Soggy Shepherds doesn’t stop them

Shepherd’s Skyline

Always a fiercely competitive end of season race, the Shepherd’s Skyline fell race was run from the Shepherd’s Rest Inn, Lumbutts last Saturday, the 7 mile route heads up to Langfield Common before heading to Stoodly Pike. A rapid drop to London Road is followed by a steep climb back up to Withens gate before returning across the moors to the Shepherds Rest.

Alex working hard to maintain an excellent 5th place

Heavy rain was falling as the runners set off, and it continued to fall throughout the race.  This led to muddy conditions underfoot and times were a little down on previous years.  Alex Whittem was first back for Calder in 46:45 and 5th place, which he was probably a little disappointed with.  However he was beaten by two former national champions, Simon Bailey of Mercia (1st in 43:40) and Ian Holmes, Bingley (1st V50 in 3rd place).

Calder men did take the team prize with Whittem supported by Lee Shimwell (19th), Dan Marsden (24th) and Rob Rowlinson (35th).

Natasha loving the wet muddy conditions

Calder Valley’s Natasha Butterfield was 3rd woman home in 56:06.  Annie Roberts of Todmorden was 1st in 52:43 and Claire Green of Pudsey and Bramley was 2nd.

Calder Valley Seniors Results
5th Alex Whittem 46.45
19th Lee Shimwell 52.23
24th Dan Marsden 53.42
30th Rob Rawlinson 55.33
35th Natasha Butterfield 56.06
54th Dan Jones 59.19
55th Ben Cliff 59.25
81st Tim Brooks 64.26
91st Jackie Scarf 65.36
109th Gillian Wisbey 70.05
152nd Dean Dickinson 77.20
179th Di Wright 82.53

Fell Runners Association: National Championships Presentation

The FRA ‘Do’ was held last Saturday in Grange-over-Sands  after the Dunnerdale Fell Race.  Calder Valley men were presented with the British V40 silver medals with Adam Osborne winning individual bronze in this category.

In the English Championship Calder’s V40 men’s team went one better and won gold.  Team counters were Karl Gray, Darren Kay, Adam Osborne, Mark Taylor, Mark Burton, Shaun Godsman (capt.) and Gavin Mulhollland 

Karl Gray won individual gold in the V45 and Darren Kay won silver.  Gray also was joint silver in the V40.

At the younger end Calder’s Martin Howard won bronze in the Under 23 championship.

– Calder Valley News Reporter: Tim Brooks