Congratulations Neil Pate
On Saturday 21st May Skipton A.C.s top veteran runner Neil Pate tackled the fearsome Great Wall Of China Half Marathon. The breathtaking views are a slight distraction from the punishing 21km undulating route which takes in over 800 steps. However, Neil’s Yorkshire Dales training served him well as he produced the performance of a life time, narrowly missing out on the medal rostrum, but finishing a stunning 4th overall out of over 850 runners and 1st Briton to boot.
Former Bradley resident Neil, now a full time athlete who lives in Shanghai with his family, had to make a 1320 mile return trip just to compete in the event. But that will be eclipsed by his next challenge, the famous Mt Kinabalu Race in Borneo later this year.
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Tough Ten – By Jo Morgan
It’s time to get up early again
Today’s the day I run The Tough Ten
As my Dad’s knuckles rap on my door
My knees wonder why don’t I play on the xbox anymore?
To end up at the start
I must have received a sharp blow to the head
My feet are wondering whether
I can sneak back off to bed
But it’s too late the race has started
And with it all my common sense has departed
I’m running up a steep Carleton hill
I remind myself I’m doing this for a “thrill”
I see face after face shooting past
And all I can think is you’re three times my age
How can you be running so fast?
After about 80 minutes it’s the end of the race
And I’m left with a T-Shirt and red face
And other parts to match
I say goodbye and wish everyone well
At least I’ve got another running story to tell
As I walk home
I think of what I will be like in years to come
When some young whippersnapper is shouting
“C’mon Grandad get your finger out your bum!”
I’ll look down and at my withered, old knee
And think
Thank God for those fun filled weekends
With Skipton A.C
© Joe Morgan 2011
Tough 10 Results
Full results available here.
The London Marathon
Dear Sponsors,
For me, the London Marathon was always going to be about the run, but what a tremendous event London hosts! The organisation is superb, the crowds are hyper-enthusiastic and everyone involved, from the marshals and police through to staff on the London Underground, are all efficient, helpful and friendly. Definitely a shining example of London Pride.
By Richard Annable
Subscription Renewals
Please note that subscription renewal letters were sent out at the begining of February and that, in the case of our senior members, a £5 discount can be obtained on the renewal price of £25, if payment is received by the 28th February.
If you have not received a letter, please contact one of the club officials or leave a comment on the web site. However, note that if you joined the club after the 1st October 2010, your membership has automatically been renewed and no payment is due.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Jayne Butterworth and Barbara Robinson who have won age-group prizes at recent events. Well done also to many for whom the recent Abbey Dash was their first event. Please email any other results, we’ll be pleased to pass on your news.
Cross Country 2010/11
West Yorkshire Winter League
It would be great to get fuller teams this year, so lets get the shoes on and get competing. The courses are more trail than real rouggh cross country, similar to our summer off road routes.
Start times are now 10:30am, so as to use up less of a full day.
For a full team we need 4 women (one F35 vet) and 7 men (two M40 vets).
Race Dates
- Sunday Novenber 7th at L.B.T.
- Sunday Novenber 28th at Idle.
- Sunday December 19th at Dewsbury (Fancy Dress)
- Sunday January 9th at Stainland.
- Sunday February 20th at Pudsey.
February 27th is kept as a spare date in case any events are cancelled due to bad weather.
We meet at the Bay Horse Pub, Keighley Road (to share transport). Time arranged the week before.
Northumberland Coastal Run
Nothing but praise has emerged from those taking part in this event, plus encouragement to book early for next time. Sounds a fab trip. See http://www.alnwickharriers.co.uk/coastal_run.htm
Lands End to John O’Groats
aka ‘End to End’ aka ‘LEJOG’: Yes I know, it’s not athletics, we cycled! Rick, Chris, Jayne, Jayne’s friend Angie and Paul did this for ‘fun’ rather than sponsored for charity, but if you are feeling generous, then please donate something to the Alzheimer’s Society via: http://www.justgiving.com/chris-rose3
Staveley Stampede
The Staveley Stampede on 20th June 2010 saw a number of Skipton AC members running a very scenic 10 mile race from a lovely village location near Knaresborough.
Despite the fact there was a little more off-road than anticipated and the weather was a little too warm some good times were achieved by all.
Especially well done to Lee Oliver who ran his first 10 mile race (and also the longest distance he had run) – next up a half marathon!
Results:
PS – if you are wondering who the bloke in the middle of the group picture is that is my husband Mark who also ran his first 10 mile race.
Written by Emma Newbould
