Penson on top in final race of Lions’ championships but Marsden claims title
FIFTEEN STAINLAND Lions contributed to the healthy field of more than 200 that took part in the Mytholmroyd Vocation Fell Race, hosted by Calder Valley Fell Runners.
The 6.3-miles race with 1,625 feet of ascent was run on a wet and muddy course but James Penson kept his feet to lead the Lions home with Martin O’Brien third in his age category and David Culpan celebrating his 60th race this year.
The Lions performed well in the team competition, with the ladies’ team (Helen Hudson, Rikki Hammond and Aileen
Baldwin) coming fourth and the men’s team (James Penson, Leon Severn and Kevin Robinson) finishing fifth.
The race marked the end of the club’s fell racing championship, which was won by Dan Marsden, ahead of James Penson in second and Leon Severn in third.
Results: James Penson 1:02:05, Leon Severn 1:02:49, Kevin Robinson 1:06:00, Andrew Earnshaw 1:08:57, Dave Culpan 1:12:28, Will Rushworth 1:12:47, Martin O’Brien 1:15:46, Jim Harris 1:16:11, Helen Hudson 1:16:40, Ray Mooney 1:22:45, Rikki Hammond 1:23:35, Aileen Baldwin 1:24:02, Steve
Hallam 1:24:50, Steve Boyer 1:35:25, Sue Cash 1:47:31.
At the beginning of the year, Mags Beever set herself the challenge of running a half marathon every month, to mark a milestone birthday.
And last week, she completed her challenge on a high, as the first woman finisher of the It’s Grim Up North Christmas Cracker Half Marathon with a time of 1:24:42. The time is a challenge personal best and only a minute outside her lifetime best.
Virginia Young won her age category at the Hardmoors
Roseberry Topping 10k, which forms part of the tough Hardmoors race series.
In Sunday’s Bah Humbug 10k, Rebecca O’Neill was first Lion and finished second in her age category in 57:42, while Jan King was third in his age category, clocking 58:03.
Gillian Jago overcame the heat of the Lanzarote Half Marathon to finish in 2:01:51. More than 1,000 runners took part in the popular coastal run.
Lions were well represented at the Overgate Santa Dash fun run in Brighouse, helping to raise money for the hospice.