CVFR juniors seek their fortunes at Coiners

On the bank holiday a lots of juniors turned up to seek their fortune at the Coiners fell race hosted by Calder Valley and race organised by Al Whitelaw. .

Our juniors were the sun cream of the crop.

It’s always a well attended race but the fact that this was an England trial for the U17s and U19s coupled with the glorious weather saw over 200 juniors test themselves on our local moors. The races test all juniors on the proper fell terrain but with this year being dry on the lead up to the race the monster eating bogs went hungry!!!

The U9s race saw 15 of our youngest juniors set off in a field of over 40 runners with many racing for the first time. Clara McKee proved her class yet again coming first overall and beating the course record whilst she was at it.  Harry Cliff came 2nd boy continuing his medal winning streak. Award for the biggest smile whilst racing must surely go to first timer Elizabeth Dole-Ayuso who clearly enjoyed every minute of her debut.

The Mckee family had a double celebration as older brother Thomas won the U11s in a nail biting finish. Charlie Pickens came in 5th in the U13s with George McFie and Tom Owen hot on his heels as always.

Will Hall comfortably won the U15s with James Duffy at 5th and Alex Duffield at 6th boy.

Muddy Blacko Hill doesn’t deter our juniors

Harry Cliff going well

The racing snakes were out in force on Saturday with CV juniors well represented at the Blacko Hill race in Lancashire. 22 CV youngsters turned up for this English Champs Junior counter event. Despite the routes being longer than usual and the course extra muddy with lots of stiles, the juniors embraced the challenge and ran well. Harry Cliff, clearly following in his dad’s footsteps, took 2nd place U9 out of a field of 68. Other budding U9 athletes included Leo Hackett (13th), Lennon Wilson (14th), Joseph Rochester (20th), George Brice (23rd) and Bethany Swarbrick (17th girl).

Most of the U13 boys came in the top third with Patrick Casey 10th, Charlie Pickens 11, George McFie 13th and Tom Owen 17th. Equally impressive performances were seen in the U15 with William Hall 8th and Alex Duffield 20th.

Said Alex Duffield’s dad, Colin:

“I’m super proud of all our runners, loads of whom have moved up an age category and were lined up with the best in the country. There were some really top results and all the juniors ran their socks off. Some literally ran their shoes off, at least one of ours came back with only one shoe! It was really muddy out there!”