MAC History 2021

January.February.March 2021

January

The whole country started the year in Lockdown again from 5th January so all training runs were suspended.

Shelley Fairey organised a mini Junior GP.  Race 1 being Bakewell Parkrun course to take place over a week.  Sophie Carrington leads the girls’ in 27.07 and Oliver Lloyd leads the boys in a new PB pf 18.47.

The MAC Winter Series Race 2 organised by Alaina Bond started on 4-10^th January.  The route was Matlock-Lumsdale-Tansley-Matlock approx. 6 miles and 800 ft ascent.  However, due to Lockdown this limited travel to essential.  So it was agreed that a similar route in length and elevation of the members’ choice from home could be used instead if people did not want to travel.  27 members took part.  Quickest was Toby Gill in 38.40 and Hayley  Gill for the ladies in 45.44.  Jan Forrester 58.22 and Peter Wilmot 46.32 1^st in the V50 and John Thorpe 1^st in V40 in 41.59.

Greg Hopkinson expressed his challenge for 2021 – The Bob Graham Round and asked for help with a few members up for this probably taking place in May.

Dennis Holmes managed to produce his annual MAC calendar with proceeds going to Meningitis charity.

The Winter Age Graded 10k Handicap Race 4 of 6 with 4 to count took place between 18^th-24^th January.  The route from the Arc through Hall Leys Park to the Pav, Matlock Bath and back.  With the option to take on your own similar route if required. 23 members took part.  Quickest for the ladies in 44.42 was Alaina Bond and for the men Greg Hopkinson 37.01.  In the age grading Jan Forrester was 1^st overall and Mick Moorhouse 1^st for the men.

The Dovedale Dash has been moved to 3^rd October 2021.  The Grindleford Gallop has been cancelled and MAC’s Peak Rail Runner-v-Steam in April and the Ian Milne White Peak Running Festival is in doubt for mid May 2021.

February

The MAC Winter Series Race 3 started on 7-14^th February.  Starting in Matlock taking in Bonsall and the Limestone Way over 5.3 miles/1,270ft.  7 Ladies and 18 men took part with Hayley Gill winning and son Toby first man.

Paired buddy runs were set up on a training schedule for those wanting to run with a friend, all within Gov guidelines.

The Valentines Day 10k challenge took place on 14^th with couples and pairs running the distance any which way – one could run 5k and the other walk 5k – a great challenge to involve members’ partners and non-runners.   Lots of interesting routes, combinations and attire.  The winners were Jade and Kevin Stone (Romancing the Stone Team) and a total of 25 teams completed the challenge in cold conditions.

Junior Milly Green completed a 100 mile running challenge in 28 days and raised over  £1,500 for Ashgate Hospice.  What an achievement for an 11 year old.

The February Winter age graded 10k handicap took place with 28 runners in all.  Jan Forrester was 1^st once age grading was calculated and the fastest time for the ladies was Lottie Riddle in 43.51 and the men Greg Hopkinson in 36.20.  Andy Hodkin was 1^st in the men’s age grading.

The Gov set out of road map of releasing Lockdown restrictions and 29^th March was the first possible date when the rule of 6 could come into play again or 2 families meeting in a garden or park.  In the light of this Jim Thorneycroft announced the postponement of the Runner-v-Steam Race which was to take place at Easter and this was rescheduled for September 2021.

March

Alaina Bond announced the route for the final race 4 in the Winter Series.  Running from 7-14 March with the route taking in Bow Wood and Holloway 6 miles/1140ft.  Dan Haworth was overall winner in 39.41 and Hayley Gill 1^st lady in 50.13, also taking LV40.  Jan Forrester 1^st LV50 and John Thorpe 1^st MV40 and Chris Gillot 1^st MV50.

Fell Runner Association announced the possible return of some races from 29^th March in a Covid-safe environment.  Also the English FR Champs events were announced.

The Committee had a Zoom meeting to discuss amongst other things subs and whether the Ian Milne White Peak Marathon and Running Festival should take place in May and it was decided to postpone to 26^th June.   The Committee also decided to post a sheet for volunteers to come forward as the race calendar was so disrupted due to Covid, this means that help was needed for the Festival of Running in June,  Black Rocks FR 14^th July, Ricky’s Race 12 August, Matlock Triathlon 30 August and Runner-v-Steam 4^th September 2021.  If not enough volunteers come forward we may be forced to cancel totally some of the races.

Subs were set at the same costs as last year with any members struggling to pay due to Covid to consult a committee member, but all members were encouraged to complete the membership form so the committee had an idea of up to date membership,

It was decided to restart the rule of 6 training running schedule from Monday 29^th March.

Shelley Fairey published the Junior GP table so far after Race 3 in Whitworth Park with for the girls Sophie Carrington leading and the boys Logan Fairey

The final MAC Winter age graded 10k took place from 15-21 March.  25 MACs took part.  Elle Thompson was 1^st lady in 42.53 and Colin Davenport 1^st Male in 36.21.  Jan Forrester was 1^st in the age graded event for the ladies 84.46% a new ladies age graded course record and Mick Moorhouse 1^st for the men 76.55%.  Dan Haworth won overall in the age grading for the men in 85.44% a new record which he set in the November 2020 race.

Les Thurston announced another WhichWay Navigation Challenge to run from 24-30^th with choices of where to start with 10 points on the map which must be visited.  The route took in Snitteron Road, Riber Road, Highfields School.

April

Thursday 1^st April was the first away day run of the year – the annual Chatsworth run with training schedules set up for groups of 6 including leader, some going clockwise, some anticlockwise at 10 minute interval to comply with Covid rulings.  6 groups completed and enjoyed the run.

Richard Bradbury won Les Thurston’s Which Way Again Challenge and Alaina Bond was 1^st lady.  16 runners had a go at the Navigation Challenge.

Races slowly begin to take place and Geoff Cooper took on Hoppits Hill FR (3 miles) and enjoyed the experience of the first race for months.

Dan Haworth organised the virtual Flash 7 road race originally ran in 1977 starting in Cavendish Fields.  19 MACs took it on and it was Hayley Gill and Dan Fletcher who took the honours.

On 20^th April 3 MACs – Carly Spear, Paddy Wright and Darren Sibley took on events at Thoresby Hall Estate.  There was a 60K Longhorn Ultra for Carly and Darren and Paddy did 10k.

On 25^th Andrew Neil Haynes did the Caythorpe Dash Half Marathon in 1 hour 38 mins.

Tiger’s Trail FR organised by Totley AC took place on Weds evening 28^th April.  Dan Haworth took the win in a new course record in 29.21.  10 MACs took part with Sophie Harrison making her race debut for MAC.

A thank you note arrived for MAC from Ashgate Hospice thanking us for the donations – a reminder that we put our running to use during the pandemic to put on the relay over a weekend raising over £6,000.

Craig Allen and Peter Wilmot did the Hardmoor 30 (33 miles) in North Yorks in 8 hours 14 and 8 hours 16 respectively.

May

Several MACs took on the Leicestershire Chase The Sun 5, 10k and 10 miler on Thursday 20^th May when the rule of 6 training runs came to end with the further easing of Lockdown on Monday 17^th May.  The Club are taking a hybrid approach to training from then on with some runs from the Arc as before and some smaller group runs as these have been popular through Covid with many members.

Jan Forrester, Publicity Officer, resumed the Events sheet for April/May as more and more races are taking place and started sending reports to the Matlock Mercury again.   Andy Mellor did an interview with Sports Editor, Mark Duffy, about MAC starting to race again and the hope that our  races including Ian Milne White Peak Marathon and Running Festival, Race the Train, Black Rocks and Rickys Race were going ahead after Covid postponements.

John Thorpe announced the return of the Senior GP with 12 races to count of 18, starting with a virtual race Riverside Meadows XC 4 miler.  Dan Haworth’s resurrection of the Flash 7 road race will be race no. 2.

Colin Davenport did the Tatton 10, coming 8^th.  Les Thurston did the Kong MM Marathon a 2 hour score orienteering event around Dovedale. Chris Howard, Andy and Jake Hodkin and Dan Maskery did the Spire Ultra 34 mile.  Chris managed a ladies course record in 5 hours 48 mins and she then took on the Ely Duathlon the following day and came 4^th lady.  Max Wainwright did the Loughrigg FR (6.4k/330m) at Rothay Park, Ambleside and came 4^th.  Dan Haworth broke the course record at the Totley Moor FR with Joe Oldfield 2^nd.  4 ladies took part – Megan Elliot, Lottie Riddle, Emma Fitzgerald and Ellie Salomoni.  Colin Davenport was 12^th in the Peterborough Marathon.   Jan Forrester took on Darley Moor Sprint Duathlon coming 1^st LV65.  The Tour of Derwent Valley – 4 road races over the May Bank Holiday organised by David Denton went ahead with several MACs doing all 4 races.  The Half Tour of Bradwell in reverse went ahead too.

Greg Hopkinson did the Bob Graham Round with help from 7 macs and completed in 20 hours 19 minutes 44 seconds.

The Volunteer spreadsheet was filling up well as with so many races this year all close together it was important to get a good pool of people for marshalling, setting out, registration etc.  Still in the balance at end of May if Ian Milne White Peak Marathon races would go ahead.

JUNE

Finally the fate was sealed – no Festival of Running this year! Postponed yet again to May 2022.  A bitter blow after all the hard work by the committee to make it work.  However, good news in that Black Rocks in July Ricky’s in August and Race the Train in September are all on.  Hairy Helmet Relays were also postponed to next year.

The Tour of Derwent Valley went ahead over the 4 days of the Bank Holiday with Ian Watson, Andy Mellor, Chris Gillot, Jon Tyson, Dennis Holmes, Kathryn Berrisford, Sally Owen and Les Thurston completing all races.

Billy Cartwright and Dan Haworth had incredible success at Ennerdale Horseshoe 1^st and 2^nd in 3.32.16 and 3.34.10 respectively.  1^st race in the English FR Champs.  On the back of this Jan Forrester was asked to write an article by the editor, Dave Littler, of Fell Running Magazine about MAC to appear in the Autumn issue.

It was great that the MAC Members’ XC went ahead again at Stancliffe Hall, Darley Dale – the last race before Lockdown in March 2020.  With 47 members enjoying the evening.

A new fell race – Shrigley Stag at Pot Shrigley with Sophie Harrison and Tom Woodhouse.   Tideswell FR had Kieran Allanson 4^th, Greg Hopkinson, Paddy Wright, Derek Chetwin, Jon Tyson, Megan Elliot, Les Thurston and Ellie Salomoni.   The National Schools XC took place at Market Harborough with Logan Fairey and Jacob Jones.  Round Sheffield Run attracted 9 MACs.

Carly Spear and Darren Spibey took on the Race to the King trail race 53.50 miles along the South Downs Way. The Halo 4 mile lapped route at High Ashes, Ashover where you could run as many laps as you could in 6 hours saw Shelley Fairey in action coming home 1^st lady.

July 2021

The inaugural Weaver Hills FR nr Ashbourne was supported by MAC.  Blackamoor Chase FR at Totley also went ahead with Megan Elliot first MAC back.  Holme Moss FR also took place and Hob Hurst’s, Beeley.  Rugby Rover 30k trail race, Bluebell FR, Farnah Green, Crowden Horseshoe, but races are still being cancelled due to Covid.

The Derwent River Relays, Belper was popular again with MAC, 30 runners and 8 teams.  Highest placing was 3^rd place overall.  It was great to have an event take place and there were refreshments afterwards making for a very enjoyable afternoon.

The English FR Champs are on this year and in the Blencathra race 2  Billy Cartwright and Dan Haworth 3^rd and 5^th.  New member Max Wainwright, Joe Oldfield, Harry Holmes, Bob Foreman, Geoff Cooper and Les Thurston also took part.  It was Alderman’s Ascent for race 3 with Billy and Dan, Max, Harry, Joe, Greg Hopkinson, John Thorpe, Bob, Geoff and Les.  Next up Kentmere Horseshoe  Billy 3^rd, Dan 4^th, Joe and Harry too.  Black Combe FR was next and Billy and Dan are in a good position as they are 1^st and 2^nd the English FR Champs at present.

No Walk in the Park 5k and 1,500m resumed at Queens Pk Chesterfield and Dave Archer on in 15.46.  In the junior  race Oliver and Emily Jones were 3^rd and 5^th.

Lottie Riddle took on Ironman Bolton finishing in an impressive 12 hours 45 minutes.

Alaina Bond continues to take on the ultras and took on the Dukeries 40 mile trail run at Sherwood Forest.  She also took on the Hardmoors Farndale Marathon in Yorks.    Andy Hall it was 3^rd time lucky as he completed the Lakeland 100 with Martin Zaleski, John Thorpe and Andrew Watson taking on the 50 miler. Shelley Fairey and Kelly Lyn paired for the Endure 24 in Leeds doing as many 5 mile laps as possible in 24 hours. They managed 25 laps and won the ladies pairs.

MACs first race of the year was on – Black Rocks FR with 156 runners and a great event.  Unfortunately, The Festival of Running incorporating Ian Milne WPM, Swift Half and Down in a Shot 10k was postponed to next year.  The Matlock Tri also falling foul of Covid.

Parkruns returned and MACs continued to support these – Shipley Country Park, Markeaton, Birtie West was 1^st at Brierley Forest and new member Jose Rivas Gutierrez 2^nd at Poolsbrook. John Birch had a go at the Sheringham Parkrun in his new home county of Norfolk, Les Thurston taking on Penrose Parkrun, in Cornwall on visits to family.

Brassington Hill Race went ahead with 30 MACs and this was a GP race too.

August

It was a welcome return for the BDL.  Only one race this season but great to be back with MAC men 3^rd and MAC ladies 6^th.  Great to see several new members there too -Phil Leake, Katie Brownbill, Atessa Kolanowska and Amy Leake.

Ricky’s Race was a roaring success with Caroline Brock, Steel City Striders beating the ladies’ course record of 10 years by 7 seconds.   MACs Greg Hopkinson won the  race. 162 runners.

September

Toby Gill was 1^st at Markeaton Parkrun in 17.05.

At Tanis’ Relay MAC had 16 teams with juniors Fergus Turner and Logan Fairey 1^st home overall.

Race The Train went ahead after 2 postponements. 145 runners with 72 beating the train which finished in 56.07.  Caroline Brock, Steel City Striders and Shaun Bott, Belper Harriers running the whole race together and crossing the finish line together too.  The event is really popular and even had a photographer from the Daily Telegraph and Radio Derby did an interview with Jim Thorneycroft.  £1,575 was raised for local charities and hopefully it will be back to its normal slot next year on Easter Monday.

Alaina continues with the ultras this time the 50 miler mainly on the Limestone Way.   Whilst Mark Elwis and Andy Watson took on the 33 miler.

Longshaw Sheepdog Trials FR, Eyam FR Bleaklow Blitz FR all went ahead.

Hayley Gill had a fantastic race at Wilne 10k in the Derbyshire County Champs and Midland Champs.  She was 1^st MAC home in a PB of 38.33 finishing 6^th OA and claiming County Gold and was 1^st LV45 too.  Ian Watson PB 38.44, Denney Lau, Neil Corker and Matt Govan.

The South Mynd Tour FR is the last race in the English FR Champs 2021 and will be the decider to see if Billy Cartwright and Dan Haworth can hang on to 1^st and 2^nd place.  MAC have never had a Senior English FR Champ.  On the strength of their outstanding performances, Jan Forrester, Publicity was asked by Dave Littler, Editor, Fell Runner Magazine to do an article all about MAC.

Well THEY DID IT!  Billy Cartwright 1^st overall and Dan Haworth 2^nd in the English Fell Running Champs 2021.  Amazing contribution to the club and an inspiration to all!

October 2021

MAC’s famous win and 2^nd place by Billy Cartwright and Dan Haworth continued to gain kudos with coverage in the Matlock Mercury and Derbyshire Times, who also did a telephone interview with Billy.  Jan Forrester had been asked by Dave Littler, Editor of Fell Runner Magazine to write an article about MAC – history, characters, MAC races, champions etc.  This was completed and sent in to them in mid-September for publication in the Autumn edition of the magazine due for circulation at end of November/beginning of December 2021.    Also the magazine are going to publish an article all about Billy Cartwright.  Should be interesting reading.

The first of the Winter XC Derby Runner BDLs took place at Shipley Park Heanor and MACs turnout of 21 members meant that MAC took 1^st place in the Ladies’, Men’s and Combined competitions.  So a great start to the XC season.

Andrew Haynes and Mark Elwis continue to take on the ultra off road runs and took on the Limestone Way Ultra 18 mile route.  The Grindleford Gallop 21 miler also went ahead with a new Autumn date – John Thorpe, Mark Elwis, Robert Scriven took part for MAC.  The 66^th Yorkshire 3 Peaks saw 3 MACs take part – Bob Foreman, Tim Perry and Geoff Cooper had a muddy but enjoyable run.

The London Marathon went ahead with a new Autumn date due to Covid of 4^th October.  The sun shone and Dave Archer was first MAC back in 2.25.04, Greg Hopkinson 2.40.26, Ian Watson 3.05.40, Carly Spear 4.11.15 and Kelly Lyn 4.24.14.

More and more races are going ahead with Covid restrictions and the Short Tour of Bradwell (7.8k/390m) had all the race numbers pinned to a fence for runners to collect.  Toby Gill was 3^rd, Sam Thompson 9^th, Dad Scott 31^st, Tom Withers 51^st and Jan Forrester 82^nd and 1^st LV65.

Parkruns were all underway too and it was great to see the first monthly Whitworth Thread take place on 9^th October.

The British Fell Relays Championships took place in Tebay, Cumbria and it was hoped MAC could do well on the back of the English Fell Champs.  MAC had an amazing 4 teams with the elite men – Alastair Campbell, Joe Oldfield, Max Wainwright, Harry Holmes, Billy Cartwright and Dan Haworth taking 3^rd place with Billy and Dan recording the fastest leg of the day.  MAC B team were 45^th in the Open Men Category, MV50 Team were 9^th in the MV50 Category, and in the Mixed Team Category the team were 25^th.

The 1^st race in the N. Mids XC League went ahead in Markeaton Park, Derby with 8 juniors taking part.

Hayley Gill took on the Yorkshire Marathon representing GB and finished in 3.14.32 and Colin Davenport 2.44.44.

The 1^st race in the Winter Handicap 10k from Arc Leisure to Matlock Bath and back took place. 6 races each month with 5 to count.

November

The AGM took place on 4^th November with lots of changes on the committee.  Andy Mellor remained as Chairman, Shelley Fairey took over from Jim Thorneycroft as Vice Chairman.  Louise Rowley was voted as Publicity Officer replacing Jan Forrester who moved over to the role of Junior Co-Ordinator.  Jan agreed to keep on with the Me!Me!Me! Interviews and also to carry on with the History of the Club and to keep the Archive.  Lottie Riddle was voted Ladies’ Captain replacing Alison Pye.  All other members remained in place.  Andy Mellor thanked the outgoing committee members for all their hard work over the years.  Jan Forrester was presented with the Chairman’s shield for her contribution to the Club.

There was a slight change to the Wirksworth Incline FR route meaning that MACs Colin Davenport holds the new course record!

MAC once again sponsored the Matlock Christmas lights and received thanks from the Matlock Town Council.

The end of the Bakewell Parkrun on the Monsal Trail was announced, but this is to be replaced by the Monsal Trail Parkrun.

MAC had a Senior Men’s, Senior Ladies’, and some junior teams in the English XC Relays at Berry Hill, Mansfield and it was very strange not to have any mud!  On  the same weekend Billy Cartwright and Dan Haworth attended the English FR Champs presentation in Penrith to receive their awards of 1^st and 2^nd place.

Race 2 of the BDL XC at Chaddesden saw 17 men and 6 ladies take part with Joe Oldfield making his XC debut to come home in 5^th place.  The presentation from the 2019/2020 season also took place, delayed because of Covid.

MACs Winter age graded 10k handicap saw the 2^nd race in the series take place with 31 MACs taking part.

MAC had a good representation on the Meerbrook 15k road race – Lucy Taylor, Atessa Kolanawski, Hayley Gill and Jan Forrester joined Belper 10/20  Michelle Holmes and Jane Eaton to take 3^rd ladies’ team place in the County race against some strong opposition.

Baslow Bolt FR and Clowne Half Marathon (Senior GP race)  took place in challenging snowy conditions.

The long awaited Autumn Fell Runner magazine arrived and had a long article by Jan Forrester about the history of the Club, fell running, our races with photos etc and also a lengthy interview with English Fell Running Champ, Billy Cartwright.

December 2021

The 3^rd BDL took place in very muddy conditions at Ilkeston with both Ladies’ and Men’s teams claiming 2^nd place and some good individual results too with Greg Hopkinson 6^th overall, Toby Gill 7^th and Jose Rivas Gutierrez 8^th.   For the ladies Hayley Gill was 2^nd and Lottie Riddle 7^th.

It was also round 3 of the N. Mids XC at Shipley Park with Dan Haworth storming home in 1^st place and the juniors doing well too.

There was some MAC interest in taking part in the National XC champs at Parliament Hill in February.

The 3^rd MAC Winter age graded 10k race took place with 23 MACs braving the weather.

Bolsover 10k was another Senior GP race this month and Greg Hopkinson was 4^th overall and Hayley Gill 3^rd Lady overall with a new PB of 38.17.  There were 18 runners.

The annual MAC fancy dress Christmas run took place but another Covid variant, Omicron, had emerged and this was reaking havoc through the population.

The Junior Christmas party went ahead with Dan Haworth undertaking a talk on fell running to entertain along with pizza and drinks.

The annual Christmas Eve run round Carsington Water saw 20 members take part with 79 year old Clive Russell taking it on.  The  Beetroot Race went ahead on Boxing Day with 36 runners.

3 runners took on the Wormstones FR at Glossop on New Year’s Eve.  Joe Oldfield 3^rd, John Thorpe 34^th and Bob Foreman 46^th.