Rochdale Harriers Jill Butterworth first woman at 75k Canalathon

Photo: Steve Bateson

Jill Butterworth

Rochdale Harriers’ Ladies Captain, Jill Butterworth, was the first woman to win the 75k (47 miles) Canalathon in seven hours 45 minutes.

Jill, who was appointed captain last April, has taken part in the Canalathon every year since it began, having completed the 50k and 100k distances before: this was her first time completing the 75k. She has previously placed as second lady in 2015 for the 100k (62 miles) distance.

She began running ultramarathons in 2013 after running more than a dozen marathons in the previous nine years. She has been a proud member of the Rochdale Harriers since 2010.

Speaking about her achievement, Jill said: “Crossing the line as first lady and fifth overall was one of the best moments of my life.

“I tend to run fairly long distances regularly, so just upped my mileage on the long runs for a few weeks prior to the event. The longest training run I did was 30 miles.

“I think 50 miles is quite a nice distance for an event. I didn’t have to up my training mileage too drastically and I did want to try and race this time to see how I might do. Previously, although I’ve had good results, I’ve always just aimed to complete the ultras and have never really been too concerned about where in the field I’ve finished.”

Both Jill’s friends and family, including her partner Nick, daughter Mia, and her mum came to support her at various points in the route, which sees participants run to Oldham from Sowerby Bridge and back.

Jill said: “Mia and mum saw me at Smithybridge, both out and back, which was fantastic. My auntie and uncle also came out to see me at Castleton and a friend biked out to see me near Littleborough too. Nick met me at various checkpoints to check how I was doing.

“Seeing them all was a real high point and I'd like to say a big thank you for all the words of encouragement and the support from all my friends and family.”

Inspired by Mia, who was born with complex heart defects, Jill began raising money in 2003 for charities such as the Children’s Heart Association, Heartline, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and the British Heart Foundation, including the 3D scanner appeal for Royal Manchester. Mia is due to undergo her fourth heart surgery in the summer after completing her GCSEs.

Jill explained: “Mia was born with complex heart defects including: ccTGA (pumping chambers/arteries on wrong sides), VSD (hole between the ventricles), ASD (hole between atria), dextrocardia (heart on wrong side of body), pulmonary atresia and stenosis (pulmonary valve didn't form, pulmonary artery narrowed).

“Mia has had several surgeries and interventions. In spite of all this she has gone on to achieve her bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh awards, involving several days of hiking. Mia has also been climbing for years and has attained several climbing grades. I'm so proud of her.”

She added: “I haven’t booked any long races because of Mia’s surgery; we’ll play it by ear. I am planning on racing as much as possible in the club road and fell championships, if I can though. I especially love fell running so I can’t wait to get out onto the hills again. I’ll decide later in the year whether to enter another ultra in the autumn.”

Also running the Canalathon, Jill was joined by fellow Harrier John Mayall, who completed the 50k (31 miles) distance in a new club record of four hours 37 minutes.

To donate, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ultramarathonmum/