Helsby Sports & Social
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1st January 2001

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27th November 2000

Liverpool & District Cross Country Race - Skelmersdale
Ian Wetherall put in another good performance to finish 3rd in the Liverpool and District Cross Country Race held at Beacon Park Skelmersdale, followed by Helsby Club Members Dave Norman 9th; Graham McNeil 14th; Frank Stevens 48th; Graham McAra 51st; Andy Smith 92nd.

20th November 2000

Border League Race Series - Prestatyn
The senior men put in a very strong team performance in the 10k Border League race held at Prestatyn N. Wales. Ian Wetherall made it two wins from two races while team-mates supported well. Mark Hinson 5th, Paul Frodsham 6th, Ian Simpson 10th, Dave Norman 12th, Graham McNeil 14th, Garry Munslow 15th, Paul Boileau 16th, Frank Stevens 32nd, Steve Dobson 38th, Richard Mitchell 43rd, Graham McAra 52nd, Richard Stradling 53rd, John Kimpton 70th, Richard Miles 80th, Max Taylor 124th, Cliff Broom 135th, Andy Smith 151st, Robbie Webster 175.
In the Ladies section Kathryn Roberts finished 115th overall, Helen Smith 172nd, Becky Richardson 182nd, Liz Dobson 185th, Stephanie Charman 198th, Joan Minty 199th, Ann Stringer 243rd.

Llandudno 10 Mile Race
3 Helsby Runners set personnel best times at the Llandudno 10 mile race, Steve Dobson 77th in 60min 48sec, Graham McAra 83rd in 61min 04sec and Max Taylor 201st in 66min 35sec.
The best club performance was achieved by Frank Stevens 56th in 59m 22sec. Other club members completing the race were Charlie Bamford 149th 64-54; John Gallon 618th in 92-45.
In the ladies race Liz Dobson finished 31st in 1hr 15min followed by Philipa Scott 110th in 1hr 29m & Josie Murphy 125th in 1h 31m.

Slaters 5 mile Abergele
In the Slaters 5 mile race held at Abergele Ian Simpson finished 14th in 27-37.

Cheshire 10K Championship
The club Senior Men won the team prize and Mark Hinson the first over 40 award in the Chester Zoo 10K which also included the Cheshire 10K Championships. Finishing well for the Club were Mark Hinson 8th in 32m 20s; Paul Frodsham 9th 32-29; Ian Simpson 10th 32-46. Other finishers Graham McNeil 33-29; Dave Norman 33-50; Gary Munslow 34-01 followed by Frank Stevens; Graham McAra; Kathryn Roberts; Josie Murphy & Anne Stringer.

30th October 2000

Marathon Successes

Over the weekend three Helsby Running Club members tackled tough Marathons.

On Saturday Andy Smith took part in the 20th Seven Sisters Marathon on the South Coast. The 26.2 mile course follows footpaths and tracks out from Eastbourne over the South Downs before returning over the Seven Sisters hills which overlook the English Channel, finishing over Beachy Head with a fast descent to the finish on the promenade. With 3500 feet of climb, a very wet and muddy course along with fierce head winds Andy was pleased to finish in 4 hours 5 min, just over 1 hour after the winner.

On Sunday Alec Robertson and Ivor Johnstone completed the Snowdon Marathon. This was the 10th outing on this course for Alec and he completed it in 3 hours 50 min. The Snowdon race must be the toughest road Marathon in the country, made even more difficult this year by strong winds and rain. Due to the conditions the winners time of around 2hrs 50m was almost 20 min outside the course record.

5th October 2000

North of England Six Stage Road Relay (30th Sept.)

Helsby fielded three teams in the North of England Six Stage Road Relays held at Sefton Park, Liverpool, each team member running a 4 mile leg. The 'A' team finished 32nd in a total time of 2hrs 08 min 11sec, the 'B' team came in 52th in a time of 2:18:34. We also contested a ladies team who came in 36th overall. The mens results are HERE and the ladies HERE ( courtesy of Race Results).

24th Sandstone Trail Race (1st Oct.)

The recent wet weather made conditions very heavy underfoot for the final year that the races will follow the Sandstone trail from Duckington to Barnsbridge, Delamere. In the 'A' Race (16.5 miles with 1650 ft climb) Graham MacNeil finished in a creditable third place with Ste Dobson, Mike Searle, Max Taylor, Andy Smith, Rachel Arnold and Liz Dobson also completing the course.

The B race starts at Beeston and covers 9.5 miles with 950 ft climb. Roger Wood took the first Vet 40 award with 3rd position in this event, followed by Frank Stevens (4th) and Marcus Walker (9th) to gain Helsby the first team award. Kathryn Roberts ran well to finish 3rd lady with Joe Beswick, Joan Minty, Mike Collins and Josie Murphy also taking part.

Summer Multi-Terrain League

In the final event of the Summer Multi-Terrain League, held at Rivacre Ellesmere Port, Paul Frodsham finished 1st followed by club mates Wayne Proudlove 24th; Charlie Bamford 39th; Marcus Walker 50th. The win by Paul gave him both the first senior and first over 40 awards for the series.

27th September 2000

Helsby Running Club's 'A' Team are first Cheshire Relay Team
In the very competitive North-West Relays Helsby's 'A' team were the first Cheshire team home, finishing in 7th position overall. Team members completed each leg of the 5.6km course as follows, Mark Hinson 17m 52s; Gary Munslow 18-43; John Wycherley 19-15; Graham McNeil 19-21; Dave Norman 19-26; Frank Stevens 19-35. A photo of the successful team with the Men's Captain (Marcus Walker) can be found in our photo gallery HERE.

The Club's B team finished 22nd overall with Richard Stradling 20-07; Richard Mitchell 20-12; Graham McAra 20.27; Wayne Proudlove 20-45; Marcus Walker 20-47; Richard Miles 21-02.

Padfield Plum Fair Torside Scamper Fell Race
John Dearden finished 25th and first over 60 in the Padfield Plum Fair Torside Fell Race, to win 4 cans of Lager, in a time of 63 min 37sec. Chris Hatton finished 23rd in 62-32.

18th September 2000

Graham MacNeil - Fell champion again.
Saturday saw the final race in the Helsby Running Club's Fell Race Championship for 2000. Six club members took place in the Peny-y-Gwely 'Round the Reservoir' fell race, a six mile run with 700 feet of climb, but failed to dislodge Graham from his top position in the club championship for the second year running (pun intended). Nevertheless they still came away with a smattering of prizes, Mario Foshi took the first Vet45 prize in 39:05, being 4th overall. Frank Stevens collected the first Vet40 position in 41:26 (7th overall). Joe Beswick brought home a third Vet65 prize in 55:14. Andy Smith, Chris Hatton and Steph Charman also ran.

Summer Multi-Terrain League
In the first event of the Multi-Terrain League held at Royden Park, Frankby, Helsby's Paul Frodsham took first place followed by clubmates Charlie Bamford 28th; Wayne Proudlove 31st; Marcus Walker 54th.

Llyn Brenig 10 mile Race
Paul Frodsham finished in 3rd position with a time of 51 min 56 sec in the 10 mile Llyn Brenig race. A group of Helsby ladies also completed the race in the following order Rachel Arnold, Joan Minty, Phillipa Scott & Josie Murphy.

5th September 2000

Deeside Off-Road Series Success for Helsby
Mark Hinson took the overall series award along with the first over 40 position, with club mate Graham McNeil taking the first senior award at the Deeside Off-Road series. Frank Stevens finished 8th in the over 40 category and Graham McAra 3rd in the over 45s.

Round Latrigg Fell Race
John Dearden finished first over 65 in the Round Latrigg Fell Race, 5.5 miles 800ft, from Fitz Park in Keswick finishing 66th overall in a time of 43 min 20 sec.

Shelf Moor Fell Race
Graham McAra finished 31st in 52 min 27 sec in the Shelf Moor Fell Race, 5.9 miles with 1500 ft of climb.

28th August 2000

West Cheshire 5k
Helsby's Ian Wetherall ran a personal best of 15m 05s to take 5th place in the West Cheshire 5k race followed by Mark Hinson 8th in 15-17 for the first over 40 award; Graham McNeil was 21st in 15-56, also a PB; Frank Stevens 17-20; Wayne Proudlove 17-45; Graham McAra 17-55; Charlie Bamford 18-36; Katherine Roberts 19-04 (another PB); Liz Dobson 22-13; Stephanie Charman 23-05; Ann Stringer 26-41.

Cilcain Mountain Race
Nine Helsby Running Club members competed in the Cilcain Show Bank Holiday race up and down Moel Famau near Mold. Graham McNeil once again ran strongly to finish the 3.5 mile 1600ft of climb course in 3rd place in 30 min 02 sec. He was followed in club order by Graham McAra 14th 32-56; Steve Dobson 34-39; Frank Stevens 35-20; Andy Todd 38-28; Ivor Johnson 39-27; Robbie Webster 40-06; Liz Dobson 43-44; Stephanie Charman 44-37. The final Fell running counter for the club is from Rhydcroesau near Oswestry on Sat 9th Sept.

Race the Train
Paul Frodsham had a good race in a large field of 800 to finish 11th in 1hr 29 min in the Race the Train event

Capenhurst Team Challenge
Helsby Runners Paul Frodsham and Graham McNeil teamed up with Paul Price to form the winning team, named 2+1, in the 8 mile Capenhurst Team Challenge.Teams started individually and were handed a map at the start line, each team being timed over the course.

21st August 2000

Birchwood 10km Road Race
Mark Hinson finished 7th and second over 40 in 32 min 46 seconds in the 17th Birchwood 10k, followed by Graham McNeil 17th in 34-31; Frank Stevens 50th in 37-02; Graham McAra 72nd in 38-22; Kathryn Roberts 155th in 41-54; Liz Dobson 316th in 47-26; Ann Stringer 524th 59-49.

English Junior Fell Championships - 2nd place for Laura
Laura French finished 2nd in the under 18 age category at the last race in this years English Fell Championship races held at Sedbergh, 2.5 miles 2000 ft climb to take second place over the series - Well run Laura.

Liverpool Half Marathon
Frank Stevens finished 56th in 1hr 23min and Charlie Bamford 123rd in 1hr 29min in the Liverpool Half Marathon.

15th August 2000

DEESIDE OFF ROAD SERIES : Mark Hinson and Graham McNeil of Helsby Running Club posted personal best times in the Deeside Off Road Series to take first and second places with times of 25-47 and 26-03, followed by Frank Stevens 28-10; Graham McAra 29-12 and Joan Minty 38-30.

CHURN MILK JOAN FELL RACE : John Dearden took the first over 65 award in the Churn Milk Joan Fell Race, 7 mile 900 feet, from Wadsworth Old Town near Hedben Bridge finishing in 70th place in 64min. 04 sec.

DWYGYFYLCHI FELL RACE : Graham McAra completed the Dwygyfylchi Fell Race near Penmaenmawr in 1 hr 34 min to finish 28th.

LIVERPOOL HALF MARATHON :Frank Stevens and Charlie Bamford braved the heat of the Liverpool Half on Sunday. Frank strode off full of confidence but the heat took its toll and he finished in 56th place in 1:22:57. Charlie ran round steadily and completed the course in 123rd place in 1:29:24. A fairly flat course with good support from the crowds and a generous breakfast from the sponsor.

8th August 2000

Pie & Peas 5 mile Race - Helsby Take Team Prize
With Ian Weatherall putting in a good performance to finish 2nd and supported by Mark Hinson 4th (1st over 40), Graham McNeil 5th and Gary Munslow in 7th positions, Helsby won the team award for the annual Pie & Peas 5 mile race. Other Helsby members completing the event were Richard Mitchell, Frank Stevens, Graham McAra, Wayne Proudlove, Steve Dobson; Mike Whiteside, Charlie Bamford, Andy Smith & Joe Beswick.
Kathryn Roberts lead home the Helsby Ladies followed by Vanessa Griffiths, Jackie Keasley, Liz Dobson, Stephanie Charman, Jane George, Joan Minty, Philippa Scott & Ann Stringer.

Rhewll Fell Race 5.5 miles 2360 ft climb
Graham McNeil achieved a splendid third place at the Rhewll Rough Run Fell Race in Llangollen, behind internationals Colin Donnelly (Wales) and Ian Roberts (England). Graham's time for the 5.5 mile 2360 feet race was 36 min 37 sec. Other Helsby results were Graham McAra 16th 41-10; Frank Stevens 21st 42-52; followed by Andy Smith; Andy Todd; Robbie Webster; Laura French; Mario Foschi; Ivor Johnstone; Stephanie Charman & Joan Minty.

1st August 2000

Crown Derby Fell Race

A short summer evening fellrace of 3.5 miles with 400 ft of climb.
An excellent turn out of 17 Helsby runners competed in this Classic Fell Race. Graham McNeil won this
fast race up and down White Nancy near Bollington in 23 min 14 sec with Laura French taking the 2nd Lady title. In 9th, 10th and 11th overall positions were Frank Stevens, Steve Dobson and Graham McAra in a well fought contest for club points. Other finishers were Andy Smith, Mario Foschi, Robbie Webster, Ivor Johnson, Andy Todd, Jackie Keasley, Stephanie Charman, Liz Dobson, Bob Huntbach, Josie Murphy, Ann Stringer and Philippa Scott.

1,2,3 for Helsby at the Park Hall 5k

Ian Wetherall, Paul Frodsham and Graham McNeil made the first three places in the Park Hall 5k in times of 15 min 48 sec, 16-18, 16-21.
Mike Whiteside picked up a veteran 50 award.

Sefton Park 5 mile

Paul Frodsham finished 8th and first Vet 40 in a time of 26 min 38 sec in the Sefton Park 5 mile race, Graham McNeil was 13th in 27-17.

18th July 2000

Ingleborough Mountain Race
Graham McAra finished 57th in the Ingleborough Fell Race, 7 miles with 2000 ft of climb to the summit of Ingleborough from the Gala field in Ingleton and back again, in 60 min followed by Frank Stevens in 73rd position (time of 61 mins:54 sec); Andy Smith finished 120th in 67 min:03 sec. 245 people completed the race.

10th July 2000

Ellesmere Port Half Marathon
Graham McAra finished 12th in the Ellesmere Port Half Marathon in a time of 80 min, 44 sec.

8th July 2000

Ian Weatherall lead home a strong Helsby presence at the Ashton 5K Fun Run (club road counter No.7):
1st: Ian Weatherall in 17m-27s; 2nd: Paul Frodsham in 17-58; 3rd: Gary Munslow in 18-19; 4th: Graham MacNeil in 18-22; 5th: Mark Hinson in 18-46; 8th: Frank Stevens in 19-56; 9th: Graham McAra in 20-13; 11th: Marcus Walker in 20-21; 12th: Wayne Proudlove in 20-55; 14th: Andy Smith in 21-54; 21st and 2nd Lady: Vanessa Griffiths in 24-46; 28th: Joe Beswick in 27-08; 29th: Stephanie Charman in 28-05; 30th John Clare in 28-13.

On the following day, in the Rossendale Fell Race (club fell counter No.7) which comprised of an unmarked 12 miles and 2800 ft climb across rough moor and bog, Graham McNeil finished 15th in 1 hour 59 min; Graham McAra was 19th in 2 hrs 6 min; Frank Stevens 50th in 2 hrs 48 min and Andy Smith 56th in 2 hrs 52 min.

30th June 2000

Mountain Marathon Success
Rachel Arnold and Jackie Keasley finished 2nd Ladies team in the 'D' class of the Lowe Alpine 2 Day Mountain Marathon held in Glen Shiel Scotland. This was their first attempt at a 2 Day event that requires good map reading skills and competitors have to carry all the equipment necessary for 2 Days in the Mountains.

Boars Head Hill Race
In the Boars Head Hill Race (from Higher Poynton), 8 miles with 1200 ft of climb. Graham McNeil finished 11th in 51m 05s followed by Frank Stevens, 34th in 57-06; Graham McAra, 57th in 59-45; Andy Smith, 65th in 60-42; Ian Hilditch, 103rd in 65-53; Ivor Johnstone, 124th in 69-03 and Robbie Webster, 140th in 70-40.
This was the third & final race of the Lyme Park series in which Graham McNeil finished 5th with Graham McAra, Andy Smith, Ian Hilditch & Robbie Webster also appearing on the final scoreboard.

Tattenhall Tough Team Challenge
Helsby Team Success in the Tattenhall Tough Team Challenge:-
Graham McNeil, Ian Simpson and Neil Ashcroft ('The Good, The Bad & The Ugly') finished 2nd Team with a time of 57m 24s.
Gary Munslow, Paul Frodsham and Mark Hinson ('Helsby') finishing in 3rd place
Marcus Walker, Richard Stradling and Richard Mitchell ('The Softies') were the 2nd Veteran Team home in 7th position overall in 63m 45s.

Offas Dyke Race
In the 15 mile Offas Dyke Race Paul Frodsham finished in 1 hour 53 sec followed closely by Graham McNeil in 1 hour 56 sec.

Kinder Trog
Graham McAra finished 29th (2 hours 11 min) in the Kinder Trog fell race - 18 Miles with 3490 ft of climb.

24th June 2000

In the Edale Fell Race - 5.25 miles with 1400 ft of climb - Graham McAra finished 19th in a time of 46 min 55 sec, followed by club mates Owen Mullarkey 56th in 54-36; Chris Hatton 85th in 59-02.

In the Grindleford Carnival Fell Race from Grindleford near Sheffield, 4 miles and 550 ft of climb, Graham McAra finished 29th in 36 min 30 sec.

9th June 2000

Kettleshulme Fell Race

The Kettleshulme Village Fell Race from Kettleshulme near Whaley Bridge is run over 6 miles with 850ft of climb. Graham McNeil lead the Helsby team home in 5th position with a time of 40 min 38 sec followed by Graham McAra - 21st 44:08; Andy Smith - 64th 48:58; Ian Hilditch - 84th 50:53; Robbie Webster - 134th 56:26.

Buckley 5 Mile

Graham McNeil finished 8th in the Buckley 5 in 28 min. 30 sec.

29th May 2000

Fell Race Results

In the Cader Idris Fell Race from Dolgellau, 10.5 miles and 3000ft climb, a counter in the British Fell Championship Series :- Graham McNeil finished 63rd in 1hr 48m; Graham McAra was 75th in 1hr 53m: Frank Stevens, 2hrs 5m: Andy Smith - 180th in 2hrs 18m.

Graham McAra finished 9th in the Hayfield May Queen Fell Race, 3 miles and 550ft of climb, in 23min 57sec.

21st May 2000

English Selection for Laura
Helsby Running Club's member Laura French was selected for the English under 18 Fell Running Team to compete in the Knockdhu Classic in County Antrim N. Ireland last Saturday. The English under 18 ladies took the Gold Medal, Laura was the 4th member of the English Team to finish.

Chester Half Marathon Success
Helsby took the Team Award in The Chester Half Marathon with Mark Hinson 4th and first over 40 in 71m 02s, Paul Boileau - 9th in 73m 23s, Graham McNeil - 16th in 74m 40s.
Other Helsby competitors: Gary Bergin - 3rd in 70m 46s (not eligible to count as a team member) Frank Stevens - 38th in 77m 34s; Graham McAra - 68th in 80m 26s (a personal best time); Steve Dobson - 81st in 81m 21s; Richard Mills - 283rd in 89m 55s; Charlie Bamford - 368th in 92m 30s; Liz Dobson - 661 in 99m 45s; John Gallon - 668 in 99m 54s; Geoff Shaw - 688 in 100m 24s; Vanessa Griffiths - 1478 in 121m 43s:

On the Fells
Graham McAra finished 30th in the Shining Tor fell race from the Goyt Valley Derbyshire, 5 miles with 1500 ft of climb in a time of 44 min 42 sec.

15th May 2000

1) Determined to compete in a Fell race on his 65th birthday John Dearden travelled to the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland to run the White Plains Fell Race, 4 miles & 1000 ft of climb, on Thursday. John finished 66th and won the first over 60 award.

2) In the Vanessa Chappell Fell Race from the Moorside Hotel near Disley, 6.5 miles with 1200 ft of climb, Graham McNeil finished 13th in 45 min 28 sec; Graham McAra first over 45 in 26th place overall in a time of 47m 55s ; Andy Smith - 80th in 55m 56s; Ian Hilditch - 100th in 57m 30s; Robbie Webster - 110th in 59m 55s.

3) In The Fairfield Horseshoe Fell Race from Rydal Hall Ambleside 9 miles 3000ft of climb, a counter in the English Championship Series, Graham McAra finished 142nd out of 630 competitors.

4) The club had a good turn out for the Christleton 5 Km race, Ian Wetherall leading the club home in a personal best time of 15m 18s for 13th place followed by:-
Gary Bergin -16th in 15m 25s; Graham McNeil -38th in 16m 15s; Mark Hinson - 39th in 16m 21s; Frank Stevens - 61st in 16m 58s; Richard Stradling - 84th in 17m 27s; Steve Dobson -90th in 17m 37s; Graham McAra - 93rd in 17m 39s; Marcus Walker - 94th in 17m 39s;
Other finishers being Wayne Proudlove; Mike Whiteside; Andy Smith; Ian Hilditch; Kathryn Roberts; Vanessa Griffiths; Liz Dobson & Joan Minty.

8th May 2000

Fell Running Results
John Dearden won the over 60 award in the Flower Scar Fell Race from Todmorden, 4 mile with 1100 ft of climb, finishing in 101st position in a time of 40 min 17 sec.

In the Mount Famine Fell Race from Hayfield (5 mile & 1700 ft) Graham McAra finished 20th (3rd over 45) in 51 min 51 sec; Robbie Webster - 85th in 65m 39s.

1st May 2000

Graham McNeil finished 3rd in the Whitley 10K in 35 min 23 sec followed by Frank Stevens - 5th in 36m 38s; Steve Dobson -9th in 38m 20s; Geoff Shaw in 42m 30s; Andy Smith in 43m 12s; Liz Dobson in 47m 13s.

Graham McAra finished 26th and 2nd over 45 in the Kinder Downfall Fell Race from Hayfield (10 miles & 2500 ft of climb) on Sunday and then ran the Penistone Hill Race (7 mile & 1055ft) on Monday finishing 13th and 3rd veteran in 50 min 52 sec.

John Dearden marked his return to racing after a 5 month lay off due to injuries with 34th place and 2nd over 50 award in the Loughrigg Fell Race (4 miles 1000ft)