Dates and venues are subject to landowner permission
2023/24
Date
Host
Assistant
Venue
Race 1
Sun 12 November
Rothwell Harriers/Hyde Park - joint hosting
Middleton Park
Race 2
Sun 3 December
STAC
Kippax Harriers
Temple Newsam
Race 3
Sun 17 December
Abbey Runners
Horsforth Harriers
West Park/Becketts Pk
Race 4
Sun 28 January
Wetherby
Nidd Valley
Middleton Park
Race 5
Sun 18 February
Roundhay Runners
Chapel Allerton
Roundhay Park
Relays
Sun 10 March
Valley Striders
Bramley Fall Park
AWARDS
TBC
Presentation Night at Brudenell Social Club
Senior Entry Information
The PECO Cross Country League is a series of 5 cross country races organised in and around Leeds in which clubs affiliated to the League compete across men's and ladies divisions. Each race is about 4-5 miles.
IF YOU CHOOSE TO ENTER ON THE DAY, then you will be defined as a "guest" and will not contribute to your team score or individual cumulative points total. Only advance entries will be League "counters".
Number of runners to count
Men
Women
Premier Division
9
8
First Division
8
7
Second Division
7
6
Counters in the vets leagues (both Men & Women)
35+
45+
55+
65+
Premier Division
3
2
1
1
First Division
2
1
1
1
Peco Race 4
A great turn out of 42 Striders on Sunday 28th, well done to everyone who ran. Special mentions to Will Kerr (1st M45), Helen Love (2nd F65), Lesley Watson (3rd F50), Nick Hardy (3rd MSEN), Stuart Dunbar (3rd M60)
The Men's team currently lead the first division with the Vets sitting in 8th in the premier division. The Ladies are 3rd in the first division standings, with the Vets team mid table in 6th in the premier division.
An honourable mention to the 43rd 'ghost' runner in Tim Spencer, who despite forgetting his number still completed the race, but unfortunately without an official time. I have, however included him in the results as the organisers accepted his time of 41:30.
Some of our Peco men!
Some of our Peco ladies!
John Carr 5k May 26th 2024
The John Carr 5K race series, a longstanding tradition hosted by Saltaire Striders for several years, is undergoing exciting changes this year. On May 26th, we will be conducting a series of 5K races throughout the day held at Greenhead Athletics Track in Keighley.
Our first race is reserved for runners with a 5K Personal Best of sub-35 minutes, setting the minimum standard for participation.
As the day progresses, each subsequent race will feature faster runners, culminating with 'elite' athletes in the final race. To ensure a smooth experience, a race schedule will be announced, specifying each runner's start time, allowing them to arrive at the track well-prepared. Spectators are encouraged to join us at any time during the day to witness the thrilling races.
Additionally, we'll have a resident DJ providing music throughout the event, and food and drinks will be readily available.
Feel free to bring your family and friends to provide enthusiastic support. In a particularly exciting feature, the finishing straight will offer a 'Lactate Tunnel of Love,' with four designated lanes for spectators to get up close to the action.
The race will be professionally timed using electronic chips integrated into the race number bibs, enhancing accuracy and competitiveness.
The ultimate goal is to achieve Personal Bests while racing against runners of similar abilities.
Summer trip to Tromso, Norway for the Midnight Sun Marathon and other distances. June 22nd 2024
Stewart Spink is proposing what will be a spectacular trip to Northern Norway for a series of varying run distances. A full itinery and flight details from Manchester will follow shortly.
There are more than 6000 participants from all over the world gathering in the streets of Tromsø to join the celebration that is Midnight Sun Marathon.
Midnight Sun Marathon has been held every year since 1990 in Tromsø, the Arctic capital of Norway located at 69 degrees north. About 350 km north of the arctic circle, most of the city is situated on a small island surrounded by the sea and beautiful mountains.
Northern Norway and the nature here is full of strong contrasts that provide intense running experiences for its visitors. During the summer the sun never sets below the horizon and running under the Midnight Sun is a true bucket list opportunity.
There are five different distances to choose from: Marathon (42,2km), Mizuno Half Marathon (21,1km), Coop Mila (10km), iTromsø Mini-marathon (5km) and SNN Kids Race (500m). The races are open for all and day becomes a festival in town. Many locals gather along the streets of the course to cheer the runners on through the streets of Tromsø.
Club Championship-To the end of January
We have two more races for the club championship this year (Dewsbury 10k is sold out, but the Keighley 10k or 5k on 10th March still has places).
If you've run a marathon since 1 April and aren't on the list I shared on facebook, please let me know. Ultramarathons count too. I'm happy to add Endure 24 but you'll need to let me know what team you were on, I can't seem to search the results by club!
Onto the standings. Stuart Dunbar and Paul Weir have jumped to the top of their divisions with their performances at Middleton Park Peco, while Ian Storey remains at the top of the first division although John Singh is catching him up! It's also time to look at promotion and relegation. The bottom 5 and top 5 of each division are promoted/relegated, but more may go down if you're tied on points - e.g. currently 9 striders in the first division currently.
Good luck in the last couple of races!
Latest Standings
Premier Division
1
Stuart Dunbar
400
8
2
Helen Love
394
8
3
Louise Nash
387
8
4
Alun Griffiths
372
8
5
Alan Douglas
371
8
6
Tim Mosedale
367
8
7
Martin Fillingham
347
7
8
Claire Thaper
332
8
9
Graham D'Arcy
299
7
10
Martin Love
256
6
11
Mohanlal Mistry
239
6
12
David Bower
236
5
13
Joanne Hardaker
197
5
14
Craig Elliott
190
5
15
Denise Davis
158
4
16
Andy Brown
145
3
17
Ian Jenkins
143
3
18
Will Kerr
142
3
19
Tom Kay
138
3
20
Loris Dell'Amico
137
3
21
Richard West
136
3
22
Jeremy Rix
135
3
23
Tim Spencer
132
3
24
Sheila Pepper
130
3
25
Claire Bond
123
3
26
Tracy Foy
122
3
27
Stewart Spink
96
2
28
Louise Dell'Amico
88
2
29
Simon Frazer
87
2
30
Kerry Wood
83
2
31
Paul Parkins
79
2
32
Richard Airey
46
1
33
Helen Brant
45
1
34
Frank Masley
39
1
35
Richard Thomas
38
1
36
Janet Bower
32
1
37
Suzanne Hague
0
0
38
Josie Briggs
0
0
39
Carolyn Rix
0
0
40
Judith Nunn
0
0
First Division
1
Ian Storey
375
8
2
John Singh
349
7
3
Stephen Hillas
288
6
4
Jenny Shaw
279
6
5
Tim Gore
278
6
6
Sue Sroka
276
6
7
Lee Halliday
230
5
8
Kathleen Dixon
196
4
9
Pawel Tryc
191
4
10
Norman Saldanha
190
4
11
Ewan Gibb
189
4
12
Isabel Anderson
146
3
13
Wendy Hey
146
3
14
Liz Hamilton
136
3
15
Sheila Bugg
136
3
16
Gavin Hamilton
133
3
17
Marcin Soszka
100
2
18
Rachel Parker
99
2
19
Jack Verity
98
2
20
Kathryn Wood
97
2
21
Chris Jones
94
2
22
Mervyn Silva
89
2
23
Donna Hector
88
2
24
Gillian Hyde
50
1
25
Steven Fowler
49
1
26
Ian Dickinson M
48
1
27
Gary Western
47
1
28
Helen Western
47
1
29
Anne Forster
46
1
30
Frank Beecroft
46
1
31
Sylvia Ross
44
1
32
Noel Fitzpatrick
0
0
33
Jen Willingham
0
0
34
Nick Breare
0
0
35
Michael Moss
0
0
36
Reece Smith
0
0
37
John Walton
0
0
38
Heather Bayliss
0
0
39
Harriet Fletcher
0
0
40
Darren Parker
0
0
Second Division
1
Paul Weir
397
8
2
Anne Preston
393
8
3
Marcus Isherwood
332
7
4
Russell Macfarlane
294
6
5
Richard Wall
293
6
6
Lisa Prosho
286
6
7
Alice Kershaw
266
6
8
Josh Winterbottom
247
6
9
Thomas Bolland
215
5
10
Chris Hassall
182
4
11
Victor Hearn-Yeates
176
4
12
James Davies
174
5
13
Urmila Mistry
170
4
14
Robert Henderson
149
3
15
Chris Biggins
146
4
16
Harry Wilkinson
144
3
17
James Carlton
132
3
18
Becky Gardner
131
3
19
Maria Humpherson
126
3
20
Jamie Read
125
4
21
Christopher Chapman
122
3
22
Krystina Kozlowska
117
3
23
Lee Casson
98
2
24
Kris Hale
93
2
25
John Tomlinson
89
2
26
Fay Kaina
89
2
27
Ian Stevens
87
2
28
James Gardner
86
2
29
Julia Beaumont
84
2
30
Mary Gibbons
84
2
31
Clare Taylor
83
2
32
Laura Bentley
81
2
33
Sally Sharp
81
2
34
Deborah Moore
81
2
35
Humera Butt
77
2
36
louise carefoot
73
2
37
Paul Goodrum
67
2
38
Jane Hughes
65
2
39
Tina Martiny
63
2
40
Bailey Halpin
50
1
41
Alistair Nash
49
1
42
Beth Hirst
49
1
43
Michelle Eyres
48
1
44
Mick Brearley
48
1
45
Iain McKenna
47
1
46
Brett Jackson
46
1
47
Robert Boughen
46
1
48
Richard Stone
45
1
49
Aaron McConkey
43
1
50
Andrew Hawksworth
42
1
51
Andrew Pine
42
1
52
Danielle Fearon
41
1
53
Igs Robun
41
1
54
Kerry-Anne Hill
40
1
55
Jayne Hart
40
1
56
Tamsin Treasure-Jones
40
1
57
John Colwell
39
1
58
Harry Laville
39
1
59
Beverley West
37
1
60
Ian Dickinson F
37
1
61
Tony Hart
36
1
62
Chris Reynier
36
1
63
Laurence Crummay
36
1
64
Phil Briggs
34
1
65
Richard Sykes
34
1
66
David McGonigle
32
1
For details on the Club Championship, how it works, and how points are scored, please visit the website via the link below.
"I enjoy the nice flat soft surface which mean I get the chance to see how fast I can run during the sessions without fear of falling over, this helps me improve my speed.
I have learnt to run properly so now I always think 'balloon'
Both of which have helped me with my recent marathon and ultra
Most of all I enjoy running with the other Striders who are always so nice and encouraging and never make me feel slow or my age.
Being included with the faster good runners gives me a buzz."
Montane Winter Spine Challenger North
Our very own Johnny Igs Robun completed this brutal race in a little over 87 hours in mostly appalling weather, a phenomenal achievement amongst many Striders who have completed these most demanding of ultra races! The race description is as follows:
The Montane Winter Spine Challenger North is a non-stop, 160 mile race along the Pennine Way from Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm. This is a truly demanding race that gives you an opportunity to take on the northern section of the full race route. Beginning from Hardraw in North Yorkshire, runners have a time limit of 108 hours to get to the finish line at the infamous village of Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. The trail crosses some of the most beautiful but difficult terrains in Britain including; the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, and the Cheviots. This is one of the most physically and mentally demanding races out there, made even tougher by the ferocity and intensity of the British winter.
Igs in full flow!
Park Run with Tim Mosedale
Not very much happening in parkrunworld this month so we can just congratulate Sheila Bugg for her parkrun PB at Malahide parkrun over in Ireland. Looked like a fantastic trip!
Parkrun Competition with Ilkley and Baildon
Further to Stuart Dunbar's e-mail of 15th Jan the parkrun competition with Baildon and Ilkley is due to start next Saturday (3rd Feb).
Entries will close on Wednesday 30th January, so get your form filled in before then if you are interested. https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSf0tqPc0Y.../formResponse
Currently there are 27 striders signed up but Baildon have 50 and Ilkley 54 so we have some catching up to do... Baildon have invited us to join their club run on Thursday 1st Feb 7pm at Baildon rugby club, Jenny Lane.
This will cover all groups 1-4 as usual.
The draw will take place afterwards at Baildon Golf clubhouse. There will be food available.
Championship Race Report-Lister Parkrun
49 Striders turned out on a bitterly cold Saturday morning on January 13th to take part in the Lister Park 5k race. A fantastic turnout from all concerned.
Some excellent performances followed with the first 5 finishers all being Striders, and 7 of the top 9 too!
My Running Journey
Couch to 5K to Marathon to Run Leader.
Name: Richard West
Age Category: M45 How long have you been running?: 3 and half years
When & why did you start running?
I first tried running in 2012 when I entered the Great North Run and did little (ok no) training and crawled across the line in 3:04:52. I then vowed to never run again. Fast forward to 2020 and after 6 weeks of siting at home on furlough I needed something to do and couch to 5K was that thing.
After completion of the couch to 5K I continued to run and in December 2020 I took on the December daily dash challenge for Sue Ryder. My wife then started working for Sue Ryder Manorlands in the January of 2021 at which point I found myself signed up and getting ready to run the London Marathon 2021 (less that 18 months after starting running).
I was then introduced to the Saltaire Striders by Bernie Bowden in June 2021 just in time to give me the motivation to complete the London marathon.
Your favourite race/result?
The Great North Run. From the disaster of 2012 I have now completed it 2 more time in 2022 & 2023. Both times in aid of Sue Ryder.
What is the best thing about running?:
The completion of an event and cheering you fellow team mates on.
Having now completed my run leaders course it's great to get out and help people on their running journey.
Goals for the future?
Run my second marathon and possibly take on the challenge of an Ultra. And try and smash a few PB’s
PB's:
5k 22:02 Even Splits Leeds 2023
Parkrun 21:46 Cinder Track Whitby 2023
10k 46:02 Bradford 10K 2023
Half 1:51:57 Great North Run 2022
Marathon 4:14:05 London 2021
Yorkshire Vets 2024 Season
We have 7 confirmed races in our Grand Prix series for 2024, but expect to have 9 or 10 in total.
A private facebook group exists to back up the official YVAA website by "pushing" information out to members and to encourage dialogue, comments and enquires. Details of how to register can be found at https://www.Facebook.com/groups/3189196357821902/
December Strider of the Month
The Nash’s-Ali & Louise for their varied weekly track coaching sessions every Weds night throughout 2023 (& previous years). Week in week out, no need to check the forecast as come gales, hail or floods they will be there with words of wisdom & encouragement for everyone no matter how fast or slow a runner, they will make you feel welcome.
However much you might try to talk yourself out of going-don’t!! as their sessions are renowned amongst members as the key ingredient to improve your running. They always ensure there’s some fun to be had whilst doing some quality training.
Everyone leaves with a smile and a glow of sweat & satisfaction so hats off to you both and thanks so much for all that you give to the club 🤩
Uopdated Committee Members 23-24 following the AGM
Chairman - Ewan Gibb
Secretary - Tim Gore
Treasurer - Tim Mosedale
Men's Captain - Stuart Dunbar
Ladies Captain - Claire Thaper
Social Secretary - Stewart Spink
Training & Coaching Co-ordinator - Louise Nash
Membership - Martin Fillingham
Communications - David Bower
Welfare Officer - Donna Pollard & Anthea Griffiths
Female Vets Captain - To be managed by committee
Male Vets Captain - To be managed by committee
BMW Chair - Anthea Griffiths
John Carr Chair - Rachel Parker
Runs Organiser - Marcus Isherwood
Club Training Runs
1. Monday evenings at 19:00 meeting at Caroline Street/Victoria Road, Saltaire. Four Group runs varying in distance and pace, one being the beginner's course detailed above.
2. Wednesday track sessions at Keighley track are back atCarlton Keighley (formerly UAK), Green Head Rd, Keighley, BD20 6EB.
We have a track share arrangement with Ilkley Harriers, each club paying half of the booking fees. Since re-starting, these sessions have proved to be very popular, regularly attracting 20+ Striders every week. This IS NOT just for the rapid runners, all capabilities are catered for!
• Start time is 7.15pm, so arrive a few minutes before, ready for warm up and drills before the main session.
• Entry has been reduced to £2 collected on attendance - payment now by card, no cash please!
3. Thursdayevenings at 19:00, starting from Nuffield Shipley
Four group runs varying in distance and pace.
4. NEW! MONTHLY STRUCTURED TRAINING SESSION.
Our first monthly structured training session led by Richard West took place on Monday 6th November from Caroline Street, focusing on hills. Sessions will follow on 4th December and 8th January, content to be advised.
Cultures
As many of you will be aware we are able to use the Cultures Deli and Draughthouse on Caroline Street before and after our Monday club runs. We are able to use the toilets and of course purchase drinks, or anything that takes your fancy! Cultures is open from 18:30 to 21:00. This has kindly been made available from fellow Strider Anne Preston.
Saturday/Sunday long runs
There is a closed facebook group Saltaire Marathon, Long Or Short Run Friends for people who are interested in doing some longer runs (e.g. for company for marathon training) at a steady pace. The runs are arranged via the group on an ad-hoc basis. If interested please ask to join the group.
Club vest /kit
Club vests are now available from Richard and Bev West, priced at £18
Please contact richard_west@sky.com.
Race Results
Please let me know if you do an event which may be missed by me, as it is impossible to know the results of every race nationwide. Thanks!
As well as the regular Sportsshoes 10% discount code, we now also have a 15% monthly discount code for Yorkshire Runner. This can be used online or instore in Otley where you can even take a short test run before you buy. Please note that the Sportsshoes discount is only for orders over £50.
The code will change each month and can be seen under the featured tab or e-mail Jack Verity - jlverity@blueyonder.co.uk
Special mentions to Will Kerr (1st M45), Helen Love (2nd F65), Lesley Watson (3rd F50), Nick Hardy (3rd MSEN), Stuart Dunbar (3rd M60) 
