Powell’s had a stormer

Shepherds Skyline

Always a fiercely competitive end of season race, the Shepherd’s Skyline fell race was also the last short race in the Calder valley club Championship. Run from the Shepherd’s Rest Inn, Lumbutts last Saturday, the 7 mile route heads up to Langfield Common before heading to Stoodley 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.

A fierce northerly was blowing at Stoodley Pike where many spectators watched the race, cheering on the runners from the shelter of the monument. 36 Calder Valley runners raced with many championship places being decided.

Jon Smith taking another 100 points and firmly defending his club champoinship

Jon Smith taking another 100 points and firmly defending his club champoinship

Jon Smith was first back for Calder in 12th place taking 48.25 to complete the course. As the reigning Club Champion, the win here put him in an unassailable position to take this year’s championship from Mark O’Connor, the 2014 champion. Giles Simon and Ian Illstone were 2nd and 3rd back for CVFR in 22nd and 23rd overall. Jo Buckley was first woman back for Calder a fraction ahead of Anne Johnson both recording 57:04, 4th and 5th woman respectively with Lindsey Oldfield 6th in 58.04 both the women and mens team prizes came to the red and white hoops.

Tamsin Cooke had a good run, taking 1:21:18, 15 minutes faster then she ran the race last year. Cooke can take the women’s championship this year if she finishes the arduous Tour Of Pendle on the 19th of November. The men’s veteran prize will also be decided at Pendle. Mark Wharton and Iain Powell are currently neck and neck, if either of them is the first veteran back they will win that Championship. However it has been noted that Karl Gray is on the starting list, if he is first back it will remain a dead heat.

Tasmin Cooke preparing for the final ascent!

Tasmin Cooke preparing for the final ascent!

In possibly the hottest competed prize, James Cooke took the handicap championship out of Paul Haigh’s reach. Cooke is now three points clear of Haigh who can gain a maximum of two points at Pendle. Both men have shown great improvement in their running this year.

Calvin Ferguson racking up the club champ points

Calvin Ferguson racking up the club champ points

It was a great day for Barlick Fell Runners with the men’s race being won by Thomas Corrigan in 44.04 and the women’s by Sarah Tipler in 52.03.

Valley Results:

12 48.25 Jon Smith 125 62.22 James Cooke
22 50.33 Giles Simon 133 63.16 Jackie Scarf
23 50.39 Iain Illstone 134 63.30 Gavin Roper
25 50.41 Matthew Keyse 159 66.24 Nathan Kennaugh
30 51.21 Iain Powell 164 67.30 Calvin Ferguson
36 52.25 Mark Wharton 173 68.43 Graeme Woodward
40 52.38 Gareth Clarke 187 70.00 Gloria Ayuso
60 55.22 Paul Haigh 194 72.11 Helen Flage
67 56.15 Jon Emberton 207 73.48 Gill Dickson
71 56.49 Jake Ackroyd 209 74.12 Rod Sutcliffe
72 57.04 Jo Buckley 229 77.03 Carolyn Shimwell
73 57.04 Anne Johnson 238 78.30 Steven Cavell
75 57.17 Stephen Smithies 240 79.04 Richard Pierson
81 58.04 Lindsey Oldfield 247 79.56 Joanna Marshall
88 59.19 Chris Standish 250 81.57 Tamsin Cooke
99 60.12 Dan Pope 255 83.51 Eileen Mcdonach
113 61.16 Anthony Costello 256 83.53 Kate Pope
117 61.34 Toby Sydes 277 96.25 Ruth T-Davies

All photo’s courtesy of Dave and Eileen Woodhead at woodentops.org

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– Calder Valley News Reporter: Tim Brooks –