All the latest stuff

Travel to the Great
North Run!!!

If you know you've got an entry secured for the Great North Run but need to look for transport the club could arrange a coach as long as there are enough takers. Jim Cowan is the chap to speak to on a Wednesday night or drop me an email via the contact page if this might
float your boat!

When we've got a better idea of numbers interested we'll be in a better position to clarify costs (but it'll probably be cheaper and more fun than travelling on your todd...)

Summer League dates...

More details to follow but the Summer League 10km races are once more looming on the horizon. As in previous years the entry for the entire series will be £5, get yourself entered asap to make it easy for everybody....


7.30pm start:
8th May - Pocklington
22nd May - Tadcaster
5th June - Easingwold
19th June - Bishop Wilton (my favourite!)
3rd July - Selby

7pm start:
17th July - Stillington - Handicap, as many volunteers to marshall this race would be appreciated. Presentation with free food for series entrants will follow the race.

Rothwell 10km (29-04-07)

Great job to all those that took part in this race. Hope nobody decided to take the M62 shortcut early on...

7th Andy Hilton 31:40
18th Mark Metcalfe 33:20
20th Piran White 33:47
39th Mike Raynes 35:00
45th Andy Normandale 35:21
118th Mike Hetherton 38:43 (1st M60)
172nd Phil Paxman 40:31
201st Howard Winzar 41:52
213rd Kathryn Dickinson 42:17
242nd Dave Elliot 43:28
287th Geoff Binns 44:46
370th Paul Richardson 47:26
378th John Tattersall 47:35
435th Sandi Newby 49:03
437th Debra Howell 49:03
464th Kristina Potter 50:10

The men's team was 2nd behind a strong Holmfirth unit whilst just pipping Keighley & Craven. Nice one.

The London Marathon (21-04-07)

Well done to our lads and lasses who braved the tough conditions and contributed to THE day in the national road running calendar. You're braver than I'll ever be...

Mark Dowson 3h 14m 27, 177th
Jo Ellerton 3h 28m 27, 389th lady
Mark Harney 3h 33m 05, 3661st
Angela Peace 3h 33m 31s, 503rd lady, 18th Under 25
Stuart Thomas 4h 34m 30, 13522nd
Anthony Rouse 4h 35m 37, 13715th
Peter Murray 4h 37m 32, 14060th
Katy Hutchinson 5h 09m 05s
Sally Hutchinson 5h 39m 15s

Club Night Event - Hob Moor Relay (18-04-07)

Thanks to all that attended and enjoyed. Special thanks to Dave Paver for organising the event, John Tatt for organising presentation and Paul for getting the pies in. Hopefully you had good fun.

National 12 Stage (14-04-07)

Lots of words from Captain Raynes..
The team put in another creditable performance to place 42nd in the National Road Relys at Sutton Prk Birmingham. The runners all suffered on what was for the middle of April a ridiculously hot day.

The teams highlight was a fine performance from on the first leg from Hywel Care. In his last race for the club he placed 9th on the openning leg, covering the 5.38 mile course in just 26.52.

The second leg was always going to be a complete nightmare as the club shot backwards through the field but it was to Jerry Barnes's credit that he took up the challenge at short notice and he gamely battled round in a time of 19.16 for the three mile short leg. Although he did loose 42 places on his leg, which could be a record in his event.

This settled the club into its more natural habitat about 2/3rds of the way down the field and Mike Raynes enjoyed his battles with some of the back markers on leg 3. Although in an event of this standard the back markers are usually capable of breaking the hour for 10 miles. Mike Raynes lost a further 5 places to run a time of 31.36.

Martin Kirby consolidated this position with a good run of 17.27 on leg 4 before Mark Metcalfe improved the club 3 places on the next long leg posting a time 2 seconds within the half hour mark.

Mark Harney then continued his endless cycle of races by running 17.57 for leg 6 to see the club in 51st place at the halfway stage. Young Phil Graves who is better known as a promising triathlete then bravely tackled the next long stage and although finding the undulations of the long stage tough still went round in a useful time of 31.50.

Dan Isherwood then consolidated this position on leg 8 to cruise round in 17.47 before we finally unleashed our 2nd big gun, Andy Hilton on leg 9.

Andy had by his own admission not the best of runs as he had done both a fell race and a track race the previous week but he still improved the team by 7 places to record 28.18.

Steve Simpson tackling a short leg for the first time at Sutton Park ran the team's second fastest time on the 3 mile leg to run 17.13 with super vet Andy Normandale running 30.50 on the final long leg.

The final leg was run by Piran White. Normally Piran would run a long leg but he had aggravated a groin injury doing his coast to coast cycle ride with his young son. Enjoying the chance in the mass start on the last leg Piran ran 16.15 on the final leg which was nearly a minute quicker than any of his team mates on this leg.

Guisley Gallop Trail 10km (08-04-07)

Both Mark Harney and Adrian Brown turned out for this excellent regional race. Well done to each, Mark placed 50th in 41:29 and Adrian 277th in 55:45. Nice running chaps.


Royton target: Jo's second at Oldham half (01-04-07)

Jo Ellerton demonstrated that her London marathon preparation is on track with an excellent clocking of 1:37:00 at the Oldham Half Marathon.

The result was extra impressive as Jo secured 2nd place in the women's race as first vet home. Caps a successful competitive weekend for the red vest. Great!

York Acorn Senior Men's team into National 12 stage final (01-04-07)

In the words of Captain Raynes:

York Acorn flew the flag for York clubs at Sunday's North of England road relays held at Sunderland by finishing 17th, the third year running they have finished in the top 20 of this event.

The club's top runner Andy Hilton lead the club off with a very fine 3rd place on the openning leg covering the 4 mile course in a time of 20.17.

While there was never any chance of the team maintaining such a lofty position Dan Isherwood and Mark Harney battled gamely to ensure the team remained just inside the top 20.

Mark Metcalfe, Andy Burt and Martin Kirby returned to action from various problems to set up the club's other big name, Hywel Care, to storm through the field to record the 5th fastest time on the 7th leg.

This was consolidated by club stalwarts Mike Raynes, Steve Simpson and Paul Goble to leave the club in 17th position after leg 10.

50 year old master Andy Normandale then ran the fastest short stage, taking just 11.04 for the two mile leg to leave Andy Nesom to anchor the team home on the final leg.

Full results:

Andy Hilton 20.17
Dan Isherwood 11.51
Mark Harney 11.57
Mark Metcalfe 22.31
Andy Burt 11.14
Martin Kirby 11.43
Hywel Care 20.36
Mike Raynes 11.27
Steve Simpson 11.41
Paul Goble 23.11
Andy Normandale 11.04
Andy Neesom 11.29

Arkendale April Fool 10km (01-04-07)

Dave Elliot produced a fine effort for 75th in 44mins 56secs. Fabulouso!

Baildon Boundary Way (01-04-07)

A quick and well earned mention to Adrian Brown for his placing in the Baildon Boundary Way. 2hrs 13mins 53 secs for 278th. Good job.

A great Grizedale for Harney (31-03-07)

The build up continued for the marathon for Mark Harney who, the day prior to a 12-stage relay call up, produced an excellent run for 21st on the tough Grizedale Trail 10 mile course.

With three weeks to go the form is being got into - nice work sir!

CLUB MERIT MAN AWARD WINNERS! (31-03-07)

Stuart Thomas announces the winners of the club merit league, a competition that pitches those members not necessarily at the sharp end of the race but who consistently produce for the club.

So congratulations to:
1st John Booth
2nd Alan Lynn
3rd Steve Korobejko

Prizes will be awarded at the hob moor relay on 18th April.


Wakefield Hospice 10km (25-03-07)

An excellent run by Debra Howell saw her place 23rd in the F35 at this excellent local 10km. With a time of 51:45 this constitutes a sound effort by the Acorn lass... well done!

Ackworth Half action... (25-03-07)

Eight mighty red vests were in the thick of the fun at the popular Ackworth Half marathon. South Yorkshire witnessed a string of good performances including a PB from serial racer Mark Harney who lead the club home. Full results:

44th Mark Harney - 1:23:23
58th Martin Kirby - 1:25:29
475th Janet Gibson - 1:59:41
489th Kathryn Hutchinson - 2:01:24
503rd Bryony Lockyer - 2:03:40
552nd Andy Heppell - 2:10:48
553rd Sally Hutchinson - 2:10:50
568nd Lisa Ellwood - 2:18:35

An excellent turnout, great times and complete men and womens teams who finished 21st and 15th respectively.

Keep it up!!

Causey Pike Fell race (24-03-07)

Andy Hilton placed 4th at this short Lakes fell race held just outside Keswick. With 1780ft of climbing in the 4.5mile course, Hilton lead to the summit of the climb before being given a lesson in descending by the locals... Good fun nevertheless!

High winds at the Hull 20 (18-03-07)

In wind-whipped conditions, three hardy Acorn souls were amongst the 287 to complete the 'experience'.

Building up to the ultimate goal of the marathon in April, the compadres in question were:

Mark Harney - 52nd - 2:23:57
Angela Peace - 98nd - 2:38:16
Peter Murray - 168th - 2:55:04

Great work!!


Half time: Harney does Doncaster! (11-03-07)

The London Marathon is coming and Mark Harney continues to set the race pace with an excellent 1:25:39 at the Doncaster Half Marathon.

Great job.

High winds at the Norton 9... (04-03-07)

...but that wasn't going to stop a couple of our regular contributors to the results pages Dave Elliot and Mark Harney having a good tonk round.

Mark picked up 39th place in 57m 10s and Dave secured 149th for 66m 20s. Well played chaps!

Snake Lane 10 - records tumble (25-02-07)

Thanks to Stuart Thomas for the majority of the words (I couldn't keep my greasy mitts off it all!!)...

The Pocklington 10miler event held in February, as in the past witnessed some typical weather for the season. But not today as the weather was unseasonably warm and indeed the sun made an early appearance smiling on the many who ventured out and witnessd a truly memorable day for the club with a number of first and seconds to report:

Great to see that such was the entry from the club that we fielded 5 teams in all. Is this a sign of the strength and depth at the club given there were some absentees as well! Look out for more targeted club races!!

In the mens event Andy Hilton took an excellent second place in a personal best and club record time of 51mins 19secs. This ensured the lads took the overall team title as he was very well supported by Piran White (56mins 21secs & 2nd M40) and Mike Raynes (58mins 28secs).

The other mens results from the event were:

Andy Normandale - 58m 50 & 2nd M50 - Well done!
Mark Dowson - 1hr 00m 03
David Chaplin - 1hr 01m 23
Mark Harney - 1hr 03m 14
David Muckersie - 1hr 04m 44
Paul Sigsworth - 1hr 08m 17
Howard Winzar - 1hr 10m 40
David Elliot - 1hr 13m 57
Ian Wilcock - 1hr 15m 42
Stuart Thomas - 1hr 18m 01
Peter Murray - 1hr 19m 12
John Tattersall - 1hr 22m 27
Gerry Orchard - 1hr 32m 45

Similarly the ladies put in an excellent effort led home by Becky Penty, fresh from the previous day's Inter Counties cross country event (How does she do it?). Becky completed the course in a personal best and club record of 1hr 02m 03 for a great 2nd overall.

The other ladies results were:

Kristina Potter - 1hr 25m 08
Julie Barley - 1hr 32m 45
Sally Hutchinson - 1hr 34m 22
Katy Hutchinson - 1hr 36m 21

An excellent turn out from the club meant the mighty red vest was well and truly evident throughout the field and on the podium. Many had foreseen this great work and had lined up a great lunch and beverage afterwards in a local establishment that ensured the day was completed in style...


Club run at Wetherby (18-02-07)

A big thank you to Dave Paver for coordinating the Sunday run from Wetherby on Sunday morning.

The route was pleasant, well marked and the refreshments were well timed. Especially well done on arranging the weather, a super-sunny morning which was enjoyed by the participants.



Records and wrap ups: Castleton Beacon Fell Race (04-02-07)

Mr Munro Mike Hetherton cleaned up the M60 category of the North Eastern Hill Racing Association (NEHRA) Winter Fell Series in record time, having completed the 6 counting races in first place with 4 still on the calendar... Great work!

Also on the bill, Andy Hilton took first place on the day and reduced the course record by a minute for good measure. Overall victory is still an outside possibility for Andy H.

Andy Normandale kept his eye in with 11th place, which also made him 3rd M50. Nice job chaps!

Pulling a fast one - Dewsbury 10km (04-02-07)

Two of the Acorn brotherhood took to the only flat bit in the Dewsbury area for a run round their highly rated 10km on Saturday.

Great to see Mark Harney (surely challenging Howard Winzar as our most prolific racer) clocking a PB-equalling 38m 16s closely followed home by Gavin Bannister who also broke 39 mins with an excellent 38m 44s.

Keep the great works coming!!

10 miles of fun at Ferriby (28-01-07)

Taking in the sights, sounds and smells of Ferriby a small flurry of Acorn runners look like they had a great time:

John Booth 57th 66:47
Howard Winzar 109th 71:34
Dave Elliot 160th 74:57

Well done lads on flying the flag!

Monkeying around!! (21-01-07)

Well done to the nineteen Acorn runners who first secured an entry then completed Runner's World magazine's top UK road race the Brass Monkey Half Marathon. I hope it was 'all that' for you. From the post-race comments you all enjoyed yourself and therefore it's a "thankyou" to York Knavesmire Harriers on another fine event.

Those deserving of a mention are: