Latest News
24th February – Lostock 6
February 24, 2013Andi Jones storms in to win the 2013 Lostock 6 in a new course record!!!.
Full Results Here
Mr Sparkles Darkun – Friday 22nd February
February 22, 2013A 5 mile night headtorch race hosted by Darwen Dashers around Tockholes/Darwen.
Mike, Hopey and a few other Lostock runners had run this race last year and were egging everyone to give it a go, infact at one point it was touted as a race for the Lostock Fell calender. It was described with such enthusiasm by Mike and Hopey - who had both entered again this year – so i thought that i would give it a go, better than doing the youth club taxi service.
In all 5 Lostock runners Hopey, Mike, Speedy, John Marsden and myself entered this race which is limited to 75 runners on a pre-race entry basis at the bargain price of £5 with the promise of a chip butty thrown in after the race for those of us not on a diet. (more…)
Boggart Hole X-Country 16th February 2013
February 20, 2013What a beautiful day on Saturday for the last cross country of the season. Pity we couldn’t say the same for the course it was very muddy from the off and the course had been altered slightly I think for the conditions it was the sort of mud that had your legs tired from the start and I’m sure like myself there were a few of us wondering what we were doing. I actually felt sorry for the men as they had 3 laps 2 was quite enough.
That said we managed a fantastic turn out for the ladies with 7 ladies and we also had 6 men turn up which was nice to see. (more…)
Lostock 6 article in the Bolton News on Friday 15th January 2013
February 17, 2013This is the article that was published in the paper on friday:
On Sunday 24th February Lostock AC will be holding the 31st “Lostock 6 mile” Road Race, kindly sponsored again this year by Southerns Interiors, Cranfield Road, it starts near the Barnstormers pub, up to the A6 via Lostock Lane and Wingates Lane, along A6 then going left and down through Chew Moor to reach Chorley New Road via the infamous “Orrible Hill”, taking a left down Ox Hey Lane to reach the finish on Hall Lane outside the MBDA factory. After a run of 31years it is likely that this will be the last time this very popular race will be on. The race originated in 1982 as part of the British Aerospace National Championships with over 500 athletes taking part and has been a popular event ever since and over the years has attracted some top runners inc. Mike Freary, Andy Jones and Helen Clitheroe (both the latter are past winners) and all three represented England ( Helen still does of course), unfortunately with decreasing numbers, greater problems with marshalling, managing ever-stricter regulations and safety requirements its future is uncertain. Lostock AC is a small but very friendly local club (which at present is having a very welcome upsurge in its membership) and it will be all hands to the pump to ensure that the race runs smoothly. The Club hope that it will be a success this year and welcome runners of all abilities to come along and give it a go.
It would be great to see past participants back again for what may be the final curtain; a bumper entry may even bring about a change of heart.
All this does not mean that Lostock AC will not be involved in races; there are things in the pipeline for the future, watch this space.
To enter the race go to: – www.lostockac.co.uk or register on the day at the Barnstormers, Lostock Lane, registration opens at 8am race starts at 10am.
If you have just started running or train alone maybe you would like to join us for a run any Wednesday night at 7pm starting from the foyer at Horwich Leisure Centre, we have a groups to suit all abilities and guarantee no one is ever left alone. For more info about Lostock AC see www.lostockac.co.uk or contact John Smith on 07757 115359.
Club Meeting re: Lostock 6, Wednesday 13th January 2013
February 16, 2013After initial worries about how much food few of us would have to consume, but the power of the Pastie worked again and more members appeared out of the woodwork to take part in the meeting, in total 31 attended. I gave a brief reminder about this w/ends 4th X-country and 1st Road race, also proposed that this years Chairmans H/cap trail race would be held on the new course reccied by Mark and crew and all agreed (I think)
Next we had that very nice model or is he a nurse (it was Kris really) parading our new design training jacket, he must have missed his way judging by his faultless walk and twirls.
Mark then gave a brief update on the Lostock 6 and allocated various marshalling jobs, Jo told us about the memento that we will be giving to all entrants, these have been very kindly sponsored by Andy Walsh – Finance Director at Southerns Interiors, Emma has written a great piece about the race which will be in Fridays Bolton News.
I closed the meeting by giving a very early notice of our annual camp 16th/18th August and Xmas Do which this time will be at the Top Barn on Friday 6th December.
Thanks to all who attended.
John Smith.
Winter Hill Race 2013, Race Photo’s
February 12, 2013Here are some pics from Sundays muddy, hilly, snowfest! Click on each image to enlarge.
Winter Hill Fell Race – February 10th 2013
February 11, 201323 109 023 Mark Liptrot M50 (004/022) Lostock AC 02:02:11
69 87 066 Adrian Hope M40 (018/036) Lostock AC 02:12:15
82 153 078 Robert Sharkey M (034/057) Lostock AC 02:18:21
86 55 082 Mike Ernill M40 (021/036) Lostock AC 02:19:12
107 155 101 Mark Shuttleworth M45 (014/025) Lostock AC 02:26:57
128 250 120 Brian Halton M (044/057) Lostock AC 02:32:57
139 129 010 Kathryn Orrell F35 (003/009) Lostock AC 02:37:51
148 117 014 Sally McCoy F45 (003/005) Lostock AC 02:40:17
151 28 136 Mark Checkley M50 (020/022) Lostock AC 02:40:54
153 179 138 Jason Tonge M40 (030/036) Lostock AC 02:41:24
163 114 144 John Marsden M (053/057) Lostock AC 02:44:39
168 164 147 Paul Speed M40 (032/036) Lostock AC 02:46:33
181 98 157 Allan Jones M65 (005/007) Lostock AC 03:01:11
Ray McGloin went AWOL.
A horrible day Icy cold rain at the start turning to snow as we started. I started steadily going up toward the Pigeon Tower took my usual route up the rocky part to avoid the queues on the narrow right hand side. Once through the gate I flew down the rough avoiding the muddy trod passing several runners enroute to Cp1. The route going across to the shooting hut was no problem I never put a foot wrong I was hitting all the right spots on the stream crossings picking off runners all the way.
I should of known I could’nt keep this up and sure enough turning off the shooting hut path to go up to the Lost Wall I went to jump the ditch, but instead I tripped and found my self nose diving head first into the ditch. I really thought I was going to end upside down comically with my head in the water. I kind of fortuantley head butted the tussock just in front. I re-emerged a little dazed staggering off up hill with few kind questions from other runners asking whether or not I was alright. I sensed a bit of a sadistic giggle or snigger. At what they had just seen. Thinking about it afterwards even I thought it was funny and I would have laughed if it had been someone else.. I got through the climb Ok and was determined to re-catch the runners that passed me here. This I did on the downhill infact I had very good downhill CP3 again my footwork was perfect. Going up the ramp I had drink and hoped to get into a good stride but for some strange reason this did’nt happen I just could’nt get into any sort of rythm the climb was horrible I again lost all the places I had regained and more. Just before the top Jason caught me. Josie cheered us on I then cut the angle going down I could’nt believe it no one had gone this way at all, there was’nt even one footprint in the snow. I was soon back in front of Jason. He did’nt catch up until near to the knoll CP4
CP4 to CP5 has to be the hardest section of the race it is really horrible Me and Jason stayed together here. On final part of the climb I pulled away from Jason . Josie was there again cheering us on. I lead the way down to the Belmont road taking the side route through the tussocks of grass and small snow drifts. Jason caught me going through the flagged section to Cp7. We went uphill together, once off the Noonhill climb Jason edged in front going toward Cp8 I struggled a little on this section largely due to the icy water under foot it was so painful I could’nt feel my feet at all. By Cp8 Jason had good lead over me, by now though I had recovered from my cold feet and had got going again the run over brown hill and down was excellent I could see Jason lower down I was catching him. Just the run up through the gardens now?
Who was going to win the battle? I knew I could do the climb just keep plugging away I caught Jason about half way up. Who was going to be faster on the descent ? I know Jason is a fast descender . But it was me who had the strength left after the climb I was the one who got going on the downhill. I was able to pick a good few runners who passed me earlier on the way. Just missed out on passing Ian Charters he finished just in front.
I felt I had quite a good run until I saw my time it was slower the last year a bit disappointing but suprisingly I had a mostly enjoyable run despite the bad conditions.
But then again the route was slightly longer following the fence.
When I got back to the car my legs seized up badly I could’nt move for about ten minutes. I could’nt take my shoes off I was getting cold. I decided to go straight home and jump in the bath.
I knew why I cramped up the fatal error of drinking too much beer the night before.
It was probably the reason why I was slower than I should have been.
Checkers
Norman Matthews Winter Hill Fell Race 2013
February 6, 2013This Sunday, the eagerly awaited Winter Hill fell race takes place at 10:00 from Rivington Top Barn. A cracking turnout from the club is expected with at least 10 runners lining up at the start, with a few more helping out on the day. (Not bad for a club of 50ish members!)
It is approximately 11 miles in length with total ascent of 2749 feet. The 2012 race was run in difficult conditions as it was extremely icy underfoot with thick clag which got worse as the race drew on. The winning man completed the race in 01:30:58, the first lady home came in at 1:55:18. The Lostock AC results were…
Mark Liptrot M50 01:55:05
Adrian Hope M 02:10:32
Mike Ernill M40 02:15:38
Mark Shuttleworth M40 02:16:20
Robert Sharkey M 02:24:06
John Marsden M 02:38:56
Mark Checkley M45 02:40:24
Mark Sammon M40 02:41:32
Paul Speed M40 DNF
Personally I hope to beat last years effort! Lippy will once again be the man to beat, will he have a rare off day? Have a great race everyone!
Speedy.
White Holme Circular Fell Race Gets Go Ahead.
January 25, 2013Tomorrow sees the first race on the Lostock Fell calender. After an inspection of the route by the organisers on Thursday, the race has been declared ON!
A notice has been posted on the Fellrunner Website which states:
The race will go ahead as planned this Saturday.
Conditions on the moors and paths are still treacherous with ice.
Full Waterproof whole body cover, hat and gloves MUST be carried – NO KIT = NO RUN.
The race starts at 10:30. See you there!
Ras Y Moelwyn
January 23, 2013Registration for Ras Y Moelwyn is now open. The race is on Saturday April the 20th and it will be the third race on the Lostock fell calender.(provided this Saturdays White Holme Circular goes ahead)
You can register by going to…. http://www.anturstiniog.com/ras-y-moelwyn/
While you are there you can download a race poster and a route map.