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The Dash
March 2015
Editorial
Snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils are optimistically popping up all over the place and the mud is
getting slightly less gloopy. Spring is springing! Soon we’ll be able to risk exposing pale white flesh to
the watery sunshine. Yay!
In previous years this has meant a significant boost in numbers to people taking part in races and on
club nights but I don’t think they really ever dropped this time. Blimey you lot are keen! I’ve been to
watch a few races recently and there’s been loads and loads of Dashers there. Look at the main
photo on the front page – what a turnout for the Bolton ParkRun! A few of us ‘old school’ Dashers
have been heard to mutter ‘I don’t know half of the Dashers these days.’ Well, what a great
turnaround from the not too distant past when it was the same old faces week after week and only
filling a couple of tables at the Sunnyhurst after. Bloody well done to all involved in encouraging so
many ‘newbies’.
My ‘baby’ – the Dark Un – has been and gone and yet again I got away with it! I’ve said it elsewhere
but it bears repeating, many thanks to everyone who helped out in any way. And to those who were
still in the Royal at the end of the night... ‘what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’. ;0)
Some sad news. Walshy’s Puzzle Page has been an institution in the Dash from shortly after I took it
over. I’m sure many of you will have had fun trying to solve the fiendish conundrums. Unfortunately
John Walsh is now unable to contribute any further Puzzle Pages due to continuing bad health. On
behalf of all Dashers I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to John and his wife Eileen for their
contributions over the years.
The following is mentioned elsewhere in the Dash but please take a look at the following from Chris
Cash:
Debbie Bevitt and I are currently training to take part in the Red Rose 100 challenge at the end of
April. It’s an LDWA event which is held somewhere in the country every year. This year it starts on our
doorstep in Rivington, so too good to miss. As part of this we will start to raise some funds for East
Lancs Hospice as an incentive to us both. Hearing of this the Engineers (Deb’s local) have kindly
offered to hold a race night with any profits going to the hospice on the above date, so any dashers
would be welcome.
Dashers On Tour! Unconnected to the above. I have recce'd out a trail type timed run in Ossy where I
live which is 2.9 & 3.2 miles long depending upon which option you choose on the night. It is to be
entitled the 'Easter Eggstravaganza' & will take place on Tuesday 7th April at 7pm opposite the
Plough Hotel, Fielding Lane Ossy, BB5 3RY.
The longer route extends to do a more challenging route through a pine forest. The shorter route
keeps to the nature reserve with good paths & will include hidden eggs for the kids/adults to find.
Until next month
Keep on truckin’
Mr Sparkle
Cover pic – Dashers at Bolton parkrun surrounded by Dashers at Roddlesworth Roller
Please welcome the following new members:
Dave Rushton
Lee Smalley
Dean Clarkson
Holly Turner
Mick Leigh
Rachel Redmayne
Leah Robinson
Andrea Skelton
Jo Maxwell
Kieran McCann
Chairman’s Chat
The AGM
The 2015 AGM will be held in The Fernhurst function room on Thursday 30/3/15
20:30. All club members are encouraged to attend. This is where we elect the
new committee, set the membership fee the coming year and discuss any issues
that need the input from all the members. The agenda will be publicised before
we meet. Last year’s minutes are on our website
Publicity Rep
We are looking to appoint a publicity rep to join us on the committee. With the significant rise in the
use of our website and social media we could really do with somebody to keep these up to date and
deal with queries that come in from, in particular, Facebook. Also I would like to see the fantastic
achievements of our Dashers shared via the press. If you think you would like to take on this role,
please do let us know!
Dark clothing
Some of the Sunnnyhurst residents have asked for us to wear hi-viz clothing while running in the
area. To avoid being hit by a car seems quite a sensible reason to make the effort to be more visible
so leave your grim reaper outfit at home!
The grand slam weekend. Congratulations to Calvin Ferguson who completed four races in one
weekend! Mr Sparkle’s Dark ‘Un on Friday night. Parkrun on Saturday morning. Bleasdale Circle fell
race Saturday afternoon and then Lostock 6 on Sunday. That shows some commitment.
Simon’s Dark Un went off with very few hitches. Only complaint I had was from a runner who had
won his age category but been missed off the list. Mind you he had wrestled a bottle of wine from
the man I thought had won so I was not too sure what the problem was! We certainly filled The
Royal and the locals made room for us all, despite the well placed Labrador trip hazard.
Committee meeting venues. Since The Sunnyhurst started to get full we have always held our
committee meetings at The Alex but when we turned up for February’s meeting, the lights were out
and the door was locked so we moved on to The Fernhurst. March’s meeting will be in The Old
Chapel. We are not trying to avoid you so please do attend if you want to!
British Summer Time. At last! The real benefit of meeting at The Sunnyhurst is that it is so close to
our off road running playground. No more will we see a procession of tired runners snaking up
Earnsdale of Tockhole Road. We are now more likely to be sprinting down from Waterman’s grinning
from ear to ear with our heads held high. Nevertheless there will always be runners who choose to
stay on the roads. As I’ve said too often lately: We are the club with choices and the club of choice.
Jonathan
O Captain! My Captain!
FELL RUN CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS
The third race of the 2015 Fell Race championship
st
takes place on Tuesday 31 March and is Liver
Hill. This is the first of the midweek fell races
coming just two days after the clocks spring
forward by an hour to welcome lighter nights and
on coming of summer. Maybe because of this
seasonal optimism there is always a good turn
out of Dashers at this race, and if you think things
couldn’t get any better … it’s FREE TO ENTER!!! It
is a BS category at 7Km distance with 250 metres
of climb, and starts at 18:45 from Marl Pits Sports
Centre in Rawtenstall, BB4 7SW. There is no pre
entry – just turn up on the day and enjoy.
The fourth race of the Championship comes just four days later with the Pendle Fell Race. It is reported to
have a 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. And there are tasty cakes afterwards. It is on
th
Saturday 4 April starting at 14:00 with category AS. The distance is 7.3Km with 457 metres of climb, and the
cost is £4 to enter either on the day or pre entry.
The Fell Championship tables are currently led by Brian Shaw (Mens), with Carly Edwards and Rebecca Simms
sharing the Ladies table after the first two races.
ROAD CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS –
There are FOUR Road Championship races before the next issue of The Dash and details of all of them can be
found on the Darwen Dashers website, or keeping an eye on the Dashers Facebook page, or racing sites like
ukresults. As usual, I will be writing some details of previous performances by the Dashers at each race on the
Facebook page, and challenging our experienced, intermediates and Improvers to set new attendance and
Personal Best records at these races:
8 March
Roddlesworth Roller
5.7 Miles
Trail
Roddlesworth
22 March
Wilmslow Half Marathon
13 Miles
Road
Wilmslow
29 March
Accrington 10K
6.22 Miles
Road
Accrington
3 April
Caldervale 10M
10 Miles
Road
Garstang
By the time you read this the Roddlesworth Roller will be over, and I won’t be running the Wilmslow Half
Marathon, but I expect to be there for the Accrington 10k and running a 62-Club group. We had about ten
Dashers who started with the 62-Club for the Lostock 6 where I ran around the course in an even-paced 62
minutes. And gradually, as the race progressed, runners felt confident and began to drift away at a quicker
pace, with some even managing to get under the hour. I will be running the same 62 minute pace at the
Accrington 10k so feel free to run along with me if you need the discipline of a slower start and an even pace.
Of course, Accrington is about a quarter mile longer than Lostock so the pace will be slightly quicker, but if you
need a pacer to start you off, let me know on Facebook, by email or even on the day. If you want to beat the
hour then why not start with me and run the uphill first half in 31 minutes, then on the downhill section you
will run quicker and lose that minute to get under the hour.
rd
Also, it’s possible I may not be at the Caldervale 10 mile on the 3 April as I am getting married to Karen the
day before. But negotiations are continuing as to whether we could make that one??
The Road Championship tables are currently led by Brian Morris and Karen Atherton after the three races.
OTHER RACE RESULTS LAST MONTH:
Terry Nortley 10 Mile, Ratcliffe
1
Winner
58:08
st
2
1 Vet
1:01:11
st
33
1 Lady
1:13:45
51
David Barnes
1:16:48
185
TOTAL Runners
Hawswater Half Marathon
1
3
38
135
160
164
503
Winner
st
1 Vet
st
1 Lady
David Barnes
Carly Edwards
Carol Butterworth
TOTAL
1:12:51
1:14:24
1:26:51
1:38:23
1:40:42
1:41:05
MAUREEN ROBERTS TROPHY Top 27 places (Updated 4/3/15)
The Maureen Roberts trophy will be awarded to the Darwen Dasher who completes the most competitive
st
th
races between December 1 2014 and November 30 2015. In order for the race to count it must be published
in The Dash so if you take part in an event, make sure you send the details to the editor of The Dash. (You will
see similar examples in this issue.) Please note that parkruns, relay races and cross country events do not
count, but Road, Trail and Fell events do, regardless of whether they are part of our championships or not.
NAME
Calvin Fergusson
Brian Morris
Jim Taylor
Simon Taylor
Carly Edwards
David Barnes
Don Clarkson
Tina Kuczer
Karen Atherton
Anna Capstick
Helen Jones
James McGarry
Louise Oldfield
Lee Shorrock
Alison Abbott
Debbie Bevitt
Carol Butterworth
Chris Cash
Sue Eastham
Martin Oldfield
Dave Ponton
Leanne Postlethwaite
Barry Shackleton
Dave Shorrock
Stuart Smith
Rebecca Simms
Paul Taylor
# of Races
13
7
7
6
6
6
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Last Race
Lostock 6
Lostock 6
Lostock 6
Lostock 6
Hawswater Half Marathon
Hawswater Half Marathon
Lostock 6
Winter Warmer
Lostock 6
Lostock 6
Lostock 6
Mr Sparkle’s Dark Un
Winter Warmer
Lostock 6
Lostock 6
East Lancashire Hospice 10k
Hawswater Half Marathon
East Lancashire Hospice 10k
Mr Sparkle’s Dark Un
Winter Warmer
Winter Warmer
Lostock 6
Lostock 6
Ashurst Beacon Fell Race
Bleasdale Circle
Bleasdale Circle
Mr Sparkle’s Dark Un
The full table is on the Darwen Dashers website
Races added since last month – Winter Warmer, Windy Hill Fell, Inskip Half Marathon, Mr Sparkle’s Dark Un,
Bleasdale Circle, Terry Nortley 10 mile, Haweswater Half Marathon.
 Any races which have been published in the Dash which are not included above will be caught up in
the next issue.
See you next month – Captain Baz
Recent results roundup – Maureen Roberts
Bleasdale Circle Fell Race - 21st Feb. 2015
1st Overall & 1st Vet - 36:29
16th - Mark Walsh - 43:40
19th - Brian Shaw - 44:24
36th - 1st Lady - 48:15
45th - Jonathan Stubbs - 49:20
47th - Stu Smith - 49:56
68th - Brian Morris - 52:53
83rd - Calvin Ferguson - 55:36
113th - George Thompson - 1:02:45
126th - Rebecca Simms - 1:11:54
127th - Jim Taylor - 1:12:55
136 Overall
Lostock 6 - 22nd February 2015
1 Winner 31:01
6 1st Vet 34:27
11 Joanne Nelson 36:46 (1st Lady)
22 Brian Morris 38:44
25 Russ Corsini 38:59
26 Simon Taylor 39:01
58 Lee Smalley 42:25
72 Leanne Postlethwaite 43:39
74 Calvin Ferguson 43:39
77 Gary Taylor 44:17
81 Cath Fox 44:42
91 Steve Whitehead 45:13
125 Lee Shorrock 49:03
138 Karen Atherton 50:39
150 Alice Capstick 53:36
154 Vickie Pilkington 54:48
156 Anna Capstick 55:00
162 Jim Taylor 55:44
167 Linda Coffey 56:25
168 Brian Tull 56:41
173 Sarah Quinn 57:11
175 Deborah Robinson 58:26
176 Chris Gosling 58:26
179 Jo Maxwell 59:01
182 Alison Abbott 59:57
185 Barry Shackleton 1:00:51
190 Fiona Salt 1:02:25
193 Don Clarkson 1:03:41
200 Helen Jones 1:16:12
201 Amy Hasler 1:16:18
Roddlesworth Roller - 8th March 2015
1st - Winner 31:55
4th - 1st Vet 34:06
7th - Paul Brindle 36:12
9th - 1st Lady 36:42
17th - Brian Morris 38:40
21st - Simon Taylor 39:15
37th - Jonathan Stubbs 41:07
44th - David Barnes 42:13
45th - Dave Rushton 42:16
67th - Barry Ross 44:05
72nd - Leanne Postlethwaite 44:47
75th - Calvin Ferguson 45:02
76th - Steve Whitehead 45:04
95th - Cath Fox 47:00
119th - Dave Shorrock 51:32
122nd - Karen Atherton 51:57
129th - Alice Capstick 53:38
130th - Janet Greenhalgh 53:40
131st - Sue Taylor 53:42
141st - Jim Taylor 56:30
144th - Anna Capstick 56:58
145th - Sue Eastham 57:00
151st - Jo Maxwell 58:04
156th - Alison Abbott 1:00:19
157th - Tina Kuczer 1:00:25
159th - Barry Shackleton 1:01:09
163rd - Vickie Pilkington 1:02:12
176th - Paul Brain 1:17:11
177 overall
Trotters 5 - Sunday 1st March 2015
1st - 28:56
3rd - 1st vet - 30:26
30th - Jonny Bromilow - 34:42
164th - Calvin Ferguson - 42:51
Committee meeting minutes 5/3/15
Present Jonathan, Chris, Brian, Barry, Rebecca, Alex B. Apologies Carly
Actions from last month


Membership renewal form to have bank details added. Action CC
Don Clarkson and James France to attend run leaders’ training. Action CC
Secretary’s update



New batch of vest, identical to last ones, have been ordered on 5 week lead time.
Sample £15 T shirts have been received. Orders are being taken by Debbie Bevitt.
This month the following membership applications have been received and all approved. We
warmly welcome: Rachael Redmayne, Leah Robinson, Andrea Skelton, Jo Maxwell and
Kieran McCann.
Treasurer’s update


Income of approx. £300 has been received from Simon’s for last month’s Dark ‘Un. Half of
this will be donated to Bolton Mountain Rescue Team. Action RS
The original vest invoice has been located. Action RS to pay
Beginner’s rep. Alex B joined the meeting to outline an idea from Alison A and himself. It was agreed
that a beginner’s rep will attend the committee meetings to represent the leaders, keep the
committee informed of views from and activities of the beginners.
Second claimers in club championships. This was discussed thoroughly but ultimately we decided
that there was not sufficient reason to change anything.
AoB
Easter Eggstraviganza Chris has organised an off road run with short and longer routes at the new
nature reserve in Oswaldtwistle. Meet at 7pm Tuesday 7/4 at The Plough Hotel, Oswaldtwistle.
Expect to find Easter eggs around the route. Action CC to publicise.
Red Rose 100. To acknowledge the Dashers taking part in this major challenge, The Engineers pub
have agreed to put on a ‘race night’ to raise funds for East Lancs Hospice on 26/3/15. The committee
decided to also make a further one off donation to East Lancs Hospice of £100. Action RS to pay
Publicity rep JS suggested that the committee would benefit from the appointment of a club
publicity rep. The role will include: welcoming new members to our Facebook group, updating of the
website and promotion of news worthy stories with the press. It was agreed this would be
beneficial. Action JS to publicise the position
Date and time of next committee meeting. Thursday 9/2/15 20:30 The Old Chapel. Single agenda
item: Preparation for AGM.
The 2015 AGM will be held on Thursday 30/3/15 20:30 at The Fernhurst. All members are
encouraged to attend. Function room to be booked. Action JS
PARKRUN REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2015
Week one 7/2/15: On the weekend of the Winter
Warmer 10k we had 8 Dashers running at 2
different parkruns. Joanne Nelson was the first
lady to finish at Preston which maintains her
record of finishing first at all the parkruns where
she has taken part. She smashed her age
category record by 31 seconds which had stood
for 9 weeks and reduced it to 18:40. She ran the
fastest time by a Dasher on the day, and it was
her fastest time ever in 26 parkruns. It was also
her highest ever grading. She is the 137th fastest
runner ever on the course and she is the 11th lady
to run under 20 minutes, and is the second fastest lady ever at Preston. Gary Taylor ran his 20th Preston parkrun
in a Year’s Best time, taking 1:03 from the time he ran two weeks ago. It was his best time at Preston for 34
weeks. Leanne Postlethwaite ran a Personal Best and in her four runs at Preston, she has run 4 PBs. She takes
3:43 from the time she set when she last ran there 45 weeks ago. It was her first time ever over 60% grading and
she is the 638th fastest runner on the course. Jonny Bromilow was a First Timer at Preston in his 11th parkrun
and this was his 6th race of the season so he qualifies for the championship. Karen Atherton ran her first
Preston parkrun in exactly 6 months and has the distinction of being the 200 th Dasher to complete a parkrun
there. Paul Brain was a First Timer at Preston and has registered his highest grading of the season. Brian Tull
ran a Years Best time at Bolton taking 31 seconds from the time he ran on 3 rd January. This was his best grading
for 29 weeks.
Darwen Dashers have completed over 200 parkruns at Preston. Cuerden Valley parkrun are only one runner
away from reaching 100 runners per week on average. They have had more than 7,500 finishers on their course.
Bolton parkrun set a new attendance record of 335 on their 4 th birthday.
The total number of parkruns which have been completed by Darwen Dashers running today was 551. The
record is 786 which was set on 8th November.
Week two14/2/15: On the weekend the Dashers felt the love of Valentine’s Day, there were 20 wearing the
ebony and gold at 6 different parkruns in three different countries. Danny Haworth ran a Personal Best at
Cuerden Valley taking 32 seconds from the time he set 2 weeks ago. He moves up 29 places on the fastest 500
list to 180th place. Lee Smalley also ran a Personal Best at Cuerden Valley taking 1:01 from his time of 2 weeks
ago and is the 289th fastest ever runner on the course. Mick Heath ran only his 2nd parkrun in 36 weeks by
running his 25th event, of which 20 have been at Inverness. Cath Fox equalled her Personal Best at Burnley by
running the same time (22:26) as she did 51 weeks ago. Because she has had a birthday since then, her grading
is her highest ever on the course, and she ran the highest grading of the day. Her last four runs at Burnley have
all been over 70%. Sarah Quinn also ran a Personal Best at Burnley by taking 1:22 from her time set 7 weeks
ago. Amy Hasler also ran a Personal Best time at Burnley which took 1:06 from her time of 2 weeks ago.
Barry Shackleton ran his 190th parkrun, of which 71 have been at Bolton, and 30 at Hull. Jonny Bromilow ran
the fastest time of the day by going under 20 minutes at Bolton for the first time. It was a Personal Best time
taking 37 seconds from the time he set 2 weeks ago. It was his 4 th PB in 7 outings. He is now the 179th fastest
man on the course, moving up 84 places. Dave Rushton ran a Years Best time taking 7 seconds from his time
of last week. Barry Ross ran a Personal Best taking 8 seconds from his time set 20 weeks ago. Leanne
Postlethwaite ran a Personal Best taking 2:58 from the time she set 94 weeks ago, and grading above 60% for
the first time. It was her first Bolton parkrun in almost two years. Brian Tull ran his 140th parkrun in a Years
Best time taking 31 seconds from the time he set 5 weeks ago. It was his first time grading over 50% for 26
weeks. Linda Coffey ran a Years Best time taking off 40 seconds from the time she set 3 weeks ago. It was her
highest grading for 48 weeks. Elaine Turner ran a Personal Best time taking off 2:03 from the time she set 2
weeks ago and grading over 50% for the first time. Matthew Connell ran a Personal Best time taking off 2:48
from his time of 155 weeks ago. This was his first parkrun for over 2 years. Sue Taylor was a First Timer at
Conwy in their 6th event.
Cuerden Valley parkrun equalled their highest ever attendance of 177 runners, and their average number of
runners per week has climbed over 100. Inverness parkrun have had greater than 13,000 completions on their
course with Mick Heath being the 13,007th. Burnley parkrun have set a new record age grading of 90.05%.
They are just 12 short of having 20,000 finishes. Bolton parkrun have had more than 7,000 Personal Bests, of
which Matthew was number 6,992. Conwy parkrun broke their attendance record by 5 to 192. They have had
more than 500 different runners on their course, of which Sue Taylor was # 465. They have had more than 1,000
finishers of which Sue was #900.
The total number of parkruns which have been completed by Darwen Dashers running today was 809 which is a
new record and breaking 800 for the first. The previous record was 786 which was set on 8 th November.
Week three 21/2/15: On the weekend when there was Mr Sparkle’s Dark Un, The Bleasdale Circle Fell Race
and Lostock 6 to compete against, plus a return of winter with snow and ice on the ground, 15 Dashers ran at 3
different parkruns. Linda Clarkson ran at Bolton in only her 6th parkrun in over three years, and her first one
for 74 weeks. Gareth Taylor broke his Personal Best at Preston by taking 29 seconds from the time he set 18
weeks ago. His 20:04 was the fastest time by a Dasher on the day. The Darwen Dashers went on Tour at
Cuerden Valley and the rest of the report covers it. Brian Morris was a First Timer in his 10th parkrun, of which
8 have been at Bolton, and his 69.21% was the highest grading on the day. His time of 21:39 puts him 154 th in
the Valley all time fastest 500 list. Calvin Ferguson was also a First Timer and his time of 23:54 puts him at
#380 on the Fastest 500 chart. Paul Astin ran a Personal Best by taking 41 seconds from the time he set 3 weeks
ago. His 50.52% was the first time ever over 50% grading, and his finish position (42 nd) was his first time in the
Top 50. Chris Cash was a First Timer and as this was his 6th race of the season, he qualifies for the
championship. Debbie Bevitt ran in her 30th parkrun, of which 15 have been in the Valley, and she also
qualifies for the championship. Orin Jones, Calum Rigby, Helen Jones, Rachel Redmayne and Chris
Worsley were all First Timers.
Cuerden Valley parkrun have had over 8,000 finishers complete their course, of which Calum Rigby was
#7,996, and Chris Worsley was #8,002.
The total number of parkruns which have been completed by Darwen Dashers running today was 461.
Week four 28/2/15 There were 15 Dashers running at 6 different events. Jonny Bromilow was a First Timer at
Bramhall where no previous Dasher had been. His time of 19:20 was the fastest on the day and was good
enough to elevate him to 469th place on the all time Fastest 500 at Bramhall, which has been going for almost
seven years. His 69.57% was his highest grading of the season and was enough to take him to the top of the
Championship table. Gary Taylor ran his 30th parkrun of which 22 have been at Preston. His finish position of
31st was his highest for 37 weeks. Karen Atherton ran a Years Best at Preston taking 36 seconds from her time
of 3 weeks ago. This was her highest grading for 43 weeks. Barry Shackleton ran a Years Best time by taking
41 seconds from his time of 3 weeks ago. Cavan Brindle was a First Time parkrunner and becomes the 50 th
Dasher to run at Preston. George Thompson returned to Brockwell parkrun for the first time in 129 weeks.
David Robinson was a First Time parkrunner and becomes the 94th Dasher to run at Bolton. He is the 66th
Dasher to take part in this years Championship. Dave Rushton ran his 6th race of the season and qualifies for
the Championship. Cath Fox was 3rd Lady to finish at Bolton in her 80th parkrun, of which 58 have been at
Bolton. Her 70.25% grading was her first time over 70% in 34 weeks. Leah Robinson ran the only Personal
Best of the day taking 1:18 from her time set 4 weeks ago. Her grading of 50.83% was the first ever time over
50%. Chris Worsley ran his first parkrun at Burnley for 15 weeks. Joanne Nelson returned to Cuerden Valley
for the first time this year and finished overall 5 th place, and first Lady, and ran the highest grading of the day.
This is her fifth visit to Cuerden Valley and it is the first time she hasn’t bettered her Personal Best, but she
missed her own course record time by just 15 seconds. She still ran under 20 minutes (19:48) for the second
time. She is the only Lady ever to run under twenty minutes in 80 parkruns there.
Bramhall parkrun have had more than 10,000 different runners at their parkrun. Jonny was #10,098.
Darwen Dashers are the 320th different club to appear there. Preston parkrun have had over 20,000
finishers; Gary Taylor was # 19,981 and Karen Atherton was # 20,034. The Darwen Dashers are
back to being the 3rd best represented club at Preston where we have run 208 times.
The total number of parkruns which have been completed by Darwen Dashers running today was 766.
The record is 809 which was set on the 14th February.
Here are the facts and figures for February 2015, the third month of the championship:
Venue
Date
Dashers
Time
Grading
PB ever
YB 2015
# Run
Preston
7/2/15
Joanne Nelson
18:40
83.66%
First
Timer
26
Preston
Gary Taylor
21:33
69.53%
20:33
21:33YB
28
Preston
Leanne Postlethwaite
22:50
64.89%
22:50PB
22:50
7
Preston
Jonny Bromilow
22:50
58.91%
First
Timer
11
Preston
Karen Atherton
26:27
64.97%
24:42
26:27
137
Preston
Barry Shackleton
27:08
58.11%
21:40
27:08
189
Bolton
Brian Tull
28:43
60.71%
24:06
28:43YB
139
Preston
Paul Brain
36:11
38.28%
First
Timer
14
Jonny Bromilow
19:23
69.39%
19:23PB
19:23
12
Preston
Gary Taylor
21:40
69.15%
20:33
21:33
29
Bolton
Dave Rushton
21:40
67.54%
20:56
21:40YB
36
Cuerden
Danny Haworth
21:56
59.27%
21:56PB
21:56
2
Bolton
Barry Ross
22:16
61.75%
22:16PB
22:16
4
Burnley
Cath Fox
22:26
73.85%
22:26=PB
22:26
79
Cuerden
Lee Smalley
23:04
56.21%
23:04PB
23:04
2
Bolton
Leanne Postlethwaite
23:15
63.73%
23:15PB
23:15
8
Conwy
Sue Taylor
26:20
69.68%
First
Timer
19
Bolton
Dave Shorrock
26:52
62.41%
24:45
26:25
28
Burnley
Karen Atherton
27:01
63.60%
25:40
27:01
138
Bolton
Brian Tull
28:40
60.81%
24:06
28:40YB
140
Burnley
Sarah Quinn
29:49
49.75%
29:49PB
29:49
5
Bolton
Linda Coffey
30:14
65.10%
28:48
30:14YB
49
Bolton
Elaine Turner
31:43
50.08%
31:43PB
31:43
3
Inverness
Mick Heath
33:11
51.03%
29:20
33:11
25
Bolton
Matthew Connell
34:04
47.99%
34:04PB
34:04
4
Bolton
Jim Taylor
34:04
49.71%
26:27
34:04
32
Burnley
Amy Hasler
38:53
38.06%
38:53PB
38:53
4
Burnley
Barry Shackleton
38:57
40.48%
21:41
38:57
190
Gareth Taylor
20:04
64.29%
20:04PB
20:04
19
Brian Morris
21:39
69.21%
First
Timer
10
Bolton
Preston
Cuerden
14/2/15
21/2/15
Bolton
Stuart Ryder
23:43
58.40%
23:06
23:06
3
Cuerden
Calvin Ferguson
23:54
53.97%
First
Timer
7
Bolton
Linda Clarkson
24:50
65.23%
22:43
24:50
6
Cuerden
Paul Astin
27:13
50.52%
27:13PB
27:13
4
Cuerden
Barry Shackleton
28:32
55.26%
23:01
28:07
191
Cuerden
Karen Atherton
29:09
59.75%
27:07
29:09
139
Cuerden
Chris Cash
31:45
49.66%
First
Timer
8
Cuerden
Debbie Bevitt
32:42
51.89%
28:12
32:42
30
Cuerden
Orin Jones
37:07
41.22%
First
Timer
6
Cuerden
Calum Rigby
37:08
37.03%
First
Timer
11
Cuerden
Chris Worsley
38:46
35.73%
First
Timer
17
Cuerden
Helen Jones
40:58
37.10%
First
Timer
8
Cuerden
Rachel Redmayne
42:11
37.02%
First
Timer
2
Jonny Bromilow
19:20
69.57%
First
Timer
13
Cuerden
Joanne Nelson
19:48
78.87%
19:33
19:48
27
Preston
Gary Taylor
21:35
69.42%
20:33
21:33
30
Bolton
David Robinson
21:42
65.36%
First
Timer
1
Bolton
Dave Rushton
21:48
67.13%
20:56
21:40
37
Bolton
Stuart Ryder
23:10
59.78%
23:06
23:06
4
Bolton
Cath Fox
23:35
70.25%
22:20
23:33
80
Brockwell
George Thompson
24:39
67.41%
23:54
24:39
65
Preston
Karen Atherton
25:51
67.38%
24:42
25:51YB
140
Preston
Barry Shackleton
26:27
59.61%
21:40
26:27YB
192
Bolton
Leah Robinson
30:57
50.83%
30:57PB
30:57
2
Burnley
Chris Worsley
34:39
39.97%
32:13
34:39
18
Bolton
Brian Tull
35:41
48.86%
24:06
28:40
141
Preston
Cavan Brindle
40:01
39.44%
First
Timer
1
Preston
Paul Brindle
40:02
34.89%
18:07
40:02
15
Bramhall
28/2/15
PARKRUN CHAMPIONSHIP TOP 20 STANDINGS 2015 (Updated 28/2/15)
Pos
Name
Grade
Best
PB’s
YB’s
2015
2015
2015
1st Timers
2015
# of runs
(Q = >6)
1
Jonny Bromilow
68.57%
69.57%
3
0
4
Q
2
Dave Rushton
66.86%
68.27%
0
1
0
Q
3
Karen Atherton
65.18%
67.38%
0
1
0
Q
4
Linda Coffey
64.22%
66.35%
0
2
0
Q
5
Barry Shackleton
62.13%
63.72%
2
2
0
Q
6
Brian Tull
59.65%
60.81%
0
3
0
Q
7
Nerina Gill
59.36%
63.96%
0
2
0
Q
8
Debbie Bevitt
55.97%
60.27%
2
0
1
Q
9
Chris Cash
53.57%
56.31%
1
0
5
Q
10
Cath Fox
72.68%
75.89%
2
0
1
5
11
Sue Taylor
65.87%
69.68%
0
1
2
5
12
Calvin Ferguson
54.70%
56.17%
3
0
2
5
13
Don Clarkson
47.81%
50.87%
1
1
1
5
14
Joanne Nelson
80.97%
83.66%
0
0
2
4
15
George Thompson
68.06%
69.53%
0
1
0
4
16
Gareth Taylor
60.36%
64.29%
1
1
0
4
17
Tina Kuczer
44.41%
49.59%
1
1
1
4
18
Paul Brain
36.49%
38.28%
0
0
2
4
19
Gary Taylor
68.60%
69.53%
0
1
0
3
20
Brian Morris
62.49%
72.68%
0
0
1
3
(Full Table of all 66 Dashers in the parkrun Championship are on the Darwen Dashers website)
Parkrun Pictures
Jonathan
Diary of a Wimpy Runner!
With just a little over 9 weeks left this scary Red Rose 100 is getting nearer too quickly.
Saturday 14th February was the Anglezarke Amble which 3 other Dashers took part in –
Rebecca Simms, Amy Freeman and Neil Duerden. The first part was poor visibility until we
got to the other side of winter hill and started descending. This was a LDWA event famous
for lots of snacks and food on route and we weren’t disappointed.
I found it hard and particularly the really boggy section over towards Entwistle. Amy and Neil
made very good time and Rebecca managed to get herself round and over to the football
match in time to watch Blackburn Rovers win.
Saturday 21st was Dashers on tour at Parkrun and this was taking place at Cuerden Valley,
so once again we grab a lift (thanks Chris Worsley) and we ran back to Darwen after the
Parkrun. We had sunshine, hail and snow but the biggest problem of the day was Alex
Sunter’s Café being closed; gutted we were so looking forward to our Bacon butties.
With no events booked for the following weekend we decided to do a Reccie of the 1st
section of the 100 route. This set off from Rivington up to the Pigeon tower before dropping
down into Belmont and picking up Catherine’s edge up and along to Slipper Lowe Car park.
We headed over to the tower and down past the dam wall and up weasel lane before
dropping down into Tockholes. We reached the Sunnyhurst at about 3 hours so on the day
we can expect our supporter to be waiting for us at the Sunnyhurst at around 12.30 – 1pm.
(Think my Mum will be there I am sure). There was an awful muddy section that hugged the
M65 not a particularly nice path but hopefully in May it will be a lot drier. From Tockholes we
picked up the Canal and finished this section at Feniscliffe playing fields and another 17
miles in the training bank.
Trollers Trot took place on Saturday 7th March 25 miles starting from Threshfield near
Grassington. This was a lovely route and what a gorgeous day we had. Again this was a
LDWA Event and plenty of snacks and food at the finish. The last 3 miles along the River
from Burnsall to Grassington was like being on the M6 it was so busy with Ramblers and dog
walkers, the rest of the route had been so quiet. I must be improving as we finish 45
minutes in front of the estimated time based on previous times on similar distance. Our legs
were sore after 25 miles so a few beers in the Engineers Pub and then off to the ICI club so
that Chris could practice his “John Travolta” moves on the dance floor loosened the legs up
nicely. So Sunday morning we headed over to cheer on the Dashers taking part in the
Roddlesworth Roller.
We are doing the Red Rose 100 for East Lancs Hospice and hoping to raise vital
funds with this event. The Engineers pub on Blackburn Rd has kindly offered to
hold a Race Night to help raise funds. This will take place on Thursday 26th
March from 8.30pm and hopefully as many of you as possible will be able to join
us for an evening of entertainment.
Debbie Bevitt
Mr Sparkle’s Dark Un 2015
A stiff breeze and intermittent rain and hail made the 72 shivering runners standing in the dark of
Roddlesworth Woods keen to be on the move and generating some warmth. A brief run through of
safety instructions and they were let loose, tearing off into the gloom. This was the largest field of
runners taking part in the fourth edition of the race, many of them drawn back every year but also
several (slightly apprehensive) new faces.
With over 30 Dashers and friends of Dashers stationed strategically around the course and reflective
markers in place along the long boggy stretch on the highest part of the moor, the chances of getting
lost were marginalised.
Last year’s winner, Danny Hope, was sidelined due to injury so the hot favourite was 2 times victor
Mark Russell of Swindon. Could he make it number 3? For the Ladies there was the highest number
taking part. Would the trend of a different winner every year continue?
Waiting anxiously at the finish line whilst warming my hands on the burning brazier I got the news
that the leader had crossed the moor and was now on his way towards the Disco – this year’s theme
‘Indie Rock’. All too soon the finish line crew were tensing up ready for action as distant bobbing
lights started to come into view.
Action stations, and the winner thundered through the finish line with steam from his gasps caught
in the headtorches. Yet again it was that man Mark Russell who had made the race his own. A pat on
the back and a celebratory swig from my hip flask of Jack Daniels, his reward. Although not a record
time he must have been satisfied with his win, almost two minutes in front of the second placed
runner, his team mate from Swinton, Andrew Morely.
The first Lady came through in 7th place overall and it was another new name – Lindsey Brindle of
Horwich , in her first ever Dark Un. She had smashed the previous best time with a fantastic run.
There was a strong contingent of Dashers taking part with the leading 3 having only 8 seconds
between them in what must have been a great scrap.
More and more runners came home and the cobbled track to the finish line was lit up by their lights
raking across it seeking that elusive fast line, the finishers congregating around the fire and waving
their arms around as they recounted their race. Eventually the last runner was home and we all
packed into The Royal for a well earned pint and a chip butty. Due to the lack of space in the pub we
had to brave the elements and do the prize giving outside on the beer garden. This is always fun in
Darwen, in February... I managed to get most of the Presentation over before the hail storm arrived.
I noticed as I scuttled back into the pub that my pint was fuller than it was when I put it down!
All the official stuff over everybody could now kick back and get on with the serious business of
drinking the Royal dry. As usual it was a hardcore of Dashers left at the finish maintaining a fine
tradition that the club has in these matters.
So, to sum it up – it was a good do. Nobody got lost or (very) hurt. The marshals, as always, were
magnificent. The runners, as always, were great and had a good time. A decent amount was raised
to be split between Dashers and Bolton Mountain Rescue Team. Oh, and the beer and chips weren’t
too shabby either.
Hopefully we can do it all again next February! Mr Sparkle
1st
7th
10th
11th
12th
16th
19th
23rd
26th
27th
32nd
33rd
41st
57th
60th
62nd
63rd
70th
71st
Mark Russell
Swinton
Lindsey Brindle
Horwich
Paul Taylor
Darwen
Stu Smith
Darwen
Simon Taylor
Darwen
Alex Buckland
Darwen
Nigel Barnes
Settle
Jamie Dowdall
Darwen
Dave Barnes
Darwen
Dave Rushton
Darwen
James France
Darwen
Cal Ferguson
Darwen
Janine Fallom
Darwen
James McGarry Stanley Darwen
Lee Shorrock
Darwen
Nerina Gill
Julia Rushton
CLEM
Anna Capstick
Darwen
Sue Eastham
Darwen
34:34
37:44
38:56
39:00
39:04
40:59
42:47
43:59
44:31
44:48
46:20
46:28
48:02
52:32
55:27
56:40
56:55
1:05:18
1:05:18
Race reviews
Bleasdale Circle fell race
Just before the start there was an almighty thunderstorm which had us all sheltering in huddles like
penguins in the junior school playground. Some runners were putting on cags, hats and gloves, while
others were hoping the sky would clear…and , just before the start, it did!
We set off across a couple of boggy fields. After the farmyard, Brian M passed me. It was his second
race of the day so I was a bit miffed about that, but there was nothing I could do. There was a strong
tailwind which helped blow us up the hill side, but it was still hard work. On the ascent Stuart passed
me as he muttered something about feeling hungover; that didn’t help but I thought he was in front
anyway!
By the top of the climb I had overtaken Brian M and made good progress along the slushy hail
covered tracks. It was windy along the tops and I wanted to get with a group of runners to shelter
from the wind. Knowing Brian was not far behind I tried really hard to catch up with the group in
front but I didn’t manage it and battled through the wind on my own. Towards the start of the steep
descent I spotted Stuart in the distance and tried to catch him. On the descent, as Stuart slipped
about in his trail shoes looking more like a dressage horse than a runner, quite a few runners and I
passed him. Once on the flat again I gave it all I had to keep ahead of Stuart as we crossed the
energy sapping fields towards the finish.
It was great to see Mark Walsh racing again after 10 months absence since the Three Peaks. He was
on form and narrowly beat Brian Shaw. The free tea, coffee and range of soups show that fell races
are not about making money and it was good to see the profits being put to good use!
Roddlesworth Roller
I’m not a fan of road running but simply by waking up early on race day I decided to give this one a
go. To be honest, there is very little road in it. However, the entry cost of £9 made it feel more like a
road race than a fell race.
My preparation was limited to finding out how far it was and where the start line was. BBC Weather
promised that the rain would clear before the race start, but they let me down. However, like most
runners it was shorts and vest. I tried to think of the rain as simple watercooling and as I was
struggling up Rocky Brook I was certainly working up a sweat. In the race I was near to Dave
Rushton, who I’ve never raced before, and Dave Barnes, who is getting a lot faster because of all his
marathon training.
At the top of the path, the route passes through the disused carpark and on to the road down to The
Royal. I focused on a runner around 50m ahead and really went for it. This seemed to work and I
carried on this technique as we dropped back in to the wood. My progress was hampered by poor
shoe choice as I slipped around on the muddy descent. Once on the firm tracks it did not seem too
long until I was back at the finish.
I was glad to be part of the fantastic Dashers attendance and was pleased to see us scooping a few
prizes too!
Jonathan
Committee meeting minutes 5/3/15
Present Jonathan, Chris, Brian, Barry, Rebecca, Alex B. Apologies Carly
Actions from last month


Membership renewal form to have bank details added. Action CC
Don Clarkson and James France to attend run leaders’ training. Action CC
Secretary’s update



New batch of vest, identical to last ones, have been ordered on 5 week lead time.
Sample £15 T shirts have been received. Orders are being taken by Debbie Bevitt.
This month the following membership applications have been received and all approved. We
warmly welcome: Rachael Redmayne, Leah Robinson, Andrea Skelton, Jo Maxwell and
Kieran McCann.
Treasurer’s update


Income of approx. £300 has been received from Simon’s for last month’s Dark ‘Un. Half of
this will be donated to Bolton Mountain Rescue Team. Action RS
The original vest invoice has been located. Action RS to pay
Beginner’s rep. Alex B joined the meeting to outline an idea from Alison A and himself. It was agreed
that a beginner’s rep will attend the committee meetings to represent the leaders, keep the
committee informed of views from and activities of the beginners.
Second claimers in club championships. This was discussed thoroughly but ultimately we decided
that there was not sufficient reason to change anything.
AoB
Easter Eggstraviganza Chris has organised an off road run with short and longer routes at the new
nature reserve in Oswaldtwistle. Meet at 7pm Tuesday 7/4 at The Plough Hotel, Oswaldtwistle.
Expect to find Easter eggs around the route. Action CC to publicise.
Red Rose 100. To acknowledge the Dashers taking part in this major challenge, The Engineers pub
have agreed to put on a ‘race night’ to raise funds for East Lancs Hospice on 26/3/15. The committee
decided to also make a further one off donation to East Lancs Hospice of £100. Action RS to pay
Publicity rep JS suggested that the committee would benefit from the appointment of a club
publicity rep. The role will include: welcoming new members to our Facebook group, updating of the
website and promotion of news worthy stories with the press. It was agreed this would be
beneficial. Action JS to publicise the position
Date and time of next committee meeting. Thursday 9/2/15 20:30 The Old Chapel. Single agenda
item: Preparation for AGM.
The 2015 AGM will be held on Thursday 30/3/15 20:30 at The Fernhurst. All members are
encouraged to attend. Function room to be booked. Action JS
Pendle Fell Race preview
Sat 4th Apr 2015 at 14:00. 7.3km with 457m of ascent. Venue: Barley Village Hall, Barley, nr Burnley.
The race starts on the road outside the Barley carpark entrance and runs up the water works road
alongside the reservoir. The initially steady ascent along the road soon steepens as we leave the
road and start to climb up through the fields. At around 3km the top of Pendle is in sight, but it is a
trickster! The route now drops down the east side of the hill and then climbs up the short, but steep
path to the trig point. It is a bit like climbing stairs so try to keep a pace that you can maintain. If not,
take a breather, turn around and take in the view before turning back to face the hill and continue
the job in hand.
Once at the top, the final 3km is all downhill to the finish. Initially the path is a bit rocky and littered
with tourists, but there is soon the delight of the grassy descents. Once back on the concrete track
dig deep as it is not far to the reasonably priced cake and tea.
2013 Dashers results:
Mark Walsh
Jonathan Stubbs
Mick Wilding
David Shorrock
Carly Edwards
Rebecca Simms
Chris Cash
00:37:34
00:45:37
00:49:13
00:54:56
00:59:21
00:59:37
01:00:38
Click the map to download a better quality image.
Carly, Rebecca and Chris have all got quite a lot quicker since 2013, so expect their times to be
better. No pressure!
Jonathan
Fell championship races
Liver Hill
BS
31/3/15
Rawtenstall
Pendle
AS
4/4/15
Barley.
The Cake Race
BM
2/5/15
Saddleworth
Mearley
Clough
AS
12/5/15
Worston.
Paddy's Pole
AS
2/6/15
Chipping
Holcombe 2
AS
10/6/15
Bury
Bull Hill
BS
9/7/15
Hawkshaw
Kentmere
AM
19/7/15
Lake District
Turnslack
BM
25/7/15
Summit
Whittle Pike
AS
5/8/15
Waterfoot
Pilgrims Cross
BM
12/8/15
Helmshore
Pendle
Memorial
Withins
Skyline
AS
Sep
Clitheroe
BM
11/10/15
Haworth
Tour of
Pendle
AL
14/11/15
Barley
Towers
Horseshoe
A = steep, very little tarmac
S = less than 10km
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.
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.
Mostly on narrow tracks, but there is some open
moorland that can be a bit wet underfoot. What else
would you be doing on a Wednesday evening?
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
Dashers races in 2015



Aggies Staircase
Tockholes Evening
David Staff Memorial
18/6/15
2/7/15
29/11/15
Fell race championship
Tour of Pende
Withins Skyline
Pendle Memorial
Pilgrim's Cross
145
140
135
130
125
Whittle Pike
150
Turnslack
105
100
95
90
85
Kentmere
115
Bull Hill
150
120
Holcolme
150
150
145
140
135
130
125
130
Paddy's Pole
Carly Edwards
Rebecca Simms
Jacqueline Shaw
Karen Atherton
Debbie Bevitt
Tina Kuczer
Helen Jones
145
135
130
Mearley Clough
145
135
140
125
120
150
Cake Race
Bleasdale Circle
150
140
125
115
110
Pendle
Ashurst Beacon
295
275
265
240
230
150
145
135
130
130
120
115
105
100
95
90
85
Liver Hil
TOTAL
Brian Shaw
Stuart Smith
Jonathan Stubbs
Calvin Ferguson
George Thompson
Mark Walsh
Martin Oldfield
Simon Taylor
Neil Tattersall
Brian Morris
David Ponton
Jim Taylor
David Shorrock
James McGarry S
Chris Cash
Barry Shackleton
Don Clarkson
Road race championship - Ladies
Lostock 6
Roddlesworth
Garstang10k
550
430
425
130
135
140
Alison Abbott
Anna Capstick
420
355
95
115
125
Tina Kuczer
Joanne Nelson
320
300
100
150
120
Helen Jones
Alice Capstick
Louise Oldfield
Linda Coffey
Sue Eastham
Vickie Pilkington
Debbie Robinson
Sarah Quinn
Jo Maxwell
Kathryn Bamber
Amy Hasler
Nerina Gill
Carly Edwards
Michelle Connolly
270
265
260
245
240
220
215
215
210
200
155
150
145
135
75
110
Janet Greenhalgh
Sue Taylor
Carmel Ellicot
Jennifer Fielding
Fiona Salt
Kymberlee McGarry
130
125
105
90
90
80
120
Winter Warmer
TOTAL
Karen Atherton
Leanne Postlethwaite
Catherine Fox
145
135
145
140
140
95
120
105
145
120
100
150
140
130
85
130
135
115
125
115
125
105
110
100
110
105
85
75
150
95
110
115
80
150
145
135
130
125
105
90
90
80
Road race championship - Men
TOTAL
Garstang10k
Winter Warmer
Lostock 6
Roddlesworth
Brian Morris
Simon Taylor
570
545
140
135
135
130
150
140
145
Calvin Ferguson
Stephen Whitehead
470
325
115
110
95
130
120
115
Barry Shackleton
Jonny Bromilow
310
300
120
150
95
95
Lee Shorrock
Martin Oldfield
Jim Taylor
Russ Corsini
Don Clarkson
Dave Ponton
Barry Ross
David Ian Shorrock
James Mcgarry-Stanley
Calum Rigby
Paul Brindle
Mick Leigh
Lee Smalley
Jonathan Stubbs
300
285
285
270
245
225
225
215
195
165
150
145
135
135
100
145
Paul Taylor
Daniel Haworth
David Barnes
Gary Taylor
David Rushton
David Robinson
Gareth Taylor
Brian Tull
Chris Gosling
Paul Brain
130
130
130
125
125
120
115
105
100
90
130
Paul Astin
80
90
125
110
105
95
140
110
150
85
140
75
125
65
100
105
115
110
145
90
100
120
105
90
70
150
145
135
135
130
130
125
125
120
115
105
100
90
80
Timed road run progress
By the time you read this we will probably have had our third and final timed road run and be
looking towards April’s timed fell runs. Anyway, as we go to press, progress is as follows…
January
February
Improvement
Alison Abbott
00:56:42
00:49:18
00:07:24
Andrea Skelton
00:58:26
00:52:05
00:06:21
Paul Astin
00:47:43
00:42:46
00:04:57
Amy Hasler
01:06:23
01:02:02
00:04:21
Linda Coffey
00:51:00
00:47:27
00:03:33
Steve Whitehead
00:42:10
00:38:53
00:03:17
Anna Capstick
00:50:08
00:46:52
00:03:16
Jo Maxwell
00:52:30
00:50:30
00:02:00
Barry Ross
00:38:39
00:36:55
00:01:44
Paul Brain
01:03:20
01:01:43
00:01:37
Brian Morris
00:33:32
00:31:57
00:01:35
Carmel McCormack
01:11:36
01:10:04
00:01:32
Don Clarkson
00:53:22
00:52:07
00:01:15
James France
00:34:59
00:34:14
00:00:45
Timed run ‘also rans’
January
February
January
Alice Capstick
00:49:40
Laura Staffa
Alison Pickup
00:52:54
Lee Smalley
Amy Freeman
00:39:29
Louise Oldfield
00:50:07
01:00:16
00:35:48
Angela Margerison
00:59:37
Mark Gleave
00:58:16
Calvin Ferguson
00:38:28
Michelle Connolly
00:52:20
Cath Fox
00:43:59
Paul Brindle
00:30:21
Catherine Ferro
00:50:50
Rebecca Simms
Chris Cash
00:45:35
February
00:46:08
Sam Clarkson
00:53:23
01:09:30
Dale Dacre
00:32:23
Samantha Blair
Danny Haworth
00:32:41
Sarah Quinn
00:48:38
Dave Ponton
00:37:26
Saskia-Mae Kuczer
00:52:08
Debbie Bevitt
00:49:15
Steve Astley
00:39:09
Deborah Robinson
00:48:52
Tina Kuczer
00:56:20
Tracy Morante
01:00:15
Elaine Turner
00:51:38
Hannah Caulfield
00:52:52
Vickie Pilkington
Hannah Fielding
00:55:01
Viki Walsh
00:46:47
00:55:00
Helen Jones
01:04:27
Vikki Livsey
00:52:49
Joanne Lynch
00:49:20
Vladka Buckland
01:04:27
Jonny Bromilow
Kieran McCann
00:31:21
00:35:27
18,700 km from Coed Y Brenin
Lots of running to talk about, but first a rather painful subject.
Cricket.
When I was a youngster at school this was something that small boys
were punished with. Standing round in the hot sun with nothing to do all
day till someone relieved the boredom by smashing a leather coated
projectile at you with a great deal of venom. And you’re meant to try and stop this thing rather than
dive out of the way. As soon as I went to a school where softball was an option I took it. But I’d look
with some curiosity at people as they got older playing this weird sport for two or four days – one’s
days punishment wasn’t enough. And if you get really good at it you can do it for 5 days. In a “Test”.
It really is quite a test to remember whose winning after all those hours of nothing happening. Guess
that’s why they often end in draws. Would they find a winner if it was 10 days long?
But it’s the world cup and NZ is doing really well so I should try and be enthusiastic. I got a free ticket
to the NZ vs England game so went along. I was running a bit late but didn’t expect to completely
miss England bat. No consideration for people who can’t keep time those England cricketers. And
then NZ try and win it in less than 10 overs. There was panic among some of the railway people I
know. They had hundreds of extra staff ready to man extra trains for 8 or 9 o’clock and NZ was about
to end the game 3 hours early! What complete disregard for public transport planning. Fortunately
some public spirited person intervened and a 45 minute meal break was called with only 12 runs left
to get. If all our opponents are as obliging as your team I might get more interested in the game. 4
hrs is still a long time but beats 5 days.
On running I did a 10 mile event recently that also had a 10km as part of it. The 10km start off later
so everyone finishes together. The dude that won the 10km came past me faster than anyone I’ve
had the pleasure of running with before. Hugely impressive. I ran home after the event with a friend
Joe (we were both training for ultramarathons) when this guy scooted up to join us. He was just
jogging along (carrying his trophy) and was a pleasant guy to chat to. I said I was well impressed with
his run and asked him what times he does for other distances.
66 minutes for a half marathon. That had me even more impressed. I found out later he was a NZ
marathon champion and has the world record for running 10km with a pram (32.5 min – Dougal
Thorburn if you want to check it out on the internet). Him and Joe talked about a few races – she’s
won some ultra marathons including one of the World Series ones. Then he turns to me – “so what
do you do?”
My mind raced. Would he be impressed with my 2nd in the 2006 Dave Staff Memorial? That I’d
represented Kapiti in the Wgtn Cross Country and not got last (2nd to last and 3rd to last). “I, ah, I,
um, I…oh yes…I’m doing an ultra marathon in a few weeks time…not a well known one so just lots of
local punters like me.”
Which leads into my annual report on the pain endured on the Triple Peaks Ultra Marathon. 48km, 3
big hills and two river crossings (one of which was chest height this year – and a really nice break as
it was damn hot). I had thought I’d trained alright for it getting a 4hr run and lots of 3hr ones in but
knowing it would take me 5 to 6 was still pretty nervous about it. My plan was to go slow on the
downhills so as not to smash my legs like I normally do and have something left for the 3rd peak.
Well that didn’t work that well. At about the 4 hour mark my legs were in agony as I was hauling
myself over the long undulating section between peaks 2 and 3. But it may have worked a bit as I
was able to run down the 3rd peak much better than in the past. Never again I said at the end. A day
later I was thinking “next time, I want to train to not have that flat patch at 4 hrs...”
It took me 5hr 52 min. My best is 5hr 15min but apparently it’s 1km longer now. So we’ll call it even
ah? Not that it made much of a difference for this year’s winner. A little Chinese guy who was in NZ
for a big international 100km ultra two weeks ago (he pulled out at 70km with an injured foot).
Apparently he rocked up the night before to see if he could enter and because he was so
enthusiastic they bent the rules on later entries and let him in. He broke the course record by “lots”
to win in 3hr 40 min. And he went easy for the first leg because he was feeling out how well the
course was marked to get confidence in not getting lost. I looked him up and he wins 12 hour long
international ultras. So this was just a short jog for him…
So there you go. I run in the company of international champions. Well I think I keep them company.
They don’t actually notice me as I’m so far behind.
Kia ora!
Danny
[email protected]
It’s good to talk about running bringing out the best/worst in us
It’s the joy of running that keeps us coming back. I’ve been amazed at the sheer number of
Dashers turning out on club nights when it’s dark, cold, wet and windy and on race days
where although there is daylight, the weather has on occasions, been equally inclement.
Research suggests it is often the health benefits that get people started but it’s the
enjoyment of running that keeps us hooked. There’s nothing like the glow that comes from
being part of a group unified by a shared passion. We might be a diverse group who at first
sight would not appear to have a whole lot of other things in common, but once you get
chatting and dig a bit deeper there is usually a lot more common ground to be discovered. I
certainly wouldn’t be fortunate to have so many fabulous people in my life if it wasn’t for
running.
Running can bring out the best in us. The qualities we develop not only help us to be better
runners but also spill over into other areas of our lives. We have more energy and higher self
esteem and the tendency to say yes to challenges we may once have thought were beyond
us. I read recently that runners are happier, less angry and more optimistic than those who
remain on the couch. A recent study suggested that we are also nicer and cited altruism as
one of the greatest motivators for racing. Another study found that physical fitness means we
are better at facing adversity and have greater emotional resilience. Both attributes are
essential in helping us to stay positive in stressful situations.
Whilst bringing out the best in us, the challenges that running brings also help us to discover
who we really are and what we are truly about. There’s nothing like a running challenge for
laying us bare. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Some areas of life can leave me racked with
self doubt yet when I’ve risen to the challenge I’ve generally done ok, usually because I’ve
had to, and myself doubt is usually fuelled by fear of failure . Some of you may remember
my report on the Saunders mountain marathon from 2010. Whilst it might have been my
finest comic literary hour (the howls of laughter reverberated all over Darwen and beyond) It
was certainly not my best personal moment, or 2 days to be precise. Here are a couple of
quotes from the report just so you can get the gist of it..... ‘I started to cry. None of that
namby- pamby bottom lip trembling like yesterday; this was full blown sobbing with proper
snot bubbles n’all.’.... ‘We completed the second day in 5.14.46. I have never been so
relieved that something was over (apart from the London marathon and childbirth)’ Not very
joyful at all and self pity is so unattractive, but I learned a lot in those 2 days, mainly about
myself. Someone once said that running introduces you to a self you’ve never known. In that
event it seemed to me that all the other runners were displaying the positive attributes that
running gives us and that I had none of them. When I reflected afterwards I concluded that it
was pretty stupid to attempt an event that I hadn’t trained for and knew very little about. I
wasn’t proud of the person that emerged over the 2 days but at least I’d discovered my
limitations and pushed myself to my own personal limits, and even in the darkest moments I
didn’t give up and I didn’t drop out. I think it’s this staying power that defines us as runners
and makes us the people we are. Despite all that there were some joyful moments, mainly
when it was over! After all, sometimes you have to try things just to realise they’re not your
thing.
Here are some quotes about running and life:
Today was good, today was fun, tomorrow is another one
I want to have fun. It’s a beautiful life. You learn, you win, you lose, but you get up.
People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they’re doing.
When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun, and when you have fun, you can do
amazing things.
If that’s not enough motivation for you listen to this
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM
and most of all.........
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.