Add these dates to your diaries, time to get the Wye Valley Legion ready for Summer
HEREFORDSHIRE SUMMER OFF ROAD LEAGUE 2017
Wed. 14th June :- Westhope (Hereford Couriers)
Wed. 28th June :- High Vinnals (Ludlow Runners)
Wed. 12th July :- Abbey Dore (Wye Valley Runners)
Wed. 26th July :- Shobdon (Croft Ambrey R.C.)
I would like to thank all you for supporting and participating in a fantastic race, I am sure those grimaces were smiles of appreciation for a beautiful challenging course around the muddiest and hilliest parts of Haugh Woods.
A huge thank you must also go out to the organisers who have spent hours of there time either arranging the course, out there marshalling or part of the admin team and even arranging the weather so that this would be one of the muddiest Muddy Woody races yet.
Well done to everyone who completed todays races in very tough conditions, todays clear winner and winning back the Muddy Woody trophy was Eliot Taylor from Hereford Couriers who led from the start to finish and finished ahead of fellow Courier Matt James. Mike Pfeiffer of Brecon AC still showing the young lads how it is done finished a strong 3rd before racing off down Newport to compete in the Gwent League.
The ladies race was won by Danca Machackova of Wye Valley Runners who is continuing her good run of form with a great time 1 minute ahead of next placed Vikki Thompson of Haldon Trail Runners. Laura Tootell of Wye Valley Runners with a great run finished 3rd.
Both team prizes this year were picked up Wye Valley Runners, The mens team consisted of Steven Flowers, Liam Grice and the legend Mike Fawcett. The female team consisted of Race Winner Danca Machackova, Laura Tootell and Nicola Emerson.
Heres a complete breakdown of the age categories.
Open Male
Open Female
Female Vet 35
Male Vet 40
Female Vet 40
Male Vet 45
Female Vet 45
Male Vet 50
Female Vet 50
Male Vet 55
Female Vet 55
Male Vet 60
Female Vet 60
Male Vet 65
Male Vet 70
Junior Male
Junior Female
1st Male Team - Wye Valley Runners
1st Female Team - Wye Valley Runners
This year the Jim Grey was to be awarded to the first Wye Valley Male Vet 40 Peter Flynn
The Wye Valley Shield which is awarded to the first Wye Valley Runner home was awarded to Steven Flowers
For the complete results please Click button to save results
Wye Valley Runners look forward to seeing you on Sunday and hope the following information will be useful to you :
· Please note that all entries are non-transferrable. This means that if for any reason you are not able to take part you will not be able to transfer your number to another runner
· To get to the race please follow the signs from the village of Mordiford. If using satnav the postcode HR1 4QX should get you to the registration area.
· Please allow plenty of time to get to the race and park as you may need to leave your car some distance from the start. Please park as directed by the marshals along the forest tracks, follow the arrows and signs and observe the one-way system. Please note that after the race the forest gates will be locked at 2.00 PM. Please do not park on Broadmoor Common as the ground is saturated and you are likely to become stuck as well as damaging the grass.
· You will need to collect your race number from the registration area. Numbers will be distributed alphabetically according to surname, so please go to the appropriate table as indicated by the signs.
· There will be a covered storage area for you to leave any bags and a box will be available at the registration / refreshments area to deposit car keys. Please note that any items are left at your own risk and the organisers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage.
· The course will be marked by arrows and marker tape and marshals will be positioned at regular intervals to keep you on track and offer encouragement.
· If for any reason you need to pull out during the race then please ensure that you inform a marshal and let them know your race number. This is important in order that we can account for everyone out on the course.
Most important : Enjoy your run and try to manage a smile when you cross the finish line !
PS : If you are looking for another off-road race challenge then try our Gord’s 6 race on Sunday 9th April – not so muddy, but spectacular scenery. Further details click here or look up the event page on the Wye Valley Runners Website
The curtain has been drawn on another brilliant Cross Country season where all within Wye Valley Runners did themselves proud by bringing home the overall womens trophy and narrowly missing out by 1 point on the mens trophy. There was also many individual picked up today, I don't have those results but a huge congratulations to those as well.
Below are the finishing positions for Presteigne Cross Country and the final team standings.
Both the men’s race and the Ladies race are the same as last year depending on any forestry work.
The ladies race will start @ 10:45 from the forestry car park (approximately 4.25 miles).
The men’s race will start @ 11:00 from the forestry car park (approximately 7.25 miles).
Both routes have a good mix of forestry, tracks, climbs, descents, mud and water features.
Shower facilities are available at the leisure Centre (clean shoes please) but they may charge for this.
The post-race refreshments & presentation will be held at the Royal British Legion Club (clean shoes & clothing please) from 12:30pm, there is plenty of parking available in the car park (£1.30 up to 2 hours) and on the street (free).
Post code: LD8 2YT, will get you to the Leisure Centre and more detail of the courses and the location of the Royal British Legion Club can be found by clicking the link on the ‘Presteigne XC’ event on the calendar found on the Presteigne Pacers website.
As the forestry is open to the public we kindly request runners ‘car share’ as much as possible and don’t park in the forestry car park (If the NRW who maintain the forestry get too many complaints regarding the race, we may not be able to hold the race in the future) there is plenty of space for parking on the approach road and by the leisure Centre. Car share from Rowing Club at 9.AM as usual
Mike celebrates his 50th birthday Saturday on the 14th Jan and is racing 108 miles of the Pennine Way through snow, ice and mud to raise funds for Longtown Mountain Rescue Team. Darrens Dash regulars will probably remember the red jackets and friendly faces of Longtown Mountain Rescue Team who provide the Mountain Safety cover for that event and the BBMC but they also provide a 24 hour, 365 days a year all weather search and rescue facility throughout Herefordshire, Shropshire, Monmouthshire and the Black Mountains . The 108-mile MR Spine Challenger Race is a mountain ultrathon like no other. Have a look at this 'teaser' of the main event to see what Mike may be up against:
http://thespinerace.com/msc/
https://www.facebook.com/SummitFeverMedia/videos/1112201712126201/
Any amount of sponsorship would be appreciated - the current forecast is for snow and ice, but I'm sure the fundraising will spur Mike on in this gruelling challenge
http://www.justgiving.com/MikeFawcettSpineChallenge
Join us at 1pm on Saturday 28th Jan to hack back the Muddy Woody course. Bring some pruners, saws and cutters and help us get the route in to tip top shape for the race. Meet Haugh Wood Top Car Park. On Sunday 29th Jan at 9.30 club members are all welcome to join us for a recce run to test out the course.Meet top car park again
Wye Valley Runners are pleased to be hosting the next race in the Herefordshire XC Winter League on Sunday 8th Jan 2017
This course is largely on private land. Please do not practice or do recce runs in advance. The land is also an active game shoot - so please steer well clear apart from race day.
This year's course is a around 6.miles and quite challenging. 1 and a half laps - same for men and women. Tea and a biccy at the end.
Race starts 11 am prompt. Parking is at a premium so please share lifts where possible. Please also note that the approach is through narrow lanes with dog walkers and farm vehicles a plenty - please drive with care and respect to our hosts.
Click here for an image of the course
Directions from Hereford
Directions from Ross
Directions from Abergavenny
Huge thanks to Hereford Tri Club, MIke Blenkinsop, Clive and the usual volunteers for hosting this morning's inaugural 3 lap flat and fast XC course around the sunny Wye and the historic ammunition buildings. The early morning frost kept some of the mud at bay and encouraged some good running. An unusually depleted Wye Valley race team of 10 women and 15 men still managed to have an impact. The women's team racing home victorious in first place and the men's team in 4th place. Results here
Here you go
There is a running-related event at the Hay Winter Festival on 27 November. Vybarr Cregan-Reid is coming down to speak about his new book, 'Footnotes: How Running Makes Us Fully Human' at 12:30pm on Sunday 27th November. There are more details at this link:
https://www.hayfestival.com/p-11605-vybarr-cregan-reid-talks-to-oliver-balch.aspx
"Running is more than a sport; it’s more than just exercise, and it can tell us more about the way we live now than you could possibly imagine. Running is the poetry of motion"
Also to add to the fun, Hay Hotfooter and author Oliver Balch will be organising a 5-mile off-road run on the Sunday morning before the event should any of your members wish to join: 9:15am meet, Hay clock tower.
Please find listed below the details for the 3rd race in the 2016/17 Herefordshire XC League to be held on Sunday 4th December.
Many thanks to Hereford Triathlon Club for hosting this event at a new venue.
Please refer any queries re the course to herefordtriathlonclub@hotmail.com
Rotherwas Course
The new course is a 2.2 mile loop using the footpaths and permitted routes at Rotherwas. You will start next to the historic shell store which opened a hundred years ago, run down the track and then turn right and follow the river Wye. After a mile you'll turn right and right again and follow the copse and fence which surround the munitions site. You are able to practice on the route at any point but please don't try and access the munitions site as it's full of asbestos and unexploded shells........
Parking and directions
The race will start and finish next to the cycle path at the shell store. If you live in the city please cycle or walk/jog there using the new greenway bridge which starts in Outfall Works Road off St James/Eign Hill. Follow the path over the bridge, past the statues and under the railway line. Cross the road and the HQ will be in front of you. There are secure bicycle stores and plenty of fencing where bikes can be locked.
If you are coming by car please share lifts as parking is limited. We have permission for you to park at two businesses and we are grateful for their support:
Weatherseal - Thorn Business Park - HR2 6JT
BOSS - Thorn Business Park - HR2 6JT
PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON THE ROADS OR BUSINESSES ELSEWHERE AS ROTHERWAS OPERATES 7 DAYS A WEEK AND YOUR VEHICLE WILL PROBABLY GET SQUASHED BY A MASSIVE TRUCK...
The start will be sign posted from the parking sites. There will be portable toilets and refreshments after the race. Due to the location we are unable to provide hot drinks.
Rotherwas map
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1301658283#.WA5oxeqtvOY.email
I hope you all enjoyed a beautiful morning in Croft Amberley and were rewarded with plenty of cake and cider. Some great running on a challenging course.
Here are the results below
The 2nd race in the 2016/17 Herefordshire XC League will be held at Croft Castle on Sunday 13th November.
Please find the details here
Your sat nav may want to send you the wrong way up the one-way system, so please follow the Croft Ambrey R.C. signs to the venue.
Please also note the £3 car parking charge imposed by the National Trust. Car parking space is limited, so it would make sense to car share as much as possible.
Shared lifts from the club at 9am
Its the time of year again where we are looking to put a few teams in for the Nationals and Midlands XC.
This is an absolutely fantastic days racing where you get to compete against some of the best runners around. A great atmosphere and a must do race at least once. All abilities are welcome and a great chance to fly the Wye Valley Runners flag high.
The club will pay for your entry fee, due to this we ask that once you confirm entry, you try your hardest to participate or you may be asked to cover the entry fee yourselves.
At the moment I am just trying to gauge interest but will ask for definite confirmations over the next few weeks so that we can register in time.
The dates and locations are;
Midlands XC
Prestwold Hall, Loughborough - Saturday 28th January 2017
Nationals XC
oolaton Park, Nottingham - Saturday 25th February 2017
These will most likely be races in the afternoon. Hopefully we will get a great turnout and enjoy a fantastic event
After a long summer the final results are here. This is still a draft as I would like everyone to please check over there results and make sure the correct races have all been recorded. If you could get back to me by Wednesday please so the final table be reviewed ready for the AGM.
This years AGM will take place on Friday 4th November at Hereford Rowing Club - 7:00pm - free food will be available on completion of the meeting.