In the 10k race, Dark Peak’s runner Rhys Findlay-Robinson (MSEN) crossed the line first, in a superfast 52.05. CVFR’s very own Andy Smith (M50) came a stirling 18^th, in 1:48:20 – well done, Andy!

Karl on his way to the top V50 place. Photo courtesy of Tim Lamont

The 20k race saw Keswick AC’s Brennan Townsend (MSEN) finish first in 1:37:48. CVFR’s Matthew Roberts (1^st M40) was first home for the club in 1:43:53 and taking ninth overall but Karl Gray (1st M50) was hot on his heels in a time of 1:43:55, only 2 seconds in it! With the MV50s sporting rivalry continuing within the club Darren Kay and Gavin Mulholland had a battle-royal, with Darren (2nd M50) finishing 13^th in 1:45:47, and Gavin 14^th (3^rd M50), in 1:45:57. In fact, CVFR had a really good turn-out for this race, with Adam Osborne (M45) coming 20^th in 1:46:44, Ben Mounsey (M40) 23^rd in 1:47:23, Martin Howard (MSEN) 29^th in 1:50:06, and Ed Hyland galloping home in 40^th place, 1:52:18.

Stephen Hall ran a fine 1:55:45 to finish 60^th, with Mark Burton (M45) 67^th in 2:00:21. Andy Ford (M40) continue his good form with a time of 2:02:41 to take 89^th place in a highly competitive and large field.

The ladies Lower Borrowdale team after their excellent running

Sarah McCormack, Ambleside AC, was the first female home, in 1:54:05, with our very own Stella Chrisanthou coming a well-earned 31^st for the women in a time of 2:29:16 but 4^th in her W45 age category. Catherine Holden in the same age category did great, coming 54^th overall in a time of 2:43:40 and 9^th W45. Continuing their good performance in the W50s category Trudi Entwistle took 32^nd overall but placed a stunning 4^th in her age category in a time of 2:29:13. With Sarah Noot placing 40^th and 9^th W50 in 2.32.13 and Rachel Beaumont coming home 61^st female and 13^th W50 in 2:51:27 they were 2^nd W50 team on the day behind a strong Tod Harriers. All-in-all, excellent performances from our female athletes.

The Old County Tops race, which was on Saturday 21^st May, is a 37mile/11,000ft event which is organised by the Achille Ratti Climbing Club. It starts and finishes in Great Langdale and takes in the tops of Helvellyn, Scafell Pike and Coniston after which the competitors are fed and watered. CVFRs Bill Johnson and his partner Kev Hoult were absolutely delighted to take 9^th team overall and the Vet 100s trophy. In Bill’s own word ‘An hour faster than my previous Personal Best and we beat all the V90s as well as the V100s. It’s funny being V100. Because it has to be run in pairs you add your ages together, and our combined age was 103. With Kev adding ‘ A great day out Bill, you smashed it and even ‘destroyed’ we still managed just over 8min mile pace at the end. That’s quality.’ 

Kev and Bill with organiser Chris and the legend Yiannis Tridimas

Sunday marked the 10^th running of the Charlesworth Chase Race, which was originally held to celebrate the marriage of Nick and Sarah Charlesworth. A fun event with race entry including a beer to be drunk on the finish line. From the Craven Arms, near Appletreewick, the 126 runners followed the river before a rough track onto the fell and on to Simon’s Seat Trig before returning on the same route. April Caulfield took an excellent 4^th women in a time 49.54 behind Isabelle Rowe of Harrogate Harriers in 47.13. Will Stewart had a good run to place 44^th in 51:59 with the men’s winner being Ted Mason of Wharfedale Harriers in 39.22.

April and Will on the steep climb through the bluebell woods

Thanks to Dominic Camponi for details of Sunday’s first Yorkshire Veterans’ AA race at Honley, hosted by Holmfirth Harriers. The course was 9.75k, and climbed gradually to 290m in total. The event was won by CVFR’s Gavin Mulholland (running for his road and trail club Stainland Lions), in 38:27. Dominic Camponi came 58^th, in 49:31.

Now to our wonderful juniors, who were in action on the wooded slopes on the edge of Guisborough Moor, North Yorkshire, for the 4^th race in the Junior English champs series on Sunday 22^nd May. Races were fast as they ran up through forest track and narrow footpaths which required tactical skills to overtake.

Charlie on the gnarly, technical descent

Charlie Pickins had an excellent run and powered round two laps of the course to come 1^st U17 boy. He’s now sitting in top spot overall after 4 races. He was followed by Euan Logue who had a good, solid run to place 12^th. Will Hall and Elijah Peers-Webb competed in a fast competitive field, coming 4^th and 8^th respectively in the U19s.

Thomas giving it his all to the end

Thomas McKee had a strong run in the U15 boys, coming 6^th overall. His sister, Clara McKee, also gave a great performance, coming 1^st girl and outright winner in the U13 race. This secures Clara’s overall U13 girls gold medal in the FRA English championship series. In the U13 boys, Harry Cliff completed a fine race in 8^th place, and Ted Parker a solid 21^st place.

Clara on her way to taking her 4th win out of 4 English champs races

Well done to all our Juniors who go from strength to strength.

CALDER VALLEY NEWS REPORTER: keith hutson