Cuttroat Bridge
A bright and blowy return to action, after half term, last week’s cancelled session and Hoppits races.
We owe thanks to Adam & his helper Graham for taking the older group, and Rosie & Katie for taking the younger group.
Next week
13th March is Redmires-Ocean View. Leaders are U11 – Michael G. O11 – Glen B & G/B Cooper
Fell races & how to find them
Seeking out fell races for the kids can be a bit of an effort, what with finding the information & dovetailing the plans with family plans. There are not a huge amount of races in the peak unfortunately.
The FRA make it as easy as they are able to find races. Go to their website & you can filter on “age=juniors” to find those that are relevant.
https://www.fellrunner.org.uk/races
The BOFRA races are also good. Usually short and sharp, with challenging terrain – most definitely not at the cross country end of the spectrum. They typically come in conjunction with a country fair, sheep dog trials, or other events.
http://bofra.org.uk/racecalendar/
Distances & Juniors
People often ask about how much running kids should do, and whether that can tag along on adult runs and events. For good physiological reasons, there are distance upper limits defined by English Athletic for junior events. It’s important that this guidance is taken on board.
| Category | U9 | U11 | U13 | U15 | U17 | U19 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age at 31/12/22 | 6,7,8 | 9,10 | 11,12 | 13,14 | 15,16 | 17,18 |
| Year Born | 2016-14 | 2013-12 | 2011-10 | 2009-08 | 2007-06 | 2005-04 |
| Max Dist | 1km | 2km | 3km | 5km | 7km | 10km |
Whilst these are maximum race distances, it doesn’t make any sense to exceed these statistics in individual session.
The emphasis for junior running is short and fast. To be honest, given how speed ebbs from your mid-20s, there is plenty of time for longer stuff a little later in life! Much as we like (and advocate for) a good adventure, long distance challenges can (and should) wait a while!
Wolf’s Pit
Wolf’s Pit race is on 20th March. This is a great race for seniors, put on by the Bradda Dads organisation – many of whom are well known Dark Peakers. Unfortunately, this year there are no junior races. Fingers crossed for next year.
https://braddadads.wordpress.com/wolfs-pit/
Hoppits & Yorkshire Championship
The Hoppits races were a great success for the organiser (Nicky Spinks) and for Dark Peak. Fabulous running from lots of our members. I’ve had an endless stream of comments from people very impressed with the number of juniors out there representing. Well done everyone who got out there!
These races were the Yorkshire Junior Championship races. There were medals a plenty:
GU13 Olivia W – Silver
BU13 Jack D – Gold
GU15 Izzy-Mai W – Gold
BU17 Johan C – Silver
GU11 Florrie J – 3rd (not a championship race)
There were lots of other great results across all age groups, including the older juniors giving out a few shocks to senior runners in the full race.
National Championship
The Juniors national championship has been hit by more access problems. So Trawden has been postponed. The first race in the series will be Black Combe in late April. Thats in the South West corner of the lakes. Its a long haul, but would make for a good weekend away for all the family.
| Date | Race | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 26-03-22 | Trawden Junior Race | postponed |
| 24-04-22 | Black Combe | |
| 07-05-22 | Todd Crag | |
| 15-05-22 | Great Whernside | Also hosting the British Junior Inter-Counties Championship |
| 22-05-22 | Guisborough Woods Junior Classic | |
| 02-07-22 | Helm Hill | Race to be organised by Helm Hill club |
LiRF
We still have budget to pay training course fees for a group leader. Its important that we keep on bringing leaders through each year, so if you fancy being involved in giving the gift of fell running to a younger generation (and possibly even learning something for your own training) then please talk to Lewis.
Wild Camp
The wild camp this year will be Saturday 9th July. We’re still on the look out for a volunteer to lead this.