November 2015 - Darwen Dashers

The Dash
November 2015
Editorial
It’s another bumper month for contributions to the Dash. It’s reached the point where I am having to save
some stuff for the following month – what a great position to be in! Last month I even had to drop the
Editorial to make everything fit.
There’s been a lot going on since last month’s edition. The FRA Relays (which had it’s ups and downs, shall
we say), the cross country (always great to have new people having a go and seeing their surprise on
discovering that it’s actually fun!) and the final few events of the championships.
As a proud Dasher I was delighted to hear that the club made up about 10% of the field at the recent
Through the Villages race and what about Joanne ‘Speedy’ Nelson getting on TV with her latest amazing
performance at the Snowdon Marathon? Brilliant.
I was reading an article about how the Norwegians, despite having virtually no daylight for 3 months, have a
mindset that actually welcomes the winter months. Maybe if they had the amount of rain and crappy
conditions we have they might look on it a little differently but the point is that you need to make the best
of it. If you can, then keep getting out for a run. Alison has flagged up a few things to be aware of if you do,
in her Amble this month.
I have now had an operation to fuse my thumb and so I will be making tentative moves to get back into
running, although it’ll be a while before I can hold onto a pair of handlebars properly. Bring on 2016 though.
Like Arnie, I’ll be back!
In closing can I offer congrats on behalf of the club to Stu and Bex who recently announce their engagement.
Until next month
It’s only mud!
Mr Sparkle
Cover pic: Amy F and Leanne storming to the finish at the FRA Relay by The Editor
Chairman’s Chat 7
I have just returned from doing the Venice Marathon with Debbie Biscuit and can honestly say that it didn’t
disappoint. However working out how to get across Venice to the pick up bus is another story. Needless to say
we did the equivalent of a 10k race just to get to the pick up point, and then have breakfast on the bus. Not
the most ideal of preparations it must be said.
Meanwhile back in Blighty, the Dashers have continued to give it all. Joanne Nelson and Janine Fallon
weathered the worst that Wales could throw at them and finished the Snowden Marathon in very respectable
times, Joanne finishing in second place and taking the first ladies vet place.
I managed to get back in time for the 8.5 mile Through the Villages road race and witnessed both a very
healthy turn out by the Dashers (30) and a whole host of prizes for both the men and ladies. These included
the Men’s team prize plus vets, the Ladies team prize plus vets, Joanne the customary ladies vet 40, Brian
Morris the men’s vet 50 and Des Reilly the men’s vet 45. To say they cleared out the village hall of most of the
beer and wine would be an understatement. Well done to all concerned.
The second Red Rose Cross Country took place on Saturday ay Wilson Playing Fields in Clayton. Given the turn
in the weather the previous few days it came as no surprise that the course was very muddy and wet, which
made it hard going for everyone concerned. The ebony and gold were once again out in force, I counted 10
enthusiastic women and 13 men all raring to get at the course. A great team spirit all around, even Jamie
Dowdall sacrificed going to the Rovers to participate. Well done to all concerned, can’t wait until the next one
at Bolton.
th
Meanwhile on the social side, the annual train trip takes place on Saturday 14 November meeting in the Old
Chapel between 12.30 – 13.00 pm. The destination will either be the Ribble Valley or Manchester City Centre,
it all depends upon which trains are running. It’s a non running event so all abilities are welcome. Just bring
money for train fare, drinks and a sense of fun.
th
If anyone is free on Sunday 29 November then I am sure that Leanne Postlethwaite could do with a hand on
the David Staff Fell Race. Leanne has taken over the organisation of this much loved race and is looking for
volunteers to undertake a number of volunteer roles so let her know if you are available and give her a bit of
support.
th
Its not long before we have our Xmas party at 7.30pm on Saturday 5 December at Hollins Grove
Conservative Club. This is when the winners of the road and fell championships get announced and receive
their trophies. It is also when the winners of the Dasher of the Year, Most Improved Dasher and Most
Inspirational Newcomer are announced. So to make sure that you have a say in who you feel deserves these
accolades don’t forget to get your vote in. This year Barry Shackleton has volunteered to co-ordinate these so
contact him by phone, text, e-mail or on facebook in time for the Xmas party.
Speaking of Christmas, if you’re struggling for something to buy this Xmas why not purchase a couple of
limited edition items that will be going on sale later this month. The first of which is a special edition 25 year
th
baseball cap, to commemorate the 25 year of the Dashers. The second is the long awaited Dashers 2016
calendar, the profits of which will go to East Lancs Hospice. So everyone benefits at Christmas.
Finally if you’re running on the roads around Darwen over the winter don’t forget to wear something bright
and make sure that you can both see and be seen by others.
Ali’s Amble
Its November already, where has this year gone? The clocks have gone back and the journey to and
from work is cold and dark. Mind you that doesn’t tend to stop us all from running and training
through the winter.
Now I’m not trying to be a scaremonger but whether we choose to run solo or in a group we need to
keep our wits about us. A few weeks ago Jonny told me about a friend of his that had taken part in a
24hr race and during the night had been assaulted mid race. Scary but true, a reminder that we
need to think about our personal safety.
So with that in mind I thought I’d find some useful tips to keep us all safe running through the winter
months.
1. Light up
The first rule of safe winter running is high-visibility reflective gear. Being seen after dark is
imperative not only so that other runners and pedestrians can spot you dashing past, but also vital
for oncoming traffic. In the absence of reflective kit, runners are invisible to other road users and
you need to be seen to be safe. High-vis clothing will also deter potential predators.
2. Run in familiar areas
It may sound obvious, but when you’re out running it’s all too easy to get lost in your thoughts and
veer from your usual path. As tempting as it may be to track a new route, if you’re running solo after
dark, stick to main roads and well-lit areas.
Having said that, if you run several times a week, it is also easy to slip into a routine and this comes
with its own set of dangers. If you run exactly the same route every day, an individual who might be
seeking a victim will quickly be able to deduce when and where you’re going to be alone. Stick to
routes you know, but mix them up to avoid repetition.
3. Stay alert
If you are alone, resist the urge to run with headphones, as it's vital that you remain alert at all times
after dark. When your vision is impaired, you need your ears all the more. If you're on a busy street
or a cycle path, if you can’t hear cyclists or other runners coming up behind you the results could be
disastrous.
But if you rely heavily on music to keep you motivated, consider hitting the treadmill where you can
pump up the volume and run to your hearts content without fear.
5. Tell a friend
It's frustrating that in this day and age it's still risky to be out after dark alone, but it's always best to
err on the side of caution. If you really must run alone, tell someone where you’re going, what route
you're taking and the approximate time it will take you.
7. Make some noise
If you do come across someone that makes you feel uncomfortable, make lots of noise. Scream loud
and shout with confidence. ‘Predators don't want to attack anyone who is going to bring attention
and cause them problems, as they don't want to get caught; remember they are cowards.’
9. Worst case scenario
Although I don’t normally condone violence, if in the worst-case scenario you are attacked during
your run, use force where necessary; grab their head and push your thumbs into their eye sockets
hard; they will definitely loosen their grip. This may seem really harsh, but if you’re under attack,
anything goes!
Until next time, keep safe and happy running
Ali x
Secretary’s corner
Who are we this month?
Type
F
M
Total
Family
17
19
36
Full
73
70
143
Junior
8
15
23
Second claim
2
5
7
100
109
209
Total
Red Rose Cross Country
I’ve taken part in RRXC for many years and to be honest, it’s never really been my ‘thing’. However,
that all changed this weekend at the Clayton fixture. I don’t mind the mud, in fact I love to splash
through it imagining how annoyed my mum would be if I’d done this as a child. Sorry mum, but I
don’t care anymore. Not too keen on the thought of running loops around football fields. Again, this
goes back to childhood when my football pitch exercise consisted of running enough to always stay
behind the ref.
The support at cross country is what gets me! It always gives me a lift to hear ‘come on you Dasher’,
or some such and it certainly helps me keep focused and stop feeling sorry for myself. I think the
Dasher blokes have it easy as our ladies are without doubt the most vocal supporters, and it is really
appreciated.
This weekend’s outing was special in that I had a really good tussle with a few others running at the
same pace as me. I spotted those with slippery shoes and tried to get past them or just jump over
them when they fell – I’m 51 and should know better. I also got to know who the stronger climbers
were and I was happy to let them get on with it, knowing that I would try and gain some speed on
the flats.
I really enjoyed racing Stuart Smith as he normally he pastes me. Luckily he was hungover on the
start line so I thought I was in with a chance. We must have passed each other about four or five
times before I finally passed him approaching the last corner leaving him to perform a comedy fall in
my muddy wake.
So that’s what running is all about for me. I’m never going to win a race although my best ever
placing was when everyone in front of me got lost on Winter Hill’s Henderson End race….I still didn’t
win though. It is all about taking part and those competitive little battles I get involved in with those
around me. After all these years I am still racing the same faces, made some good friends and
shaken many sweaty hands in the finish funnel.
Head down, get on with it.
Jonathan
Darwen Dashers Committee Meeting Thursday 5th November 2015
Members Present: Chris, Rebecca, Jonathan, Alison, Brian, Barry and Danny
Actions from Meeting on 1.10.15
Jonathan has looked at a 48 bedded hostel near Derwentwater that can be booked all year round. Just need to
look at a date in March/April which won’t clash with known events.
The dates for next years ‘Leadership in Running Fitness’ have been set. The nearest venue is Bolton and the
cost to affiliated clubs is £140 per person. Info on training dates to be forwarded to Leanne, Lee & Saskia.
A response and apology has been received from Preston 10k organisers over comments made by one of the
marshals.
Secretary’s Update
Unfortunately the UKA fees are due to rise again next year from £12 to £13.
The following new membership applications have been received and all approved. A warm welcome is
extended to Amanda Forrest, Sharon and Matthew Cocker, David Coulson, Bruce & Kerry Elliot and Lewis
Aspen.
Membership now stands at 209.
Treasurer’s Update
Financially the Dasher’s position remains healthy. Some payments have gone out and membership and
clothing sales have covered these.
An anonymous donation of £120 has been received and donated to CRY.
Rebecca has opened up a separate account purely for the purpose of financing the Heritage Half marathon and
deposited £3,000 that has been received from the Lloyds Trust to support the costs of this.
Beginners Group
The current group of 20 beginners includes some people who return as the Wednesday night fits in with their
lifestyle, this is particularly true for young mums whose partners may run on other nights with the Dashers.
This group will graduate on Saturday 12th December at the Witton Parkrun. Don and James continue to be
supported by other regular Dashers. Lee Shorrock now updates all activity on social media.
Red Rose Cross Country
The first cross country at Leigh was very well attended by both the men and women.
Previously it has sometimes been difficult to find enough runners to enter a ladies team. The next event at
Clayton is likely to be very muddy and could prove a further challenge to the newer runners.
David Staff Memorial Race
We are aware that a relay race in Rossendale takes place on the same day.
Leanne Postlthwaite is the new race director for this year’s event and has registered next year’s event with the
FRA to have this included in the 2016 calendar.
Granville Staff has requested that Jan Holding presents the prizes this year.
London Marathon Places
Virgin Money has informed us that our allocation of places has been reduced to 2 places. The draw is to take
th
place on Thursday 19 November after the last of our championship races the previous weekend. The draw is
only open to first claim members who have completed a minimum of 4 road or fell races. To date 8 rejection
slips has been received.
Nominations for Dasher of the Year etc
Barry has received a very healthy response from members in terms of nominations.
Using the same criteria as last year, all people who were nominated more than once have been shortlisted.
They are….
Dasher of the Year: Joanne Nelson, Chris Cash, Alison Abbott, Don Clarkson.
Most Improved Dasher: Hannah Caulfield, Leanne Postlethwaite, James France, Alison Abbott, Vicky Walsh.
Most Inspirational Newcomer: Janet Davies, Hannah Caulfield, Launa Bibby, Holly Turner.
th
Action: All votes to Barry Shackleton by 4 December.
The winners are to be announced at the Xmas Party.
Xmas Party
th
Hollins Grove Conservative Club Saturday 5 December at 7.30pm.
Room booked. Band booked. Hot and cold buffet booked.
Ebony, gold and 25 year balloons to decorate each table.
Tickets are £15 and currently being designed by Skye.
Raffle profits to be donated to charity.
Action: Committee members each to donate a prize.
Free draw to all 140 ticket holders.
Prizes have yet to be sourced.
Action: Chris to source prizes.
Heritage Half Marathon
Jonathan updated on actions so far:
nd
82 entries have been received to date. The course is being officially measured on 22 November. 1,000 flyers
have been ordered to be handed out at races.
Fylde Coast Runners have now produced a detailed map that includes the positioning of water stations and
traffic hot spots. The event risk management document has now been completed and will go to Blackburn with
Darwen events management committee for approval.
AOB
FRA Relay
Rebecca explained the difficulties encountered on the FRA Relay. She gave praise to the organiser who took
time not only to contact marshals on the event in addition to providing a full and factual explanation of what
was at times a very confusing situation. Lessons learned from this include having our fastest runner on the first
leg to provide some support to people who then do the second and longest leg. This is a national event and as
such places high demands upon navigational skills.
Action: Rebecca to organise a full recce of next years course for all of our runners involved.
Sports Massage
Francesca Bury is to offer post race massages to runners on the David Staff Memorial Race, all proceeds to go
to charity.
Performance Lab
Sports Physiotherapists based at Performance Lab in Blackburn have offered to visit the club on training nights
to provide a question and answer session for any runners who have been experiencing difficulties or injuries.
Action: Chris to make offer to members on Facebook.
Date & Time of Next Meeting
rd
The Old Chapel on Thursday 3 December at 8.30 pm.
I’ve had an idea!
“Let’s make a Dashers’ Calendar” I said to Chris. “Brilliant idea but let’s do it in the
style of the Calendar girls” was the reply from the Chairman.
So the project to produce the Calendar began. Jonathan kindly agreed to be the
photographer to take the men’s photos and I took the ladies.
I know that the men had a good giggle on the several outings they had and almost got
caught out once or twice.
I took two groups of ladies out one glorious Sunday afternoon and what a giggle we had.
A glass or two of Prosecco to calm the nerves and we were on our way.
One group of ladies just wanted to wear their Dashers Duffs and hide behind a wall,
but actually ended up running up and down completely starkers! I must have taken over
100 shots that afternoon.
The second group I decided to take the photos at the tower, so as it can be busy at the
tower I took 2 lookouts with me and poor Russ Corsini had to be diverted on his run due
to the photo shoot. When I had finished taking the shots at the tower I put the
camera down only to realise that there was a male sat in the middle of the tower, so
much for the lookouts!
Well the calendar is at the printers as I write this and I am very pleased with the
results. Considering we are amateur photographers (apologies Jonathan you may be
better than me), it has all been shot outside on the moors I think it has been a success.
We just need to sell it now. All proceeds are for The East Lancashire Hospice, they
have seen the calendar and are more than happy with it.
I would just like to thank ALL those who took part, Neil Duerden for digital support,
and Jonathan for putting it all together.
PARKRUN REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2015
Week one 3/10/15: On the day
when we had to start paying 5p
for a plastic bag we had 60
Dashers at 6 different parkruns,
including our latest crop of
beginner’s graduates. Chris
Cash was a First Timer at
Delamere running his 13th
different venue in 14 events.
Debbie Bevitt was a First
Timer at Delamere at her 14th
different venue. They were the
2nd and 3rd Dashers ever to run
at Delamere. Dave Rushton
nd
ran his 2 fastest time ever (21:01) at Bolton and registered over 70% (70.18%) for the 2nd time.
Stuart Ryder ran a time of 23:05 at Bolton which was his fastest time for 20 weeks. Dean Clarkson
ran a Personal Best at Bolton taking 34 seconds from his time of last week. This was his 4th
consecutive Personal Best run. His finish position of 75th was his highest ever. This was his 10th
parkrun – his first was July 2015. George Thompson ran a Year’s Best at Bolton taking 5 seconds off
his time of 23 weeks ago. Noah Clarkson ran at Bolton in his 9th parkrun. Sam Clarkson ran a
Personal Best at Bolton taking 19 seconds from her time of two weeks ago. Her time of 32:20 is her
fastest parkrun time ever. Brian Tull ran for the 163rd time at Bolton. Paul Astin ran at Cuerden
Valley and his time of 27:28 was his best time for 32 weeks. Karen Atherton ran at Edinburgh for
the first time and her grading of 70.09% was her 3rd time ever over 70%. Her season average is now
over 70% and this was her 40th parkrun of the season. Barry Shackleton was a First Timer at
Edinburgh. Linda Coffey ran for the 24th time at Worsley Woods.
The rest of the report refers to Witton Park. James France ran the fastest time of the day by a Dasher
(18:43) by finishing in second place. He becomes the 11th fastest ever runner on the course. Dale
Dacre ran his first ever parkrun and his time of 19:46 makes him the 30th fastest runner ever at
Witton. Brian Morris ran a Personal Best taking 6:50 from his time of 2 weeks ago. This was
his 25th parkrun which have been at 5 different venues with 14 of them at Bolton. His fastest
ever parkrun was 19:40 at Preston. Danny Haworth ran a Personal Best taking 4 seconds
from his time of 2 weeks ago. Barry Ross ran a Personal Best taking 5:56 from his time of
last week. Jamie Dowdall ran a Personal Best taking 1:11 from his time of 2 weeks ago. Lee
Smalley was a First Timer at his 3rd different venue. Cath Fox finished in 22:27 as 3rd Lady.
Sue Duckworth ran at Witton on her 20th parkrun which have included 9 different venues.
Her fastest time has been 22:44 at Burnley. Mark Bamber ran a Personal Best taking 1:36
from his time of 5 weeks ago. This was his 6th run of the campaign and he qualifies for the
championship. Leanne Postlethwaite was a First Timer running her 10th parkrun this year.
Mark Payler ran for the 2nd time at Witton in his 5th parkrun and his finish position of 43rd
was his highest placing ever. Launa Bibby ran a Personal Best taking 16 seconds from her
time of 2 weeks ago and her time of 25:51 was her fastest time ever. Dave Shorrock ran for
the 2nd time at Witton Park.
Holly Turner ran a Personal Best
taking 3 seconds from her time of last
week. She has strengthened her hold on
the JW10 category which she has held
since the first run. Jeremy Turner ran
for the 6th time at Witton. Holly and
Jeremy are two of just four runners to
have attended every parkrun at Witton.
Matthew Pollit, Delphine Dacre,
Gill Parry, Emma Westall, Mark
Parry, Amy Smalley, Lynne
O’Neil, Mel Hammond and
Kieran Shorrock ran at their first
ever parkrun. Paul Briggs ran at
Witton for the 4th time. Sue Taylor
was a First Timer at her 13th
different venue. Catherine Ferro ran a Personal Best taking 2 seconds from her time of last week.
Lisa Moran ran a Personal Best taking 39 seconds from her time of last week. Her position of 76th
was her highest ever placing. Viki Walsh was a First Timer at her 4th different venue. Don Clarkson
ran a Personal Best taking 3:05 from his time of 5 weeks ago. This was his 20th parkrun which have
been at 6 different venues and of which 11 have been at Bolton. His fastest time ever was run today
(29:47) which was his first time ever under 30 minutes. Andrea Hopwood ran a Personal Best taking
49 seconds from her time of 5 weeks ago. Michelle Connolly was a First Timer at her 5th different
venue and as this was her 6th race of the season she qualifies for the championship. Allison Pickup
was a First Timer in her 10th parkrun, of which 4 have been at Bolton. Her fastest time ever was at
Preston in 28:58. Samantha Grimshaw ran a Personal Best taking 1:31 from her time of 2 weeks
ago. This was her 6th run of the championship and she becomes the 66th Dasher to have run 6 or more
parkruns this year. Saskia Kuczer was a First Timer and her time of 31:07 was her quickest ever run.
Elaine Turner ran a Personal Best taking 1:02 from her time of 4 weeks ago. Vicky Spencer ran a
Personal Best taking 1:08 from her time of last week. It was her 40th different parkrun at 5 different
venues. 31 of them have been at Bolton with her fastest ever time being 32:11 which was run today.
Karen Duckworth was a First Timer and ran her fastest ever time. Calum Rigby was a First Timer
at his 7th different venue. Stuart Moran ran a Personal Best taking 2:11 from his time of 4 weeks ago.
Amy Hasler was a First Timer at her 6th different venue and her time of 38:24 was her 2nd fastest time
ever. Alex Buckland was a First Timer running his 20th parkrun, 16 of which have been at Bolton.
His fastest ever time was 20:53 at Bolton. Anne Rustidge ran a Personal Best taking 1:12 from her
time of 2 weeks ago. Fergus McKeefery was a First Timer at his 2nd different venue. Matessa
McKeefery was a First timer at her 2nd different venue. Barry Carrigan ran for the 3rd time at
Witton.
Bolton parkrun have had more than 45,000 finishers at Leverhulme Park. Dean Clakson was
#45,012. Cuerden Valley parkrun set a new age grading course record of 84.29%. They have had
over 13,000 finishers on their course where Paul Astin was #13,033. Edinburgh parkrun have had
more than 14,500 different runners and Karen Shackleton was #14,500. Witton parkrun have had
101 different Dashers on their course where Matesa McKeefery was #100. There have been 182
Dashers who have finished a run where Jeremy Turner was #150.
The total number of parkruns which have been completed by Darwen Dashers running today was
1,455 which is a new record.
Week two 10/10/15: On the week
when the cross country season
started we had 31 Dashers running
at 4 different events.
Dean Clarkson ran a Personal Best
at Bolton taking 22 seconds off his
time of last week. This is his 5th
consecutive PB week. His grading
of 61.66% was the 2nd time over
60% and his finish position of 68th
was his highest ever. George
Thompson ran at Bolton and his
finish position of 88th was his
highest for 10 months. Brian Tull
ran at Bolton and this was his 40th
parkrun of the year. Sue
Duckworth ran a PB at Preston
taking 1:19 from her time of 13 weeks ago. She finished as 4th Lady. Her grading of 73.30% was the highest by
a Dasher on the day. Sue Taylor ran a Personal Best at Preston taking 1:35 from her time of 14 weeks ago. Jim
Taylor ran a parkrun for the 3rd time at Yeovil.
The rest of the report refers to Witton parkrun: Calvin Ferguson ran a Personal Best taking 11 seconds from his
time of 2 weeks ago. His time of 21:16 was the fastest time by a Dasher on the day. Karen Shackleton finished
as 5th Lady. Cath Fox ran for the 4th time at Witton. Paul Astin ran a Personal Best taking 24 seconds from his
time of 6 weeks ago. Rebecca Roach ran a Personal Best taking 53 seconds from her time of 2 weeks ago.
Kerry Elliot ran a Personal Best taking 30 seconds from her time of last week. Norman Walsh ran a Personal
Best taking 15 seconds from his time of 3 weeks ago. This was his 20th parkrun of which 9 have been at Bolton.
His fastest has been 28:29 at Preston. Lisa Moran finished in 66th place which is her highest ever finish
position. Ths was her 6th run of the season and she qualifies for the championship. Stuart Moran ran a
Personal Best taking 3:36 from his time of last week. Jo Brierley ran a Personal Best taking 14 seconds from
her time of 2 weeks ago. Seth Greenhalgh ran a Personal Best taking 2:08 fron his time of 5 weeks ago. This
was his 6th run of the season and he qualifies for the championship. Janet Greenhalgh ran a Personal Best
taking 2:09 from her time of 5 weeks ago. Rebecca Smith was a First Timer and this was her 5th different
parkrun venue. Samantha Grimshaw ran her 10th parkrun of which 5 have been at Bolton and 4 at Witton. Her
fastest time has been 30:45 which was at Witton and she missed a PB this week by just one second. Emma
Westall ran for the second time at Witton and her time of 31:26 was just one second outside her Personal Best.
Vicky Spencer ran for the 6th consecutive week at Witton and achieved her 2nd fastest time on the course.
Norman Cookson ran his 25th parkrun of which 22 have been at Bolton. His fastest ever parkrun has been
31:30 which was achieved at Bolton. Gill Fram ran a Personal Best taking 4 seconds from her time of 3 weeks
ago. Barry Shackleton ran for the 4th time at Witton Park. Milly Brierley ran her first ever parkrun and is the
107th Darwen Dasher to appear there. Amy Brierley ran her first ever parkrun and is the 727th different runner
to appear at Witon Park. Anne Rustidge finished in 168th place which is her highest ever finish position. Barry
Carrigan completed his 10th parkrun of which 4 have been at Bolton and 4 at Witton. His fastest ever parkrun
has been 37:36 at Bolton. Raya Carrigan ran a Personal Best taking 56 seconds from her time of 4 weeks ago.
Helen Jones ran for the 5th time at Witton which is her fastest time since the inaugural Witton run.
Preston parkrun had an attendance of over 300 for the first time in 6 months. The Darwen Dashers are the 3rd
best represented club at Preston where 77 different runners have finished on 303 occasions. Witton parkrun
have had their 300th Personal Best which was run by Calvin Ferguson.
The total number of parkruns which have been completed by Darwen Dashers running today was 1,061.
Week three 17/10/15: In the week of the Fell Relay races
we had 34 Dashers running at 5 different parkruns.
Stuart Moran and Lisa Moran were First Timers at
Ormskirk and both ran their fastest parkrun time
anywhere. Jo Brierley was a First Timer at Ormskirk
and ran her fastest parkrun time anywhere. Her time of
28:33 was her first time ever under 30 minutes. Chris
Cash was a First Timer at Pennington Flash running his
14th different venue in 15 parkruns. Debbie Bevitt was a
First Timer at Pennington Flash running her 15th
different venue in 38 parkruns. Jonny Bromilow ran at
Bolton in his 20th parkrun which have included 8
different venues. His fastest ever parkrun was 18:54 at Preston. Brian Tull ran at Bolton and his time of 26:46
was his 2nd fastest time of the year. Sue Taylor ran a Personal Best at Conwy on her 3rd visit there. She took 15
seconds from her time of 5 weeks ago.
The rest of the report refers to Witton parkrun. James France became the first Dasher to win in a Personal Best
time of 18:40 which took 3 seconds from his time of 2 weeks ago. It was the fastest time by a Dasher on the day.
Andy Smith made it a Dasher 1-2 by finishing second in a Personal Best time, taking 2 seconds from his time
of 3 weeks ago. His last three finish positions have been 4 th, 3rd and 2nd. This was his 20th parkrun of which 12
have been at Bolton. His fastest ever time was 17:38 at Bolton. Lewis Aspden ran a Personal Best time taking
23 seconds from his time of 6 weeks ago. Sean Procter ran a Personal Best time taking 8 seconds from his time
of 2 weeks ago. Barry Ross ran a Personal Best time taking 10 seconds from his time of 2 weeks ago.
Jonathan Stubbs was a First Timer. This was his 25th parkrun which have been run at 7 different venues, 14 of
which have been at Preston. His fastest ever time is 19:54 at Preston. Sue Duckworth ran a Personal Best time
taking 29 seconds off her time of 2 weeks ago and finishing as 3 rd lady. Jeremy Turner ran for the 7th time at
Witton and his time of 22:39 was his 2nd fastest. Karen Atherton ran for the 5th time at Witton. Kerry Elliot
ran a Personal Best time taking 17 seconds from her time of last week. Louise Oldfield was a first timer at her
5th different venue and this was her first parkrun for 7 months. Paul Briggs ran for the 5th time at Witton and his
finish position of 59th was his highest so far. This was his 6th run of the season and he qualifies for the
championship. Catherine Ferro ran a Personal Best time taking 21 seconds from her time of 2 weeks ago.
Barry Shackleton ran for the 5th time at Witton and his finish position of 70th was his highest so far. Sharon
Cocker ran her 3rd run at Witton where her time of 29:18 missed a PB by just 5 seconds. Viki Walsh ran for the
2nd time at Witton. Samantha Grimshaw ran a Personal Best time taking 8 seconds from her time of 2 weeks
ago. Dominique Ricioppo ran her 2nd parkrun at Witton. Andrea Skelton ran her 2nd parkrun at Witton. Vicky
Spencer ran for the 7th time at Witton. Sophie Atherton ran a Personal Best time taking 1:53 from her time of
last week. Sarah Suthers ran her first ever parkrun and became the 500th first timer at Witton. Margeret
Shuttleworth ran her first ever parkrun at Witton and is the 113 th Darwen Dasher to appear there. Anne
Rustidge ran a Personal Best time taking 16 seconds from her time of 2 weeks ago. Raya Carrigan ran her 5th
parkrun at Witton. Barry Carrigan ran for the 5th time at Witton and in his 10th parkrun this year.
Cuerden Valley parkrun have had 2,500 different runners at their event. 50 of them have been Darwen
Dashers and we are the 3rd best represented club. Pendle parkrun had their course record smashed by 53
seconds to 16:44 by a runner who was at his first parkrun in two and a half years. Newby Bridge parkrun
celebrated their first birthday with their second highest attendance ever. St Helens parkrun broke their course
record but the winner had no barcode. Ormskirk parkrun broke their attendance record by 2 to stand at 191,
and there were three Dashers there today, so once again, we made all the difference. They are closing in on
2,000 different runners at their venue and Jo Brierley was #1,972. At Bolton parkrun the Darwen Dashers and
Burnden are now equal on 182 runners as the joint best. We went into first place 20 weeks ago but the start of
Witton parkrun means fewer Dashers travel to Bolton so it is inevitable we will lose first place to a local Bolton
running club.The total number of parkruns which have been completed by Darwen Dashers running
today was 989.
Week four 24/10/15: In the week of the Accrington 10k
we had 30 Dashers running at 4 different events.
Sue Duckworth finished as 2nd Lady and ran a
Personal Best at Bolton taking 53 seconds off her
time of 12 weeks ago. Her finish position of 39th
was her first time ever in the top 40. Dean
Clarkson ran at Bolton and registered a grading of
60.67%, the 3rd consecutive week over 60%. Sue
Taylor ran a Year’s Best time at Bolton taking 1:02
off her time of 37 weeks ago. Noah Clarkson
completed his 10th parkrun, all of which have
been at Bolton. He becomes the third Junior
Dasher to earn a white 10-run T-shirt. His first run
was in July and he has a best time of 26:38. Barry
Shackleton ran at Bolton for the 77th time. Karen
Atherton ran at Bolton for the 60th time. Her first
run at Leverhulme Park was in May 2011 and she
has a best time there of 24:15 in May 2012. Brian
Tull was Tail Runner at Bolton, running there for
the 166th time. Paul Brain ran for the 9th time at
Cuerden Valley. Maggie Allred ran at Cuerden
Valley in her 8th parkrun and this was the first
time she has ever returned to any parkrun.
Sharon Cocker ran a Personal Best at Darlington
taking 10 seconds from her time of 41 weeks ago. She is the only Dasher ever to run at Darlington.
This was her 20th parkrun which have been at 7 different venues, 5 of which have been at Bolton.
Her fastest time is 27:01 which was at Heaton Park. Andy Smith ran at Witton and his time of 18:52
was the fastest by a Dasher on the day. He finished in 2nd place for the 2nd time. His grading of
76.94% was the highest by a Dasher on the day. Calvin Ferguson ran at Witton for the 5th time.
Jeremy Turner ran a Personal Best at Witton taking 6 seconds from his time of 4 weeks ago. This was
his 25th parkrun in total. Cath Fox finished as 3rd lady at Witton and this was the 4th time she has
been third. It was her 20th parkrun this year. Stuart Ryder ran a Personal Best at Witton taking 23
seconds from his time of 4 weeks ago. Francesca Bury ran her 5th Witton parkrun. She is the 250th
Dasher to cross the finish line at Witton and is in third place in the Witton points competition. Paul
Briggs ran at Witton and finished in 49th place which is the first time in the top 50. Kerry Elliott ran at
Witton and appeared there for the 5th consecutive week. Rebecca Simms ran at Witton for the 3rd
time. Lisa Moran ran at Witton for the 7th time. Dominique Ricioppo ran at Witton for the 3rd time
and her finish position of 81st was her highest so far. Samantha Grimshaw ran at Witton for the 6th
time. Norman Walsh ran at Witton for the 3rd time in his 20th parkrun this year. Vicky Spencer
equalled her Personal Best with a time of 32:11 at Witton. Norman Cookson ran at Witton for the 3rd
time. Calum Rigby ran at Witton for the 2nd time and this was his 10th parkrun this year. Margaret
Bradshaw was a First Timer at Witton and becomes the 805th different runner to appear there. Anne
Rustidge ran at Witton for the 5th time and her finish position of 156th is her highest so far. Nicola
Dooley was a First Timer at Witton and is the 115th Dasher to appear there. Barry Carrigan was the
Tail Runner in his 6th run at Witton.
Bolton parkrun set a new Age Grading course record of 93.27%. Darwen Dashers are still the joint best
represented club there with 182 runners.
The total number of parkruns which have been completed by Darwen Dashers running today was 1,088.
Week five 31/10/15: On
Hallowe’en day we had 33
Dashers at 6 different parkruns.
Dean Clarkson ran his 13th
parkrun at Bolton. Noah
Clarkson ran his 11th parkrun at
Bolton. Sam Clarkson ran at
Bolton and finished in her
highest position for 11 weeks.
Brian Tull ran at Bolton as
volunteer tail runner. Jonathan
Stubbs ran his first Burnley
parkrun this year. It was the
inaugural Haigh Woodland
parkrun in Wigan and five
runners went along to celebrate. Sue Duckworth was a First Timer at Haigh and finished as 3 rd Lady. She also
holds her category record. Cath Fox was a First Timer at Haigh at her 15th different parkrun and is just 4 runs
away from her Jet Black 100th run T-shirt. George Thompson was a First Timer at Haigh at his 22nd different
venue which is the 3rd best at the club. Barry Shackleton was a First Timer at Haigh at his 35th different venue
which is the best at the club. Sue Taylor was a First Timer at Haigh in her 14th different venue and this was her
20th parkrun this year. Gareth Taylor returned to parkrunning at Preston with his first event for over 3 months.
Steve Whitehead was our furthest tourist of the week running as a First Timer at Redcar in his 2nd event. He is
the first Dasher ever to run at Redcar.
The rest of the report refers to Witton parkrun. Paul Brindle ran a Personal Best taking 19:53 from his time of 3
weeks ago. He is the 22nd fastest runner ever on the course and the 3rd fastest Dasher. James France ran his 3rd
Witton parkrun. Andy Smith ran at Witton for the 6th time and has finished in the top 10 on each occasion.
Chris Lowe finished in 18th place which is his joint highest and the same as he achieved in Week 3. Stuart
Ryder ran a Personal Best taking 27 seconds from his time of last week and managing a top 20 finish for the
first time. Kerry Elliott ran for the 6th consecutive week and as this was her 6th parkrun overall she qualifies for
the championship. Rebecca Simms ran her 20th parkrun which have been at 6 different venues. Her fastest ever
time has been 25:28 at Newby Bridge. Holly Turner ran for the 7th time at Witton. Jeremy Turner ran for the
9th time at Witton and has only missed Week 7. Sharon Cocker finished in 75th place at Witton which is her
highest ever finish position. Jo Brierley ran for the 4th time at Witton which have all been over 50% grading.
This was her 6th run of the championship and she qualifies. Francesca Bury ran her 6th Witton parkrun. Andrea
Skelton ran her 3rd Witton parkrun. Elaine Turner ran her 4th Witton parkrun and her finish position of 115 th
was her joint highest. Sarah Suthers ran her 2nd Witton parkrun. Anne Rustidge ran her 6th Witton parkrun and
as this was her 6th parkrun of the year she qualifies for the championship. Nicola Dooley ran her 2nd Witton
parkrun and as this was her 6th parkrun of the year she qualifies for the championship. Vicky Spencer ran her 9th
successive parkrun at Witton (only missed the first week) and this is the best Witton streak in the club. Barry
Carrigan ran for the 7th time at Witton and as volunteer tail runner.
Haigh Woodland parkrun held their inaugural event with 199 runners taking part. Ormskirk parkrun had
their 2,000th different runner. They had their joint highest attendance with 191. First Lady was course record
holder and Olympic champion Jenny Meadows who finished third overall in 17:42. Witton parkrun watched
the winner come home in a new course record but as he forgot his barcode the record isn’t recognised. The first
lady was only the second one to run the course in under 20 minutes but was still 12 seconds outside the Ladies
course record held by Joanne Nelson.
The total number of parkruns which have been completed by Darwen Dashers running today was 1,053. The
record is 1,315 which was set on 29th August.
Here are the facts and figures for October 2015, the 11th month of the championship:
Venue
Date
Dashers
Time
Grading
PB ever
YB 2015
# Run
Witton
3/10/15
James France
18:43
68.92%
First
Timer
15
Witton
Dale Dacre
19:46
65.77%
First
Timer
1
Witton
Brian Morris
20:01
75.52%
20:01PB
20:01
25
Witton
Danny Haworth
20:05
64.73%
20:05PB
20:05
4
Witton
Barry Ross
20:26
67.29%
20:26PB
20:26
15
Bolton
Dave Rushton
21:01
70.18%
20:40
20:40
53
Witton
Jamie Dowdall
21:23
63.37%
21:23PB
21:23
29
Witton
Lee Smalley
21:34
60.28%
First
Timer
5
Witton
Cath Fox
22:27
73.79%
22:17
22:17
93
Witton
Sue Duckworth
23:01
71.98%
22:52
22:52
20
Bolton
Stuart Ryder
23:05
60.00%
22:18
22:18
17
Witton
Mark Bamber
23:43
58.89%
23:43PB
23:43
8
Edinburgh
Karen Atherton
24:51
70.09%
First
Timer
169
Bolton
Dean Clarkson
24:53
60.75%
24:53PB
24:53
10
Witton
Leanne Postlethwaite
25:00
59.33%
First
Timer
15
Witton
Mark Payler
25:33
52.25%
24:33
24:33
5
Bolton
George Thompson
25:35
65.54%
22:29
25:35YB
81
Witton
Launa Bibby
25:51
58.03%
25:51PB
25:51
7
Witton
Dave Shorrock
26:06
64.88%
25:54
25:54
38
Witton
Holly Turner
26:18
66.73%
26:18PB
26:18
23
Witton
Jeremy Turner
26:18
56.08%
22:39
22:39
23
Witton
Matthew Pollitt
26:30
49.06%
First
Timer
1
Witton
Paul Briggs
26:34
52.57%
25:47
25:47
5
Witton
Sue Taylor
26:49
68.43%
First
Timer
31
Edinburgh
Barry Shackleton
26:51
58.72%
First
Timer
221
C Valley
Paul Astin
27:28
50.42%
27:13
27:13
7
Witton
Catherine Ferro
28:16
55.66%
28:16PB
28:16
13
Witton
Lisa Moran
28:32
55.67%
28:32PB
28:32
5
Witton
Viki Walsh
28:51
52.17%
First
Timer
13
Bolton
Noah Clarkson
29:28
50.45%
26:38
26:38
9
Witton
Kieran Shorrock
29:42
50.06%
First
Timer
1
Witton
Don Clarkson
29:47
52.94%
29:47PB
29:47
20
Worsley W
Linda Coffey
29:49
66.01%
27:17
28:06
65
Witton
Delphine Dacre
29:56
49.50%
First
Timer
1
Witton
Andrea Hopwood
30:22
48.74%
30:22PB
30:22
7
Witton
Michelle Connolly
30:31
49.32%
First
Timer
18
Witton
Allison Pickup
30:31
51.56%
First
Timer
10
Delamere
Chris Cash
30:33
51.61%
First
Timer
14
Witton
Karen Duckworth
30:39
51.33%
First
Timer
3
Witton
Samantha Grimshaw
30:45
48.13%
30:45PB
30:45
9
Witton
Gill Parry
30:53
50.94%
First
Timer
1
Witton
Saskia Kuczer
31:07
48.89%
First
Timer
4
Witton
Emma Westall
31:25
48.17%
First
Timer
1
Witton
Elaine Turner
31:39
50.66%
31:39PB
31:39
14
Delamere
Debbie Bevitt
31:46
54.09%
First
Timer
37
Witton
Mark Parry
31:56
45.09%
First
Timer
1
Witton
Vicky Spencer
32:11
48.89%
32:11PB
32:11
40
Bolton
Sam Clarkson
32:20
47.94%
32:30
32:30
7
Witton
Calum Rigby
32:25
42.42%
First
Timer
17
Witton
Stuart Moran
33:30
44.38%
33:30PB
33:30
2
Witton
Amy Smalley
34:06
43.45%
First
Timer
1
Witton
Lynn O’Neil
34:45
51.41%
First
Timer
1
Witton
Amy Hasler
38:24
38.59%
First
Timer
13
Bolton
Brian Tull
40:30
43.54%
24:06
26:36
169
Witton
Alex Buckland
40:33
31.89%
First
Timer
20
Witton
Anne Rustidge
43:26
36.22%
43:26PB
43:26
2
Witton
Fergus McKeefery
49:25
36.02%
First
Timer
3
Witton
Matesa McKeefery
49:26
31.12%
First
Timer
3
Witton
Mel Hammond
49:45
34.10%
First
Timer
1
Witton
Barry Carrigan
49:46
28.06%
38:38
38:38
9
Calvin Ferguson
21:16
60.66%
21:16PB
21:16
23
Preston
Sue Duckworth
22:36
73.30%
22:36PB
22:36
21
Bolton
Dean Clarkson
24:31
61.66%
24:31PB
24:31
11
Bolton
George Thompson
25:42
65.24%
22:29
25:37
82
Witton
Karen Shackleton
25:44
67.68%
25:16
25:16
170
Witton
Cath Fox
25:45
64.34%
22:17
22:17
94
Witton
Paul Astin
26:19
52.63%
26:19PB
26:19
8
Preston
Sue Taylor
26:22
69.60%
26:22PB
26:22
32
Witton
Rebecca Roach
26:24
56.12%
26:24PB
26:24
3
Witton
Kerry Elliot
26:52
57.26%
26:52PB
26:52
3
Bolton
Brian Tull
27:05
65.11%
24:06
26:36
170
Witton
Norman Walsh
28:40
56.92%
28:40PB
28:40
20
Witton
Lisa Moran
28:43
55.31%
28:43
28:43
6
Witton
Stuart Moran
29:54
49.72%
29:54PB
29:54
3
Witton
Jo Brierley
30:02
52.89%
30:02PB
30:02
7
Yeovil
Jim Taylor
30:13
56.04%
29:37
29:37
47
Witton
Seth Greenhalgh
30:34
55.67%
30:34PB
30:34
6
Witton
Janet Greenhalgh
30:36
50.00%
30:36PB
30:36
9
Witton
Rebecca Smith
30:37
48.34%
First
Timer
7
Witton
Samantha Grimshaw
30:46
48.10%
30:45
30:45
10
Witton
Emma Westall
31:26
48.14%
31:25
31:25
2
Witton
Vicky Spencer
32:17
48.74%
32:11
32:11
41
Witton
Norman Cookson
33:03
44.28%
32:27
32:27
25
Witton
Gill Fram
33:11
55.30%
33:11PB
33:11
6
Witton
Barry Shackleton
34:50
45.26%
27:38
27:38
222
Witton
Milly Brierley
36:45
40.27%
First
Timer
1
Witton
Amy Brierley
36:46
41.12%
First
Timer
1
Witton
Anne Rustidge
48:27
32.47%
43:26
43:26
3
Witton
Barry Carrigan
48:30
28.80%
38:38
38:38
10
Witton
Raya Carrigan
50:26
40.98%
50:26PB
50:26
4
Witton
10/10/15
Witton
Helen Jones
50:26
30.34%
40:56
40:56
14
James France
18:40
69.11%
18:40PB
18:40
16
Witton
Andy Smith
18:48
77.22%
18:48PB
18:48
20
Witton
Lewis Aspden
19:29
71.43%
19:29PB
19:29
2
Witton
Sean Procter
19:31
71.56%
19:31PB
19:31
12
Witton
Barry Ross
20:16
67.85%
20:16PB
20:16
16
Bolton
Jonny Bromilow
20:40
65.08%
19:23
19:23
20
Witton
Jonathan Stubbs
20:55
71.08%
First
Timer
25
Witton
Sue Duckworth
22:32
73.52%
22:32PB
22:32
22
Witton
Jeremy Turner
23:59
61.99%
22:39
22:39
24
Witton
Karen Atherton
25:45
67.64%
25:16
25:16
171
Conwy
Sue Taylor
25:54
70.85%
25:54PB
25:54
33
Witton
Kerry Elliot
26:35
57.87%
26:35PB
26:35
4
Witton
Louise Oldfield
26:37
59.67%
First
Timer
15
Witton
Paul Briggs
26:39
52.41%
25:47
25:47
6
Bolton
Brian Tull
26:46
65.88%
24:06
26:36
171
Ormskirk
Stuart Moran
27:20
54.39%
First
Timer
4
Ormskirk
Lisa Moran
27:22
58.04%
First
Timer
7
Witton
Catherine Ferro
27:55
56.36%
27:55PB
27:55
14
Witton
Barry Shackleton
28:02
56.24%
27:38
27:38
223
Ormskirk
Jo Brierley
28:33
55.63%
First
Timer
8
Witton
Sharron Cocker
29:18
54.21%
29:13
29:13
19
Witton
Viki Walsh
30:12
49.83%
28:51
28:51
14
Witton
Samantha Grimshaw
30:37
48.34%
30:37PB
30:37
11
Witton
Dominque Ricioppo
30:58
47.85%
29:47
29:47
2
Pen Flash
Chris Cash
31:34
49.95%
First
Timer
15
Witton
Andrea Skelton
31:53
48.98%
30:57
30:57
5
Witton
Vicky Spencer
32:23
48.58%
32:11
32:11
42
Witton
Sophie Atherton
32:56
44.94%
32:56PB
32:56
8
Pen Flash
Debbie Bevitt
33:21
51.52%
First
Timer
38
Witton
Sarah Suthers
36:09
42.55%
First
Timer
1
Witton
17/10/15
Witton
Margaret Shuttleworth
42:57
35.71%
First
Timer
1
Witton
Anne Rustidge
43:10
36.45%
43:10
43:10
4
Witton
Raya Carrigan
67:55
30.43%
50:26
50:26
5
Witton
Barry Carrigan
67:57
20.55%
38:38
38:38
11
Andy Smith
18:52
76.94%
18:48
18:48
21
Witton
Calvin Ferguson
22:32
57.25%
21:16
21:16
24
Witton
Jeremy Turner
22:33
65.93%
22:33PB
22:33
25
Witton
Cath Fox
22:51
72.56%
22:17
22:17
95
Witton
Stuart Ryder
23:12
59.70%
23:12
23:12
18
Bolton
Sue Duckworth
23:15
71.25%
23:15PB
23:15
23
Bolton
Dean Clarkson
24:55
60.67%
24:31
24:31
12
Witton
Fransesca Bury
25:45
57.73%
24:30
24:30
16
Witton
Paul Briggs
26:57
51.82%
25:47
25:47
7
Witton
Kerry Elliott
27:29
55.00%
26:36
26:36
5
Bolton
Sue Taylor
27:34
66.57%
27:02
27:34YB
34
Darlington
Sharon Cocker
27:50
57.07%
27:50PB
27:50
20
Witton
Rebecca Simms
27:55
58.63%
27:09
27:09
19
Bolton
Noah Clarkson
28:03
53.00%
26:38
26:38
10
Witton
Lisa Moran
29:02
54.71%
28:32
28:32
8
Bolton
Barry Shackleton
29:30
53.45%
20:52
24:32
224
Bolton
Karen Atherton
29:30
59.04%
24:15
25:58
172
Witton
Dominique Ricioppo
30:24
48.74%
29:47
29:47
3
Witton
Samantha Grimshaw
31:03
47.67%
30:37
30:37
12
Witton
Norman Walsh
31:27
51.88%
28:40
28:40
21
Witton
Vicky Spencer
32:11
48.89%
32:11PB=
32:11
43
Witton
Norman Cookson
34:53
41.95%
32:27
32:27
26
Witton
Calum Rigby
38:33
35.67%
32:25
32:25
18
Bolton
Brian Tull
38:56
45.29%
24:06
26:36
172
Cuerden
Paul Brain
41:27
33.70%
37:57
37:57
26
Witton
Margaret Bradshaw
42:30
40.98%
First
Timer
4
Witton
Anne Rustidge
45:53
34.29%
43:10
43:10
5
Witton
24/10/15
Witton
Nicola Dooley
45:53
32.69%
First
Timer
5
Witton
Barry Carrigan
46:28
30.06%
38:38
38:38
12
Cuerden
Maggie Allred
46:50
33.59%
42:51
42:51
8
Paul Brindle
18:54
74.43%
18:54PB
18:54
21
Witton
James France
19:10
67.30%
18:40
18:40
17
Witton
Andy Smith
19:26
74.70%
18:48
18:48
22
Burnley
Jonathan Stubbs
21:02
70.68%
20:19
21:02
26
Preston
Gareth Taylor
21:51
59.04%
19:57
19:57
28
Witton
Chris Lowe
22:27
59.09%
22:00
22:00
4
Haigh H
Sue Duckworth
22:32
73.52%
First
Timer
24
Witton
Stuart Ryder
22:45
60.88%
22:45
22:45
19
Redcar
Steve Whitehead
23:33
61.64%
First
Timer
2
Haigh H
Cath Fox
23:40
70.00%
First
Timer
96
Bolton
Dean Clarkson
25:56
58.29%
24:31
24:31
13
Haigh H
George Thompson
26:53
62.37%
First
Timer
83
Witton
Kerry Elliot
26:57
57.08%
26:35
26:35
6
Witton
Rebecca Simms
27:12
60.17%
27:09
27:09
20
Witton
Holly Turner
27:55
62.87%
26:18
26:18
24
Witton
Jeremy Turner
27:58
53.16%
22:33
22:33
26
Haigh H
Barry Shackleton
28:52
54.62%
First
Timer
225
Witton
Sharon Cocker
29:23
54.06%
29:13
29:13
21
Bolton
Noah Clarkson
29:56
49.67%
26:38
26:38
11
Witton
Jo Brierley
30:15
52.51%
30:02
30:02
9
Witton
Francesca Bury
32:13
46.15%
24:30
24:30
17
Haigh H
Rhian Owen
32:28
45.59%
First
Timer
1
Haigh H
Sue Taylor
32:29
56.49%
First
Timer
35
Bolton
Sam Clarkson
33:16
46.59%
32:20
32:20
8
Witton
Andrea Skelton
33:44
46.29%
30:57
30:57
6
Witton
Elaine Turner
33:51
47.37%
31:39
31:39
15
Witton
Chris Worsley
35:08
39.42%
32:48
32:48
31
Witton
Sarah Suthers
36:42
41.92%
36:09
36:09
2
Witton
31/10/15
Witton
Anne Rustidge
46:40
33.71%
43:10
43:10
6
Witton
Nicola Dooley
46:49
32.04%
45:53
45:53
6
Witton
Vicky Spencer
46:50
33.59%
32:11
32:11
44
Witton
Barry Carrigan
46:51
29.81%
38:38
38:38
13
Bolton
Brian Tull
49:33
35.59%
24:06
26:36
173
PARKRUN CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS 2015 (Updated 2/11/15)
Top 10 places - full table shown on Darwen Dashers website.
Pos
Name
Grade
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Joanne Nelson
Andy Smith
Brian Morris
Cath Fox
Andy McAllister
Sue Duckworth
Jonathan Stubbs
Dave Rushton
Karen Atherton
Sean Proctor
81.82%
76.91%
75.74%
74.65%
74.00%
72.97%
71.72%
70.28%
70.16%
69.80%
Best
2015
83.66%
77.22%
76.19%
75.89%
75.48%
73.52%
72.40%
72.13%
71.62%
72.83%
PB’s
2015
2
4
5
2
3
7
0
1
3
3
YB’s
2015
0
2
1
1
0
0
0
5
8
0
1st Timers
2015
3
4
3
5
7
8
3
1
9
2
# of runs
(Q = >6)
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
WHO ARE Yer?
Russ Egan
When did you first start running and why?
8 year ago – gave up playing football.
What races do you compete in and what are your PB’s?
Marathon – PB 3.44
Half Marathon – PB – 1.38
Who is you hero (sporting or otherwise) and why?
Peter Lorimer – he had the hardest shot in the league.
Which group do you most enjoy running with at club nights?
Any
What are your running ambitions for this year?
Improve on PB’s.
What advice would you give to anyone new to running?
Don’t run too far a& too fast too early.
What’s your favourite sporting occasion and why?
FA cup final 1972- Leeds won.
Do you have a claim to fame and what is it?
Knocking on the door of 10 Downing St, attended the Queen’s Garden Party at
Buckingham Palace.
A fact about you that not many people know!!
Persuaded a mate to pop an empty bag of crisps in Houses of Parliament & we nearly
got arrest by security.
What’s the most embarrassing thing to happen to you when you have been drunk?
I don’t know I can’t remember.
Karen Shackleton
Anna Capstick
Catherine Fox
Alison Abbott
Tina Kuczer
Leanne Postlethwaite
Debbie Robinson
Catherine Ferro
Linda Coffey
Joanne Nelson
Sarah Quinn
Janet Greenhalgh
Hannah Caulfield
Helen Jones
Amy Hasler
Fiona Salt
Jo Maxwell
Nerina Gill
Alice Capstick
Louise Oldfield
Kathryn Bamber
Michelle Connolly
Vikki Livsey
Sue Eastham
Vickie Pilkington
Kymberlee McGarry
Andrea Skelton
Carol Butterworth
Carly Edwards
Rebecca Smith
Debbie Bevitt
Sue Taylor
Carmel Ellicot
Joanne Lynch
Hannah Fielding
Jennifer Fielding
Rebecca Renshaw
Viki Walsh
Saskia-Mai Kuczer
Launa Bibby
Laura Cameron
Fritha Quirk
Amy Freeman
Jaqueline Shaw
Francesca Bury
Rebecca Roach
Rebecca Simms
Vicky Spencer
TOTAL
940
795
895
845
705
895
560
830
465
900
545
410
815
385
475
365
350
290
265
260
260
250
250
240
220
220
180
295
145
280
450
125
105
105
310
90
90
440
275
390
130
120
250
130
120
110
105
80
Garstang10k
10
115
10
10
100
10
110
Winter Warmer Lostock 6
145
10
120
140
125
10
120
145
105
130
150
105
Roddlesworth Wilmslow Half
10
120
150
145
10
100
150
115
150
110
130
75
75
110
85
80
90
100
110
130
135
150
120
85
140
115
135
Accrington10K Caldervale10m Bolton10K
140
150
125
135
145
10
130
10
115
145
95
125
10
145
100
120
150
110
135
130
135
65
70
105
85
110
140
140
Blacksticks10k Crazy Cow 10k Trawden 7 Wigan 10k Garstang Half
145
150
10
150
10
150
145
10
120
145
10
115
145
125
140
130
130
140
150
110
145
135
50
55
80
RunPreston Accy10k
10
10
10
150
135
130
10
115
145
145
125
150
TTVillages
10
10
10
10
10
10
150
110
135
140
140
90
60
115
135
125
125
115
115
95
80
75
80
65
100
150
145
145
140
130
140
125
105
90
125
105
105
95
110
105
90
90
85
70
110
125
135
130
120
100
100
130
120
105
125
150
130
120
110
105
80
Brian Morris
Simon Taylor
Calvin Ferguson
Jonny Bromilow
Jim Taylor
Barry Ross
Barry Shackleton
Stephen Whitehead
Russ Corsini
Brian Tull
Don Clarkson
David Shorrock
James McGarry-Stanley
Calum Rigby
David Rushton
Lee Shorrock
Paul Brindle
Martin Oldfield
James France
Lee Smalley
Chris Worsley
Gareth Taylor
Andy McAllistair
Dave Ponton
Chris Gosling
Derek Reilly
Mick Leigh
Dale Dacre
Sean Procter
Jonathan Stubbs
Paul Taylor
Danny Haworth
David Barnes
Gary Taylor
David Robinson
Chris Cash
Norman Walsh
Paul Brain
Paul Astin
Barry Carrigan
Russ Egan
Joel Freeman
Mark Bamber
Christopher Lowe
Norman Cookson
TOTAL
955
910
930
870
710
825
635
590
555
765
585
555
425
525
520
425
745
285
735
630
370
255
740
225
205
300
145
415
140
135
130
540
355
125
120
430
95
90
80
75
115
235
125
135
80
Garstang10k
10
10
10
150
Winter Warmer
10
10
10
150
10
10
120
95
125
90
110
105
95
10
Lostock 6
150
140
130
Roddlesworth Wilmslow Half
145
140
10
110
10
10
95
110
10
120
145
10
90
105
90
70
125
100
85
145
150
Accrington10K Caldervale10m Bolton10K
150
145
145
140
10
125
145
10
125
10
130
135
95
110
120
135
105
115
90
100
110
130
115
80
90
125
130
Crazy Cow 10k
145
10
125
135
100
110
110
90
110
130
105
Wigan 10k Garstang Half RunPreston Accy10k
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
130
130
145
110
130
140
TTVillages
10
110
90
115
110
10
10
115
100
115
85
105
140
150
125
150
150
145
140
135
135
135
85
115
150
115
95
150
125
150
150
120
80
110
140
125
125
Trawden 7
10
145
120
115
150
145
Blacksticks10k
150
140
10
145
105
130
100
120
125
130
125
115
100
100
105
150
150
145
140
140
135
140
135
130
130
140
140
130
120
130
105
125
120
115
100
120
95
95
90
80
75
115
115
120
125
135
80
Darwen Dashers Road Championship 2015 current standings including Through The Villages
Karen Shackleton
940
Brian Morris
955
Joanne Nelson
900
Calvin Ferguson
930
Catherine Fox
895
Simon Taylor
910
Leanne Postlethwaite
895
Jonny Bromilow
870
Alison Abbott
845
Barry Ross
825
Catherine Ferro
830
Brian Tull
765
Hannah Caulfield
815
Paul Brindle
745
Anna Capstick
795
Andy McAllistair
740
Tina Kuczer
705
James France
735
Debbie Robinson
560
Jim Taylor
710
Sarah Quinn
545
Barry Shackleton
635
Amy Hasler
475
Lee Smalley
630
Linda Coffey
465
Stephen Whitehead
590
Debbie Bevitt
450
Don Clarkson
585
Viki Walsh
440
Russ Corsini
555
Janet Greenhalgh
410
David Shorrock
555
Launa Bibby
390
Danny Haworth
540
Helen Jones
385
Calum Rigby
525
Fiona Salt
365
David Rushton
520
Jo Maxwell
350
Chris Cash
430
Hannah Fielding
310
James McGarry-Stanley
425
Carol Butterworth
295
Lee Shorrock
425
Nerina Gill
290
Dale Dacre
415
Rebecca Smith
280
Chris Worsley
370
Saskia-Mai Kuczer
275
David Barnes
355
Alice Capstick
265
Derek Reilly
300
Louise Oldfield
260
Martin Oldfield
285
Kathryn Bamber
260
Gareth Taylor
255
Michelle Connolly
250
Joel Freeman
235
Vikki Livsey
250
Dave Ponton
225
Amy Freeman
250
Chris Gosling
205
Sue Eastham
240
Mick Leigh
145
Vickie Pilkington
220
Sean Procter
140
Kymberlee McGarry
220
Jonathan Stubbs
135
Andrea Skelton
180
Christopher Lowe
135
Carly Edwards
145
Paul Taylor
130
Laura Cameron
130
Gary Taylor
125
Jaqueline Shaw
130
Mark Bamber
125
Sue Taylor
125
David Robinson
120
Fritha Quirk
120
Russ Egan
115
Francesca Bury
120
Norman Walsh
95
Rebecca Roach
110
Paul Brain
90
Carmel Ellicot
105
Paul Astin
80
Joanne Lynch
105
Norman Cookson
80
Rebecca Simms
105
Barry Carrigan
75
Jennifer Fielding
90
Rebecca Renshaw
90
Vicky Spencer
80
32nd Sweatshop Through The Villages – 1 November 2015 – results from:
http://www.ukresults.net/2015/villages.html
POSITION
ACTUAL TIME
CATEGORY
SEX
9
00:52:08
V45
M
16
00:53:49
V40
M
24
00:55:17
V50
M
52
00:58:15
M
53
00:58:33
M
58
00:59:17
V40
M
99
01:02:53
M
112
01:03:53
V60
M
113
01:03:55
M
120
01:05:01
V50
M
199
01:14:09
V65
M
270
01:27:46
V55
M
283
01:32:50
V70
M
285
01:33:13
V65
M
294
01:37:28
V45
M
st
RACE NO
CPOINTS
249
150
188
145
223
140
214
135
216
130
118
125
213
120
204
115
113
110
284
105
72
100
322
95
92
90
221
85
101
80
SURNAME
FIRST NAME
CLUB NAME
Reilly
Derek
Darwen Dashers RC
Brindle
Paul
Darwen Dashers RC
Morris
Brian James
Darwen Dashers RC
Dacre
Dale
Darwen Dashers RC
Haworth
Danny
Darwen Dashers RC
Ross
Barry
Darwen Dashers RC
Smalley
Lee
Darwen Dashers RC
McAllister
Andy
Darwen Dashers RC
Ferguson
Calvin
Darwen Dashers RC
Barnes
David
Darwen Dashers RC
Shorrock
David
Darwen Dashers RC
Cash
Chris
Darwen Dashers RC
Tull
Brian
Darwen Dashers RC
Taylor
Jim
Darwen Dashers RC
Cookson
Norman
Darwen Dashers RC
Derek Reilly was 1 Male V45
st
Brian Morris was 1 Male V50
nd
2 Senior Mens Team Prize – Dale Dacre, Danny Haworth, Lee Smalley
st
1 Vets Mens Team Prize – Derek Reilly, Paul Brindle, Brian Morris
Winning time was: 00:47:18
304 = Total runners
30 = Darwen Dashers
POSITION
ACTUAL TIME
CATEGORY
SEX
20
00:54:47
V40
F
109
01:03:40
V45
F
130
01:05:30
V45
F
132
01:05:37
F
164
01:09:59
V45
F
211
01:15:45
V35
F
216
01:16:27
F
220
01:16:33
V50
F
228
01:17:55
F
231
01:18:32
V45
F
241
01:21:52
V40
F
248
01:23:06
V40
F
277
01:31:01
V50
F
284
01:32:51
V40
F
295
01:37:30
V40
F
RACE NO
CPOINTS
173
150
49
145
206
140
256
135
254
130
208
125
209
120
194
115
225
110
211
105
222
100
103
95
321
90
207
85
97
80
SURNAME
FIRST NAME
CLUB NAME
Nelson
Joanne
Darwen Dashers RC
Butterworth
Carol
Darwen Dashers RC
Fox
Catherine
Darwen Dashers RC
Postlethwaite Leanne
Darwen Dashers RC
Shaw
Jaqueline
Darwen Dashers RC
Bibby
Launa
Darwen Dashers RC
Bury
Francesca
Darwen Dashers RC
Shackleton
Karen
Darwen Dashers RC
Roach
Rebecca
Darwen Dashers RC
Simms
Rebecca
Darwen Dashers RC
Abbott
Alison
Darwen Dashers RC
Ferro
Catherine
Darwen Dashers RC
Bevitt
Debbie
Darwen Dashers RC
Kuczer
Tina
Darwen Dashers RC
Spencer
Vicky
Darwen Dashers RC
Joanne Nelson was 1st Female V40 and 2nd Female overall
1st Senior Ladies Team Prize – Leanne Postlethwaite, Francesca Bury, Rebecca Roach
2nd Vets Ladies Team Prize – Joanne Nelson, Carol Butterworth, Cath Fox
Winning time was: 00:47:18
304 = Total runners
30 = Darwen Dashers
Accy 10k – 25 October 2015 – results from:
http://www.ukroadraces.info/results/2015/accr.htm
POSITION
ACTUAL TIME
CATEGORY
SEX
7
00:38:55
M
11
00:39:45
V50
M
30
00:42:16
V40
M
61
00:45:07
M
76
00:45:52
M
78
00:45:54
V60
M
87
00:46:24
V50
M
203
00:56:38
V70
M
255
01:04:26
V65
M
262
01:06:18
V40
M
RACE NO
SURNAME
CPOINTS
298
France
150
131
Morris
145
226
Ross
140
113
Lowe
135
239
Ferguson
130
122
McAllister
125
343
Barnes
120
176
Tull
115
172
Taylor
110
152
Rigby
105
FIRST NAME
CLUB NAME
James
Darwen Dashers RC
Brian James
Darwen Dashers RC
Barry
Darwen Dashers RC
Christopher
Darwen Dashers RC
Calvin
Darwen Dashers RC
Andy
Darwen Dashers RC
David
Darwen Dashers RC
Brian
Darwen Dashers RC
Jim
Darwen Dashers RC
Calum
Darwen Dashers RC
POSITION
ACTUAL TIME
CATEGORY
SEX
81
00:46:10
V45
F
92
00:46:46
F
167
00:53:23
V35
F
172
00:54:08
V50
F
204
00:56:46
V40
F
217
00:58:07
V40
F
247
01:01:52
V35
F
265
01:06:23
V40
F
RACE NO
SURNAME
CPOINTS
62
Fox
150
313
Postlethwaite
145
33
Caulfield
140
159
Shackleton
135
2
Abbott
130
61
Ferro
125
180
Walsh
120
106
Kuczer
115
FIRST NAME
CLUB NAME
Catherine
Darwen Dashers RC
Leanne
Darwen Dashers RC
Hannah
Darwen Dashers RC
Karen
Darwen Dashers RC
Alison
Darwen Dashers RC
Catherine
Darwen Dashers RC
Viki
Darwen Dashers RC
Tina
Darwen Dashers RC
266
V45
274
01:06:26
F
01:09:40
F
312
Capstick
Anna
Darwen Dashers RC
Kuczer
Saskia-Mae
Darwen Dashers RC
110
107
105
Cath Fox was 1st Female V45
Brian Tull was 1st Male V70
Winning time was: 00:34:29
286 = Total runners
20 = Darwen Dashers
__________________________________________________________________________________
Viki’s 1st Half Marathon
Over a drink I decided to do a half marathon with two other dashers. My running buddies
Launa Bibby and Laura Cameron “Let’s go for it!”
We did a few training sessions longer than my previous runs to prepare. One run was down
to Witton to run the Parkrun and then run back home. Around 10 miles plus.
Next was Preston Parkrun, we ran there did the parkrun and then ran back to Darwen
18miles so then we thought yes we can do this. We then went on holiday or two weeks but
whilst away I ran every other day with the encouragement from my family.
On the morning of the half marathon I set off with my training buddy Launa. We pulled up at
Garstang feeling very nervous.
We set off together still feeling nervous. I managed to stay with Launa for six miles who ran
faster than me. So I ran the next few on my own thinking I’ll be ok when I get to ten miles
(double figures) but at 10 miles there was a long climb uphill. Then I met a lovely lady from
Burnden Park runners (how runners help each other) amazing awesome. After that was a
welcome downhill and I was at 12 miles still running.
The last mile was tough but I reached the end to big hugs from my running buddies Laura
and Launa and the support of the other Dashers.
What an awesome achievement after only 12 months running and being a dasher. If you
have self-belief and encouragement you can do it. I did and I love it. Proud Dasher.
Viki Walsh.
There’s no such word as can’t by Hannah Caulfield
I really wish I had money for every time I heard that growing up, but it looks like it had some impact
as I don’t actually remember once in the 4 months I trained for Chester marathon saying to myself
that I could not do it. There were other choice words I assure you and some words that I won’t
repeat but every day I looked at the plan stuck to the fridge and went and did as I was told (apart
from the odd delicate Sunday morning where things didn’t go quite to plan but it’s all about balance
yes?!)
Just over 12 months ago I decided that I would look for a local beginner’s running group. I’d lived in
Darwen for a few years, moved away for a bit but was back living in Hoddlesden. I didn’t know many
people, felt like life needed a shake up and I’d always thought running was something I wanted to
do, plus it was free. I’d thought about trying jogging/running for quite a while, but if I’m honest I
wasn’t in a great place and lacking a lot of confidence so I did a lot of thinking but not much doing.
I’d convinced myself I’d look ridiculous, that everyone would laugh at me and that there was no way
I’d even get to 1 mile without having to stop so I was kidding myself trying. That internal battle went
on for a while until one day I decided to bite the bullet and googled beginners running groups and
that’s where I found Dashers. I sent a text and asked when the next group started and decided this
was it, I was going and it would all be OK because we’d all be new to this so if anything we’d all feel
as ridiculous and self-conscious as each other! So I did it, with Alison Abbott, Chris Cash, James
McGarry-Stanley and James France as our brilliant leaders we spent the next 10 weeks on freezing,
wet, dark nights caterpillaring up Tockholes, doing hill reps on the field near Bold Venture Park and
my favourite, Chris’ Treasure Hunt. It wasn’t easy and there were nights I wanted to stay at home
but the support was amazing and slowly I started to think I could do this, and after graduating at
Bolton Parkrun I nervously ventured up to the Sunnyhurst one Thursday night and never looked
back.
Not long after I signed up for the Ron Hill Accrington 10k, races were not on my agenda at all when I
started running but quite a few Dashers were signed up so I thought I’d give it a go. I knew the route
having grown up in Clayton and Accrington so nothing ventured, nothing gained. Michelle Connolly
and I drove over on a wet and miserable Sunday and we lined up outside Lar de Dars (or what was)
and I couldn’t help but think how times change! How different it was standing there waiting to run a
10k and not trying to find a taxi home at 2am! Anyway, off we went up out of Accrington and in my
head I decided that to get as near to 1 hour as possible would be amazing so I plodded on, but with
the first half all up-hill I was starting to think that wasn’t going to happen; however, on the last few
miles back, with the help of some downhill stretches I realised I could do it, so although by the
Globe Centre I couldn’t feel my legs I ran a 10k in 57 and a bit minutes and that’s when I really got
the bug and realised I was stronger than I thought and started to believe in myself a bit.
After that came a half marathon in Lytham and again I decided that 2 hours would be an
achievement and, with a few seconds to spare, I just about managed it with no help from the force
10 gale head wind that was in my face for half of the way. It was tough but it was another thing I
would never have thought I could do and I’d gone and done it. I think it was on the 3rd glass of
celebratory wine after that race when I decided that, you know what, I need a new challenge,
something big, I’m going to sign up to run a marathon. By either coincidence or fate soon after there
was a link to the Chester marathon on Facebook and after a bit of reading I decided it looked like a
good option if I was going to do this. Unsure if I could handle a huge race, it was local ish and not too
overwhelming so I parted with enough money to buy a new pair of lovely shoes in return for being
accepted to run 26.2 miles – again, how things change! That’s when it sunk in, I was committed, and
if I was going to do this I was going to do it properly. I downloaded my 16 week training plan, stuck it
to the fridge and my life then went on hold whilst I basically ran – all the time. I did everything the
plan told me to, progressive runs, short fast runs, long slow runs, runs with hills, runs with short
sprints you name it. I must have looked like a woman possessed on the streets of Darwen, Lower
Darwen and around Witton. There were days when I hated it and days when I loved it, days when I
found 3 miles really hard and wanted to stop and cry and days when 13 miles in to a long slow run I
was enjoying looking at the scenery, it was a journey and a half and my body thought so too, sore
hips, ankles, knees, shins but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and thanks to Google and
You Tube I learned new stretches and strengthening exercises and I started Bodypump at DLC which
I now love as it makes me feel hard core (as long as I don’t stand next to Janet Greenhalgh!) and I
kept going until a week before the marathon but then had a meltdown. It suddenly became very real
and I realised how huge this was. I was terrified that if I eased off like all of the advice told me too
then I’d forget how to run, what if I got a cold or hurt myself doing something stupid like tripping
upstairs? I spent hours awake in bed over thinking how fast each mile would need to be to finish in 4
hours and if I should try to do that or just aim to finish. To be honest, how I wasn’t sacked from work
I will never know as I was utterly useless that week and just needed marathon day to arrive.
We got to Chester on Saturday and thankfully, as I travelled with my parents and my son, I had them
to keep me occupied and keep my mind off the next day. I wandered down to the racecourse early
evening and stood next to the finish line watching the team set everything up and took it all in for a
while and realised that the next time I stood there I would be able to call myself a marathon runner.
After a lovely meal and just the one glass of wine I went off to bed and woke up feeling strangely
calm, it was a struggle to convince my porridge to stay down granted but I’d reached a stage of ‘I’m
here, I’m doing this and I’ll do my best, what will be will be’ so off I went down to the start where
the Dashers were gathering, Joanne (to who I am super grateful for the quiet advice and
encouragement), Janine, Jonny, Sean, Lee with Debbie and Chris as support crew, and after a few
wise words from the experts and 4 trips to the porta loos we were lining up. I decided to put myself
in between the 4 hour and 4.15 pacer and see how it felt once we got going and off we went, out
around the race track and in to Chester. I was trying to really hold back and not get swept away with
people and when my watch beeped for 1 mile it was 9.2 minutes and I knew that I needed to slow
down, so I tried but saw the 4.15 pacer out of the corner of my eye and from that point on there was
no way he was coming past me but that panic meant the next mile was 8.6 minutes and I knew I had
to really reign it in, which meant ignoring Paul Brindle’s shout of ‘if you’re chatting you’re not trying
hard enough’ as I went past . Luckily the chap who had wanted to chat kept going as I slowed
down and I was grateful cause I thought I might’ve been stuck with him for 24 more miles – that’s
the last thing I need, running is not for talking in my world, company yes, too much talking no
(grumpy I know!) I saw my parents and William then too and that set me off out of Chester smiling,
William looked so proud that I knew I had to do this, walk or crawl I had to finish to show him that
when you put in hard work you can achieve something you would never have thought possible. The
buzz of the event and adrenaline carried me through the first 8 miles or so no problem, I had a
steady pace that felt OK and I was keeping calm, it was a hot day but I was taking on bits of water at
every drinks station and being sensible, but as people started thinning out a bit it, the enormity of
what I was doing really started to sink in and for the next 2 miles I had to keep my chin up, take my
mind off it by watching and listening to other people’s conversations and playing spot the Iron Man
tattoo! It was a bit of an incentive to think I was running with ‘real’ runners here and once I reached
mile 10 it all felt OK again. A girl running at around my pace told me she’d run 2 marathons prior to
this and was aiming for around the same time as me, she wasn’t a chatter either so it was nice to run
in quiet company for a few miles. Then we hit the half way mark and I knew I was doing OK, I was on
2 hours and a finish between 4 and 4.15 felt achievable as long as nothing drastic happened. The
next few miles were strange, a bit disorientating as the metric marathon met the marathon runners
at that point and the fast runners were coming past on the opposite side, if I remember rightly there
were a few bits of hills around from this point on but they seemed to be coming and going pretty
easily and I was keeping a 9.2 min mile pace so I was feeling positive, I’d hit real walls on some long
training runs at about 16 /17 miles so I knew if I got past that it’d be another step in the right
direction. As it happens at 17 miles there was a hill in to a village (I think, it is all a bit of a blur) and
that’s where I spotted a Dashers vest ahead of me, I plodded on up and gave Lee a talking to as I
went past and we somehow got to 20 miles together, the way in which the miles seemed to just go
by was amazing until we reached that point and then my mind switched all of a sudden to a bit of a
panic, I knew my long runs hadn’t ever been further than 21 miles and I started to really worry about
the last 5, everything was starting to hurt now and even Lee’s comment about it ONLY being 2 more
Parkruns left to go didn’t help, I just had to suck it up and really try to not let myself think too much
about it. I’d read somewhere in some of the many marathon related articles I’d read about mantras
to use in marathons (and I used A LOT) but the one for the last 5 miles it was ‘pain is weakness
leaving the body’ over and over, I was going to end this a stronger person than when I started. My
legs were just moving along now and if I stopped I probably wouldn’t have started again! At about
24 miles I was really tired and I tried to slow down, I even considered a short walk, but as soon as I
slowed every muscle started to tighten up and I didn’t dare risk it so I sucked it up some more. I was
aware now though that people were all finding it tough, there were people giving up and people
hobbling and I just decided that would not be me. Mum, dad and William were waiting for me with a
bottle of Champagne at the finish and I was going to do this. I don’t really want to talk about miles
24 to 26, they were pretty horrid but when I saw Chris and Debbie’s smiling faces on the last stretch
along the river I knew I was nearly there and just had to keep going and not fall over which was
easier said than done with legs that were so wobbly, dealing with cobbles along the river
(seriously?!) and as I came on to the race course there was a tiny grass slope down to the last 300
metres and I very nearly had a stumble but managed a smile to myself cause I knew if that had
happened William would have been in despair. From somewhere I found my legs and saw the fab
Janet, Rebecca, Jo and Jonny cheering me on and tried to smile but apparently it came out as an evil
stare, sorry about that! And then William came to run the last few 100 metres with me and cross the
finish line holding my hand – that moment was worth every bit of hard work and the emotional and
physical rollercoaster of the past 4 hours and 5 mins. We had a hug and had our picture taken before
Debbie Bevitt rescued me from the brink of exhaustion with jelly beans, Lucozade and chocolate. All
in all an amazing day made even more special by the support of the Dashers. To top it all, as I’m
writing this, Joanne Nelson has sent me a message to say we won the ladies team prize! Not bad at
all for marathon number one. Now to knock off that 5 minutes and beat the 4 hour mark next year!
Onwards and upwards. X
Scafell Pike Fell Race – 19th September 2015 by Calvin
We often choose to challenge ourselves and enter in to battle against the hills and mountains, after all,
that's a major part of fell running, arguably that's what fell running is! So, I thought, well if I'm going
to climb England's highest mountain for the first time, why not race it? Why not do the fell race that
takes in the mountain itself and climbs all the way to the summit of England. So I found the race
online and within a few days I was on the pre-entry list along with a few other runners.
My biggest amount of race ascent was on the Kentmere Horseshoe, around 3,300 feet, but Scafell
Pike fell race is touching on 3,000 feet...not much difference there, but, Kentmere is over double the
distance of the Scafell race. Scafell gives you around 1 mile at the start which is runnable, before you
hit the climb up towards Lingmell. It works out at around 2,500 feet of ascending over 2 miles which
also sends you over all types of terrain - grass, rocks, boulder fields, a couple of streams and a few
bogs – a proper fell race.
The weather was very promising. Online race reports said it was usually blessed with great weather,
although at the post race presentation we found out that one year it was a white out, with only 10
runners turning up to race a re-arranged route in pure snow (and yes, it was still run in the middle of
September then too). I think that'd be fun, providing you know your way to the summit!
I'd been buzzing all week for this race and was in a determined mood to push myself for the full
duration of the race. With this being my 61st race of the season, I've obviously had some bad races
and some fantastic ones, in terms of how I ran, how I felt and sometimes my time/position...although
the latter rarely ever matters as I know I’m not a fast runner anyway so my expectations are always
realistic. After all, a lot of the racers on the fells have actually run longer than I have been alive, so
that puts things in to perspective (and will possibly make them feel really old, ha ha!).
As mentioned earlier, we set off and the first mile is runnable, I went through that in around 10
minutes, climbing about 260 feet, so steady away and nothing too intense. It was through a couple of
fields out of the Wasdale Head camp site, crossing some streams and rocky sections along the way but
nothing to be concerned about, a nice warm up in fact. The sun was shining and with no breeze it felt
hot! Although it wasn’t long before Simon was shouting at me asking me where this promised breeze
was, it was roasting!!!
Mile 1 to 2 was drastically different in comparison, climbing over 1,500 feet. This was mainly up a
steep, grass climb, very much a hands on knees effort but I felt strong and was overtaking quite often.
I found myself thinking "am I going too fast for my own good here?” Regardless, I carried on at the
same pace and continued to pass others, including Simon, which I didn't ever expect to do at any point
in the race. I'd taken regular glances up to the peak of the climb but only to make sure I was still
navigating a decent line, but I was catching other racers at a good speed.
Once we got up on to Lingmell, parts became runnable which was a relief after powering through a
fell walk for around 20 minutes, with only the odd jog here and there, in the 17 degrees heat (felt a lot,
lot warmer than that though, I can assure you!) but I was glad I'd opted for "vest is best", as usual.
We hopped over a stile and I could again see most of the runners strung out in front of me, snaking
towards the top. Then, the runners then started to split, taking various lines up towards Scafell and the
ridges below its summit. This is where local knowledge and experience really does benefit you as a
fell racer. I could tell which people had done it before and you can see the people who are
experienced, they were taking much cleaner lines than I was, and, finding the terrain to run on,
whereas I found myself hopping through relatively long grass and then having to cross a river,
obviously slowing me down, while the others to my right hand side where still running at pace. Not
to worry, I was still closely followed by Simon along with a couple of others and we just pushed on as
we could see the ridges that lead up to the Pike.
Constantly glancing up to check my race line, I saw eventual winner, Danny Hope of Horwich, came
steaming past off the tops, I checked my watch; 47 minutes. Rapid! That is some running, he hit the
summit at around 40 minutes and won the race in 1 hour 7 minutes, only 3 minutes before he had
finished, I would reach the peak of England's highest mountain.
The terrain was totally different up here; just a boulder field and walkers filled every line I could see
that would take me towards the trig point at the summit. I couldn't see much further than 50 metres in
front of me at this point, the cloud had engulfed the tops and it was just a case of following the cairns.
The most amusing moment of my race came when I spotted a cairn, surrounded by a good 20-30
walkers, a sudden rush of blood and a glance at the watch, I thought; "yes! 57 minutes and I'm
basically at the summit, that's a good run!!!", so I picked up the pace to running speed, thinking I was
there...subsequently it wasn't Scafell Pike trig point at all, it was just a group of walkers who'd
stopped to rest at a large cairn. Damn!
It was in fact another 7 minutes after my false dawn that I reached the trig point, but I'd done it in 1
hour 4 minutes, I was happy with that. I unpicked my numbered token and threw it in the bag, to
notify the organisers that I'd reached the summit safely. Simon was only a couple of seconds behind
me, we shook hands followed by a swift "well done, mate" and set off back down, I knew he'd kick
my ass and beat me to the finish so I was happy to be the first one to the summit. The only down side
I see to doing the race as your first trip up England's highest mountain is that there wasn't any time to
stay and take in what you'd achieved, not that you could see any further than 20 metres away at this
point, to be honest.
I was pleasantly surprised I'd beaten Simon to the summit as I don't put myself down as a strong
climber, being one of the heavier fell runners, but I knew the descent was more suited to Simon and
the shorter runners, so, being 6 foot 1 didn't help me here either! I picked quite a good line coming
back off the summit though and through the boulder field I danced, this was possibly the most
mentally sapping part of the route, concentration was at 110%. Within 10 minutes I was off the rocks
and back on to the grass, some good running to be had for the next mile, which was downhill, of
course!
I love a good downhill run but once I'd hit the back end of Lingmell, the descent from there was really
difficult. Normally it's the uphill sections that I find tough but this was so steep to run down it was
verging on -50% gradient in parts, meaning my stride was minimal and I really did feel like I was
dancing at this point and my thighs were on fire. It felt like I'd taken the same amount of steps to
descend this short section of the course as I had to run the rest of it, it was that harsh. After half a
mile of steep descending, spanning around 10 minutes, I found myself on the path at the bottom which
would eventually lead me back to Wasdale Head camp site.
I jumped off the hill in relief but my legs weren't agreeing. They turned to jelly as soon as I tried
upping the pace to something that resembled a reasonable running speed and I struggled to even keep
my footing for a minute or two but then managed to pick up some pace at sub 8/mi to carry myself
back to the finish for a race time of 1 hour 42 minutes, so I was 1:04 to the summit and eventually 38
minutes back down & Simon managed 1 hour 37 so he easily gave me a pasting on the way back
down.
A thrilling race with unmatchable scenery, when you have a look around! Bring on 2016.
Calvin Ferguson
Snowdonia Marathon, 2015
Snowdonia marathon
Earlier on in the year, January 1st 2015, Janine Fallon preyed on my hungover state and made me
enter the Snowdonia marathon. You all know how meek and mild I am; and so was unable to decline
the offer. She also threw in the point that the race takes place on a Saturday, which meant we could
stay over on the Saturday night and celebrate in true Dasher’s style after the race. This is a winner
for me; as a teacher I rarely have the chance to stay the Sunday night after marathons as it is school
the following morning.
So the race was booked, plus two nights stay in a hotel….whoop! Pushing the boat out there.
As the race approached I thought to myself it was “just another marathon”, no pressure on really as I
had already run three marathons this year, London, Liverpool and only three weeks earlier (well, 2
weeks and 6 days but I’m not counting!!) Chester, so I was thinking I would just “enjoy” the race.
After a rather stressful Friday evening, where the ex gave backword about having the kids only 30
minutes before I was due to set off for sunny (oops, I mean rainy Wales) Janine and I eventually set
off on our merry way to Snowdonia.
We arrived at out hotel around 9 ish… it had been raining the entire journey and was due to carry on
the following day. I LOVE running in the rain, as many of you know..not!!
In the morning we got up, ate breakfast and drove to the start. Janine had just bought Jess Glynnes’s
new CD and so we played “ Hold my hand” maybe a thousand times on the way to the start… we
were absolutely belting the lyrics out, laughing hysterically and just generally messing around (good
preparation I think you’ll find for a marathon). Just wait to the Christmas do when I request it xxx
Anyway, we arrived, eventually found somewhere to park, walked to the start, walked back from the
start to change our clothes, got in a mahoosive queue for the depositing of running gear, had to peg
it to the start, and then set off!!! Heart beat was going crazy cakes before we’d even done anything.
At the start I pushed my way through the crowds, past the rhinos, fund raisers…. You get my point. I
learnt from Chester marathon that the top places are decided by the order in which you cross the
line, not your chip time. So if you have a bad start at the back but you run a faster time than first
place, you don’t actually come first!!! So, not that I thought I would win, but I decided it was best to
get as close to the front as I could.
Off we went, in the rain, and the wind, up Llanberis pass which is about 5 1/2 miles. I could see a
motorbike in front of me, tailing a female runner. Some bloke asked me if she was first lady, but I
didn’t know the answer at that stage. Once we got to the top I eventually overtook her on the
descent. We turned onto some trail path, my favourite part of the course as it reminded me of my
summer holidays with Paul and our Walton family this year 
We turned onto the road and I caught another lady. At this point I was being filmed by the
motorbike for T.V. If you watched it on Iplayer you can see me chatting to her; I was asking her what
position we were in, because I had absolutely no idea. Apparently we were in 2nd and 3rd place.
I pressed on, looking for first lady to see if I could catch her. I had looked at the profile of the course
before the race and knew that there was a climb at mile 13, but the biggy was a 2 ½ mile climb at
mile 22. All I kept thinking the entire way around was “hurry up mile 22”. I just wanted to get up it!
Eventually mile 22 did come, and the blimming motorbike decided to come right behind me as I
started the climb. I really could not believe it! But it did mean I didn’t stop!
At the bottom of the climb I was chatting to some bloke who had an orange reflective bib on. I think
he may have been something to do with the race as he informed me that the winning lady was 3
minutes in front of me, but had started to walk. Seriously….that really is the worse thing he could
have said. My little legs were going ten to the dozen up that last climb. I love playing chase. The
problem is I always seem to be in the position where I am playing catch up, never way ahead at the
front! (At Chester marathon I was 3 minutes behind 3rd place at 18 miles…. If you watch the finish
video at the end you can actually see me chasing her down at the run in on the race course, I
finished 5 seconds behind her!! GRRRR!!!!)
Anyway I got to the top and started the descent. O.M.G my legs burned. I thought it was because I
still had Chester marathon in them. It was actually painful running down, off the fell.
As I ran into the finish I was thrilled to bits to have completed the Snowdonia marathon in 3 hours 9
and in second place. I was interviewed on the T.V after the race. Darwen Dashers received some
serious coverage that weekend 
The winner came in 40 odd seconds in front of me (chip time) and yet had been 3 mins ahead of me
at the last climb. Do I feel bad? No way! Paul googled her, she’s a GB triathlete, Tracy McCartney
who also works as a personal trainer. I’m a 44 year teacher and mother of two. Think that says
enough!!
Janine finished in 3 hours 49, which she was extremely pleased with, especially as she has run 3
marathons this year too!!
We went to the presentation … I received £80 vouchers and also some local art work (very nice) and
then we made our way back to the hotel for a few celebratory drinks and a night out.
The weekend was amazing, spent with an ace mate, singing songs at full whack and just generally
beasting ourselves on a really demanding course in terrible conditions.
Would I do it again? Too right!! The course record is 4 minutes faster than the time I got. Next time I
possibly won’t run Chester marathon before it…but then again!!!
Thanks to my running buddy, Janine Fallon for taking advantage of my vulnerable position and
making me enter the race in the first place…and also for an ACE weekend away,
Thanks to all those who wished us good luck, tracked us throughout the race, panicked when I
seemed to go missing after 13 miles (Paul) and congratulated us for our hard work and representing
the club in rainy Wales.
Joanne Nelson
Just an Average Dasher by Barry Ross
Cross country at first seems synonymous with tortuous runs around fields whilst at school. Something you
would never want to repeat? However, every year the mere mention of cross country sends people into a
frenzy. So what’s all the fuss about? I decided to give it a go this year to find out. The first event on the Red
Rose calendar was Leigh and as it was relatively flat and dry seemed like the ideal introduction. And do you
know what? I loved it, well sort of…on retrospect. It was a three lap course and after completing the first lap I
was struggling but somehow I managed to keep my pace for lap number two. Just as I started the third and
final lap I felt drained and was convinced my pace was dropping I heard a voice over my shoulder “go on
Darwen!” There was a Royton runner just behind me and as he overtook me I thought he was going to leave
me for dead. But as we left the field to run along the path he turned around and said “come on we can help
each other here” and I tried to keep up with him I clumsily overtook him only for us to clash against each
other, I was that tired. I continued to keep up with him and then saw a Dasher vest in the distance; we were
speeding up so I dug deep. As we crossed a field, slightly downhill, I felt good again I got the elusive second
wind. Royton was still there but blew his cheeks to indicate he was feeling the pain I gave him some
encouragement then I was head down and off. I maintained the pace all the way to the finish. The only time I
noticed Royton was at the last corner as he tried to overtake me but I managed to find a sprint finish. It took a
while to recover but thanks to Royton (Colin Green) and all the support from the Dashers it was a great day.
Dave Rushton at Leigh XC
The next race on the Championship schedule was Accrington 10k and once again it was a great Dasher turnout.
This was a great course with a slight uphill start for a mile followed by a 2 mile decent which was great fun only
to be left with a 2 miles uphill, not so much fun, especially when someone breezes past you! The last mile or
so was relatively flat though so that was nice! Just as the flat section started Barry Shackleton was on cheering
duty which was just was the doctor ordered to help find an extra gear for the finish. No PB here but a very
satisfying race.
Just a few of Team Dashers at Accrington 10k
This has been a great month for racing and it was topped off with the Through the Villages Race. This is an
8.45 mile race in and around Wheelton. Instead of the down then up style of Accrington it was up and down
throughout with no real flat sections. And do you know what? I loved it. It was a bit longer than the 10k races
I am used to and it helped there was a downhill finish but it didn’t feel too bad and I was more than happy
with finishing under an hour. With 30 Dashers in the field representing nearly 10% of the starting line-up it
was like a club run, brilliant effort everyone.
The Ebony and Gold take over at the Through the Villages Race
This month’s races have illustrated to me what running with the Dashers is all about; trying something new
with the cross country and Through the Villages Race with the Accy 10k thrown in as great hill training all
mixed together with lots of encouragement and camaraderie! A massive thanks to the committee for
choosing such great local races and here’s looking forward to the last Championship race of the season;
th
Preston 10M, 15 November. After all the hills this month this looks like a much flatter route but I’m not so
sure how I feel about that as I think I have a taste for the hills now!
At Home With The Shackletons 4 (in the style of Janet and John)
The Bonfire Party
Barry and Karen have been invited to a Bonfire Party.
What Fun!
Barry has chosen his best Morrissey outfit to go out in. Black plastic ankle boots with silver studs,
skinny black jeans with matching studded belt, White frilly shirt with lace detailed collar and cuffs,
and a bunch of Chrysanthemums because he couldn’t find any Gladioli.
“This charming man?” asks Barry
“Heaven knows I’m miserable now” replies Karen.
Once in the car Karen makes sure that Barry is properly secured into his safety seat before driving
off. “I will have to drop you off at the entrance gates and catch up with you a little later. I was hoping
to spend the night at the bonfire. Unfortunately I have to go around to Alison’s. Brian has been
physically attached to her for the past 3 days. They’ve even tried throwing a bucket of cold water
over him. A couple of injections of Diazepam should help, otherwise its going to take surgery to
separate them!
Don’t get into any mischief and keep your fireworks in the tin for safety.”
“I won’t.” says Barry
Barry pushes his way to the front, past all the other children who are trying to see the bonfire.
“Hello Barry, I didn’t know that you like bonfires?” asks Miss Wheel.
“Yes, I’ve always loved them ever since puberty, see I’ve brought my fireworks” replies Barry.
“Oh it’s good to see that you’re being sensible with your fireworks, lets set them off together with
mine over by the stand, where there are fewer people?” says Miss Wheel.
“Good idea. That way we can see ours and still get to see the big firework display.”
Soon Barry has set off all of his and Miss Wheel’s fireworks. There are only the rockets left, so Barry
finds an old pipe and wedges it into the ground as a rocket launcher. Then he lights the blue touch
paper and retires.
“I always knew that you where good with your hands Barry” says Miss Wheel.
Soon Karen returns from separating Brian from Alison..
“Who was that you where just with Barry?” asks Karen
See the warning signs.
“That was Catherine, she was most impressed with what I had in my box, and as I am good with my
hands allowed me to handle her Vesuvius. She said that I had a real big cracker and that once I had
showed her my jumping jack that I was fine to shoot up her sonic boon from the downspout.
Can you light a roman candle when it is wedged up someone’s rectum?
Karen can
Poor Barry
Chris Cash
Part deux – That’s torn it!
Once the sky and ground had finished swapping places
and our hero had finally stopped the high pitched
keening noise that floated over the moor, a sorry sight
presented itself. At first sight it appeared that someone
had dressed a tailors dummy in the remnants of a
running club’s jumble sale and hurled it into a barbed
wire fence.
‘Oooh, ‘eck. I can’t move! I’m paralysed! I’m too young. I’m too young!’ he wailed.
Within 15 minutes or so of this he began to pull himself together. A check over revealed that he
could wiggle his fingers and toes, although try as he might he couldn’t get the right way up.
Something was stopping him. Craning his neck at improbable angles he eventually discovered that
he was snagged, backside aloft, on the fence.
‘Help! Help!’ he shouted. His reedy voice carried far on the wind but nobody came. The hiking
pensioners were now far away, tucking into their beer in front of the fire in the Royal.
‘There’s nobody to save me. I could die out here. Hypothermia. Exposure. Starvation! Oh, I’m
doomed! No, I am an athlete. I can survive. My body can survive this. But what about my will? Will
my will? No, my will won’t!’ Extrapolating this thought he then began to think about Wills in general.
If only he’d made one.
To console himself in this desperate situation he manoeuvred his bumbag round and extracted a
cheese sandwich. And a custard cream.
‘Think. Think. How can I escape? No one can hear me. No one will miss me for hours. I’ll have to do it
myself.’ He pondered. And had another biscuit and a swig from the water bottle to help the process.
He tried wriggling a bit more. Then jiggling. Then full on thrashing about like someone twerking after
taking LSD. Apart from a slight ripping noise and several nasty jabs to the buttock from the barbs
there was no change.
‘There are my best Ron Hill tracksters! I’ve only had them 15 years. What a disaster!’ He rooted
about in his bumbag, scattering the contents as he searched for something he could use. Crumbs,
rusty safety pins, the foil from his butties and more soon surrounded him. Then he found his
compass. Could this help? The plan struck him. He began to work. Rubbing the Perspex against a
stone near his head he began to sharpen one edge of it. After countless dozens of strokes he tested
the edge against his thumb. ‘Ow! That’ll do!’ Contorting his body he reached around and began the
task. He sawed at the faded, slightly moth eaten fabric. Eventually he felt his whole body drop a little
and knew that he was on the right track.
‘Come on. Come on! Ow! Me bum!’ he shrieked as his aim grew a little wayward with desperation.
Suddenly ‘riiiiiippp’ and he suddenly dropped like a stone. It was unfortunate that the clump of grass
his face landed in also contained sheep poo but this didn’t concern him. ‘I’m free! I’m free!’ like
some latter day John Inman his cries filled the air.
‘Must get help. Must reach civilisation’ he rammed his belongings back in the bag, only pausing to
finish the sandwiches. ‘Oh, the pain. The pain!’ Once fortified, he commenced the last of the descent
and at last gained flat ground. He staggered, tattered and torn onwards. Past Barking Dogs farm he
tottered and eventually he reached salavation – The Sunnyhurst.
Making his unsteady way to bar he bleated to the bar maid as she turned her unsmiling face to him.
‘Help me. I’ve been trapped for...’ he glanced at the clock ‘ 127 minutes! I don’t have any money but
can I use your phone?’
She gazed at this pathetic figure. Excrement smeared his face, his body was covered in mud and his
elderly race t shirt soggy with sweat. One scratched buttock fully exosed by the flap of torn material.
Taking all this in, she met his eye.
‘No.’ She said.
The end.
Andrew Rashed
18,700 km from Coed Y Brenin
At my running clubs end of year dinner (we have a running season that is through the autumn,
winter and start of spring, then take a break for the summer, for bbqs and complaining about how
boring cricket is) I meet a former Olympic runner. Gavin competed at the 1972 Munich Olympics in
the 5000m and 10000m. After only briefly talking about running I asked if he was aware of the
hostage taking of the Israelis by the Palestinian terrorists. He was and he had a really interesting
story to tell about it.
The NZ team men’s quarters were close by the Israelis. They had heard the shooting that night but
didn’t realize what it was – they thought it was some guys getting up to hijinks. The next morning
Gavin went down stairs and out for his early morning training run – only to get tackled by a huge
German policeman and pinned to the ground. Once they’d worked out he was an athlete they got
him to go and alert the rest of the team as to what was going on. There were sections of the building
that they didn’t want anyone going in through the internal stairwells as they were too close to the
terrorists, so they got him to go round to the opposite side of the building away from the terrorists
side and hoisted him up onto the above balconies so that he could sneak in that way to the let the
different rooms know what was going on. It must have been rather scary – knowing there were
people wandering around with guns not far away as you’re trying to climb up to quietly knock on
someone’s window.
German Police climbing over the balconies the Gavin
climbed on
Guessing they choose him as he would have been
skinny as a distance runner.
I asked if they all got moved out and he said it
was offered that they could go over to the
women’s village. Which surprised me as I didn’t
know that men and women were segregated like
that – not sure when they stopped doing that. But they choose not to move.
He said that the Palestinian’s had no interest in them – they could see them from their rooms and
would wave at them and the terrorists would wave back. Given that they’d already shot and
murdered two Israelis by then that’s rather freaky.
His thoughts on whether the games should have continued or not were unequivocal – that they
should. They were there to compete and that’s all they were there to do. It’s an interesting thing
that people often criticize that now. As an athlete your locked into your own mindset where nothing
else matters except you competing – and your very much encouraged to do that. Plus in the village
you’re isolated from all outside media and contact – there are tonnes of newspapers and stuff but
it’s all about the games and the completion. I’d thought Avery Brundage, the head of the IOC, was a
prick and made a bad decision for the games to continue back then. I still think he was a prick (he
compared the attack of the terrorists on the Games to the attack of professionalism in his speech at
the memorial service before the Games were restarted) but the way Gavin put it, I’m not so sure
about what the right decision was.
There has been criticism of the lack of security that the German’s had so I asked about that. Gavin
said that there were security gates they were meant to use but they found them a pain so, on their
training runs, they’d get up to full speed as they approached the gates and just sprint past the
guards waving their ID cards leaving the guards shouting in their wake. We compared notes with
when I was at Manchester – it was less than a year after September 11 in 2001 and you couldn’t get
into the foodhall without going through a security point. I remember seeing the head of the Games
getting padded down and his car searched with mirrors underneath it.
Which brought us to the next topic – how did you get girls into the athletes village? This was a
source of much debate in Manchester. Security was that tight it was really hard to bring girls in at
night. And the NZ officials banned anyone from having guests in their areas. Vicky and I were
together so it wasn’t an issue I dealt with firsthand but I did watch how events unfolded for my
comrades. Basically it came down to begging with security guards late at night and hiding them away
after that, for only rare successes. Girls had it much easier – they generally hunted for the top
athletes in the village so didn’t need to worry about security issues.
For the guys in Munich I was surprised – they were just able to get their visiting fräuleins issued with
visitor passes. How things change…
Kia ora!
Danny
[email protected]
Club committee
Chairman
Chris Cash
Ladies’ Captain
Alison Abbott
Men’s Captain
Barry Shackleton
[email protected]
President
Brian Tull
[email protected]
Secretary
Jonathan Stubbs
07747 398 384
[email protected]
Treasurer
Rebecca Simms
01254 692 677
[email protected]
[email protected]
07971 451431
[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
Thursday
The Sunnyhurst, Tockholes Rd, Darwen, BB3 1JX. 19:00 All welcome
Beginners
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.