A trio of Harriers ran the Meltham ‘tough’ 10k this morning in a field of 318. Living up to its name, the race climbs nearly 700ft in 4.5 miles, but then the runners are rewarded with a very fast last mile - the race is renowned for many runners setting their fastest ever mile, and this year on Strava it appears no different!
The conditions were perfect today and not TOO windy for this course - it’s been a lot worse! The views from the top were lovely as always. Will was first home for us, with a time of 41:33. Sarah Cumber was next (3rd lady overall!) in 42:28 and finally April Stewart in 44:13.
U11’s delayed Christmas Handicap Sunday 21st January 11am
This annual event is just short of a mile and is at Saville Park. Runners are set off at intervals dependant on ability/ age.
We ask that each runner brings a sweet gift (value (£1.50 -£2) and then the runners get to choose a prize/gift at the finish. This element isn’t compulsory however if you don’t bring a gift you don’t get to choose one- hope that makes sense.
No entry needed just turn up on the day, opposite the chip shop at the bottom of Saville Park.
We will need some parents to help marshal the handicap to ensure safety of the children.
Please arrive by 10.50am, we look forward to seeing you there.
Deb Greenwood
Spine Sprint
Harriers were represented in several races over the weekend. Will Carver and Tom Paget took on the fearsome winter edition of the Montane Spine Sprint race on Saturday. This is a physically and psychologically demanding non-stop 46 mile race along the Pennine Way from Edale in the Peak District to Hebden Bridge. Both runners, however, relished the challenge and finished well inside the 18 hour limit. Will made full use of his past experience - this was the third time he has run this race - to finish fourth overall in 10:01:07; smashing his previous best time by almost two hours. Tom was making his debut at the event, completing the course in a very impressive 12:38:21 in 27th place. Fantastic performances by both!
Temple Newsam 10
A trio of Harriers made the trip to Leeds on Sunday morning to compete in the highly popular Temple Newsam 10; a mixed terrain race around the Temple Newsam Estate offering trails, mud and memories galore. Jane Hobson led the three musketeers home, clocking 1:39:22. Andrea Ackroyd was hot on her heels in 1:39:58. Jenny St Romaine finished in 1:57:17.
Jane commented, "I enjoyed that. I tried to treat it more like a training run. [Jane is competing in the 32 mile Haworth Hobble in March]. It was a bit busy in places, but the weather was pretty much perfect."
Stanbury Splash
Three Harriers participated in the Stanbury Splash near Haworth on Sunday; the latest, and penultimate, race in the club's 2023/24 Fell League. This 6.7 mile race, takes in nearly 1,200' of ascent in total, and includes a number of water crossings as well as plenty of mud! Lee Cattermole (1:00:08) took the maximum 10 points. James O'Rourke (1:03:15) and Maksymilian Stytsun (1:13:58) also wore the club colours.
Heaton Park Half Marathon
Joanne Arundale was third female finisher and first in her age group at the Heaton Park Half Marathon in north Manchester, clocking 1:37:12.
Harewood House Trail Half Marathon
Steve and Sarah Sladdin took on the trail half marathon in the grounds of Harewood House near Leeds on Saturday morning. Steve finished in 18th place in 1:42:54. Sarah completed the course in 2:24:26.
Halifax Harriers feature in the new 50 Years of Calderdale exhibition currently showing at the Bankfield Museum (see photo). This is part of Calderdale celebrating its Year of Culture in 2024 to mark the 50th anniversary of its founding as a Borough. The aim of the Year of Culture is to showcase Calderdale by bringing together people to celebrate arts, heritage and sports, and culture in all its forms.
The exhibition runs at Bankfield Museum on Boothtown Road until December 2025. Admission is free.