Denbigh Harriers

GO BACK SLATER’S 5/ NORTH WALES 5 MILE CHAMPS November 4th 2007 A top quality field competed in this year’s event, and some of the rest of us also-ran! The cream of the Harriers who rose to the top were Ian Kneale 25th (30:24); Alun Humphreys 57th (32:57); Paul Ballinger 62 (33:12); Duncan Jones 80th (34:40); David Alan Jones 96th (35:21); Keith Humphreys 104th (36:02); Ron Birch 180th (41:09); Maureen Bartley 220 (45:26). The fearsome standard meant that we did not come home with any prizes from this outing. An example of the level of competition was Wrexham’s Emma Parry, who was the winning lady in 20th position overall in a time of 29:56. FLAT IN THE FENS 28th October 2007 The super flat terrain of the fenlands of Cambridgeshire ought to lead to fairly fast running. In the Fenland 10 road race at Wisbech, Martin Cortvriend found a bleak East wind blowing from somewhere near Russia a bit of a handicap but he still managed a career best 63.22. Results here. LA LA LA LA LILLESHALL! 20th October 2007 Another grand day out for Denbigh into the Shropshire southlands. A goodly team of gents and ladies competed in the second round of the North Wales Cross Country League and performed with style. Results are not in yet but we sure did well! INSPIRED TEAMWORK AT PENMAENPOOL 6th October 2007 On a glorious afternoon down near Dolgellau Denbigh Harriers came close to fielding a winning team – we were beaten into third place on marginal points decisions but still came away with prizes. In the Penmaenpool 10 mile race in a high class field a fantastic performance from new member Ian Kneale saw him scoop first over 35 being 4th overall in a time of 63.41, also winning beer and a trophy coming up fast on his tail was Martin Cortvriend first over 50 and 5 th overall in a personal best time of 64.01. David Alan Jones helped to gather the points coming 23rd in a good time of 73.32. Info here. SPARKY RUN AT FLINT 30th September 2007 David Alan Jones and Paul Conlon completed the annual Flint 10K and came 44 th in 41.22 and 60th in 43.02 respectively. Info here. STROLLING ROUND THE BAY 23rd September 2007 In his never ending quest to run 10K after 10k David Alan Jones travelled to Swansea to compete in a huge field at the Swansea Bay 10K. He finished 363 rd out of thousands in a time of 42.34. Info here. SUPER SANDBACH 16th September 2007 Advertised as a multi terrain 10K the Sandbach Super Six race didn't quite live up to expectations as apart from a couple of fields the rest of the race was nearly all on flat roads round Sandbach. Nevertheless it was a nice day out in the country for Martin Cortvriend and Caroline Page who both had their names misspelt in the results. Positions were 8 th (but only 2nd V55!) in 39.12 and 75th in 59.01. Results here. SIMPLY GRUELLING! 15th September 2007 Andy Allen completed the gruelling Peris Horseshoe fell race round Snowdonia in a very respectable time coming 55th in 5 hours 38 minutes. I bet he slept well! Info here. ANOTHER LAKESIDE TRUNDLE 9^th September 2007 This half-marathon is a nice flat picturesque race round the shores of Lake Vrynwy. Bob Neal, Keith Humphries and Eleri Jones made the trip to mid-Wales to record 246^th, 285^th and 697^th out of nearly 1400 runners in respective respectable times of 96.33, 98.25 and 117.30. Results are here. OFF THE ROAD WITH DEESTRIDERS 2^nd August/7^th September 2007 The last two Deestriders Off Road events featured several Harriers. In the August event the Denbigh runners must have been racing in formation – David Alan Jones was 26^th in 33.34, Duncan Jones was 27^th in 33.44 and Chris Baldwin was 29^th in 34.08. The September event confirmed David Alan’s position as first V55 for the series, he was 35^th this time in 36.42; running away from him were Chris Baldwin (31^st in 34.49) and Martin Cortvriend (16^th in 30.55). All the details here. ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP! 2^nd September 2007 The North Wales 10K championships were held this year at Caernarfon. Martin Cortvriend added to his bag of V55 championship medals for this year by coming 17^th in 37.55. David Alan Jones timed in with 41.55 to come 43^rd. Details here. RUNNING IN SANDALS? 2^nd September 2007 He probably wasn’t because Julian Page ran the Sandal Castle 10K in Yorkshire in a time of 53.30. This is a tough well patronised multi terrain event and he came in 273^rd. LEGGING ROUND THE LAKE 1^stSeptember 2007 Close to the scene of the successful Llyn Alwen Trail Race was the annual multi-terrain race round Brenig Reservoir. Tracey Williams starred by taking the ladies V40 prize – with a tremendous run she came 49^th overall in 70.55 and she was well supported by club colleagues: 26^th Alun Humphreys (64.07), 31^st Duncan Jones (66.52), 36^th Andy Allen (67.45), 38^th Chris Baldwin (68.14), 60^th Bob Neale 72.48, 83^rd Sarah Bayliss (82.50) and 90^th Maureen Bartley (86.29). Full info here. A FLING UP FAMAU 27^th August 2007 The annual gallop to the top of Moel Famau and back from Cilcain takes placed on August Bank Holiday weekend. Alun Humphreys and Duncan Jones joined the merry throng and came 33^rd and 48^th in 36.45 and 38.48 respectively. Details here. ISLAND FLING 19^thAugust 2007 Off on his holidays to the north islands of Scotland, Martin Cortvriend took in the Kirkwall Half Marathon, coming home in 3^rd place overall in a time of 86.34. The following weekend he raced the Grimesthorpe Castle off-road 10K in Lincolnshire recording the same time as the first V50 but just a nose behind on the finishing line ‘He sneaked up on me!’ Martin was heard to complain. Results here. THE DREAM MILE 11^th August 2007 A race which originated in the distant mists of time drew a top class field from far and wide to the heart of Denbighshire. A tough hilly mile (approx?) route round Henllan attracted Denbigh’s finest. First was Martin Cortvriend smashing the 100 year old record in a time of 5 minutes 11 seconds, chasing hard were Alun Humphreys and Paul Ballinger both determined to make a fine race of it – other Harriers close behind were Chris Baldwin and David Alan Jones. First lady was young Maddy Rytter, hopefully soon to be a Denbigh Harrier, followed by Cindy Jones and Menai Baugh who are already on the books! The event was carefully stage managed by Maureen with her merry helpers – well done! SHOWDOWN AT THE PONDEROSA 8^th August 2007 Martin Cortvriend recorded another V55 first prize with 24^th place (31.29) at the Ponderosa fell race at the Horseshoe Pass. Duncan Jones also had an excellent run in 45^th (34.32). Results here. PEAK PERFORMANCES AT SNOWDON 28^th July 2007 A great run from Tracey Williams in her first stab at the classic 10 mile Snowdon Mountain Race. She finished in 356^th in a time of 1.57.25. Julian Page also had a go for the first time and was 411st in 2.06.29. Martin Cortvriend (running for Macclesfield on this occasion came 123^rd in 1.33.45. Results and photos here. FLYING POSTMAN DELIVERS THE GOODS 28^th July/19^th August 2007 David Alan Jones continues to race prolifically with a very good 32^nd (2^nd V55) at the Dolgellau 5 mile road race in July. Then in August at the very competitive Birchwood 10K at Warrington he came 301^st in 44.46. PENTARATHON July/August 2007 The last 3 races of the Oswestry Pentarathon series took place through July and August namely the Packwood 5, the Gobowen 4 and the Chariots of Fire 5K. Tragically competitors were devastated to find that just days before the final race the organiser, Doug Morris, died whilst on a training run. Doug has been a prolific race organiser in the Oswestry area for a great many years and he will be sorely missed. A large turnout featured at the final race in tribute to Doug – Denbigh Harriers competing were Martin Cortvriend, David Alan Jones, Eleri Jones, Ron Birch, Caroline Page and Vicky Cortvriend. Full details of these 3 races here. DON’T STOP THE CARNIVAL! 14^th July 2007 Once again an intrepid party of Harriers made their way to Buxton in the Peak District to see the carnival and run a race, this being a tough 5 miler! Duncan Jones was first Harrier home in 53^rd place in 36.03, Ken Jones came 73^rd in 38.51 while Roger Snaith had a great run for 89^th position in a time of 41.42, Eleri Jones was 93^rd in 42.18, Helen Jones 131^st in 53.19 and prize winner Rachel Morrell was 134^th and 1^st V55 lady in 56.42! Results and photos here. TALLY HO AT TAL Y FAN 14^th July 2007 A tough 8 mile fell race at Rowen managed to be a dry run for a change, Martin Cortvriend (running for Macclesfield) was 12^th overall in 82.12, Julian Page finished 44^th in 117.49 and Caroline Page had a strong run to come in 46^th in 118.30. Nice photos and results here. BIRTH OF A CLASSIC 8^th July 2007 RESULTS HERE The day dawned, the course was marked out, the tent was erected and a stout hearted gang of Harriers and helpers set to work to organise the first running of the Llyn Alwen Trail Race. And what a success it was, with an amazing turnout of 124 finishers this race promises to become a cult classic. Thanks are due to everyone who assisted especially the Denbigh Army Cadets! To avoid confusion between the Alwen Reservoir (where the race took place) and Llyn Alwen (which is somewhere else) next year this will be called The Fairy Freckled Cow Trail Race – if you stop 3⁄4 of the way round the trail there is a poster explaining the legend of the said animal! The gents and ladies winners were Dylan Wynne Jones and Sarah Kleeman both of Eryri Harriers. Denbigh Harriers competing were Martin Cortvriend 17^th, Alun Humphries 20^th, Paul Ballinger 49th, Tracey Williams 53^rd, Geraint Dodd 55^th , Keith Humphreys 57^th and Eleri Jones 95^th. See the pictures on the Photos page. PRESTON PRIZE RUNNER ETC 8^th July 2007 David Alan Jones travelled to Preston to race the corporation 10K over a tricky course which included cobbles and tree roots. He found himself finishing 99^th overall winning the 2^nd V55 prize in a time of 43.15. Full details here. David as we all know is a prolific racer and other recent feats undertaken include the Capenhurst 10K (42^nd in 43.06) and the Deestriders Anniversary 5k (18^th and 2^nd v55 in 21.18). DRIPPING AT DEESIDE 5^th July 2007 The second Deestriders off road race was held in wet, muddy conditions and Duncan Jones and David Alan Jones scampered through the lush wet undergrowth to finish 26^th (35.02) and 39^th (37.32) respectively. Further info here. HOT FEET UP FAMAU 4^th July 2007 The second fell race in the Clwydian Trots series was from the top car park near Moel Famau and also included a hill fort. The toughest of the 3 races in this series it’s a bit of a challenge! Martin Cortvriend running in his Macclesfield vest made it to 23^rd place in 45.29, Geraint Dodd, getting into the swing of this type of running, was 44^th in 51.14 and Tracey Williams came 53^rd in 54.17. Details here. A TOUGH 10K! 1^st July 2007 Another of the Oswestry Pentarathon races covers a tough course around Ellesmre in Shropshire. David Alan Jones completed the race in a respectable 41^st position in a time of 44.39, 107^th was Ron Birch in 53.23 and completing Denbigh’s trio of finishers was Eleri Jones in 120^th in a time of 54.35. Full results here. SKIDDING UP THE MOUNTAIN 1^st July 2007 Skiddaw is one of those mountains in the Lake District that has to be run up – it’s steep and it’s tough and the Pages did it again. Caroline was 123^rd in 2.05.11 and Julian was 124^th in 2.08.25. What about this as a ‘club awayday’ in 2008? Results here. RIVERBANK TALES 26^th June 2007 Five of our Harriers successfully charged up the riverbank at Rhuddlan in the 10K Eddie Faure memorial race. The Harriers were out in force and notched up some good results. David Alan Jones came second in the MV55 category in 41:59, and Bob Neale came third in 46:05. Maureen Bartley was shocked and thrilled all at once at winning the LV35 group in 53:11, and Ron Birch received a special prize for being the most senior finisher – the golden oldie in at 50:47! Keith Humphreys must have been breathing down the neck of Bob, as he came in next behind him in 46:42. Chris Baldwin broke his string of bad lick in this particular race and came home in 43:39 just outside the prizes in this tough age group. TROTTING UP FENLLI 20^th June 2007 The first of the Clwydian Summer Trots started at the Druid in Llanferres and headed up to the hillfort of Foel Fenlli. Martin Cortvriend (running for Macclesfield) managed 15^th place in 41.32; Duncan Jones made it back in 48^th place in 48.29 and not far behind in 52^nd and 53^rd were Tracey Williams (2^nd V40) in 49.34 and Geraint Dodd (49.37) then Maureen Bartley finished 71^st in a time of 59.34. Results here. A WET WEDNESDAY IN OSWESTRY! 13^th June 2007 At the Park Hall 5k road race coming in 21^st and 1^st V55 was Martin Cortvriend in a time of 18.31, torrential rain affected the pace but nevertheless the Harriers of Denbigh splashed onwards to the finish with David Alan Jones coming 105^th in 22.59 and Eleri Jones leading Ron Birch over the line being 155^th and 156^th in 25.44 and 25.46 respectively. Details here. ALL THE THREES BESIDE THE DEE 7^th June 2007 In the first of the Deestriders Off Road Summer Series events David Alan Jones achieved a statistically unique result by finishing 33^rd in a time of 33.33, also from Denbigh Martin Cortvriend finished 21^st in a time of 30.33 and Chris Baldwin was 37^th in 34.32. Details here. QUICK PROMENADE AT RHYL 23rd May 2007 Martin Cortvriend added the North Wales 5K V55 championship to his growing portfolio of awards at the Sun Centre 5K race along the promenade. David Alan Jones and Eleri Jones also won category awards in another successful evening for Denbigh Harriers. Full results still to be published. BIG FIELD AT CHESTER! 20th May 2007 Another cross border raid saw a fine turnout of Harriers at the Chester Half Marathon, it’s a cracking race which crosses the river and heads out into scenic countryside around Chester before heading back over the Dee to the finish.Paul Ballinger, Duncan Jones, David Alan Jones, Sarah Bayliss, Keith Humphries and Maureen Bartley all did themselves justice.. All the stats here. http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2007/chester7.htm ONLY A SHOWER AT CHRISTLETON 11th May 2007 But the shower lasted for the whole of the 5k race held in the village of Christleton just outside Chester. Martin Cortvriend was first over 55 year old and 61st overall in 18.04. David Alan Jones was 2nd V55, 106th overall in 19.59 and completing the Denbigh raid across the border was Maureen Bartley 178th in a great time of 23.55. Full results here. THIRSTY WORK AT THURSTASTON 8th May 2007 Up the Wirral at a place called Thurstaston on a hot sweaty evening the Thurstaston Multi Terrain 6 mile race was run! Duncan Jones ran with credit to secure 38th place in a time of 43.39, Cindy came 105th in 57.21. Results here. CHAMPS AT LLANGYNHAFAL 6th May 2007 After a 10 year gap Llangynhafal staged a British Championship fell race over the Clwydian Hills. Three stout hearted Denbigh men completed the course, viz: 131st Alun Humphreys 46.59, 150th Duncan Jones 49.27 and 166th Roger Snaith 56.30. Full details and photos here. MORE HOT STUFF IN LANCASHIRE 29th April 2007 Following his excellent run in the heat of Wrexham Martin Cortvriend travelled to Lancashire to run in the Radcliffe 10K. Despite a certain heaviness of leg he still managed to win 2nd place in the V55 category 35th overall in a time of 39.22. HEAVY METAL FOR DENBIGH 28th April 2007 In the North Wales 10 mile Championships at Wrexham (on a hot steamy day!) Denbigh struck a rich vein of metal in the V55 category with Martin Cortvriend taking 1st place (28th overall in 65.37) and David Alan Jones won the 3rd place award (35th overall in 69.03) Duncan Jones completed a good squad performance by coming 43rd in 73.33. MARATHON GLORY 22nd April 2007 Anyone who complete’s the London Marathon can bask in the glory of the race. Well done to Eleri Jones who finished in 4 51 03 and Gerry Thomas who got through in 6 22 17 – not bad for a 70 year old!! DAVID’S EASTER BUNNY RUN 8th April 2007 At the Air Products 10K in Crewe 46th David Alan Jones continued his run of good form at this distance by coming 3rd V55 in a time of 40.20 being 46th overall. GOOD ON GOOD FRIDAY 6th April 2007 An early morning start (10 am kickoff!) at the Salford 10K certainly wasn’t to Martin Cortvriend’s disadvantage as he finished 79th in a personal best time of 36.28 also ranking first over 55 in a hgh quality field. SPRING IN THEIR STEPS 4th April 2007 At the Chester Spring 5 mile road race David Alan Jones and Roger Snaith put in creditable performances to finish 134th in 32.34 and 148th in 32.56 respectively. NO SHIRKING AT CHIRK 1st April 2007 A raiding party from Denbigh were determines not to make April Fools of themselves at the Chirk Castle 10K on a tough multi-terain course. David Alan Jones was 30th overall to come in 3rd V55 in a time of 43.25, in 39th place was Duncan Jones with 45.28 followed by 108th Cindy Jones 58.48, 124th Angela Jones 62.35 and 126th Rachel Morrell 64.57 3rd LV50. PIPE DREAM 4th March 2007 Yes the race is called the Pipe Dream!! A stiff fell race following the water pipe upwards from Dolgarrog onto the mountain this was Martin Cortvriend's second race of the day following the club handicap. A steady run saw him in in 19th in 44.35. Results here. NOT SO FAR TO FARNDON 4th March 2007 Just over the border into England, prolific racer David Alan Jones tackled the Farndon 10K coming in 63rd in 42.54. Full results here. WIN AT WINCHESTER? 25th February 2007 Well not quite a win, Martin Cortvriend was 2nd V55 coming 30th in 38.22 on a hilly 10K course down in Winchester. There were nearly 800 participants and in the ladies race, one of our remote control Denbigh Harriers, Lyndall Lohman achieved a respectable 98th in 55.22, pretty good for someone who ahsn't raced for two years! Results here. BUILDING UP FOR LONDON 18th February 2007 Beginning to extend their training programme for the London Marathon in just over two months Eleri Jones and David Alan Jones took in the Wrexham Half Marathon in comfortable style. In a field of well over 500 runners Eleri was 419th in a time of 116.40, not bad when you consider that she'd won a bronze in the Welsh Cross Country the day before!, David Alan was 222nd in 97.23. Ken Jones and Martin Cortvriend also did the two race double, Ken coming in 214th in 96.49 and Martin won the Over 55 North Wales Half Marathon Championships coming 84th in 85.55. Results here. THE BIRTHDAY RUN 28th January 2007 At the Menai 10K on his 55th birthday Martin Cortvriend reached the finishing line in 16th position as first V55! Time on a hilly course was 39.38, Results here. NICK BEER 10K February 4th 2007 Five Harriers tackled Llandudno's Great Orme and around the West Shore before the last very long 10K on the promenade. A beautiful day with very little wind, for Llandudno in February. With a total field of over 500, Tracey Williams won first prize in the 0ver 40 Ladies. Full results: Paul Ballinger - 42.13 Duncan Jones - 44.50 Keith Humphries - 45.57 Tracey williams - 46.15 Sarah Bayliss - 50.58 HELSBY HALF-MARATHON January 21st 2007 Very well done to Sarah Bayliss who put in a fine performance to come home in 1:51! PIER TO PIER PRESSURE 13th January 2007 A goodly turnout of Denbigh Harriers at the Twin Piers 10K at Colwyn Bay saw Paul Ballinger leading the crew home in 26th place in a time of 40.37. Next was Paul Conlon in 43rd (42.56) followed by Ken Jones 48th (43.25), Martyn Fairlamb 67th (44.58), Keith Humphries 75th (46.10), David A Jones 90th (47.38), Sarah Bayliss 111st (49.43) and Eleri Jones 137th (52.24). 202 ran. Ken came in second in his age group. Results here. HOBBLING WITH A HANGOVER 1st January 2007 Recovering from the excesses of New Year’s Eve a sparse group of spartan Harriers braved the Hangover Hobble up the mountain from Llandegla Bke Centre. 13th was Martin Cortvriend (running for his other club!) in a time of 44.56, 47th was Sarah Bayliss in 57.25 followed by 49th, Annemarie Allen in 57.31 and 55th Maureen Bartley in 66.23. Details here.