Latest Green Army news & reviews
Welcome to our latest Helsby RC round-up! No less than 10, yes a 10 Brucie Bonus bumper bonanza of races to review this edition! Grab a cuppa, kick off the running shoes, sit back and enjoy! The publication cadence of the blog is driven by how often YOU submit material. So remember – as long as the topic is club related it is fair game for the round up blog. We ALWAYS want to hear from YOU. Please send your material to helsbyracereports@gmail.com
Borders League Race Hosting Prep – HEEELLLLPPPPP!!!!!!
This Sunday morning (22nd September) we have organised a working party session and marshals’ recce at Phoenix Park in Runcorn to help get ready for us hosting the opening Borders League race of the season the following weekend. Full details are in the email which went out Wednesday morning – please help with this if you can (a tonne of work has been put in behind the scenes to get this Borders League fixture organised).
North West Road Relays
On September 8th, Helsby fielded 3 teams (2 mens’, 1 womens’) in the North West Road Relays in Ormskirk. Atrocious weather conditions didn’t have too much impact on the course, although it was by no means a quick 5k course with a number of hills and tight twists and turns making it very difficult to use the times as any form of 5k benchmark. All teams performed admirably with the following results:
Mens’ A Team (26th place)
Mark Gittins – 16:55
Ian Mayhew – 17:35
Mike Fryer – 16:54
Andy Bromley – 17:53
Mens’ B Team (56th place)
Danny Lightfoot – 17:25
John Whitehead – 22:45
Les Dash – 18:36
Ben Tumilty – 18:21
Womens’ A Team (39th place)
June Whitehead – 20:17
Lauren Cooke – 24:02
Sarah Larkin – 24:25
Teams members gave a few words each on their event experiences:
Sarah: Running the 3rd leg gave me a chance to have a nice chat with the other runners. There was a good range of abilities there and you got your own chip time too.
Mike: The NW Relays are always a great day and despite the weather this years did not disappoint. Its not often in running where you are run as a collective so its great to work hard for the team and have a laugh throughout the day!
Lauren: What a great first relay experience! The weather may not have been the best but knowing I was part of a team kept me going. The green army support was incredible – it’s like taking your own personal cheerleaders on your run.
John: Having taken part in a few of the road relays over the years it’s easy to understand why someone people find these daunting however with a club like ours there is no need, they are as fun and as supportive as the borders league and XC with a range of abilities from the stupidly fast to the more casual club runners with 5km times ranging from 14 odd minutes upto 36mins.
June: Our green army cheerleaders made the NW relays a day to remember 💚 All paces, all ages coming together and doing what we love…run!
Firelighter Ultra Marathon
As described by Alan Lea:
I guess each of us have different reasons for entering running events – a new challenge, competition, charity, well being, consume more cake/beer… and there are probably easier and quicker ways to achieve some goals other than opting to try and run an ultra of 36/135 miles. That is unless you are inspired by the endeavours of one Stephen Wiggins and in a moment of overconfidence/ stupidity I had entered the Ring of Fire (RoF) safe in the knowledge the event was 12 months away and therefore too distant to be a reality.
Stood in Holyhead Breakwater Park on the last Friday afternoon of August amongst seasoned ultra runners a few of whom had done several laps of Anglesey previously reality had arrived. Fortunately amongst the RoF and Firelighter entries there was a good Helsby turn out and it was reassuring to see the friendly faces of Chris, Steve, Hannah, Phil & Kate plus supporters who undoubtedly had the more stressful role of trying to work out the speed and trajectory of the above and their changing needs.
We set out from Holyhead at 1pm to run the 36 miles to Amlwch before the 10pm cut-off. The weather was surprisingly good and factor 50, sunnies and caps were the order of the day. As we ran out of Holyhead the west coast of Anglesey stretched in to the distance. The road gave way to a nice mix of beach, coast path and fields with wonderful views and plenty of support at checkpoints and from locals.
As the light faded those at the finish at Amlwch leisure centre monitored the progress of friends on the tracker as they approached the finish line. It was then time to say goodbye to those who had taken part in the Firelighter event. For me and others who had over enthusiastically signed up for two more days of sea views, quick showers and nibbles before bedtime it was time for quick shut eye before hitting the repeat button. Ali had found a quiet space for the van in the car park next to the medics van and we settled down for the night.
Day 2 – Amlwch to Aberffraw 66 miles (if nav goes ok)
4.15 alarm should have provided good time to digest b’fast, attend briefing and leaving drop bag for the half way point before the 6am start. My watch with the gpx plot was however enjoying a longer snooze and was not firing up. Fortunately me and Ali had recced the middle 20 miles a couple of weeks earlier to check out the tide options and I managed to wing it with other runners to Red Wharf Bay. Chris had graciously come down to cheer me on at Benllech which provided much needed encouragement.
Although it was a spring high tide at Red Wharf the low tide route proved dry and I hooked up with Paul from Brighton for 30 miles through Penmon Point past Puffin Island, Beaumaris, under the Menai bridges past Nelson and the wonderful views of Snowdonia down to the Sea Zoo check point where I ushered Paul on whilst I used the facilities. I managed to find the honesty book on Newborough beach and was happy to be out of the forest in daylight. The last 6 miles were largely by torchlight across fields and I was happy to emerge back on the beach, avoid a bunker someone had dug which the runner in the distance apparently fell in to, tear a page from the last honesty book before reaching Aberffraw at 21.45. Not my quickest 10k but I had faired better than many who had not found the exit points of the fields with Paul amongst them coming in 15 minutes behind me.
Ali and Pops were waiting for me and again had parked up next to the medics (?) who were now beginning to suspect they may have a customer the next day!
Day 3 Aberffraw to Holyhead – 33 miles
There were now 48 runners from the 88 that started but as the organisers had indicated all that finished day 2 made it to the end. With the late finish and the fluid taken late in the day it was it was inevitable that my internal alarm woke me at 2am. I rose and to my amazement my legs were still working and the heel lock had helped keep the blisters down. I managed to slumber a bit more before the Johnny Cash alarm call and we were off again at 6.
On the climb from South Stack I could see the unmistakable image of someone in a Helsby hoodie about 100 yards ahead and I was humbled to see Phil and his wife which was a huge boost. Shortly afterwards I was able to see and catch up with another runner and we crossed the line together. Chris had also walked halfway up the mountain with his family to see me finish which which was lovely.
With most races it is a relief to the heart, lungs, legs and mind to cross the finish line but either I should have sprinted to the finish or there was something else going on upstairs. The prospect of seeing loved ones, enjoying a long shower and a good nights rest beckoned but part of my mind was thinking it was also a shame for the adventure to come to an end… with the event being so well organised and supported by marshalls and locals, with a wonderful route taking in beautiful landscapes and many points of historic and natural interest it is easy to see why people return for another lap.
Thank you to everyone for the kind messages of support along the way. For those with a day or three spare in the diary at the end of August 2025…https://www.ringofire.co.uk
Wirral Multi-Terrain
The Tuesday night Multi-Terrain series is well underway. Laura Baynham-Hughes and Debbie Read talk us through the first 2 events:
Tuesday 2nd Sept saw 6 Helsby vests arrive in Roydon Park for the first race of the popular Wirral multi terrain series, which takes place on every Tuesday evening in Sept.
Much to everyones surprise I hadn’t done one of these races before, not sure why because it was right up my street. 5 miles on trails and tracks through the woods and the sandstone hill, which is very similar to Helsby Hill. There was a great atmosphere and turnout from local clubs and it was well marshalled so no chance of getting lost! All abilities welcome. Would recommend giving the other races a go!
Results
Darren Hulme 33.26 50th
Phil Wood 34.57. 70th
Laura BH 37.41. 119th (18th lady)
Ian Peers 42.48. 217th
Steve Riley 43.02 220th
Debbie Read 47.06 273th (1st in Age Cat)
On a glorious but blustery Tuesday evening, Phil and I were joined by a last minute decisioned Joey (who thought that running along a beach was preferable to running out and back along the A56 a couple of times, turns out he was right) to travel to Thurstaston Country Park to take part in the second race in the Wirral Multi Terrain Series. 339 runners from affiliated clubs from The Wirral, Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales took part in this scenic but challenging race.
It’s a two lap course with a bit added on at the end. Starting on the service road for the caravan site we went down a steep concrete slipway onto the beach. The first 100 metres or so were very interesting-impossible to run for most but some managed to skip across the rocks, boulders and stones. We ran along the beach into a very strong headwind for a seemingly very long mile, but the sky and the views across The River Dee to Wales made it worth while.
Coming off the beach we had to climb a flight of steps then run up a road to join the pancake flat Wirral Way and run back towards the start. We took a short cut through some trees, back down the slipway and did it all again, the sky and views were even more beautiful as the sun started to set – running into the wind didn’t get any easier though. We knew the finish was just after a bridge, but there’s quite a few bridges along The Wirral Way and on tired legs with it turning to dusk, it was hard to make out what were bridges and what were trees making an arch.
As I approached THE bridge, Joey and Phil, having already finished, made a two man guard of honour for me as I finished my race. Out of 339 runners, Phil was 1st back for Helsby in 68th place, Joey was 178th and I came home 218th.
Deesriders Off-Road Grand Prix
Joey Kelly talks us through the final event of the series:
Debbie Read and Joey Kelly represented Helsby in the Deestriders Off Road Grand Prix finale on Friday 6th September. With times of 38:29 & 34:45 respectively. We were blessed with a “romantic sunset“ (as described by Debbie!) – giving way to a cooler evening and perfect harder ground for running. As a thank you gesture for entering the full series we were given a ORGP running buff and a pen – boss little freebie from a local club.
Deestriders ORGP is a fantastic annual fixture in the local running calendar featuring one race at the start of each month throughout the summer (normally the first Thursday in June, July & August, and the first Friday in September). It’s organised by our friends at Deestriders so always good to support local clubs.
The races all follow the same format of around 4 miles on a mixture of grass, trail and a little bit of tarmac – all along the banks of the River Dee It’s very inclusive and there’s people of all paces who attend (to keep it a little more exciting the race alternates between clockwise and anti-clockwise each month). If you haven’t raced it before, please do look out for it next year – perfect for those that have completed couch to 5k and looking for something a little different.
Great North Run
As described by Darren Humes:
On the 8th September the largest half marathon in the world took place, of course many of you will have watched the Great North Run on TV! In typical North East fashion, the forecast had threatened rain, and within a second of the starting gun, the heavens opened and it continued to rain for the entire race.
Five Helsby runners made the journey north (according to the results page), and all five conquered the rain and the surprisingly challenging course. Darren Humes (1:25:41), Tom Carey (1:42:37), Kevin Smallwood (1:46:41), Toni Priddey (2:37:45) and Rebecca Cartwright (3:17:56) came through the finish line. Well done all!
Cheshire Half Marathon & King John’s Castel Fell Race
Both races described by Jackie Keasley:
How Not to Run a Half Marathon
Last Sunday, early at 9am, at Capesthorne Hall, stood nervous & unprepared in the pouring rain on the start line of the Cheshire Half. With Suzie Woodward & Flossie for company (who I didn’t see).
Having had a Summer of no races & not at lot of running after returning from 6 months ocean sailing in March (confined to 70ft by18ft), I had a good start doing the Coniston 14 a couple of weeks after returning. Encouraged I entered the Runcorn Bridge Half in June but unfortunately had to transfer because of a badly sprained ankle which meant not a lot of running a good chunk of this Summer. It’s good that Runthrough events allow you to transfer, so I changed it to a local race in the future, but how quickly September came around?! Even worse, I’d been in the Alps hut to hut walking for the previous weeks & only returned the day before.
It’s a well organised flat course, with a race village, music & commentary, full road closures, enthusiastic cheering marshalls & a hand full of local residents & supporters. The first & last mile on a track through the grand estate (not at it’s best in the rain but still impressive), then onto a labrynth of flat, narrow, puddly & sometimes muddy country lanes. The first 3 miles are common then a 6 mile loop. Heavy pouring rain for the 1st half, slightly brighter the 2nd half. Finding it hard work with legs used to walking hills it was a painful struggle. Noticing every mile marker & yearned for a slight reprise at each of the 3 water stations (allowing myself to walk to save choking). The last mile I thought would be easier with having the destraction of the grounds but it wasn’t. The race line couldn’t come soon enough & for the first time ever I felt sick on finishing! In search of Bill I found a friendly wheelie bin to prop me up instead till I was found! So glad Bill had driven otherwise it would have been a while before I chanced driving, aching & tired. Anyway after a warm ride home, some R&R for the rest of the day, all the hardship was forgotten & I was really chuffed I’d ran it all (but for a few paces supping water).
2:06 for me & 2:04 for Suzie, shame I didn’t see you but I wouldn’t have had any breath to talk anyway! I can thoroughly recommend it; as I say well organised & a great location & normally fast course.
Recovered & spurred on by this (& a bit of persuasion) Wednesday saw my first Summer on the hill training run, dry but muddy & a tad dark at the end but again thoroughly enjoyable & great training, thanks to Debbie & co.
Then to cap the week, yesterday was our last fell counter over in the Clywdians; King Johns Castle from the Raven Inn in LLanarmon-yn-lal. Thanks to the Larkins for the mini bus shuttle service. On arriving we discovered a change in the usual course with an extra mile & 3 hills; a lot tougher than previous versions despite not now finishing on the top of its castle mound. A simple low profile race now organised by Buckley Runners; turn up on the day, pay your £5 run, raffle prizes, beer & pies at the end. Warm & sunny – Perfect!
Steady but fairly long climb up onto the ridge; a lovely green carpet track traversing around Moel Llanfair. Then the sting in the tail; a steep pathless climb up Moel Y Plas through deep bouncy grass necessitating a bear crawl at times. Then a great run-off the other side before another green traverse and a final climb back up to the ridge & repeat through the fields home for a well earned drink & chat in the sun. About 60 runners with a great turnout of 10 from Helsby; well done to Adam, Tom, Laura & Sarah for podium spots & your prizes of a can of beer, packet of biscuits, bottle of wine & I forget the last one!
Cwmcarn Forest 10 Mile Race
As described by Mike Fryer:
I am in the fortunate position in my work to get opportunities to run in specific running races designated to Police employees.
Every year there is a Police Sport UK (PSUK) 10 mile road race held in a different venue. This year it was in Cwmcarn Forest. A stunning location within the Brecon Beacons.
The course itself included incredible scenery, 1300ft elevation and beautiful, pothole free tarmac! The course included 600ft of climbing in the 1st 2 miles. I used my Helsby legs to shift up in no time and briefly sat in 4th place!
The course then was briefly undulating before we hit the mid race 2 lap section. This takes you to the highest point and one breathtaking view. Whilst it was certainly one of the most spectacular views I’ve had in a road race, whoevers idea it was to run it twice is not well ha! Once the 2nd loop was complete, it was (what we all thought) a 2 mile downhill quad slap. Running downhill is definitely not my forte and I did lose a couple of positions despite my best efforts. Once we began to reach the bottom of the hill, I saw the finish, looked at my watch and thought “ooh this course is going to be slightly short”. However, the course then took us back up the first for another 800m. This was the last thing we needed but I managed to pull all my energy for a hell mary swing for 8th place. Sadly it was not meant to be and I was pipped on the home stretch so 9th place in the end!
Overall, a brilliant day in South Wales, even if it was 8 hours of driving to get there! If anyone is ever in the beacons and fancies running some of the course then there is a 7 mile race along the same paths called the Scenic 7. Would certainly recommend giving the place a visit!
Defeat Delamere Race
As described by Ray Clark:
1st place in a time of 60.45. Win by 52 seconds. Heavy cold rain from start to finish made it a wet and muddy race. A group of three at the front up until the 5 mile point. Became a 2 horse race, shoulder to shoulder up to 8 miles and then a hill emerged, so I hit it which took me into the lead.
I ran strong to the finish to take the win. Absolutely made up as my family were there to support and Lily (my daughter) seeing me win a race!
Parkruns
And finally, on the Saturday just gone, we had a couple of Helsby first finishers marking significant milestones………..
Mark Gittins celebrated his 45th birthday with his 45th Parkrun and an excellent first finish at Delamere. He’s been in fine form recently, taking the club Parkrun record as well as several age category records and his moving into V45 age category has been well received by the club’s other V40 runners!
And on the same morning, Ian Mayhew crossed the line first at Henley Wood Parkrun in Oswestry to mark the 100th Parkrun of his 4 legged running buddy Branco!
Great write ups everyone and love the photos