YKH 2009 Vets G P Series
Success - End of Series report.
A – maze – ing –
Strictly no contest! No mere 40 points for us -Team YKH earned a massive
44,125 points in 2009!
What a conclusion to this 10 race series when the final points and
placings were issued following the last race of the season at Spen.
Both our teams have really surpassed themselves and secured first three
placings in a majority of the award winning categories.
Our Ladies team encouraged throughout the series by the outstanding
performances of Fiona Strange are to be congratulated on winning the
Rest to Count trophy and achieving second and third places in the All to
Count and 1st 4 to Count competitions respectively.
And what about our men! Consistent age category success by Kevin Langan,
Peter Welsh and Ian Bithell spurred on our gents to achieving 3rd place
in both the All to Count and Rest to Count competitions and 4th place in
the 1st 4 to Count.
This was a really fantastic team performance hi lighted by many
individual performances with the main age category successes being:-
F40 2nd Fiona Strange M45 5th Kevin Langan
F45 5th Joy Allen aka Miss Mudd M50 5th Pete Welsh
F50 4th Maureen Medlar M60 4th Ian Bithell
F60 3rd Jean Wright M65 5th Graeme Adams
F70 1st Jean Snelling
Thank you to everyone who either ran, supported or helped us throughout
this year and don’t worry if you could not join us this year there’s
always 2010 to look forward to!
Individual race and all vets competition details can be found on the
Knavesmire website or alternatively at
www.yvaa.org
Hope to see you soon but if you need any further details you can contact
Jane Tel: (01904) 623595
jane@jhartas.freeserve.co.uk
Maureen Tel: (01904) 400568
m.medlar@btconnect.com
Vet’s Grand Prix Series. Race 10
Spen Stadium 15th November
Forget the X Factor. This was the YKH Factor!
The scene was set – a
beautiful sunny Sunday morning – 174 athletes (including 30 YKH
wasps) resplendent in their multi coloured club costumes lined
up on a very impressive and ‘proper’ athletic track – perfect!
Don’t be fooled – as all vets will know - never expect a ‘walk
in the park’.
This 5.2 mile challenge threw up our old favorites, mud, then
stiles (or were they hurdles?) then mud, mud and more mud! Not
looking forward to washing the socks. |
|
Our leading lady was Fiona
Strange who ran exceptionally well to finish as 3rd lady overall as well
as being 1st F40. Jean Snelling once again secured 1st place in her age
category.
Star studded performances by Billy Shively, 13th place overall and 2nd
M50, Ian Bithell 1st M65 and Mike McGrath 3rd M55 helped gain huge
numbers of points for the mens team.
However as always taking center stage was the cast:-
Fiona Strange Gill Waite Richard Gott Ian Bithell Gill Barker Irene
Welbourn Gary Moss Duncan Chambers
Maureen Medlar Lynda Bish Billy Shively Martin Parvin Joy Allen Jean
Wright Kevin Langan Michael Pemberton
Pat Short Susan Adams Martin Smith Colin Lea Margaret Oliver Jean
Snelling Mike McGrath Paul Adams
Liz Matthews Nicola Kingdom Neil Kingham Kim Middleton Pat Rowson Martin
Medlar
and of course the ever
faithful (and often cold and wet) support crew:-
Alan Wright Jane Hartas John Welbourn Ken Tinker John Oliver
Congratulations to Liz Matthews, Kim Middleton, Mike McGrath,
Neil Kingham, and Gary Moss all of whom were competing for the
vets team for the first time this season and also to Paul and
Sue Adams who were competing for us for the first time as
grandparents!!
Please all take a bow for this the last group performance
of the year. We have enjoyed some ‘magic moments’ in 2009 and
both teams have secured top three spots in the competition full
details of which will follow in a separate report issued when
the results have been fully confirmed. You all deserve a round
of applause - no - make that a standing ovation.
Time to ‘rest’ – recharge the batteries and of course train for
2010! Thanks again for all your efforts and the points!!!!
Jane and Maureen
Individual race and all vets competition details can be found on
the Knavesmire website or alternatively at
www.yvaa.org |
 |
YVAA Fell
Championship -09.11.09
Ian Bithell was the only Harrier at the
Cop Hill Fell race at Meltham, a
7 mile / 900 feet, two lap trail.
He was first over 65 in
both the main race and the YVAA championship race so got a
shield from YVAA, a prize from The Cop Hill Race and then won two
Raffle prizes. "It was clearly my day!!!" he said.
Greetland
- Sunday 4th Oct
The saga continues…….
At last, this the 9th and penultimate challenge of the series has been
completed.
Answering the call to arms – perhaps that should be legs? - an eighteen
strong division of Knavesmire Harriers turned out for the ‘cause’ on
this beautiful Sunday morning.
With a mid hill start followed by a gentle climb it would have been easy
to assume that a nice downhill stretch would be our reward. Oh no –
don’t’ forget this is vets racing. After a brief glimpse of the
spectacular West Yorks scenery we were plunged downhill over a
combination of narrow rock strewn pathways, smooth slippery cobblestones
and lastly loose treacherous cinder. Great - we had reached the bottom
of the Vale – yes you have it – time to go up again! A truly murderous 2
mile ascent followed including the navigation of a very narrow and
precipitous track. This was a true ‘toughie and we all welcomed the
support and encouragement tendered by John Wellborne, Alan Wright,
Barbara Fawcett, Maureen Adams and the Strange family.
A stunning performance by Fiona Strange, who won the ladies race
overall, was supported by 1st place age category wins for both Ian
Bithell and Jean Snelling. We were joined by several runners for whom
this was only the second vets race of the year and by Ken Tinkler who
completed his first ever and we hope not last ,vets race. Great running
by one and all earned YKH an amazing 1884 points!
Thanks to everyone who joined us in whatever capacity. I hope you all
enjoyed the experience and will join us at Spenborough on the 15th
November for the last race of the series – it is a little easier!!!!
Individual race and all vets competition details can be found on the
Knavesmire website or alternatively at www.yvaa.org
Hope to see you soon but if you need any further details you can contact
Jane Tel: (01904) 623595 jane@jhartas.freeserve.co.uk
Maureen Tel: (01904) 400568 m.medlar@btconnect.com
Vets G P Races
As many of you will know our club enters
this annual race series with some success. It is an opportunity for any
club member aged a mere 35 or over to earn valuable points for team
YKH. There are also age category and spot prizes to be won and
always an after race buffet at each event giving us all the chance to
socialise with our own and other team members.
We have now completed 9 of the 10 races and
are in the ‘running’ for trophies but we need your help.
Once again due to the inevitable fixture
clashes and one very late change in race date some of our regulars will
be unable to compete in these last two vital races. We are hoping that
some of you may not be otherwise engaged and could consider representing
your club at either or even both of the following:-
Race 10 Sunday Nov 15th 10.30am
Spenborough
Individual race
and all vets competition details can be found on the Knavesmire website
or alternatively at
www.yvaa.org
Hope to see you
soon but if you need any further details you can contact
Jane Tel:
(01904) 623595
jane@jhartas.freeserve.co.uk
Maureen Tel:
(01904) 400568
m.medlar@btconnect.com
Vets 10k Championship
Spenborough Sunday 13th September
Unfortunately due to the inevitable fixtures
clashes the clubs’ representation for this Championship race was down to 1!!
But what a 1! Congratulations to Fiona Strange
who has been making a steady recovery from injury and showed a true return
to form by winning the 1st lady over 40 category and by being the
second lady home overall.
Great running Fiona - thanks for flying the flag
– sorry we were not there to support you.
Vets Grand Prix Race 8
Startrek? No – Starbeck!
Captains Log 20th August 2009
The latest mission of the intrepid YKH crew was to negotiate 5.2 miles of mixed
terrain in HG5.
For the first time this season the atmospheric conditions were almost perfect
but, as to be expected, there were the usual challenges to keep most of us on
our toes! This time lunar type craters, chicken wire and nettles!!
There was one reported ‘close encounter’ when Joy Allen was pushed to the ground
by an ‘alien force’ (otherwise identified as a Pudsey Pacer) and Jean Wright who
experienced a UFO - unforeseen falling over – it was later commented that she
had given blood for her club but didn’t even win a spot prize! Hope you are
feeling better Jean and that you will be ok for the next expedition.
Back at base we enjoyed the usual buffet with the presentation of awards which
included age category success for Ian Bithell 2nd male 65; Jean Snelling 1st
female 70 and Maureen Medlar 3rd female 55.
Best of all was the team performance which once again earned a significant
number of points for both the ladies and mens competitions. Thanks to you all
for your efforts and ENTERPRIZE!
Live long and prosper.
The next challenge is on Sunday the 4th October at West Vale.
Individual race and all vets competition details can be found on the Knavesmire
website or alternatively at www.yvaa.org
Hope to see you soon but if you need any further details you can contact
Jane Tel: (01904) 623595 jane@jhartas.freeserve.co.uk
Maureen Tel: (01904) 400568 m.medlar@btconnect.com
Vet’s Grand Prix Series. Race 7
Knavesmire – July 29th
‘Ows that! YKH all out for 4930!
Battling against the elements our 50 strong team secured a massive 4930 points
which has moved both teams up in their respective leagues. Once again the race
attracted a ‘staggering’ field of 185 which is the second best attendance ever
in the history of the series!
Considered as one of the ‘easier’ races of the series, the inclement weather
turned the course into a real slog which even had the top order stumped! The
relentless precipitation encountered early on eventually turned the home run
into a ‘mud rink’- a real leveler!
At least the grass has been well spiked!
A brilliant team effort crowned with the individual successes of Robin Oldham,
Emma Yates, Maureen Medlar and Jean Snelling who all won their respective age
categories and Fiona Strange,Bill Shively and Ian Bithell who all secured second
places in theirs.
Thanks to all who braved the conditions and completed the course. Great to see
all the debutantes- perhaps you would like to try the next race at Starbeck?
In particular a huge thank you to those of you who assisted in providing the all
important ‘back up’ without which none of us could have enjoyed racing. I have
received numerous compliments from our competitors who praised our friendly
marshalling, time-keeping et al and have voted our buffet as ‘best of series’.
Well done Team Harriers.
See you all at Starbeck???
Individual race and all vets competition details can be found on the Knavesmire
website or alternatively at www.yvaa.org
Hope to see you soon but if you need any further details you can contact
Jane Tel: (01904) 623595 jane@hartas.freeserve.co.uk
Maureen Tel: (01904) 400568 m.medlar@btconnect.com
Vets Grand Prix Series. Race 6.
Honley - 12th July 2009
A stalwart dozen (6 men and 6 ladies) Knavesmire Harriers turned out to Honley
despite the distance to travel and the date clash with Eccup 10 and
Kilburn 7. The course has been changed to avoid the 'crumbling path' and
we were informed that a number of hills had been taken out and replaced
with some 'long fast flats'. Of course what we call flat in York and
what they call flat out in the wilds of West Yorkshire are two entirely
different things. Another warm and humid day and as usual we had plenty
of muddy patches and stiles to navigate (one closely guarded by a herd
of cows) on the picturesque 6 mile course. Unfortunately we lost one
Knavesmire runner who came a cropper at 5 miles just before the final
descent. Prizes went to Fiona Strange (2nd in age group) and Jean
Snelling (1st in age group). Irene Welbourne took away a box of
chocolate Heroes as a spot prize. Very apt for all who took part.
Vet's Grand Prix Series. Race 5
Meanwood - June 23rd
A lovely balmy
summer evening and our own ’barmy army’ were out on maneuvers again. Objective -
to complete a race of an unspecified distance without tripping over or getting
lost!
In spite of the
enemy keeping the race distance a closely guarded secret, reversing the route
and running us around in circles, I am pleased to report that we all completed
the task in true Harrier spirit. In fact we all really enjoyed the evening!
Although clashing
with the York based Summer League fixture 16 Harriers turned up for duty with
our ranks swelled by both Andrea Calladine and Tony Stanbridge joining us for
the first time this season.
Once again
congratulations to both Fiona Strange and Jean Snelling who won their individual
age categories and a special word of thanks to everyone who turned out and
produced a really great ‘team’ night. Well done guys (and girls)–we did good!
The only
disappointments were the rations (or rather lack of them) and a lack of success
winning any spot prizes! Also due to holidays the full results will not be
posted until the 1st July so I have been unable to check our overall
positions in the various leagues.
The next event
takes place on the Sunday 12th July at Honley. Full details of the
new course etc are available at
www.yvaa.org
Hope
to see you soon but if you need any further details you can contact
Jane Tel: (01904) 623595
jane@jhartas.freeserve.co.uk
Maureen Tel: (01904) 400568
m.medlar@btconnect.com
PS –
Please don’t forget our own Vets GP race is taking place on Weds the 29th
July. In addition to getting as many eligible club members (that is any one aged
over 35 who can run or walk the 10k course) to compete in the race we need help
with marshalling etc together with food for the after event buffet. Let us know
if you can help - contact as above.
Vet’s Grand Prix Series. Race 4
Pudsey - June 10th.
Midsummer madness – Our 4th adventure of the series saw the first
outing of the year by Johnny Hampton bringing the total number of confirmed
cases of Harriers who have succumbed to this race related condition to 40 to
date.
This ’rundemic’ is spreading fast and once again in spite of Summer League
racing the evening before the overwhelming compulsion to run’ whatever’ saw 12
Harriers complete this 4.5ish mile race in some style(s).
With a breakneck downhill start avoiding the ‘organic’ mud the race continues
into the woods incorporates a few twists, turns, inclines and more mud! A long
downhill stretch then follows with ‘over the shoe’ mudholes and some lovely
slippery ‘clay mud’. However you then get a chance to wash your feet with a
paddle through the ‘soothing’ stream only to have to repeat the process by
completing a second lap. To finalise the task there is just a ‘2 in1’ hill from
hell! Did I mention it was also raining!
Great team running by one and all produced an excellent tally of additional
points thus maintaining our positions in the respective award winning
categories. Pete Walsh and Fiona Strange both gained 3rd places and Maureen
Medlar secured 2nd place in their respective age groups with Jean Snelling once
again winning 1st in hers.
Followed by an ample buffet in the new Pudsey Pacers Golf Club HQ the team
enjoyed yet further success in the raffle with Jane Hartas and Johnny Hampton
both having no other choice than to select prizes of an alcoholic nature. We are
all looking forward to the party invites!
Come and join the ‘crazy gang’ at our next race at Meanwood on Tuesday the 23rd
June.
We are meeting at the Racecourse (back of the grandstand) at 6pm.
Individual race and all vets competition details can be found on the Knavesmire
website or alternatively at www.yvaa.org
Hope to see you soon but if you need any further details you can contact
Jane Tel: (01904) 623595
jane@hartas.freeserve.co.uk
Maureen Tel: (01904) 400568
m.medlar@btconnect.com
PS If anyone speaks to Joy Allen don’t mention mud !
Race
3 - Vet’s Grand Prix Series
Walton – May 31st
Ladies day at Walton – On this the hottest day of the year to date our 11 strong
contingent of veteran fillies resplendent in their yellow and black quartered
colours ran away with first place in 4 of the 5 age related categories earning
an impressive points tally.
A great run in 38.14 mins saw Janett Cordingley secure 2nd lady overall in
addition to being 1st in her age category. After months of injury it was great
to witness the return to form of Fiona Strange who was our second lady home
securing another 1st age related category prize. Age category wins were also
achieved by both Maureen Medlar and birthday girl Jean Snelling.
Our thoroughbred mens team was also in fine fettle headed home by Bill Shively
who galloped home in 32.48 mins to achieve 7th place overall and 2nd in his age
category. Hot on his heals were Kevin Langan and John Oliver followed closely by
Lee Colman to whom we pass on our congratulations for his first ever vets run
and our commiserations for reaching the age of 35! For the first time in a while
the 15 Knavesmire gentlemen runners outnumbered our ladies and amassed an
extremely impressive number of invaluable points!
Welcome back to Gill Boynton returning to the club, and to Joy Allen, Pete
Schofield, Duncan Chambers, Colin Lea, David Darton and Malcolm Fawcett for
their first vets outings of the year and to everyone for foregoing a Sunday
morning lay in.
Looking forward to seeing you all at Pudsey details of which are as follows
Wednesday June 10 at 7.45p.m, Pudsey, West Leeds.
This is the same multi terrain course as last year, on tracks and paths with
very little road. Trail or studded shoes may be needed in wet conditions but in
dry conditions runners could use road shoes. Usual £3.00 entry on the day.
Please note change of venue & facilities – new for 2009.
Venue: Registration and presentation at Fulneck Golf Club Registration will
close at 7.20pm to allow volunteers to get to the start. The start is at
Scholebrook Farm down the steep hill from Fulneck Golf Club – marshals available
to offer directions on the day.
Facilities: Parking is available near the finish at the Bankhouse and Fulneck
Golf Club although it is recommended that you car share if possible. There are
no showers available, although changing and toilet facilities are available.
Food will be provided at Fulneck Golf Club – with a full bar available.
Individual race and all vets competition details can be found on the Knavesmire
website or alternatively at www.yvaa.org
Vets Captains-
Jane Tel: (01904) 623595 jane@hartas.freeserve.co.uk
Maureen Tel: (01904) 400568 m.medlar@btconnect.com
Race 2 - Meltham - Sunday 22nd March
What a
difference a year makes!
Last year we were all prevented from traveling to this race because of heavy
overnight snow. No such problems this year however as in spite of Mothering
Sunday commitments 18 Harriers made the trip to Meltham for the second adventure
of the series.
Always challenging this race started with a seemingly vertical 2.5 mile ascent,
fortunately followed by approximately 3.5 mile of assorted down-hill’ish tracks.
Other than a little wind and a few muddy stretches it was a great day to run and
enjoy the ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ views.
Once again our mens team was led home by Kevin Langan in a time of 40.44 with
John Oliver closely following in a time of 41.35
Pat Short led our Ladies home in 56mins with Margaret Metcalfe finishing in
57.42.
Jean Snelling again won her age category with Jean Wright, in only her second
vets race, achieving an excellent second place in her age category.
Invaluable points have been secured by all those who braved the early morning
start. Some great times were recorded for a race encompassing exhausting
inclines or as Frank would have it ‘gentle undulating countryside’
Good changing and shower facilities together with a chance for a cuppa
afterwards were all welcome but the buffet was a little disappointing.
We can all have a rest and recharge as the next GP race is scheduled for Sunday
May 31st at Walton. This is one of the flatter courses of the series and
provides an excellent opportunity to try out the Vets racing experience and
hospitality (and help the Knavesmire points tally). Further details can be found
on www.yvaa.org
Hope to see you there but if you need any further details you can contact
Jane Tel: (01904) 623595 jane@jhartas.freeserve.co.uk
Maureen Tel: (01904) 400568 m.medlar@btconnect.com
Race 1 - Horsforth - Sunday 2nd February
A total of 22 Harriers turned out for the first of the 2009 Grand
Prix Race Series. It was great to see at least six new faces joining our team of
seasoned campaigners – hope you all enjoyed your first outing -(cant promise the
mud for every race!).
Apologies to all those who traveled but then could not run due to the
conditions. The yvaa website had been down all week and the first we knew of the
revised course and conditions thereof was on arrival on Sunday.
The brand new route and its somewhat muddy (up to and over shoe type mud) and
slippery condition however did not deter our determined group who all managed to
race or slide and slither their way safely home. No injuries to report – just
glad there was no team kit to wash!
Our first man home was John Oliver in a tremendous 11th place overall in a time
of 32.06 and Pat Short was our first lady home in a time of 44.44 - her first
ever vets race. Once again Jean Snelling won her age category with Margaret
Metcalfe securing second place in hers.
Congratulations to all who completed this first challenge of the series. It
seems we all enjoyed the mud. There are a few pictures of us finishing the task.
Regrettably there is a lack of ‘action’ shots as we feared our photographer for
the day could either end up stranded in the mud or struck down by any of the
‘blathered’ runners and we need her fit for the next race!
The next event takes place on the 22nd March at Meltham. Full details can now be
found on the updated www.yvaa.org
Hope to see you soon but if you need any further details you can contact
Jane Tel: (01904) 623595
jane@jhartas.freeserve.co.uk
Maureen Tel: (01904) 400568
m.medlar@btconnect.com
Don’t forget if you have anything to tell us about the race let us know.
Race 2 Knavesmire Sunday 14th February
Some photos courtesy of David Gowan:
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