Seven CVFR Juniors braved the onset of Storm Kathleen, heading to Barley in the foothills of Pendle for the latest counter in the junior club championships.

Superbly organised by Clayton le Moors, the races doubled as the Lancashire championship, which (to the delight of proud parent, and even prouder Yorkshireman Paul Haigh) gave some of the visiting Calder youth the added incentive of pinching podium spots from the county next door.

Paul’s “chip off the old block” Teddy Haigh (the family resemblance is certainly strong in terms of enthusiasm and energy levels) was first up in the U9 race. After a recent bout of illness, Teddy had declared he was going to “take the race easy”. That plan was quickly forgotten as he stormed uphill to lead the race at the top of the climb. Despite easing off the gas on the descent, Teddy glided down the hill into 3^rd place, just a few seconds behind the winner – and smiling all the way.

Next up were Jules Ciolino, Leo Wright and Alfie Hobday in the U11 race. Unfortunately the boys took the wrong line up the first hill and found themselves towards the back of the pack. Despite this mishap, they fought back to finish valiantly.

Special praise goes to Leo, who lost a few places on the final descent due to his shoe coming off. Leo ran back uphill to retrieve it, then managed to retake several places as he finished the descent – still shoeless on one foot as he held the errant footwear in his hand.

Valiant racing from Teddy, Jules, Alfie & Leo – credit Woodentops

Next up were the U15s, where Joe Stone smiled all the way to a 2nd place finish, not far behind the winner, Ilkley’s Robert Carter. Also placing in the top 10, Harry Cliff showed that recently moving up an age group hasn’t phased him.

Joe flying into 2nd place – credit Woodentops

Not far behind, in 15^th, was Ted Parker, showing the fell running world what a decent set of young adults our Juniors are. Despite a family member straying onto the course on the final descent, Ted asked her very politely if she could move aside, adjusted his stride and didn’t let it put him off his finish.

The U15s relax after racing hard – credit Woodentops

As ever, all the juniors ran their hearts out, applauded loudly as their friends received their prizes and enjoyed a great day out in deepest Lancashire – reminding us again that Calder Valley’s future is bright.

CVFR Juniors soak up the acclaim at Ilkley Moor. Credit Paul Haigh

Calder Valley’s younger runners were in top form at the Ilkley Moor Junior Races, the first in the junior club champs. Clara McKee was grabbing the headlines again with first place and a record-breaking time in the U15 race. Joseph Stone, Harry Cliff and Ted Parker also made the top ten for Calder Valley. Thomas McKee and Isaac Howgate were representing CVFR at U17 level, and Thomas managed a podium finish, taking third spot with just a two-second margin. George Illstone and Isabel Symington ran well in the U13 group, and Jules Ciolino and Alfie Hobday were running in red and white in the U11 race. There was also a CVFR debut for Teddy Haigh who achieved a fantastic result – coming fourth in the U9 race. The team had a great day out and delivered some great results.

A determined looking Teddy at lkley. Credit Woodentops

And some of CVFR’s more experienced runners were also doing their bit at Ilkley in the senior race. Leo Illstone ran an excellent race, securing fourth spot in the U19 age category. Paul Haigh,Graham Lloyd and Trudi Entwistle, who took 2nd WV50, completed the CVFR representation on the day.

Leo running all the way to the finish line. Credit Woodentops

CALDER VALLEY NEWS REPORTER: RAYMOND KELLY

Teddy, Cora, Jules and Winston. Credit Paul Haigh

On Thursday 22nd February six of our red & white Juniors represented Calderdale schools in the West Yorkshire Primary schools Cross Country finals. In the year 3 boys race were our youngest Juniors: Teddy Haigh, Jules Ciolino and Winston Lalande. Winston finished 25th and 5th Calderdale in 5m 46s; Jules 44th and 8th Calderdale in 5m 56s and Teddy 51st and 9th in Calderdale in 5m 59s. In the year 4 girls race Cora Slater finished 88th and 16th Calderdale in a time of 6m 57s. Meanwhile, in the year 5 boys Alwyn Gardner finished the slightly longer course in 6m 28s finishing 66th and 15th Calderdale. Finally, in the year 6 boys Sam Breaks, who was full of cold, finished in 6m 41s finishing 119th overall and 18th Calderdale. Well done Juniors!

Hoppits Hill Fell race

George being chased down by young Joe. Credit Woodentops

George Kettlewell reported that on Sunday Nicky Spinks, a fell running legend, organised her final Hoppits Hill Fell Race in the woods near Hopton in Mirfield. It is just short of 3 miles in length and contains two punchy climbs, 700ft of elevation and plenty of mud. Conditions were good on the day – the mist lifted and the sun was out. I was just ahead in 12th place in a time of 24min 20secs. I also marshalled the junior races and there was a good turnout.

Alfie ‘hopping’ along. Credit Woodentops

In the junior race Alfie Hobday came 14th in the Under 11s race in a time of 16min 03secs. With the under 15s and under 17s running alongside the seniors Joseph Stone came 16th overall and was 2nd U15 with a time of 25min 06secs. Unfortunately, he had a nasty fall on Thursday at his speed training group so took it steadier, but did really well.

CALDER VALLEY NEWS REPORTER: toby sydes

Juniors at Stanbury Splash

Two CVFR juniors turned up to Haworth’s Penistone Hill on Sunday for a very cold edition of the Soreen Stanbury Splash Quarry Runs.

Harry takes 2nd U15. Credit Woodentops

Racing for the first time his new U15 age category, Harry Cliff put in a brilliant performance to take second place.

New member Leo racing hard. Credit Woodentops

Leo Wright, who has just recently joined the club, also had a great run. Donning the red and white vest for the first time he also took second spot in the Under 11s race.

CALDER VALLEY NEWS REPORTER: jim cooke