News!
June 23 2008
Best described as 'cruel' (Louise Saunders), the extremely strong winds at Sunday's Freckleton Half Marathon spoiled everyone's times...and their hairdos. But this didn't stop an impressive 19 representatives of Royton Road Runners completing the race, enough to place 4 teams in the top 20. Pride of place goes to Bernie Cassidy (1:24.53), Stuart Carroll (1:26.56) & Dave Kershaw (1:28.41), who picked up the 3rd team prize, while Dave Phillips (1:41.46) stopped chasing his cap around the field for long enough to finish as 2nd Vet 60, Teresa Hollins (1:49.21) was 2nd female vet 50 & Bernie Cassidy 3rd Vet 45. Other finishers were David Emanuel (1:30.20) chased hard by Colin Green (1:30.57), Bryan Lawton (battling through back problems to record 1:33.55), Ian Casey (1:34.29), Rob Kellett (1:34.57), Debbie Shaw (4th FV40 in 1:38.59), Chris Eavers (returning remarkably early from an operation to finish in 1:39.24), Shiela Waite (1:41.39), Steve Shaw (1:41.42), John Kane (6th V55 in 1:43.38), Lewis Shaw (1:44.13), John Williamson (1:44.58), Mike Bowler (1:48.09) & Louise Saunders (1:56.25). [David Emanuel]
June 21 2008
Depending upon who you talk to, the Brathay Windermere Marathon is either a challenging but wonderfully picturesque race...or the course from hell, a combination of the toughest parts of the Oldham half marathon, Dentdale run & the north-east ridge route up Mount Everest (the difficult one). Since I'm considering going for a third year in a row, I guess it's pretty obvious which camp I'm in. If you fancy finding out for yourself, 2009 entry forms are already available from the Brathay website - next year's race takes place on 17th May. [David Emanuel]
May 27 2008
Bernard Cassidy was the first home for Royton Road Runners in the Chester Half Marathon. This popular event attracted more than 1800 runners and Cassidy crossed the line in 28th place with a time of 1 hour 22 minutes 27 seconds. Pushing him all the way, Stuart Carroll finished 37th (1:23.11). The next Royton runner was Bernie Goodwin (76th 1:26.57) followed by Rob Kellett (93rd 1:28.16) and Chris Eavers (131st 1:30.33), both recording personal bests for the half marathon. Ian Casey and Colin Green finished in 169th (1:32.29) and 180th (1:33.08) respectively, with Barry Greaves (231st 1:35.02) and veteran runner Dave Phillips (241st 1:35.29) close behind. This was good enough for Phillips to to collect third prize in the over 60s race. Debbie Shaw (246th 1:35.43) was next to complete the course, finishing 15th out of 591 ladies competing. Other results: Ged Navesey (338th 1:39.05), Dean Burgess (362nd 1:39.32), Trevor Grundy (711th 1:48.53) finishing 4th in the over 65s race, and Helen Knight (717th 1:49.01). The quartet of Cassidy, Carroll, Goodwin and Kellett helped RRR to secure 5th position as a team. On the same day, three members competed in the tough Windermere Marathon. Dave Emanuel (3:23.13) was first Royton runner to finish, followed by Teresa Hollins (4:05.30) and Louise Saunders (5:03.14). Jenny Wood (56min 17secs) and Melanie Cowen (62min 10secs) represented the club in the BUPA Manchester 10k. [Ray Shaw]
May 21 2008
Louise Saunders, Teresa Hollins & David Emanuel took on the challenging Brathay Windermere Marathon on Sunday - and lived to tell the tale! The picturesque but (to say the least) undulating course clearly took its toll on many of the competitors, with only 13 breaking three hours. I came in 53rd in a time of 3:23.13, Teresa was 4th FV50 (4:05.30) while Louise crossed the line in 5:03.14. If you're looking for a challenging marathon & a great day out, then Windermere is highly recommended...but don't expect a PB! [David Emanuel]
According to the UK Results website, the Freckleton Half Marathon is now full. [Brian Moore]
May 18 2008
The Geoff Doggett 5k road race at Littleborough was the seventh race in the Royton Road Runners club championship series. Twenty members competed, with Stuart Carroll leading the pack home with a time of 18 minutes 22 seconds, just ahead of Bernie Goodwin (18.41) and Bernie Cassidy (18.50). Dave Kershaw (19.11) was next to finish, closely followed by Dave Emanuel (19.34), with the ever improving Rob Kellett recording a time of 19.38. Bruce Whittam was happy with his time of 20.33, as were Dave Phillips (20.58) and Debbie Shaw (21.19). Steve Shaw and Dave Smith completed the course with times of 22.02 and 22.13 respectively. Other finishers were - Helen Knight (23.08), Teresa Hollins (24.07), Group 3 leader Mike Bowler (24.09), Louise Saunders (24.40), Louise Gilchrist (24.42), Jenny Wood (27.08), June Allingan (32.35) and Brian Hurst (33.35). [Ray Shaw]
May 15 2008
Si Taylor from Paul Braithwaite Outdoor Sports, Rhodes Bank, Oldham - soon to become Mountainfeet (click here for website) has been in touch: "I spoke with Andy [Ashworth] last week and as we have an account with SIS, he mentioned that some of your members use the products on a regular basis. If any of those people struggle to source SIS then please could you mention that we can supply it and are happy to give any club members a 10% discount at our shop. We are very interested in biomechanics and offer simple gait scanning and orthotics - mainly aimed at the walking/climbing market but we also deal with a fair number of fell runners and our intention is to listen to our running customers and introduce more product to the shop. Hope the information above is of some interest to you and your club and we look forward to maybe seeing some of you soon." [David Emanuel]
Andy O'Sullivan has sent a reminder that early entry to the Ron Hill Birthday 5K in September is strongly recommended - the 450-runner maximum is expected to celebrate Ron's 70th, and there will be no entries on the night. Click here for an up-to-date entry form - Andy is apparently still receiving old forms from club members with the wrong entry fee (now £5). [Bryan Lawton]
The next "Away Night" is Thursday, 22nd at the Tandle Tavern, meet at 7pm. Food is available. No "Club Night" on Monday 26th May. Good luck to members taking part in the Chester Half and the Windermere Marathon on Sunday. [Ray Shaw]
May 11 2008
There was no rest during the May Day Bank holiday weekend for several members of Royton Road Runners. Five runners completed the Belfast marathon, with Steve Shaw the first Royotn athlete home with a time of 3hours 34 minutes and 14 seconds. Vicky Bramley and Natatlie Yates-Bolton recorded personal best times of 4.25:46 and 4.35:30 respectively, with Neil Barker (4.43:19) and Pete Stals (5.07:04) also completing the course. The previous day saw six athletes taking part in the Bluebell Trail 10 mile race in Halifax. Bruce Whittam (1.24:27) was more than happy to finish just ahead of Barry Greaves, who's time was 1.24:37. John Williamson, who is hoping to improve his times this year, recorded a time of 1.28:14. Othe finishers were Ian Casey (1.40:03), David Smith (1.42:26) and Tony Hunking (1.59:31). [Ray Shaw]
Apr 30 2008
'Up & Running' are having their grand opening at their new shop at Chadderton this Saturday (3rd May). Most of you will know that this is the shop (owned by Andy Ashworth) previously known as 'Personal Best'. Anyway the introductory offer is a £40 goody bag that is available on Saturday with a shoe purchase. [Brian Moore]
Apr 28 2008
Bernard Cassidy of Royton Road Runners, took a break from the club's championship series to take part in the Blackpool Marathon on Sunday. He finished in 18th place with a time of 2 hours 51 minutes and 3 seconds. This is a personal best for Cassidy and puts him in first place in the Royton Club's marathon standings. Ged Navesey finished 258th and was happy with his tim of 3 hrs 47 mins 18 secs. On the same day in Fort William, four athletes competed in the Lochaber Marathon. John Kane was the first Royton runner to cross the line with a time of 3.36:42, followed by Ian Casey (3.38:18), Dave Smith (3.47:54) and Jeff Cordwell (4.03:50). [Ray Shaw]
Apr 25 2008
Following the cancellation of the Middleton 5K, a decision has been made on a replacement race in the club championship - the Geoff Doggett Memorial 5K on 13th May from the Falcon Inn, Littleborough (click here for full details and to see where the race fits in to the championship calendar). Plus an early date for your diary - the Christmas presentation night has been booked for Saturday 13th December. [Stuart Carroll]
Apr 22 2008
Colin Green made light of the injury problems that hampered his training with an impressive performance at the Boston Marathon. Colin finished in a time of 3:24.20, which puts him in 5th place in the early stages of this year's marathon championship. [David Emanuel]
Apr 17 2008
Colin Green has discovered that it's possible to watch the Boston Marathon online & for free on Sunday (not for him, obviously, because he'll be running in it). If you want to tune in, go to wcsn.com on 21st April! [David Emanuel]
Apr 13 2008
Some truly exceptional performances from Royton athletes in today's Flora London Marathon. Pride of place must go to Stuart Carroll, smashing his personal best & setting quite a standard for this year's marathon prize with a time of 3:00.26 (284th in the V35 category). Dave Kershaw (3:10.33) & Bryan Lawton (3:12.53) also ran inside 3:15, whle Chris Eavers' 3:18.39 was good enough for 184th V50. Excellent performances also from Steve Shaw (3:53.01), Dean Burgess & Ged Navesey (4:05.11) & Helen Knight (4:30.59). Well done to all! [David Emanuel]
Apr 13 2008
Royton Road Runners boasted a turn-out of 17 in the Oldham Mayor's Half Marathon, the 6th event in their club championship series. Bernie Goodwin was the first Royton runner to complete the tough course, finishing 14th in a time of 1:29:36, closely followed by David Emanuel (16th, 1:30:12). Robert Kellett sprinted to the finishing line to record a PB in 18th (1:32:48) with Barry Greaves (19th, 1:32 51) pushing him all the way. Dave Whittam's time of 1:39:25 (32nd) was 11 minutes quicker than his previous half marathon. Ian Casey and Neil Dickinson were next to finish with times of 1:39:33 (35th) and 1:40:11 (37th) respectively. Shiela Waite was more than happy with her time of 1:41:52 (43rd), collecting first prize in the ladies over-35 race. Steve Shaw completed the course in 1:43:44 (50th) followed by Ged Navesey (56th, 1:44:38) and Jeff Cordwell (61st, 1:46:15). James Holderway, making his debut for the club, finished with a creditable time of 1:49:02 (69th) with John Kane (72nd, 1:49:42) close behind. Veteran runner Trevor Grundy was third in the men's over-60s category with a time of 1:51:12 (79th) with Michael Bowler pleased with his time of 1:55:57 (97th). Other finishers were Terasa Hollins (103rd, 1:58:09) with Vicky Bramley and Neil Barker crossing the line together in 2:11:06 (123rd). [Ray Shaw]
Apr 12 2008
Stuart has received confirmation that Lou Gilchrist's run at Wilmslow is indeed a world record for V75 women. The record will be officially posted on the Association of Road Racing Statisticians website - click here to visit the site. [David Emanuel]
Apr 6 2008
Despite the absence of several runners due to the imminent London Marathon, 17 Royton Road Runners took part in the Oldham Half Marathon today - according to my calculations, that's more than 12% of the field. Ray Shaw's full report to follow soon - I can only report on a great battle with Bernie Goodwin, which he won by making sure he was in front at the key points in the race (the finish and whenever there was a camera in the vicinity). [David Emanuel]
Apr 6 2008
Belated report on the Brenda Robinson 5K in Littleborough on 2nd April. After the mass turnout for the Vera Hirst 5K the previous week, just three runners returned for another attempt at the same course (in daylight this time). David Emanuel (58th in 19:42) was slightly slower, while Dave Whittam (92nd, 21:07) and Steve Shaw (95th, 21:34) both recorded faster times, despite having to use the tunnel at the Smithy Bridge level crossing. [David Emanuel]
Apr 2 2008
Advance notice of a change in this season's Club Championship - Middleton Harriers are not now holding their 5K summer race. The committee are currently looking for an appropriate alternative event. If it was down to me, they'd pick a longer distance... [David Emanuel]
Apr 2 2008
A couple of impressive performances in the Wilmslow Half Marathon on Sunday 30th March. Colin Green continued his marathon preparation with a time of 1:32.10, after completing a 21-mile training run the previous day. Louise Gilchrist went even better, though - her time of 1:51.39 is, we believe, a World Record for a V75. Stuart Carroll has contacted the relevant Masters Athletics organisation - we'll keep you posted! [David Emanuel]
Mar 30 2008
A team of 24 Royton Road Runners competed in the Vera Hirst 5km road race at Littleborough. Recording a personal best time of 18 minutes and 3 seconds, Stuart Carroll was the first Royton athlete to finish but he was pushed all the way by Paul Whitehead (18:32), Bernie Cassidy (18:36) and Dave Kershaw (18:58). Dave Emanuel (19:29) was next to cross the line, with Colin Green (19:44), Rob Kellett (20:00) and Barry Greaves (20:12) close behind. John Williamson (20:42), Dave Phillips (20:51) and Ian Casey (21:10) finished with respectable times and John Kane and Bruce Whittam were happy with their times of 21:24 and 21:45 respectively. Debbie Shaw (21:49) completed the race strongly followed by Steve Shaw (22:10) and Shiela Waite (22:17). Other Royton finishers were Jeff Cordwell (22:40), Lewis Shaw (24:06), running his first race of the year Tony Kane (24:28), Mike Bowler (24:53), Louise Gilchrist (25:16), June Allingan (34:32) and Brian Hurst (38:55). [Ray Shaw]
Mar 26 2008
More social activity...Chris Eavers' band 'Ransom' is playing at Didsbury cricket club on Tuesday 6th May. Louise Saunders is planning to organise a mini-bus if enough people are interested - please speak to Louise! [David Emanuel]
Mar 26 2008
Another excellent Royton turn-out for the Vera Hirst 5K race in Littleborough, with some runners stunning the post-race crowd in The Falcon in their fancy new club jackets. Full race report to follow at the weekend. [David Emanuel]
Mar 22 2008
Bryan Lawton is trying to drum up some interest for a bit of a social night at the Oldham Beer Festival, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, on the evening of Friday 4th April (meet there 7pm). Bryan says, "It's a good night out (if you like beer)." Sounds like perfect preparation for those running at London... [David Emanuel]
Mar 21 2008
A team of 14 Royton Road Runners competed in the popular Salford 10k road race on Good Friday - the fourth race in the club's championship series. Stuart Carroll was the first Royton athlete to finish with a time of 37 minutes 36 seconds with Bernard Cassidy and Bernard Goodwin pushing him all the way with times of 38:12 and 38:56 respectively. Dave Kershaw (39:58) and Dave Emanuel (40:42) were next to cross the line, with a relative new competitor Rob Kellett (41:55) and Ian Casey (42:02) close behind. Veteran runner Dave Phillips completed the course in 43:11 with Debbie Shaw, the current lady champion at the club, recording a time of 44:37. Tereasa Hollins (49:17), 75-year-old Louise Gilchrist (51:48), Louise Saunders (52:39) and Brian Hurst (72:49) also finished the race. No rest for these runners, the next race is the Vera Hirst 5k at Littleborough on Wednesday 26th March. [Ray Shaw]
Mar 8 2008
Royton Road Runners had 28 members competing in the Dentdale 14.25 mile road race in Cumbria. Stuart Carroll was the first Royton runner home in 21st place with a time of 1 hour 33 minutes and 7 seconds, despite the wet and blustery conditions. Bernard Cassidy pushed his team mate all the way, crossing the line in 24th (1:34:11). Dave Kershaw (39th, 1:37:40), Bernard Goodwin (48th, 1:39:14), Dave Emanuel (50th, 1:39:28) and Bryan Lawton (59th, 1:40:59) all finished with respectable times. Robert Kellett was happy with 76th (1:43:01) & was closely followed by Ian Casey (83rd, 1:43:59), Barry Greaves (85th, 1:44:04) & Chris Eavers (91st, 1:45:01). John Kane (113th, 1:48:05), Dave Phillips (114th, 1:48:06 - good enough for the 3rd prize in the over 60s race), Sheila Waite (119th, 1:49:00), Steve Shaw (146th , 1:51:55), Jeff Cordwell (1:55:50) and Debbie Shaw (186th, 1:56:26) were next to complete the course. Other finishers were - John Williamson (211th, 1:59:33), Trevor Grundy (235th, 2:02:21), Helen Knight (249th, 2:03:33), Lewis Shaw (356th, 2:15:00), Mike Bowler (370th, 2:16:47), Neil Barker (393rd, 2:19:54), Vicky Bramley (394th, 2:19:55), Louise Saunders (395th, 2:19:56), Tony Hunking (405th, 2:21:26), Jenny Wood (2:26:14), with Melanie Cowen & Karen Evans crossing the line together in 2:56:31. [Ray Shaw]
Alternative Dentdale Run report (the bit that won't go in the paper): a record-breaking group of runners, partners, supporters & hangers-on boarded the coach from Royton early on Saturday morning. The atmosphere on the way north was quiet & focused, with occasional anxious glances at the changing weather. On arrival in Dent (after an impressive display of parking by our driver), debates about what clothing to wear were regularly interrupted by rumours of a change of course due to the amount of water on the roads. Would it be one lap or two? 12 miles or 14? Would lifejackets be required? Once we'd posed for a team photo (in front of the toilet block) & Stuart had changed his top for the 17th time, we headed for the start to be told that it was indeed two laps (of the toughest half of the course) & still about 14 miles. The race itself was wet & wild, especially on the second lap ("perfect conditions" according to Jeff Cordwell). After a few hours in the pub for some serious carbo-loading, the journey back was a little more lively. Bernie Cassidy won 1st prize for predicting third & third-last finishers, mainly by rather suspiciously choosing himself & getting his time right to within a few seconds. Jeff won the football card, capping his perfect day (a great run, the £20 prize in his pocket & Man.Utd knocked out of the cup). Chris Eavers promised but failed to get a sing-a-long going (apparently he's saving himself for Chester). And judging by the line-up at the urinals within seconds of the coach coming to a halt, the pit stop at Lancaster Services came not a moment too soon. Someone said that Royton Road Runners "are becoming a force to be reckoned with" - on the evidence of this trip, I don't think anyone would disagree. [David Emanuel]
Feb 24 2008
A field of 21 athletes from Royton Road Runners went to Blackpool for the Great North-West Half Marathon, the second race in the club's championship series. First Royton runner home was Bernard Cassidy with a creditable time of 1 hr 21 minutes 1 second, but he was pushed all the way by Stuart Carroll (1:22.26). Dave Kershaw was next to finish with 1:24.36, closely followed by Dave Emanuel (1:25.18). Bryan Lawton and Robert Kellett completed the course in 1:28.57 and 1:30.49 respectively, with Ian Casey (1:31.32), Chris Eavers (1:32.02) and over-60s runner Dave Phillips (1:33.36) finishing with respectable times. Colin Green (1:34.32), Deborah Shaw (1:46.46), Dean Burgess (1:38.09) and Ged Navesey (1:39.45) were the next Royton runners home, while Trevor Grundy's time of 1:43.15 was nine minutes quicker than last year and good enough for first place in the over-65 class. Other finishers were Jeff Cordwell (1:46.10), Teresa Hollins (1:48.03), Kyrinda Hurst-Moore (1:51.40), Vicky Bramley (1:57.42), Helen Knight (2:00.39), Neil Barker (2:08.38) and Natalie Yates-Bolton (2:15.24). Nine athletes recorded faster times than 2007. [Ray Shaw]
Feb 17 2008
Barry Greaves, Rob Kellett & David Emanuel braved freezing temperatures to run the Radcliffe 12 mile trail race this morning. It proved to be quite a battle, with the lead changing hands several times (between us - haven't a clue what was happening at the front of the race). David eventually sneaked home first in 1:26.51 (53rd overall), very closely followed by Barry (1:27.03 - 56th) & Rob (1:27.35 - 61st). [David Emanuel]
Feb 3 2008
Royton Road Runners were represented by 13 athletes in the popular Dewsbury 10k, the first race in the club's championship series. Stuart Carroll led the way in 38 minutes 6 seconds, followed by Bernard Cassidy in 38:15 and Barry Greaves (39:48). David Emanuel was next to complete the course in 40:10 with Dave Kershaw (40.37) and Robert Kellett (41:04) close behind. Ian Casey, making his debut in group 1, recorded a time of 42:31 and veteran Dave Phillips finished with a time of 43:49. Other times were:- Jeff Cordwell (48:40), Helen Knight (49:05), Trevor Grundy (49:17), Tony Hunking (59:28) and Brian Hurst (74:08). [Ray Shaw] [NB - Chris Eavers also completed the race - in 42:27 - but was missing from this report as he was incorrectly recorded as 'unattached' in the official race results]
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