The Red Hot Toddy 10k was the first race in Halifax Harriers Race Challenge for 2019 and they had eighteen runners at the race. Ben Crowther made a welcome return to the racing scene with a second place finish in this tough race in a time of 37:18. Halifax Harriers ladies were led home by Helen Ward who was second lady with a time of 47:04.H H
The Hot Toddy 10k starts with two laps of Centre Vale Park in Todmorden, which this year also included ankle deep flooded sections. Then it’s a steep climb on the third and fourth kilometre before the descent down to Todmorden. The day was cold with sleet and snow at times.,
Halifax Harriers has a number of age group winners on the day. Mark Crabtree (2nd M60) 46:03, Robert Hick (3rd M60) 47:50, Marc Rocheteau (2nd M55) 48:58, Raymond Hall (1st M70) 54:04, Susan Hall (1st F65) 69:28.
Other runners for the club were William Stewart 42:36, Will Carver 45:45, Jonny Lister 51:26, Nigel Taylor 51:44, Paul Bunker 54:31, John Moore 54:33, Margaret Deacon 55:05, Jane Hobson 60:28, Kirsty Carver 66:11, Monica Gallagher 66:33, Danny Green 71:22.
Despite it being a race challenge day over in Todmorden on Sunday, a team of 6 Harriers made the 35 minute journey to Greater Manchester to run the Irwell Valley 20 mile race.
Upon arriving at the venue, it soon became apparent that the distance was going to be the least of our worries - the rain was beating down, the wind was picking up and the temperature was stuck at a rather chilly 2 degrees. All this considered, it wasn't quite enough to deter a field of almost 400 runners heading to the startline and out to tackle the muddy trails of a rather aptly named Drinkwater Park.
The course began with a short 2 mile loop through open fields and a short stretch of woodland, before leading back to the start and out onto the first of 2, 8 mile circuits. Where the running route follows a trail path, it was very challenging under foot as the heavy rain fall had caused large parts of the course to become a swampy quagmire of mud. The first of the Harriers to fall victim to the conditions was Keith Lemon, who had a crowd of runners in fits of laughter, losing his trainer in a particularly boggy puddle just as he passed the 4 mile mark. Fortunately, he soldiered on (trainer on foot) and proved to be a fantastic source of support for his running partner Hanni Maeer as they completed the 20 miles together.
As the race progressed, the weather took a turn for the worst and a cruel headwind blew in a rather heavy snowstorm which lasted the best part of an hour. Following this, the rain returned in heavy bursts before a brief bit of respite came in the occasional sunny spell.
It was an incredibly challenging race, but very good training for those running Spring marathons and ultra races and if nothing else, all involved earned a hearty Sunday dinner! First home for the Harriers was Keith Lemon and Hanni Maeer who crossed the finish line together in 3.08:20, followed by Martin Ellis 3.26:03, Wayne Stevens 3.27:57 and Jenny St.Romaine 4.00:00. A special mention has to be given to Andrea Ackroyd who, plagued by injury, battled through to complete 12 miles of the course in a time of 1.49.
National Cross Country Championships at Leeds
The 2019 National Cross Country Championships were held in the grounds of Harewood House in hot conditions for February. The course included challenging climbs and descents with a fast, long finishing section.
Halifax Harriers were represented in various age group races.
In the under 13 girls race, Nia Harrison-Sergeant came 84th, whilst in the under 13 boys race, James Duffy finished 254th.
James Johnson finished 254th in the under 15 boys race.
The under 17 men all performed well with Max Burgin finishing 37th, Ewan Wheelwright 144th and Harry Keighley 237th.
Laura Knowles ran in the junior ladies race finishing in 113th.
In the senior ladies race Katrina Oddy finished 277th (5th V50), whilst in the senior mens race Ben Crowther came 288th, Simon Johnson 801st, Ryan Barker 1106th and Heath Reilly 1975th.
All the Halifax HarriersH athletes put in some good performances in the heat against some of the best runners in the country in their age groups.
Ilkley Moor fell race
Halifax Harriers had 3 runners in a field of 264 at the Ilkley Moor fell race.
This is a tough 5 mile course with lots of challenging climbs and technical descents. The day was warm with dry conditions underfoot.
Halifax Harriers results - Paul Sutcliffe, 61st in 48:36, Sarah Langan 229th in 69:45 and Samuel Wright 240th in 70:55.
This race is the second in the Halifax Harriers Fell League, with Paul Sutcliffe leading the men and Hazel Berrett and Sarah Langan in equal first place in the ladies.