Virtual relay success

A LACK of running competitions due to COVID-19 has led to Penistone runners competing in what are being called ‘virtual’ races. Thirty-three members for PFRAC were amongst over 5,000 athletes nationally to take part in the Virtual National Road Relay Championships.

Traditionally the event is held in Sutton Park near Birmingham in early April and is considered the most prestigious event club runners can participate in. Runners were tasked with running a 5k as fast as they could, whilst observing current social distancing protocols.

Runs had to be within running or walking distance from their home, be done solo and away from parks or other busy places. The runs were recorded on people’s watches and uploaded to a website compiled by the race organisers, Open Track.

The men’s A team finished 103rd in 3-51-46 whilst the top 12 Women’s team ranked 28th nationally. The women’s six to count team finished 66th whilst the age graded competition, which sees athletes given a handicap based on age and gender, saw the club finish 99th. In the veteran competitions, the men were 52nd in 1-54-44 whilst the women were 15th in 2-11-30.

Finally the club was able to field a four to count in the men’s over-50 team which finished 17th. Both Hugh Mackie (male under-17) and Dawn Broom (lady over-55) finished in the top 10 in the country in their respective age groupings.

Hugh was also the fastest Penistone male with 16-32, just in front of Gary Briscoe who ran 16-38 in his valedictory run for the club. The fastest woman, in a breakthrough run for her, was Rachael Mayston with 20-59, closely followed by Sam Shaw, Lesley Parker and Dawn Broom.

The competition provided some much-needed relief and competitive club camaraderie during these uncertain times.

The famous three peaks fell race which, until cancelled, was due to be run later this month was replaced by a stair climbing challenge where teams had to climb up and down stairs in their homes to match the equivalent elevation of the three national highest peaks of Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike.

Penistone runners Jon Waller, James Fryers along with Jon’s friend Tom Parzyk formed a team of three and took on the challenge. Jon ran up and down his stairs 538 times, Tom 359 times and James 350 times to give a total height of 3,408 metres. Their combined times put them in 4th place overall in their category.

The stair-climbing event was used to raise funds for much needed Personal Protection Equipment.