to share fell championship
suggestions with committee
The night series will be reinstated as a championship and the parkrun championship will be
given a rest.
Club nights
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It was acknowledged that the Dashtastics are progressing very well and can no longer be
classed as beginners. To make space for the intake expected from the current Wednesday
beginners group it was agreed that Barry will lead the intermediate group and the new
beginners (and those who feel they are not ready to run a bit further and faster) will be led
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by those on the existing rota. The third (faster) group will be led by Jonathan / Simon F’ as
available. Action CC to reinstate the rota as from Tuesday 19/8/14.
Barry reported that he will not be able to lead the 18:30 Beat Bazza once his new job starts.
It was agreed that this challenge would come to a natural end and be replaced by training
focused on Yarrow River 10k.
Dasher of The Year & Most Improved Dasher Call for nominations will be publicised in October’s
Dash. Action JS
Timed Runs and Social Sundays
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Thanks were given to Carly for the excellent response to her timed runs. As this challenge
has come to a close, she has offered to reinstate the Social Sundays as from 28/9/14. She
also is planning to host a Halloween run through Roddlesworth from The Royal. Action CE to
organise.
Jim Taylor’s comment that the route was unclear, especially for new runners, was discussed.
It was agreed that any similar events will be flagged / marshalled. Action CE to email Jim to
keep him informed.
Red Rose Cross Country Dates are not yet available. Action RS to share once these become available.
Action RS to enter Dashers who may want to take part.
Time & date of next meeting Thursday 4/9/14 immediately after the EGM planned at 20:30 to
discuss the update of the constitution.
Extraordinary General Meeting minutes 4/9/14
Present Jonathan, Brian, Chris, Barry, Carly, Rebecca, Russell Corsini, Alex Buckland
Agenda item To discuss the proposed changes to the club constitution
Jonathan opened the meeting and reminded all that the suggested constitution was as printed in the
Dash.
Russ pointed out that there was a typo – where EGM and AGM had been mixed up. Action RS to
correct this.
Subject to the correction notes it was unanimously agreed that the suggested constitution be
approved. Action JS to upload to the website.
More minutes! – Committee meeting 4/9/14
Present Jonathan, Brian, Chris, Barry, Carly, Rebecca
Clothing Vests have arrived and will be sold at £17. Priority will be given to new club members.
Action JS to publicise. Action CC to sell from Tuesday 13/9/14
Subscription renewals. Chris reported that final reminder letter had gone out.
New members This month we welcome Catherine Ferro, Jonathan Bromilow and Stuart Ryder.
New road race Chris reported that this will take several months to organise fully. It will be taken off
the agenda until there is progress to report.
Christmas Do
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Room booked, DJ booked, Alex Sunter booked for catering.
Action BT to discuss the request to get better beer and bottles of wine in the function room,
rather than just the lower bar.
Action JS get some tickets printed once price has been agreed
Fell Relay Second team has been entered: Rebecca, Jamie Dowdall, Stuart Smith, Joanne Nelson,
Janine Fallon, Neil Duerden & Simon Taylor
Dasher of the year / Most Improved Dasher Action JS to call for nominations and reasons in October
Dash. Action all committee to bring their nominations to next meeting
Social Sunday Action CE to organise Halloween run
Red Rose Cross Country Dates are now known and publicised. Action RS to enter Dashers for the XC
YarrowRiver 10K race Barry informed that the Yarrow River race is not easy terrain and not the
place to get a PB. He suggested that Preston 10K be used as the target race for those trying to
achieve 60 minute PB. Action BS to publicise
AoB
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Brian informed that ex Dasher Tony Martin had recently passed away. As Brian knew him
well he has agreed to write a short piece for the Dash
Carly suggested we go for a club curry after the final Cross Country. Action CE to publicise
Date & time of next meeting Thursday 2/10/14 20:30.
Captain Carly’s Corner
Hello Everyone
Unfortunately the nights are now drawing in and sadly, that means less running on the moors and
more running on the roads.
Timed Runs
I would like to thank everyone who took part in my timed runs. I think they turned out to be huge
success and it was great to see so many members turning up and challenging themselves.
In the end there could only be one winner and I am delighted to announce that the winner of the off
road series went to Louise Oldfield.
I am hoping to have another off road series next summer.
Cross Country Training
Jonathan has recently organised cross country training which takes place on a Friday night from 6.30
pm up at Blacksnape playing fields. The idea of this is that we get fit i n time for the cross country
races which start in October. I have attended all of the training sessions so far and would encourage
anyone who is thinking of taking part in the cross county to come along and give it a go.
Club Runs
I think the club is doing a great job of catering for all abilities at the moment. We currently have
three separate groups on each club night. The numbers are increasing each week and hopefully the
club will continue to thrive even during the winter months.
Carol and Des’s wedding
I and a couple of other members of the club had the privilege of being invited along to Carol’s and
Des’s wedding. I had a great time and would like to wish the newlyweds a happy future together.
Save the Date - Carly’s Halloween run
I will be arranging a social run on the 31st October 2014 at 7.00 pm from the Royal (Tockholes)
Further details will be provided in next month’s dash but in the meantime please try and keep this
date free for what I promise will be a great evening. I arranged a Halloween run last year and the
evening was a great success. Even Alex Buckland who dressed as a gimp!! Managed to make it home
safe after walking through the streets of Darwen alone.
Carly Edwards
O CAPTAIN! MY CAPTAIN!
Beat Bazza has finished for the summer and we’ve had a really good time on regular Tuesday and
Thursday evenings, and occasional Sunday’s. The aim was to help members to bring their race times
down by running with a pacer and learning the benefits of running negative splits in races. We
started out at ten minute per mile pace and came down to nine minutes per mile. And towards the
end of the sessions we had graduated to running 10k around Entwistle reservoir with the pacer
setting a time of an hour. Like all Darwen Dashers events over the summer, we had lots of laughs
and fun, with members turning out in huge numbers (on one occasion we had eighteen Beating
Bazza), and one night there was just Brian Morris and Bazza.
The purpose of this exercise was the assist members to run a 10k race either for the very first time,
or to beat their personal best; the theory being that an experienced Dasher would act as a pacer
during the race so the runner would have nothing to think about during the race, and wouldn’t go
off to fast – all they would have to do was run by the side of the pacer and then into the final
kilometre, run for the line knowing they would beat their required time. The chosen race was the
Yarrow River 10k which (I concede this was my naivety) I thought would be like running around
Entwistle, but a few members of the committee thought it might be a good idea to run a recce of the
course so we could determine where the occasional difficult sections of the race were, and take
action accordingly while pacing. Well, what a good idea that turned out to be. Rather than finding a
few occasional difficult parts of the course, we found a few occasional GOOD parts and the rest was
like running through (what I imagine would be) the Burmese jungle. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not that
we thought we shouldn’t do the event, but for sure it wouldn’t be a Personal Best course and not
one to run under the hour. When I tell you that Jonathan Stubbs and Brian Morris would struggle to
beat the hour you can imagine how difficult (or exciting) the course is. It is certai nly challenging.
So we haven’t dismissed it and at the last committee meeting we decided to offer it as a club outing
to have fun with, just don’t bother taking your watch. And we also haven’t dismissed the idea of
trying to get our members around a decent 10k course so one week after the Yarrow River race
there is the Run Preston 10k which we are hoping will be far more favourable. On the Darwen
Dashers Facebook page we have asked members to express whether they want to give the race a go,
and if so, the club will provide an experienced runner to pace you around in an even paced time.
Onto the Darwen Dashers racing scene;
In the Fell Racing Championship there are 13 races which have been completed with 2 still to go. The
next race is Langdale on Saturday 11th October starting at 11:00. Its category is AL, and is 21.1K/13
mile distance, with 4,757’ climb. There is no entry on the day. Pre entry is £8. Derek Reilly leads the
way in the table by 40 points ahead of Jonathan Stubbs, with Neil Dearden a further 45 points back.
Carly Edwards has a slight lead at the top of the table, just five points ahead of Nerina Gill, with
Rebecca Simms a further 15 points back. The chase is on.
In the Road Racing Championship 12 races have been completed with 3 still to go. The next race is
the Chester Marathon on Sunday 5th October. Derek Reilly is leading in the men’s standings, while
Carol Butterworth now has a small lead over Nerina Gill for the ladies.
What Else is going on?
The Cross Country training sessions have resumed on a Friday night in preparation for the XC season
starting soon. Keep your eyes on the Facebook page for details of where the races are, when, and
what distance. Training sessions take place at the Blacksnape Playing Fields at 6:30pm. There is
plenty of parking up there.
Captain Baz
The cross country season is up on us again!
Red Rose Cross Country is a superb series of local team events. We automatically enter Dashers and
the club pays the entry fees.
Sat 11th October
Sat 8th November
Sat 22nd November
Sat 6th December
Leigh Sports Village
Chorley
Bolton - clashes with Langdale fell race 
Rossendale - clashes with Pen fell race 
All venues have same start times:
 12:15 Under 11 Boys (ie over 9yrs)
 12:30 Under 11 Girls
 12:45 Under 13 Boys
 13:00 Under 13 Girls
 13:15 Under 15 Boys & Girls
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13:35 Under 17 Boys & Girls, Junior,
Senior and Vet. Ladies (5km)
14:15 Junior, Senior, & Veteran Men
(10km)
Last year was the most successful year for the Dashers:
Joanne Nelson
Janine Fallon
Linda Clarkson
Caro l Butterworth
Rebecca Simms
Sarah Arnold
Ladies’ Team
Overall position / 77 total
2
12
34
35
52
60
6 / 15
Vet position / 56 total
1
6
21
20
33
n/a
2/ 9
Derek Reilly
Mark Walsh
Paul Brindle
Andy Smith
Jonathan Stubbs
Kevin Smith
Peter Murphy
Neil Duerden
Chris Cash
Men’s Team
Overall position / 132 total
25
28
42
47
79
85
101
109
131
10 / 16
Vet position / 88 total
10
9
19
25
46
50
64
n/a
87
3 / 13
Results are for the best three of four events; lots of other Dashers took part in less than three races.
However, it is not just about winning, there is a very encouraging atmosphere for all runners so
come along and join in the fun!
You’d be daft to miss this.
Jonathan
Training talk
Nerina Gill looks at what the experts are saying on a range of running
topics, from first steps to race training, nutrition to recovery, shoes to
supplements.
This week: Clothing
When you start running the most important thing is to find clothes that are loose and
comfortable. But you’ll soon find there are good reasons for investing in clothes that are
designed for the purpose. There is rarely an option that is right for everyone, so lets look
at some of the features which you may want to consider.
Fabrics
The most important consideration when choosing running clothes is fabric. Forget
everything you thought you knew about 1970s polyester and cotton. Remember when
polyester was horribly hot and sweaty, it stuck to your skin and made you feel as if you
were going to explode? And your gym kit was a nice cotton aertex that allowed your skin
to breathe? The world has moved on. Empirical studies into the relative performance of
different fabrics are hard to find, and yet the anecdotal evidence that most runners prefer
polyester is overwhelming, from rank amateurs to the world’s greatest elites.
One of the greatest British athletes was born right on our
doorstep in Accrington, and as well as being a legendary
distance runner, he’s made a major contribution to the
evolution of running gear. Ron Hill is famous for holding
several world records, and for having run every day of his
life since December 1964. It’s less well known that he
left university with a PhD in textile chemistry, and
worked for Courtaulds in Droylsden. He used his
knowledge of textiles to set up his own Ron Hill Sports
brand in 1970, becoming the first person to to use
synthetic fabrics.
"Back then, the shorts that were available were not
designed for runners," he said. "I quickly decided that
cotton and wool were not good fibres for sportswear
Dr
Ron
Hill
because cotton wears out very quickly and when it gets wet, it stays wet."
Dr Hill used his experience of synthetic yarns to design his own sportswear, which he
initially sold from the back of a van at athletics events, before opening his first shop in
Hyde in 1975. The Ron Hill brand became synonymous with running tights, and the
company remains a big player in sports clothing, although it is no longer owned by its
founder.
Synthetic fabrics have developed since the early days, but a basic performance material is
still within the reach of most runners, and brings huge benefits. Technical tops made from
100 percent polyester wick moisture away from your skin to the surface of the fabric,
where it can evaporate easily. Some of them also have coating on the fabric which repels
water, making it even easier for moisture to evaporate. And they allow air through to your
skin to keep you cool.
Polyester fabrics and fibres are extremely strong, they hold their shape and colour well,
and they are resistant to shrinking, creasing and breaking down. They do have one fault.
They need to be washed at low temperatures (30C), which means bacteria caught in the
fibres can survive and cause odours to linger. Some polyester fabrics also lack elasticity,
meaning they suit short sleeved and loose designs better than fitted shapes. For a long
sleeved or close fitted top in a technical fabric it is sometimes better to opt for a mixed
fibre containing cotton or lycra.
Despite all the advantages of polyester, cotton still has some fans. Some people feel it is
warmer under a second layer in very cold weather, and it is soft and comfortable to the
touch. There is also an argument that it is easier to remove unpleasant odours from cotton
than from some polyester fabrics. And it is a natural fibre, which makes it a more
sustainable resource than polyester, which is made from crude oil.
Cotton, and other natural fabrics like bamboo and hemp may yet come into their own, as
technology allows them to be treated, and endowed with the properties of polyester. For
now, elite athletes almost universally expect the performance they get from the latest
technical fabrics.
Running tops
Having decided on a fabric, the next consideration is sleeve
length. The exact temperature at which people change from
vests, to t-shirts, to long sleeved tops varies with the individual,
and the intensity of the run. Experimentation is the only way to
find out what works for you. Remember that vests aren’t always
best in very hot weather, as shoulders can easily burn on even a
fairly short run. A zip at the neck is a useful feature on a long
sleeved top, as it can be closed against the cold, and opened to
allow the air in once you’ve warmed up.
The alternative approach to
running clothing
Some designs have extra features, such as silver in the fabric to combat bacteria and
reduce odour, a high sun-protection factor, or hi-viz or reflective strips to make you more
visible on the road - another innovation which can be traced back to Ron Hill, and his 7.5
mile run to and from work in winter. For women, there are also vest tops with integral
bras, great for those people who worry about their straps showing, but not usually
adequate for the well-endowed.
Sports bras
Sorry guys, you can skip this bit, but it’s a vitally important piece of running kit for most
women. According to Runners World, there's only one excuse for not wearing a sports bra
when you run, and that's being male. And research published in Medicine & Science in
Sports & Exercise suggests most women are wearing the wrong sports bra. The discomfort
of running with unfettered breasts is enough to convince most women that they need
some extra support. But, for anyone prepared to put up with the Benny Hill bounce,
remember that excessive movement will make the ligaments around the breasts stretch,
and once that’s happened there’s nothing you can do to shorten them again.
Research suggests normal bras reduce breast movement by around 35 per cent, but a good
sports bra achieves closer to 60 per cent. The larger your cup size the more support you
need. Most good running shops will provide advice, and, as with a normal bra, there is no
substitute for being properly measured and fitted. The fit and comfort are the most
important elements of a sports bra, but you may also want to think about how they’ll look
under a vest top, and whether you want a classic straight strap, or a racing back. Some
straight strap bras even have a clip to convert them into racing backs.
The bottom half
Just as cotton is no longer the fabric of choice for running tops, tracksuits and jersey
sweatpants are to be avoided at all costs. They get hot and damp, and if you’re not
careful they will end up around your ankles. So what are the options? Well, you don’t have
to be one of Robin Hood’s Merry Men to be a man in tights. For men and women,
especially in cold weather, a pair of technical running tights made of a breathable, fourway stretch fabric will keep you warm and comfortable. Do buy tights specifically for your
gender. Male and female bodies are shaped very differently throughout the waist, hips,
and thighs.
For women there’s also the capri length option, ending just below the knee, but watch out
for capris designed for the gym, which don’t have drawcords at the waist. They may end
up rather more below the knee than you intended.
For vigorous running, and in summer, the most popular option is still shorts. These can be
divided into tight fitting high-stretch materials, and looser designs, which usually have
integral briefs and a split leg. The split leg style is popular with fell runners and elite
athletes because it offers greater flexibility. Instead of a side seam stitched all the way
down the leg, the front panel overlaps the back, allowing the leg to move freely. The style
and length of shorts is a matter of personal preference, but if your thighs tend to rub
together you are better off with a longer length, to reduce the risk of chafing. A small key
pocket is a useful addition for most of us.
Going commando - or not
Believe it or not, most running shorts are designed to be worn without underwear,
especially if they have a liner built in. For those people who like to wear something
underneath, preferences vary from close-fitting boxers to the briefest of briefs. And that’s
just the women. Go to any running forum and you will find a thread on this issue, with as
many opinions are there are posts. There is no substitute for trial and error, but do it on a
short run. The consequences of an uncomfortable wedgie, or nasty chafing, can be eyewatering.
Socks
It would be possible to write a whole article on socks alone. In 1992 Ron Hill decided to
use his extensive technical knowledge to develop a range of performance running socks,
and he founded Hilly Clothing. They make a range of technical socks for just about every
purpose.Their website is rich with information about the options available. It may seem
like overkill, but it is worth taking the time to find
the right socks for you.
The wrong socks may lead to blisters, fungal infections, bad smells, and even black
toenails. The right socks are therefore as important as the right shoes. Fabric is as
important in socks as in other clothing, but as well as technical fibres there are good
breathable socks made of wool, especially merino wool, which also help wick away
moisture while keeping your feet warm. It is important that socks are the right fit,
especially around the heel, and that they have the right amount of cushioning for you.
Some people run comfortably in very short socks, others benefit from knee length
compression socks which may help to prevent cramp. As with other clothing there are
socks with odour control and high visibility, socks for endurance running, and socks for
running in the mud. It is worth trying several different styles until you find one that works
for you.
How much to spend
One of the advantages of running is that it is a relatively cheap pastime, one where you
can just get dressed and head out of the door. It isn’t necessary to spend a fortune on
running clothes and shoes. Last year’s range and colour can often be found at a discount,
and even Aldi and Lidl often sell basic running clothing for knockdown prices. Go Outdoors
and Decathlon sell technical t-shirts for under £10, and online sites like Sports Direct sell a
range of clothing heavily discounted. That said, it is also worth thinking about the price
per mile. A pair of shorts that fit well and hold their shape might last you 500 miles. A
cheaper pair might cost you half as much, but only go for 100 miles before they lose their
shape and start to ride up. The best investment you can make is the time it takes to
experiment with what works for you.
Next month: winter running
Nerina is a journalist for the BBC, a runner and a member of the Dashers.
PARKRUN CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT FOR AUGUST 2014
The Darwen Dashers Parkrun Championship has two simple rules:
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You must complete at least six parkruns before 30th November 2014
Your best six age grades (as given by www.parkrun.org.uk ) will be accumulated, and the
Dasher with the highest average age grading over the 6 races will be parkrun Champion.
AUGUST REPORT: Week one 2/8/14: Jim Taylor reached 25 parkruns, all of which have
been on the Bolton course. George Thompson ran a Years Best time at Burnley beating the
time he set three weeks ago by 30 seconds. Alex Buckland and Michelle Connolly were
First Timers at Preston, and this was Michelle’s 10 th parkrun. Joanne Nelson was a parkrun
tourist at Rushcliffe, Nottingham where no previous Dasher has run. Joanne ran the fastest
time of the day and scored the highest grading which was her first time ever over 80%
(80.73%). She was the first lady to finish and her time of 19:12 was her fastest ever parkrun
in 16 attempts, and this places her at #176 in the all time fastest Rushcliffe 500. She is the
fifth fastest lady ever to run the course and she has the VW40 record. Paul Brain was also a
tourist as a First Timer at York. Bolton parkrun registered 6,000 Personal Bests. Michelle
and Alex running at Preston made the Darwen Dashers the 5 th best represented club with a
total of 150 runs. After five months, the previous highest recorded daily total of 568 runs was
smashed today by the 11 Dashers who ran at 5 different parkruns. The new record stands at
640.
Week two 9/8/14: This was the best Darwen Dashers turn out for four months with 14 runners
at three different parkruns, including 7 Dashers celebrating the Cuerden Valley first birthday.
Paul Brindle ran as a First Timer and finished in second place overall at Bolton parkrun. His
time of 18:56 was the fastest time of the day and this places him at #124 on the all time
fastest 500 list at Bolton. This was his sixth run of the current championship and he qualifies.
Alice Capstick ran a Personal Best beating the time she set 36 weeks ago by 4 seconds. Jim
Taylor ran a Years Best beating the time he set 21 weeks ago by 5 seconds. His time of 27:39
was his fastest in 31 months and the second time over 60% in that time. Sue Eastham ran a
Personal Best beating the time she set 7 weeks ago by 8 seconds and grading over 55% for
the first time. James McGarry ran his 10th parkrun. Joanne Nelson ran a Personal Best at
Cuerden Valley and in doing so her time of 20:13 destroyed the course record by a female by
30 seconds. The record had stood for 29 weeks. Her position of fourth overall was the highest
ever by any female in the history of Cuerden Valley parkrun. Her grading of 76.67% was the
highest Dashers grading of the day. She is now #49 on the all time Cuerden Valley parkrun
fastest 500. Janine Fallon ran a personal best at Cuerden Valley in 22:43 which takes 58
seconds from the time she set 8 weeks ago. She is #170 in the fastest 500. Carly Edwards
was a First Timer at Cuerden Valley and her time of 24 :43 puts her #325 on the fastest 500
list. Cath Fox was a First Timer at Cuerden Valley and her time of 25:04 puts her at #345 on
the fastest 500 list. The first three ladies today at Cuerden Valley were Dashers, as were four
of the first five ladies, and five of the first ten ladies. Bolton parkrun missed their record
attendance (again) by just two runners, and the Darwen Dashers are now the 4 th best
represented club at Bolton with 55 members making 564 appearances. Burnley parkrun
have achieved over 4,000 Personal Bests. Cuerden Valley parkrun smashed their highest
attendance record by 12 with 175 running today to celebrate their first birthday. The Darwen
Dashers are now the 7th best represented club at Cuerden Valley with 11 members making 38
appearances. Total runs by Darwen Dashers today was 481.
Week three 16/8/14 Nine Darwen Dashers turned out at six different parkruns. James
McGarry ran his fastest event in 22 weeks at Bolton and his time of 26:08 was just 5 seconds
outside his Personal Best. Deborah Robinson also ran at Bolton in a Personal Best time of
28:25 taking seven seconds off the time she set last week. Lisa Whittaker ran in her first
parkrun at Burnley. Rebecca Simms was a First Timer at Cuerden Valley in her first parkrun
for 3 months. Barry Shackleton was a First Timer at Keswick in his 20th different parkrun.
His time of 21:41 places him at #198 in the all time fastest 500. Karen Atherton was also a
First Timer at Keswick, and joins the celebrated 20-club. Joanne Nelson carried on her
fabulous winning streak at Pendle parkrun by taking her 7 th consecutive first lady position
when running there for the first time. Her time of 19:58 was the first time a lady has ever run
under 20 minutes on the course and she has taken a course record for the second week by
removing 36 seconds from the record. Her overall position of 5 th place is the highest ever
position for a lady at Pendle. She is #22 in the Pendle fastest 500. Debbie Bevitt ran her 20th
parkrun as a First Timer at Pendle. Her 20 events have been run at Cuerden Valley, Preston,
Pendle, Burnley, Bolton, Keswick and Worsley Woods. Darwen Dashers are now the 10 th
best represented club at Burnley parkrun with 18 runners taking part in 75 events. Cuerden
Valley parkrun broke their attendance record for the second consecutive week, adding two
to 177. The Darwen Dashers are now the 7 th best represented club at Cuerden Valley with 12
members making 39 appearances. Total runs by Darwen Dashers today was 376.
Week four 23/8/14 The most number of Darwen Dashers ever took part at parkrun on one day
(27) and the most seen in one day at a particular venue (18 at Bolton). Joanne Nelson
finished as first lady at Bolton and ran a Personal Best time of 19:11 which took 26 seconds
from the time she set there 20 weeks ago. It was the first time ever she registered over 80%
grading on the Bolton course and that was good enough for the highest grading on the day.
Her time was just 15 seconds outside the VW40 category which was set over two years ago
when the course was different and more favourable. Brian Morris was a First Timer on any
parkrun course and finished in 20:16. Alex Buckland ran his fastest time for 24 weeks at
Bolton and scored his second highest grading ever. James Abbott, Vicky Rogers, Calum
Rigby, Andrea Margerison, Kathryn Bamber, Don Clarkson, Helen Jones and Lisa
Whittaker were all First Timers at Bolton as they completed their 10-week training course
with the Darwen Dashers. These First Timers mean that 65 Dashers have taken part in a
parkrun this year with 35 of them being women and 30 men. They make the Dashers the 4 th
best represented club at Bolton with 65 Dashers completing a total of 590 runs at Leverhulme
Park. Dave Shorrock ran a Years Best time at Bolton, taking off five seconds from the time
he ran 7 weeks ago. This was his 6th run of the championship and so he qualifies. Jim Taylor
also ran a Years Best time of 27:05 on the same course and this was his best performance for
138 weeks. He was just 38 seconds from his Personal Best. Deborah Robinson scored
50.77% grading and is now over 50% grading for the championship. Paul Brindle ran the
fastest time of the day as a First Timer at Burnley in 18:04 and in doing so scored his highest
percentage of the year at 76.66%. This was his 10 th parkrun with his events being Preston (7),
Bolton, Burnley and Cuerden Valley. Rebecca Simms set a Personal Best time at Cuerden
Valley by removing 2 seconds from the time she set last week. This was her 10 th parkrun with
her events being Preston (7), Cuerden Valley (2) and Bolton. Sue Taylor was a First Timer at
Cuerden Valley and also completed her 10 th parkrun. Her events have been at Bolton (6),
Preston, Cuerden Valley, Inverness and Burnley. Carol Butte rworth returned to parkrun for
the first time during this championship and equalled her Personal Best time at Preston from
69 weeks ago by running 22:51. She scored her highest ever grading at Preston in her 10 th run
on the course. Total runs by Darwen Dashers today was 574 which is the second highest
cumulative total ever, but falls 66 short of the total set earlier this month.
Week five 30/8/14 After last weeks record turn out of Dashers there were eight appearances
today at four different parkruns. Chris Worsley returned to Burnley for his 10th parkrun (7 at
Burnley, 3 at Bolton). Burnley parkrun achieved a new age graded record for the course of
89.38% and saw their 16,000th finisher. Derek Reilly was a First Timer at Cuerden Valley
and became the third Dasher this month to win on the course. He had previously had two 2nd
places on other courses but won this one in his first parkrun in almost a year. His time and
grading were the best of the day among the Dashers and he is the 25 th fastest runner on the
Cuerden Valley course. Dave Shorrock also ran in the Valley as a First Timer. Deborah
Robinson ran at Bolton and scored over 50% grading for the fourth consecutive time. Barry
Shackleton was a First Timer at Ormskirk, as was Karen Atherton who recorded her 120th
parkrun, and became the 600th person to finish on the course. Lucy Atherton was also a First
Timer at Ormskirk in her first ever parkrun. Total runs by Darwen Dashers today was 329.
PARKRUN CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS 2014
MEN
WOMEN
NAME
RATING
NAME
RATING
Brian Shaw
75.82% (2 runs)
Joanne Nelson
79.33%
Russ Corsini
75.10% (3 runs)
Cath Fox
73.17%
Derek Reilly
73.81% (1 run)
Linda Coffey
70.13%
Martin Ol dfiel d
73.68% (1 run)
Carol Butterworth
69.51% (1 run)
Barry Shackleton
73.56%
Karen Atherton
69.47%
Brian Morris
73.54% (2 runs)
Jacqui Shaw
68.33% (2 runs)
Paul Brindle
73.49%
Sue Tayl or
67.70%
Jonathan Stubbs
70.94%
Janine Fallon
63.90% (1 run)
Paul Taylor
69.90% (4 runs)
Nerina Gill
63.75%
Gary Tayl or
69.37% (5 runs)
Sarah Roberts
63.45% (1 run)
George Thomson
67.34%
Carl y Edwards
59.98% (2 runs)
Jamie Dowdall
67.29% (3 runs)
Rebecca Simms
58.21% (4 runs)
Andrew Raynes
67.10%
Debbie Bevitt
57.52%
Brian Tull
64.96%
Alice Capstick
55.61% (3 runs)
Davi d Shorrock
63.80%
Anna Capstick
55.04% (4 runs)
Simon Fox
63.31% (1 run)
Sue Eastham
55.00% (3 runs)
Ged Johnson
62.03% (1 run)
Louise Ol dfiel d
52.31% (5 runs)
Russ Egan
61.11% (3 runs)
Carol Dodds
51.00% (1 run)
Gareth Tayl or
61.05%
Deborah Robi nson
50.30% (5 runs)
Jim Taylor
59.75%
Fi ona Salt
49.92% (1 run)
Alex B uckland
57.43%
Michelle Connolly
49.68%
James Abbot
56.92%
Alison Abbot
48.95%
Mick Heath
56.19%
Leanne Postlethwaite
48.64% (3 runs)
Chris Gosling
55.24%
Debra Hart
48.33% (1 run)
James McGarry-Stanley
48.48%
Allison Pickup
47.25%
Darren Jones
47.66%
Lucy Atherton
46.42% (1 run)
Steven Thomas
43.84% (4 runs)
Tina Kuczer
46.40% (5 runs)
Chris Worsley
41.12%
Vicky Rogers
45.51% (1 run)
Calum Rigby
40.36% (1 run)
Amanda Shepherd
44.27% (1 run)
Don Clarkson
38.47% (1 run)
Cheryl Barrie
43.48% (1 run)
Paul Brain
37.51% (4 runs)
Kym McGarry
42.53%
Lisa Whittaker
42.20% (1 run)
Andrea Margerison
41.48% (1 run)
Lisa Whittaker
39.92% (1 run)
Kathryn B amber
39.29% (1 run)
Helen Jones
36.94% (1 run)
Here are the facts and figures from August 2014, the ninth month of the championship:
Venue
Date
Dashers
Time
Grading
PB ever
YB 2014
# Run
Rushcliffe
2/8/14
Joanne Nelson
19:12
80.73%
First
Timer
16
Preston
Barry Shackleton
22:21
69.95%
21:40
21:40
161
Preston
Alex B uckland
24:04
53.67%
First
Timer
14
Burnley
George Thompson
25:26
65.33%
23:26
25:26YB
54
Preston
Karen Atherton
26:14
65.50%
24:42
24:55
116
Bolton
Brian Tull
28:35
60.35%
24:06
26:12
125
Bolton
Jim Taylor
29:52
56.14%
26:27
27:44
25
Preston
Debbie Bevitt
30:05
56.43%
28:49
29:19
18
Preston
Michelle Connolly
30:06
49.67%
First
Timer
10
Bolton
Linda Coffey
31:21
61.88%
28:48
29:22
31
Yo rk
Paul Brain
34:35
39.76%
First
Timer
4
Preston
Cath Fox
35:22
46.28%
21:46
21:46
66
Paul Brindle
18:56
73.15%
First
Timer
9
Cuerden
Joanne Nelson
20:13
76.67%
20:13PB
20:13
17
Bolton
Paul Taylor
20:21
69.70%
20:04
20:04
7
Cuerden
Janine Fallon
22:43
66.62%
22:43PB
22:43
2
Cuerden
Barry Shackleton
23:44
65.87%
23:01
23:01
162
Cuerden
Carl y Edwards
24:43
59.88%
First
Timer
6
Cuerden
Cath Fox
25:04
65.29%
First
Timer
67
Bolton
Alice Capstick
26:59
56.02%
26:59PB
26:59
4
Bolton
9/8/14
Bolton
Jim Taylor
27:39
60.64%
26:27
27:39YB
26
Cuerden
Karen Atherton
28:07
61.11%
27:07
27:07
117
Worsley
Linda Coffey
28:33
67.95%
27:17
27:17
32
Bolton
Sue Eastham
29:20
55.23%
29:20PB
29:20
3
Cuerden
Debbie Bevitt
33:08
51.21%
30:37
30:37
19
Bolton
Kym McGarry
35:49
41.32%
34:14
34:14
7
Bolton
James McGarry
35:50
36.42%
26:03
26:03
10
Joanne Nelson
19:58
77.63%
First
Timer
18
Keswick
Barry Shackleton
21:41
72.10%
First
Timer
163
Keswick
Karen Atherton
25:39
66.99%
First
Timer
118
Bolton
James McGarry
26:08
49.94%
26:03
26:03
11
Worsley
Linda Coffey
27:54
69.53%
27:17
27:17
33
Cuerden
Rebecca Simms
28:25
57.01%
First
Timer
9
Bolton
Deborah Robi nson
28:25
52.08%
28:25PB
28:25
3
Pendle
Debbie Bevitt
32:26
52.81%
First
Timer
20
Burnley
Lisa Whittaker
38:47
42.20%
First
Timer
1
Paul Brindle
18:04
76.66%
First
Timer
10
Bolton
Joanne Nelson
19:11
80.80%
19:11PB
19:11
19
Bolton
Brian Morris
20:16
73.93%
First
Timer
1
Peterpan
Barry Shackleton
21:05
74.15%
20:58
20:58
164
Preston
Gareth Tayl or
21:30
60.00%
20:37
20:37
8
Bolton
Alex B uckland
22:08
58.36%
21:37
21:37
15
Preston
Carol Butterworth
22:51
23:26
69.51%
22:51PB=
22:51
11
Bolton
Cath Fox
69.84%
22:20
22:20
68
56.92%
First
Timer
1
69.71%
24:11
24:11
119
65.37%
24:45
25:39YB
18
61.91%
26:27
27:05YB
27
57.08%
28:23PB
28:23
10
Pendle
Burnley
16/ 8/14
23/ 8/14
24:27
Bolton
James Abbott
24:39
Peterpan
Karen Atherton
Bolton
Dave Shorrock
Bolton
Jim Taylor
25:39
27:05
28:23
Cuerden
Rebecca Simms
28:56
Cuerden
Sue Tayl or
29:09
62.56%
First
Timer
10
Bolton
Deborah Robi nson
29:11
50.77%
28:25
28:25
4
Worsley
Linda Coffey
29:34
66.48%
27:17
27:17
34
Bolton
Michelle Connolly
30:39
50.56%
29:26
29:26
11
Bolton
Fi ona Salt
31:48
49.92%
28:57
30:39
12
Bolton
Tina Kuczer
31:54
48.11%
31:48PB
31:48
5
Cuerden
Debbie Bevitt
32:40
53.19%
30:37
30:37
21
Bolton
Vicky Rogers
33:49
45.51%
First
Timer
1
Bolton
Calum Rigby
37:05
40.36%
First
Timer
1
Bolton
Andrea Margerison
37:45
41:48%
First
Timer
1
Bolton
Kathryn B arber
40:38
39.29%
First
Timer
1
Bolton
Don Clarkson
40:58
38.47%
First
Timer
1
Bolton
Helen Jones
41:00
36.94%
First
Timer
1
Bolton
Lisa Whittaker
39.92%
First
Timer
1
Cuerden
30/ 8/14
Derek Reilly
19:13
73.81%
First
Timer
10
Bolton
Brian Morris
20:29
73.15%
20:16
20:16
2
Ormskirk
Barry Shackleton
21:39
72.21%
First
Timer
165
Ormskirk
Karen Atherton
25:13
68.14%
First
Timer
120
Cuerden
Dave Shorrock
27:17
61.45%
First
Timer
19
Bolton
Deborah Robi nson
28:44
51.51%
28:25
28:25
5
Ormskirk
Lucy Atherton
31:53
46.42%
First
Timer
1
Burnley
Chris Worsley
35:14
39.03%
32:18
32:18
10
For all you stats geeks, there are currently 4492 members of the 100 club (three of them are Dashers),
and 14,190 members of the 50 club (five of them are Dashers). There are just 127 members of the 250
club, but no Dashers so far. Barry Shackleton will reach there in April 2016.
On On, and hopefully see you at a Park Run soon ……………..
Barry Shack
WALSHIES PUZZLE PAGE.
With thanks to Chris Maslanka of the Guardian.
WORDPOOL.
In each case find the correct definition:
MULETA.
Wild boar cooked with saffron. b) red cloth used by a matador c) muleteer
KACHORI.
a)Type of rickshaw b) strongly scented Indonesian frond c) fungal infection of rye e)Stuffed puri.
DASHI.
Persimmon-like fruit in southern Japan b) Japanese for “D’Artagnan c) Japanese house dog
d)Japanese fish stock.
E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Rearrange the letters of ABOLITIONISM to make a single word.
SAME DIFFERENCE.
Identify these words that differ only in the letters shown.
***GNO***C*** (predict)
***CRA***N*** (protract)
MISSING LINKS.
Find a word which follows the first word in the clue and precedes the second in each case making a
fresh word or phrase. E.g. the answer to fish mix could be cake ( fishcake & cake mix) and to bat
man it could be he (bathe & he-man)…
Easter box b) snap fraud c) soap projector d) washing gun e)Supermarket bus f) snaps potato.
ANSWERS TO THE PUZZLE PAGE.
˙oʇɐʇod/ʇoႡ/sdɐus (ɟ snq/ʎәႨႨoɹʇ/ʇәʞɹɐɯɹәdns (ә unƃ/әu!Ⴁɔɐɯ/ƃu!Ⴁsɐʍ
(p
ɹoʇɔәɾoɹd/ɯႨ!ɟ/dɐos (ɔ pnɐɹɟ/uo!ʇɔәႨә/dɐus (q xoq/ƃƃә/ɹәʇsɐә (ɐ 'sʞu!Ⴈ ƃu!ss!ɯ
˙ɐ!uɹoɟ!Ⴈɐɔ 'ʞәәɹɔ ʇnuႨɐʍ ɟo ʞɔ!ɹʇɐd ʇɹɐʍәʇs oʇ sʞuɐႡʇ Ⴁʇ!ʍ) әʇɐu!ʇsɐɹɔoɹd 'әʇɐɔ!ʇsouƃoɹd
'әɔuәɹәɟɟ!p әɯɐs
˙uo!ʇɐs!Ⴈ!qoɯ ndә (p '(p ' (q ˙Ⴈoodpɹoʍ
18,700 km from Coed Y Brenin
Following last month’s Scottish theme…time for some independence. I’m rather annoyed that
everyone’s making such a big deal of Scotland’s fight for independence yet ignoring NZ’s plight. We
still labour under the shackles of a German head of state – Elizabeth of the Saxe-Corburg and Gotha.
Or Windors. An interesting sideline there (possibly as I’m trying to fill this article out) is that in the
book, Catch 22,there is the ridiculous scene where an American soldier hi res German bombers to
bomb his own camp as it’s better for business. Joseph Heller, the author of that book, had obviously
read about the German Gotha GIV bombers, bombing London in WW1.And causing the GV to
change his name to distance himself from that particular company.
Alright, that’s all a bit far fetched but my point is calm objective point is that “they’re all in this
together!”.
That David Cameron is looking out the interests of 4 million Scots in not wanting to vote to not be
part of his club - when they don’t vote for him anyway…my distant uninformed observations feel like
that everyone with that particular funny accent should vote “yes” to see what he’s so terrified of.
To stand on their own two feet. As Mel Gibson said “for a country of our ooown”.
There is a debate in NZ at present about:
Changing the flag to lose the Union Jack.
Have a NZer as our head of state.
Create a clean water policy for rivers fit to swim in.
I’m hoping Scotland goes it alone to help with one of those issues. If St Andrew isn’t part of the
Union anymore then does that mean we get to revisit out flag? I bloody hope so. Yours is a very fine
country and has many things that I think all countries should aspire to. But I’d like to have a flag of
our own. And one that doesn’t look so much like Australia’s.
And while we’re on it, have a head of state who’s not so German. Germany is a very fine country
and has much about their beer that I think all countries should aspire to. But when people argue that
we don’t have a Kiwi fit to be our own head of state, then that just makes me want to prove them
wrong.
And on the clean rivers issues, well that’s a hard one but one worth fighting for. And writing about
another time.
As my parting note on Scotland’s impending independence, I reflect on what’s happening in your
fine nation vs elsewhere. A democratic vote that is inspiring heated and interesting debate , by
peaceful means, on what it means to be a nation. And then you look at what is going on in Russia
and Ukraine. And it makes me think what fine people must make up England and Scotland.
Great to be British ah?
Kia ora!
Danny
[email protected]
It’s good to talk about setting running goals
We all have goals in running; they’re usually what started us off in the first place. They might be
something as simple as keeping fit, losing weight or clearing the mind. Or maybe something more
specific like completing the Darwen Dashers 10 week beginners course, running 5k, 10k, 10 miles, a
half marathon or a marathon (or even 100 miles if your name is Carly or Rebecca!) Once you get out
there and realise that you can actually run, nothing is impossible.
If you could eavesdrop on the thoughts of fellow runners at the start line of any race, you’d hear a
chorus of varied goals skipping through their minds. Some would be aiming for a personal best time,
and others for a different kind of good time. Some may be aiming to take a friend to the finish and
others just to stay out of the Portaloos. Either way, setting goals is an excellent way for us runners to
stay motivated and to make sure you stick with running. The SMART principle generally works well
by setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely.
Be specific. Saying that you want to run faster or lose weight by running are general goals. A more
specific goal would be: "I want to complete the 5k parkrun without walking”. A specific goal helps to
keep you motivated because you know exactly what you need to do to accomplish it. As you move
closer to your goal, you become motivated by your progress, so you work even harder to get to the
end result.
Make your goal measurable. When choosing a running goal, it’s good to measure your progress. This
will help you stay on track, maintain your motivation, and you’ll know when you've reached your
target.
Keep it attainable. Not everyone is going to run the Lakeland 100 so while it's good to set longer
term running goals, it's also important to choose ones that you'll be able to accomplish more easily if
you're willing to do the work. The best goals need you to push yourself to achieve them, but aren't
so extreme that they feel out of reach.
Make your goal relevant to you. Just because you're a runner doesn't mean you have to set a goal
that's popular among other runners, such as completing a marathon. For a goal to be relevant, it
should be something that you consider to be worthwhile and important, so you're willing and able to
work towards it. Your goals should represent you, not just something that someone else is doing. I’m
guilty of doing this, generally because I’m frightened of missing something!
Keep your goals timely. Putting deadlines on your goals is good. For example, if you want to run a
sub 2-hour half marathon you should have a race in mind so that you know exactly where you need
to be by that date. Having a deadline will keep you motivated and prevent you getting bored.
Most importantly, be prepared to readjust your goals to keep challenging yourself.
Whatever you choose to aim for there will probably be someone at the Dashe rs with a similar goal
or someone who is willing to support and advise you in achieving your goal. There is a wealth of
running experience at the club and you know what, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a
fellow runner achieve something they’ve worked long and hard for.
This month’s motivational track is an obvious one and a favourite with Captain Bazza. I hope you
enjoy it, happy running everyone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3t9SfrfDZM
Karen Atherton
2015 ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIP
The road race championship for 2015 has been agreed by the Darwen Dashers committee and is
being released in September to allow members to prepare for the early races.
We have tried to accommodate the wishes of as many members as possible by keeping the events
local, and spread throughout the year, and not including the really expensive events.
There are 20 races to choose from which is an increase on the current championship but the scoring
system remains the same as present.
There will be a separate Fell Race Championship, and early next year we will release details of a
night series of races which will form a third championship. The parkrun championship will be given a
rest next year in favour of the night series, but The Dash will continue to include full results and
statistics each month of parkrun participation.
Month
Race
Distance
Type
Where
14 Dec
Longridge 7
7 Miles
Road
Longridge
18 Jan
East Lancs 10K
10 Km
Road
Great Harwood
8 Feb
Winter Warmer
10Km
Road
Witton Park, Blackburn
22 Feb
Lostock 6
6 mile
Road
Bolton
8 March
Roddlesworth
Roller
6 Miles
Trail
Roddlesworth
22 March
Wilmslow Half
13 Mile
Road
Wilmslow
29 March
Accrington 10K
10 Km
Road
Accrington
3 April
Caldervale
10 Mile
Road
Garstang
12 April
Bolton 10K
10Km
Road
Leverhulme Park, Bolton
10 May
Blacksticks
10Km
Road
Preston
7 June
Crazy Cow
10 Km
Road
Preston
12 July
Trawden Trail race
7 Mile
Trail
Burnley
26 July
Townley Park
6 Mile
Road
Burnley
9 August
Welcome Tavern
10 Km
Road
Preston
6 Sept
Wigan 10k
10 Km
Road
Wigan
13 Sept
Garstang Half
13 Mile
Road
Garstang
27 Sept
Run Preston
10 Km
Road
Preston
25 Oct
Accrington
10 Km
Road
Accrington
1 Nov
Thru the Villages
8.7 miles
Road
Chorley
15 Nov
Preston
10 mile
Road
Preston
NOTE – Some dates may vary slightly and updates will be posted in forthcoming copies of the Dash
and on Facebook.
2015 Fell Championship races
Since we have so many new members join the Dashers, we have included mainly short and local fell
races for 2015. We hope this will be a good introduction and we encourage everybody to have a go
at the easier ones.
Exact dates will be confirmed once the race calendar is published in December.
Ashurst
Beacon
BS
Sat
Jan
Skelmersdale
Bleasdale
Circle
BS
Sat
Feb
Bowland
Ilkley Moor
AS
Sun
Mar
Ilkley
Liver Hill
BS
Tue
Apr
Rawtenstall
Pendle
AS
Sat
Apr
Barley.
The Cake Race
BM
Sat
May
Saddleworth
Mearley
Clough
AS
Tue
May
Worston.
Paddy's Pole
AS
Tue
Jun
Chipping
Holcombe 2
Towers
AS
Wed
Jun
Bury
Bull Hill
BS
Thu
Jul
Hawkshaw
Easy introduction to the fell championship.
Well flagged and on good tracks like those in
Sunnyhurst Woods. The uphill finish to the
beacon is a sting in the tail.
Across a few fields then up on to fell tops.
Joyous running along the high fells and then
a steep descent down Parlick before more
flat fields to the finish. Make the effort to
pre-enter and save some money!
Not one I’ve done, but it is popular. Three
climbs with a good mix of high level running
and descents.
Always has a good turnout of Dashers. First
midweek race after the clocks change. FREE!
Fast start along the concrete waterboard
track, up some fields then a short but steep
climb to the top of the hill. The downhill run
is great fun on quite good tracks. Good
cakes.
Idiosyncratic race: Rumour has it that the
entry is £4 or a homemade cake. Excellent
tracks around the moors with great views.
Cake competition tip: make it look like a hill
and stick a doll in running kit on top.
Superb short race. One steep ascent – just
image you are climbing the stairs, but don’t
look up! The descent is not quite as steep,
but shoes with some grip will be an
advantage. Free pasta supper.
Great running along the tops between a
tough climb and descent of Parlick. Free
cheese and onion pie.
Climb up to Peel Tower then up again to the
peak beyond it. Drop down, then back up to
the tower again before storming down to
the finish.
Proper fell race with some running on
pathless moorland. Some tough climbs and
steep descents.
Kentmere
Horseshoe
AM
Sun
Jul
Lake District
Turnslack
BM
Sat
Jul
Summit
Pilgrims Cross
BM
Wed
Aug
Helmshore
Pendle
Memorial
Withins
Skyline
AS
Sun
Sep
Clitheroe
BM
Sun
Oct
Haworth
Full Tour
AL
Sat
Nov
Barley
A = steep, very little tarmac
S = less than 10km
Challenging race around this beautiful
horseshoe. Steady climb up, some
challenging rocky sections, superb grassy
descents and a tricky stream bed just when
your legs are tired. Just like all Lakeland
races, navigation is a challenge when the
cloud base is low.
Bit of everything in this one. Easy tracks,
rough moorland, bogs, stream crossings and
peat hags. Tougher than it looks!
Cakes in the church hall are good. To avoid
disappointment, ask them to put your
favourite under the counter before the race.
Narrow start so make sure you don’t get
held up / trampled on. Soon opens out on to
good moorland tracks. Expect to see a few
sprint finishes on the tarmac road to the
finish line.
New race. I don’t know anything about it.
Windswept Bronte country. Bits of Pennine
Way, narrow tracks and boggy moorland.
Free Curly Wurly for each finisher.
It’s a monster and not one for the ill
prepared! A great way of finishing off the
championship.
B = not as steep
M = from 10 to 20 km
L = over 20km
Recent analysis has been undertaken to produce a well-balanced argument of the advantages and
disadvantages of fell running:
Advantages
No traffic
Cheap entry fees
Good cakes
Small enough to be friendly
Gets you out on the hills in the freshest of air.
Disadvantages
None
Jonathan
Fell championship
140
10
Neil Dearden
855
Chris Cash
760
Mark Walsh
600
Jim Taylor
445
Michael Wilding
410
Julian Donnelly
400
Jamie Dowdall
295
Paul Brindle
295
Simon Fox
285
George T’
260
Gareth Taylor
260
David Shorrock
255
Brian Morris
240
Chris Gosling
230
Martin Oldfield
145
Russell Corsini
135
Gary Taylor
120
David Barnes
115
115
Alex Sunter
95
95
Rebecca Simms
710
135
Carly Edwards
580
145
Nerina Gill
575
Joanne Nelson
450
Leanne P’
285
Louise Oldfield
250
125
Jacqueline Shaw
150
150
Janine Fallon
145
145
Deborah Miller
130
130
Linda Coffey
130
130
Anna Capstick
120
120
Debbie Bevitt
120
135
10
130
10
145
140
10
115
120
120
125
130
150
150
110
125
110
135
135
140
150
150
100
140
135
140
135
125
150
145
145
140
130
150
145
130
125
135
125
110
130
130
115
115
145
135
120
150
145
145
140
145
150
150
145
140
150
135
140
150
135
150
150
125
120
Derek, Neil, Chris and I have completed the championship. Rebecca has jumped in to the Ladies’ lead
but needs 1 more race to complete. Mark W , Jim, Carly and Nerina need to complete the remaining
2 races (both which clash with cross country incidentally).
Jonathan
Pen
150
140
Langdale
Stoodley Pike
150
145
150
Grisedale
Settle Hills
150
10
10
Golf Ball
Two Lads
150
140
145
Borrowdale
Mearley Clough
150
10
Anniversary
10
885
140
Coledale
915
Jonathan Stubbs
150
Liver Hill
LadsLeap
Stanbury Splash
Bleasdale Circle
TOTAL
Derek Reilly
Road championship
145
135
Barry Shackleton
690
140
140
115
Brian Morris
575
Chris Cash
540
David Barnes
400
120
Brian Tull
250
105
Steven Thomas
235
100
Paul Brindle
150
Martin Oldfield
145
Gary Taylor
145
Gareth Taylor
145
Russ Corsini
140
Russell Egan
135
George Morini
135
Michael Wilding
125
125
Paul Thompson
110
110
James Stanley
95
95
Ca rol Butterworth
880
Nerina Gill
Alice Capstick
90
140
145
145
150
145
130
140
150
150
145
130
130
Wigan 10k
145
790
Paul Taylor
150
Waggon & Horses 10M
720
Jim Taylor
10
Elswick 10 M
Haweswater 1/2M
150
Morecambe 10k
Winter Warmer 10k
150
Geoff Doggett 5k
Welcome Tavern 10k
150
Caldervale 10M
Garstang 10k
150
Bolton 10k
Points
910
Derek Reilly
145
135
135
150
150
140
140
140
145
135
150
145
145
145
140
135
135
10
145
145
870
10
135
145
805
125
125
135
Janine Fallon
740
145
Karen Ather ton
705
135
Anna Capstick
650
120
Joanne Nelson
600
150
Carly Edwards
400
Sarah Roberts
150
150
Sue Taylor
130
130
Louise Oldfield
120
120
Alison Abbott
115
115
140
150
145
145
140
135
140
150
140
125
145
145
150
140
145
140
135
145
150
150
150
130
140
150
150
150
130
135
135
Jonathan
Fell race preview Langdale Horseshoe
Sat 11th Oct 2014 at 11:00. AL 21.1km 1450m Old Dungeon Ghyll, Great Langdale, LA22 9JY.
Race details http://www.amblesideac.org.uk/Langdale_2014.htm
Another monster! Gentle start then a strong climb up the tourist path to Stickle Tarn before heading
west around the back of Pavey Ark heading for Angle Tarn. Contouring through the pathless crags
below Esk Pike is hard work on the slippery jagged rocks. If you’re not too tired by now, the running
gets easier over Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags before following the footpath to Pike O Blisco. It’s all
downhill from here but watch out for cramped-up runners rolling around on the path. Recce
recommended, or do the Cross Country instead!
Click to download an A4 map
Founded 1990
Club committee
Chairman
Jonathan Stubbs
15 Chapels, Darwen, BB3 0EE
07747 398 384
[email protected]
07881 017 426
[email protected]
Ladies’ Captain
Carly Edwards
Men’s Captain
Barry Shackleton
[email protected]
President
Brian Tull
[email protected]
Secretary
Chris Cash
Treasurer
Rebecca Simms
01254 692 677
[email protected]
When / where to meet us
Tuesday
The Sunnyhurst, Tockholes Rd, Darwen, BB3 1JX. 19:00
All welcome
Wednesday
Darwen Leisure Centre, 18:30
Beginners
Thursday
The Sunnyhurst, Tockholes Rd, Darwen, BB3 1JX. 19:00
All welcome
If you have not run with us before, please get in touch before you come so we can arrange for
somebody to meet you.
www.dashers.org.uk
@darwendashers
“Darwen Dashers Running Club”
Any articles for the Dash to Simon Fox, Editor, [email protected], 01254 707 216, by the 10th
of the month.