Six Harriers took part in Sunday's Manchester Marathon with some excellent performances. Phil Smith broke the three hour barrier, setting a personal best (PB) time of 2:59:29. Joanne Arundale and Adam Lewis clocked 3:18:23 and 4:31:03 respectively in their debut marathons. Debbie Kirkbride set a new club F60 record of 5:11:42 despite suffering from a heavy cold. Rachael Beaumont (3:33:29) - see photo - and Angela Clarke (3:41:24) also wore the club colours.
Five Harriers participated in the Baildon Boundary Way Half Marathon. This very scenic trail race had a bit of everything; woodland trails, canal towpath, moorland, some road and around 1,200' of climbing. James O'Rourke was first Harrier home in 1:52:21. Hazel Berrett led the ladies, finishing first in her category (FV60) in 2:00:36 . Other Harriers were: Jane Hobson (second FV50) in 2:07:12, Wayne Stevens (2:08:47) and Martin Ellis (2:28:09).
Also on Sunday, Margaret Deacon ran in the London Landmarks Half Marathon; a route that takes in many of the capital's famous monuments and buildings. Margaret, who finished in 1:59:09, described it as, "My favourite road half. Lots to see, great support and fab weather."
A few Harriers competed in the latest races in the Podium 5k series on Saturday. This time held in Barrowford, near Nelson in Lancashire. Josh Hall-Brown set a new PB of 15:12 in the 'A' Race whilst Alex Franklin finished in 15:42 and was third male junior in the 'B' Race. Tom Needham ran a PB and club record for the M35 category of 16:35 with Liam Parkin also setting a PB (16:49) in the 'C' Race.
Harriers had a very successful journey to Keighley on Sunday with victories in both the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice 10k and 5k women’s races. April Caufield came home first in the 10k in 41:21 whilst Alice Vick took first place in the 5k in 20:32.
Fourteen Harriers ran in the 5k, which was the first race in the club’s 2022/23 road championships. A decent turnout despite an early start on the morning the clocks had gone forward and the logistics of parking due to the point-to-point race route. The course took in a lot of twists and turns and went through a few parks. There were a number of inclines but the route was mainly downhill.
Will Carver finished third overall in 19:03, pursued by James O’Rourke in fourth in 19:44. Margaret Deacon took first place in the FV50 category in 24:34. Other Harriers were; Ben Slow (20:36), Steve Fitz-Costa (22:58), Marc Rocheteau (22:58), Stef Dickinson (23:36), Tim Slow (23:49), John Moore (25:13), Jenny St Romaine (27:48), Jude Baines (28:19), Kirsty Carver (29:30) and Rebecca Palmer (30:37).
The 10k route was circular with a total ascent of 400’. Gareth Burrell was the first Harrier home, clocking 39:01. Eli Dawson and Will Stewart also represented the club, completing in 40:16 and 40:47 respectively.
At the Harriers Annual Dinner on Friday night, Raymond Hall was presented with an inscribed silver salver and honorary life membership in recognition of his many years of outstanding service to the club.
The Dinner was held at Queensbury Golf club and everyone enjoyed the three course meal, which was followed by the presentation of the senior prizes by Mark Gaughan. The awards included the Road Race Leagues, Fell Leagues and Cross Country awards.
The Chairman’s Trophy is awarded to a member who has made a significant contribution to the club. This year it was awarded to Helen Keighley, who unfortunately was not present to collect it.
The Pearson Trophy for Endeavour was presented to Kirsty Carver for her running with a smile attitude.
The most improved 10k runner was Erika Nightingale.
The winners in the Cross Country Championships were Verity Clements (female under 20), Michael Gaughan (senior men), Bethan Davies (senior female), Katrina Oddy (female veteran) Stephen Fitz-Costa (male veteran).
In the Fell Challenge the ladies winner was Jane Hobson and the male winner Will Carver.
The Road Race Challenge is split into 5 divisions. Division A winner was Niall Smith, Division B winner Stephen Fitz-Costa, Division C winner Paul Hopkinson, Division D winner Stefanie Dickinson, Division E winner Kirsty Carver.