Lions battle for points in club championships

IT WAS an important weekend for Stainland Lions, who had qualifying races in both the main club championship and the fell racing championship.

The Shepherds Skyline Fell Race is a counter in this year’s fell racing championship.

It was also David Culpan’s 600th fell race, and he ran well despite suffering some cuts and bruises when he slipped on a descent.

Aileen Baldwin ran well too, putting in an impressive performance to win her age category. Other age category honours went to Clare Smith, Andrew Earnshaw (who was first Lion) and Martin O’Brien.

Just under 200 runners tackled the senior race that comprises a six-mile route that includes a total climb of 1,200 feet. in the club championship, is hugely popular and Matthew Pierson led the Lions home, finishing in a brilliant second place.

Lesley Henderson ran well to win her age category while Darren Reece (eighth place overall), Suzanne Patterson (seventh female), John Bannister and Judith Greenwood also came away with age category placings.

The Lions came second in the team competitions in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

Jim Harris was the only Lion to compete in the Cop Hill fell race on Sunday.

Conditions were excellent for the scenic two-lap course round Meltham, which Harris finished in 55:27.

Virginia Lewin completed the Derwent Water 10 Mile on Sunday in a time of 1:46:20, despite atrocious weather.

Simon Rawnsley headed to Bradford for the city runs, opting for the half marathon distance, and he finished 12th in 1:33:09.

The route is based upon a 5k loop of Bradford city centre, and takes in City Park, Bradford University, the Broadway and Little Germany.

Rikki Hammond and Ray Mooney both clocked 63:13 at the Gisburn Forest 10k Trail Race. Starting from the Gisburn Forest Hub, the route takes runners down a twisting bike trail before joining wide open forest tracks.