18 runners took part in this year's Summer Handicap on the traditional route of the Hebble Trail and on the canal to Sowerby Bridge and back. Johnny Lister took top spot with a time of 54.26 (47.26). Second place went to John Greenwood in 57.51 (57.51) with last years winner Keith Lemon coming in third in 60.25 (46.25). The fastest actual time was by Amy Radford in 45 mins 38 seconds. This was the first ever 10k run for some of the Group 1 runners so well done to them. The evening was rounded off with snacks and refreshments at the side of the track. Thanks to everyone who took part and everyone who helped out on the night.
The full results can be found on the Recent Races tab of this website.
Harriers descend on Bramham Park for the Endure 24-hour race
A group of Halifax Harriers travelled to Bramham Park at the weekend to take part in the annual Leeds Endure 24. This is the UK’s biggest 24 hour relay race where the 8km route combines undulating hills with scenic luscious woodland. Along the course, runners pass key landmarks like the Lead Lads Temple, Roundhouse, and the historic Bramham Park Estate.
The event runs from Friday through to Sunday and runners can enter as teams, pairs or as individuals. The junior run took place on the Friday; Ben Slow, was first home, with Oscar Thornton coming third - congratulations to both!
The main race started at 12 noon on Saturday and finished at 12 noon, 24 hours later, on Sunday. The Harriers had four teams and 4 solo runners in the race this year. The weather for the event was mixed with warm spells and some showers thrown in. Apart from the occasional overnight downpour which made the course slippery in parts, the mixed weather did not phase the runners as they had plenty of tree cover along much of the route.
Team 1 (Team HH), managed by Sharon Cousen, had Sharon, Fiona Murphy, Hazel Berrett, Andrea Ackroyd and Jane Curwen. They completed 27 laps, with a total distance of 216 km.
Team 2 (The Squashed Runners) comprised Richard Corney, Sue Corney, Fiona Ellam, Louise Briggs and Penny Bottomley and they completed 26 laps of the 8 km route, totalling 208 kilometers.
Team 3, (The Jets) led by Ellen Limebear comprised Ellen, Tim Slow, Jack Melia and Sunny Curwen. Their collective distance was 200km (25 laps).
The 4th Halifax team (Ardley athletic) led by captain Nigel Rigg comprised Nigel, Keith Midgley, Martin Haigh and Heath Reilly. The team covered 192km (24 laps) of which Nigel contributed 72km. Martin said the most satisfying part of the race was on the 4am leg when dawn was breaking and the birds were singing.
In the solo category, Paul and Jenny Hopkinson worked together and completed a credible 12 laps (96 km). Nigel Jamieson completed his solo run also with 12 laps (96 km) under his belt. The third solo competitor from the Harriers was Keith Lemon who was extremely proud of his achievement of 14 laps (112 km).
807 runners completed the event in the female, male, mixed and non-binary categories. The event is not just about the gruelling running though as the event village was well stocked with food outlets, a beer tent and many stalls providing merchandise for the runners. All in all, a great weekend of running, camaraderie and friendship was had by the Harriers team – bring on the 2025 event!
Last night, on a chilly but sunny evening, 26 runners took on the slightly bonkers, but stunningly beautiful Ogden Midsummer Madness. It's a fundraiser, organised by Halifax Harriers, for the upkeep of paths around the Ogden Water Local Nature Reserve. This is the venue for the popular Giant's Tooth fell race and training ground for many West Yorkshire runners, so the low turnout was a little disappointing ... though the mid June fixture list is pretty well packed and we had the ever popular Joe Percy race in Huddersfield taking a good number of potential competitors away.
Nontheless, those that did turn up enjoyed fabulous conditions and a course that gives you a little bit of everything from the Pennine fell running menu: undulations, steep climbs, steep technical descents, woodland, ravines, tussocks, fallen trees, stream crossings, a super fast last km and, even when well flagged, a navigational challenge.
Open winner was Andrew Stemp of Pudsey and Bramley in 29 mins 15 secs, but he was pushed all the way by Halifax Boxing Club youngster Joshua Casey.... an impressive talent and barely 16. Veteran Wharfie Christian Holmes was a beaming third, with course record holder Ben Crowther (Halifax Harriers) in 4th (returning from injury). Tom Paget also represented Harriers.
Rachel Helen Pilling was first lady back, making it a double win for P&B with Wharfedale's Lucy Needham in second place. There were some notable battles among the minor places, Graham Pilling (P&B), Michael Gradwell (Saddlewoprth), Mark O'Connor (CVFR) and Joshua Collins (Halifax Boxing Club) all duking it out over the 5kms and 900 feet of climbing.
Geoff Thompson demonstrated why a throrough recce of the course is recommended, finishing as first Vet 60 and ahead of two boxing club youngsters who took a scenic, but rather longer route.
As usual the finish and the Causeway Foot pub afterwards were all about the smiles, and the verdicts on the route "Brilliant", "Brutal", "Mental" "Fun" "Crazy" and "Awesome" were all heard. I'll not mention the prizes though.
Hopefully next year we'll have a few more runners to give it their best shot.
Photo of Rachel Helen Pilling (Pudsey & Bradley)