Wansfell and Up the Nab

With the season almost closed many Helm runners took advantage of a day without rain to race.  Wansfell, as ever, saw a good turnout with Hannah making the podium in 2nd and leading the ladies to the team prize (how many times have I written that?). Paul, Ben, Lee and Shane led the way for the Helm men with some strong running. This was Marie's 51st race this year; leading us by example. Pictures in the gallery and results to follow. Meanwhile getting in a quick recce of this year's  championship race Adam P (3rd), Nigel W (4th) and Alex H (18th) put in a fine performance for the club at Up the Nab.

The winners of 2015...

More photos of the day in the gallery from Lee and Rick

Torrington Christmas Caper

Presumably to avoid the constant rain, Jenny Rice headed south to Devon and came 2nd in the 9 mile Torrington Christmas Caper. Nice Helm mention in the Results.

 

Wild Boar fell and the Tour of Helvellyn

Well done to Paul Aitken who was 5th in the Tour of Helvellyn, and to Stuart A, Kath A and David W for completing this most challenging of events. RESULTS.  Meanwhile on Wild Boar fell a number of Helm runners ventured out for a prelude to the Christmas run, Sharon T was 2nd, Adam P 5th and Nigel W 11th.

Dunnerdale fell race

A predictably impressive turnout for the club at this short but classic race.  Mark A held off Tom A to take the honours and were they followed in by a procession of Helm runners in the top of the field including Sharon T (2nd) and Hannah R (3rd). We had too many prize winners to list here but you can work them out by studying the results on this link to the Black Combe forum. Here.  Click the image for more great photos from granddayoutphotography.

OMG OMM

Some great performances from Helm runners in the Original Mountain Marathon this weekend with Adam Perry (1st with Kim Collinson), Shane Ohly (3rd with Duncan Archer) and Garry Beardwood (10th with Lawrence Eccles) competing in the Elite class of this most challenging 2 day navigational event. Results and pictures.

British Hill and Fell Relays - Pendle

The final big event of the year arrived with Helm taking 4 teams down to the relays this year based on Pendle fell.  Clubs were restricted to one team per category this year (if that) so having one men's and ladies' open and v40 teams meant the team captains had had some tough choices regarding selection.  All the Helm teams faired well with many standout performances which you can search through in the results. Particular mention goes to Mark Addison (3rd), Tom Tipping (2nd) Sharon Taylor (4th) and Kath Aubrey (5th) who all got their respective teams off to flying starts. At the close the men finished 7th, MV40 6th, ladies 10th, and ladies v40 4th, in their respective categories.  This represents a fantastic effort from the runners who took part in an event of 150 teams which attracts the best in Britain. Well done all.

Coniston Trail and Great Scottish run

Well done to two Helm runners on the 'hard stuff' over the weekend.  Mel Hyder won and was 4th overall in the Coniston trail race, results, and Alex Hinchcliffe who was 102nd out of over 9000 in the great Scottish half marathon. Results. 

RAB

Despite the RAB mountain marathon being further away than she had initially hoped, Rowan Ranner in partnership with Kate Simpson won the ladies pairs in the two day event in North Wales. Well done, full results.

Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay

After much suspense and team discussion, the day finally arrived and compared to many recent events the weather smiled on the occasion - making spectating for the numerous Helm supporters a treat.  Helm fielded 3 competitive teams, with the Open men and v40 men both finishing 5th in their categories and the Helm ladies 6th. There were numerous fantastic runs today with Sharon Taylor and Hannah Russell setting the fastest time over leg one and Paul Aitken and Nigel Wood doing the same over leg 3. Tom and Mark Addison also had a fine run to register 3rd over leg 2.  See the Twitter feed for photos and the results are here.

Three Peaks Cyclocross

Four Helm Hill Runners spent as many hours (and a bit more) in Sunday's glorious sunshine with another 550+ competitors riding, pushing, carrying and dragging bikes around Yorkshires famous three peaks - Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent in the legendary Yorkshire Three Peaks Cyclocross race. Lots of great support out on the fells from HH was appreciated.  HH pics in gallery, more Pics, blogs here. Results here. Whet your appetite for next years entry here. See you on the start line in 2016. HH bike tops here

World Mountain running championships 2015. Three Shires and Orton Fell race.

A fantastic day for the club with 6 athletes from the club represented in the various categories.  Tom A, representing Great Britain, came home with a team bronze, and Chris Richards a team gold for England. Full results here and see Juniors for more info.

Meanwhile those of us without an national/international calling enjoyed a stunning day at the Three shires fell race, with the men packing well at the front of the field as did the ladies - so much so they won the team prize. RESULTS.  To prove that they now had the habit they followed that up with the team prize at Orton fell race too.

World Mountain running vets championship

Well done to Tom Tipping on a fantastic 3rd place in the world masters mountain running (v45) championships in Betws-y-coed. Also having good runs in their categories in this competitive event was Paul Macfarlane (21st) and Paul Dugdale (22nd). Full results.

World Mountain running trials - Snowdon

Well done to Tom Addison (4th) and Mark Addison (19th) competing in this selection race. Tom's fourth place means selection to the GB team in the forthcoming World Championships also in Betws-y-coed on the 19th Sept - watch this space. Chris Richards was a fantastic 7th in the junior men and a great run from Hannah Russell (14th) in the junior women.

Grasmere Sports, Barrow Fell race and Lancaster 5k

John Armistead shows us all how to leap a fence in the Grasmere guides race in which a good Helm turnout was led home by Mark A (7th) and Sharon T (4th). Results here and lots of photos of the action on  the Woodentops site.

A more select number of us made it to the Barrow fell race at Keswick show, and in this club championship counter Jonny M (4th) nipped in front of Lee P (5th) to take maximum points. Results here and photos from the athletesinaction site. Meanwhile Chris R, Matty S, and Lauren MB were leading home a speedy contingent in the Lancaster 5k series. Results.

Seven Sevens

The final British Championship counter took place on Saturday, and both a Helm men's and women's teams made it across the water and around the challenging 20mile seven summit course. Both teams packed really well with the men having Kieran H (8th) followed in by Nigel W and Adam P in 10th and 11th, and Andy Thompson (41) and David White (82) running well. The ladies put in a fantastic performance to take the v40 prize, with Ali, Marie and Carrie. Results.

Steel Fell, Turner Landscape, Farleton Knott, Lowther Trail race Rusland Show

When Kieran and Ben put the word out that they were looking at race performances for relay selection one would expect they were hoping for a bit of clarity, no such luck on these races I'm afraid with so many Helm runners packing the top places. Click the link for results and try to pick your team. Steel Fell, Turner Landscape, Farleton Knott, Lowther Trail race (well done Jonny M), and Rusland Show.

Borrowdale

Described by many as the 'best one', this 17mile brute covers some of the most challenging terrain in the Lakes.  A good turnout from the club with Kieran H (11th) and Nigel W (17th) leading the way for the Helm men and Sharon T for the ladies in 7th.  Good runs also from Paul Jackson, Tim Roe, and Marie Robson. Results.

Ambleside Sports and Rydal round

Much fun was had at the fair although no one managed to double up from the club for these two races. First up, the Rydal Round featured a select five from the club with Phil Thurlow leading the way, followed by Stuart Allan and the Chris S, Karl M and David A.  Results.  Shortly afterwards more Helm athletes appeared from out of the beer tent to compete in the famous guides race. Mark A won (for a 3rd time) and Catherine N also made the podium in third. Tom Tipping was sixth, chased down by Ben and Lee who made the top ten. Results. Pic @adamtricky73

Cracoe, Kentmere, Ingleborough, Bradda Niarbyl, Blisco, Alva, and Reston Scar

Quite a few races to catch up on that have taken place over the past week. From this Woodentops pic John Armistead is making a good effort at keeping up with Hannah R who recorded another victory in the BOFRA series. Results. Meanwhile a large Helm contingent tackled the 40th Kentmere Horseshoe and Ali R, Jenny R, Jo W, and Marie R took the team prize, with Ali 6th and 1st v40. Paul Aitken had a storming run to finish 6th, closely followed by Nigel W (9th) - who completed a double header as he was 1st v40 at Ingleborough on Saturday.  He was joined by Sharon T (4th) and Stuart Allen for Helm. Kentmere results. Ingleborough results.

Earlier on the Isle of Man at Bradda Niarbyl six Helm runners made it across the water, Kieran H finishing a great 11th and Nigel W (20th) and Andy T (66th) in this competitive English championship counter.  The ladies v40 packed really well and we think they achieved 2nd team - well done Carrie G, Jo W and Marie R. Results.

Alistair Dunn made his well trodden path up the steep slopes at Alva, this time finishing an impressive 3rd. Sharon Taylor was 2nd and Hannah R 3rd in the ladies and Andrew Russell completing an impressive showing for Helm. Results.

Blisco dash results. Well done to Paul A who was 5th Lee Knight and Jordan Rawlins 1st u18.

On the same Wednesday evening Reston scar scamper took place with Mark A and Sharon T winning, and too many other Helm prize winners to list. See here for results.

25 Years of Helm Hill

A great day on the Helm at the BOFRA Helm Hill race which Mark Addison won, but if the truth be told everyone won today as you can see in these pictures

Lakeside Gummer's How

Many Helm runners were involved in this historic race dating back to the 19thC.  There are 14 boats available for the individual and team events. 1st up was multiple winner Alistair Dunn  who, despite some speedy rowing managed 2nd place to Mercia's Simon Bailey. Also dazzling onlookers with her rowing skills, Rachel Slattery took the ladies title.  The team prize was won by Tom, Mark and Rob Jebb, and Sharon T was third member of the 1st ladies team.  Proc it to 'em managed 3rd. Team results here. Rick Stuart put his safety at risk to take this pic.

Meanwhile at Durisdeer, Howtown, Buttermere and Hawkswick

Helm had runners out at all these events over the weekend as well as many out on the fells with Adam. The pic shows an impressive haul from the Howtown race.  At the British Championship race at Durisdeer there were good runs from Sharon T who was 4th and Kieran H, Nigel W and Steve Baker in the V40's. Overall we think the ladies v40 were 2nd team. RESULTS. Not to be left out Heather Ohly ventured solo to Buttermere and won the ladies race! At Hawkswick, Hannah Russell was second lady and the fast improving John Armistead was highest finisher for Helm.

24 hrs with Adam Perry

As you may know this weekend Adam will be attempting to break the record for the most number of peaks run in 24hrs.  There is a great blog HERE outlining the challenge.

Update - Adam managed an impressive 51 summits in 15hrs in very humid conditions..but had to retire - for now.  Thanks to all that helped, by all accounts it was a great day out.

Kettlewell (BOFRA)

Some great pictures from the Woodentops site of this classic short race which Hannah R won - her first senior victory!

Ennerdale

It was a wild Saturday which meant for the second year running this challenging long race had it's route altered.  However Kieran H continued his fine form with a brilliant win. Rachel S was also out there for Helm. Results to follow

Ingleton Scenery Race

Well done to Mel Hyder, winner of this new race last Thursday.  RESULTS

Helm Hill history made at FRA English Champs Duddon fell race

Sharon Taylor won the gruelling 18mile Duddon fell race, the third race in the FRA English Champs!  Well done Sharon, a fantastic performance. Sharon became Helm Hill's first ever ladies winner of an English champs race!  Tom led the Helm men home in 7th place.  A great club effort saw 15 men and 8 ladies complete this tough race supported by the Ben & Billy's 3 Shires Stone Refreshment Stall complete with HH flag.  Pic shows Sharon on Swirl How. Pic: AmblesideAC

Helvellyn and the Dodds

Is this the longest out and back fell race? Some would say it felt like it, describing a headwind from both directions.  Some good performances from Helm, in particular Catherine N who was 6th and Lee Knight in 23rd. Results

Hutton Roof

This fast race usually proves a happy hunting ground for Helm runners and in Saturday's sunny weather the theme was continued. Tom won with Mark 3rd and Sam Moon in 12th taking the team prize. RESULTS

Fairfield

Sharon Taylor was first for the ladies in this 9 mile classic lakeland horseshoe, and Mark Addison returned to form chasing down Rob Jebb to take 2nd place.  Helm also took the men's team prize following excellent runs from Mike Ainsworth (8th) and Lee Knight (16th). Results

Old County Tops

There was a lot of Helm runners taking part in this epic 37 mile race. Adam Perry was first in a pair with Martin Mickleson Barron of Borrowdale, and were pursued by Kieran Hodgson and Nigel Wood  who were 3rd and first v40. Outstanding results! Also out there were Carrie Gibson and Rachel Slattery, Lucy Spain, Tim Roe and Adam Oliver, and Paul Jackson, Stuart Allen and David White.  Well done all.  Results to follow.

Caw

3 Helm runners headed west for this low key Wednesday race, and Kath Aubrey was first FV50.

The Fred Whitton Challenge

The big day finally arrives for those with two wheels.  A fantastic effort is required to complete the course of 112 miles including all the lakeland passes, with Hardknott starting after 100miles. This year the weather added something extra to the day as you can see from the photograph. Well done to Rick S, Nigel W (yes he did Stretton the day before), Charlotte M, Simon M, Billy and Ben P. Results. Charlotte was 17th woman overall and 1st F U20!

Stretton

The second English championships race proved a successful outing on the 'funbus' for the team venturing to Shrophire.  Tom Addison returned to form winning the race and was backed up by Kieran H, Paul A, Mark A, Nigel W, Jonny M, Craig B, Brian T and David A. The ladies also had some strong performances, esp Sharon T (7th), Ali R, Marie R, Sally O, Amanda B, Carrie G and Jo W.  Full Results click on the picture for a link to more from Plasticsrule

Helm Hill Custom cycling kit: Order no2

We're hoping to get a 2nd order in soon  If you want a jersey or a gilet post in the forum page asap or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with details of what you want. Links to kit info are on the forum page or Shop page

I know about orders from Paul S, Karl, AndyT, Lee K, NigelW.  I need more info from Phil Thurlow & Caroline Holden asap.

ta, rick

Coniston Fell race

A few of us decided to 'warm up' for next week's championship race by tackling this classic route.  Despite thick mist and snow across the summits and ridges Tom Addison won the race as he did last year.  Also in attendance with a fine first run for Helm was Adam Oliver with Catherine N, Ali, David A, Rowan and Marie completing the Helm contingent. Pic from Lee.

Arant Haw 

A fantastic turnout for the Kendal Winter League presentation and a fine day for the races, the seniors was won by Kieran H fresh from his 14th at the 3Peaks the day before.  Results

Fellsman

Well done Adam Perry  who won and and Rachel Slattery who completed the 11000mile with 60ft of climbing Fellsman on Saturday (no it's 60mile with 11000ft - that would be silly!) An amazing run, congratulations. Picture of Adam looking relaxed from Rick.

Three Peaks Fell Race

An excellent turnout from Helm for this famous 23mile race, Kieran came in a superb 14th (3rd v40), with Michael Ainsworth, Andy Thompson, Sam Moon, Paul Jackson, Heather Ohly, David White, Kath Aubrey, and Marie Robson running well in an event of 800 runners. Results

Ras y Moelwyn 

Injuries depleted the team heading for Wales for the !st British Championship counter, but some good performances in the heat, particularly Kieran (13th) and Sharon (6th) and we think the ladies team of Sharon Ali, Marie, and Jo were 4th and 3rd v40.

Loughrigg

This race for many heralds the start of spring/summer and the large turnout enjoyed a stunning evening.  Tom won, with Mark in hot pursuit in 2nd and Kieran and Adam taking the team prize for the men. Not to be outdone the ladies also won with a youthful team of Jenny Rice, Hannah Russell and Imogen Burrow.  Ambleside AC generously laid on prizes that covered many positions and categories, with Jonny M, Jo W, Ali R, Brian T, Chris R, John B, and Jayne R all having to make the Easter egg or wine choice. This great photo is from Bill Tyson.

KWL Helm Race

Beautiful weather blessed the Helm today for the penultimate counter of series.  Mark Addison took an improbable lead over the first 1/4 mile and proceeded to extend it significantly to break the record. More to follow but in the meantime check out these excellent pictures from James Kirby by clicking the picture.

Flower Scar - 1st English Championship counter

A great day out in Todmorden for the large Helm contingent. Too many good performances to list them all but see the results here.  Sharon T was 4th in the Ladies', Tom and Mark 6th and 7th in the Mens', Charlotte 3rd u23, Billy and Shaun 2nd and 3rd v55….and lots of great support so we await the team standing.  Here's a short video from Sally Ozanne, and some pictures on the Woodentops site here

Marmalade Trail

Remember to take some of this to the finish to next week's championship race at Flower Scar. The thought of it motivated Lee Procter to an excellent 2nd place in this 10k trail race!

Northumberland Trail Marathon 

New Helm Hill recruit Jenny Rice had a day out at the seaside, whizzed round the 27mile coastal trail race and was 1st woman and 17th overall! Pic:Paul Scully  

Loughrigg Silver Howe

A few of us who felt the need for extra miles turned up for this fine low key race which takes in Loughrigg and Silver howe summits in an out and back course.  This race is known to always present a few navigational 'issues', but on Sunday the heavy snow and mist made it all the more of a challenge.  Sharon T won the ladies, but she now has to look over her shoulder for the ever improving Charlotte M who came in next for Helm and 5th overall. Kath A was 1st FV50, Mark H was first man for Helm chased home by Andy T.  Full results Pic Paul Dobson.

ENGLISH BORDER RAIDERS TAKE THE CARNETHY CLAYMORE!

WooHoo!  Helm Hill were first team (Tom A, Mark A, Kieran H, Paul A) at the highly contested season opener at Carnethy in Scotland, winning the team prize - a 5ft sword coveted by Billy for many many years. Two bus loads made the journey and had a great day out winning first mens team, Chris R first U18 and Matty Senior 3rd U18 plus Kieran 2nd v40, Nigel W 3rd v40, and the women 5th team (Catherine N, Carrie G and Kath A).

Fairmile

An amazing day above the clouds on Sunday, and you can re-live it by looking at the amazing photos from Chris Schofield by clicking the picture. The race was won by Wharfedale's Jack Smith, and this week Howgill's Heidi Dent triumphed in the ding dong battle with Sharon Taylor. Full results.

Fell Racing Shorts

A great video by Andy Holden. How many Helm Hill runners can you spot?

 

 

Marmot Dark Mountains

This year's event took place in the Howgills overnight and Helm's Adam Perry teamed  up with Kim Collision of Borrowdale to record a stunning win in 8hrs34 mins to cover the 53km Elite course - winning by a 2hr margin!  Also victorious was Sally Ozanne in winning the ladies A class with Steph Jones (Ambleside).  The challenging event was organised by Shane Ohly and report and results are here.

Firbank Fell Race

Results

Scout Scar

The 1st race of The Kendal Winter League took place on Sunday with a record turnout for the senior race. Gary Greenhow of Ambleside won the men's race and Howgill's Heidi Dent the women's. The Helm men's trio of new pair Nigel Wood and Michael Ainsworth mixing it with Kieran H to pack 4.5. and 6.  Sharon T ran in 3rd and first Helm lady whilst the fast improving Charlotte Milligan was next up for Helm in 8th.

Full Results 

Wansfell

The classic short and sharp Wansfell race drew the season to a close what has been a fantastic year for the club.  Paul A continued his success being the highest Helm finisher in 6th and Sharon T was our first lady.  Next up Nine standards and 2015. Some good photographs from Paul Dobson here

Tour of Helvellyn

Whilst the rest of us were enjoying the Christmas run, 3 Helm runners tackled this endurance challenge.  Well done to Paul Aitken on a fantastic 3rd, and to Fiona Marley Paterson who was 6th F. Well done also to Sandra on making the start line. RESULTS

Christmas Run

Does this photo say it all about a fantastic 2014 for the club? Probably not, but then you'll have to search for those pics on the internet….

Raffle Proceeds
A big thanks to everyone who donated prizes and bought tickets at the presentation night. A grand total of £128 was raised which will be donated to Kendal Mountain Rescue.

Seniors' News 2014