As a club, we have often failed to field a single team in the Northern 6 Stage Road Relays, so it was some achievement to put out teams in every category (except U17 Girls) at the Eithad Stadium in Manchester on Sunday.
Not only that, but the teams put in some excellent and highly competitive performances. The Men's A team finished in 20th place and qualified for the Nationals in Birmingham on 8th October. We think that this may be a first for the club. There were superb runs from Tom Hodgson, Max Wharton , Ben Crowther, Harry Johnson , Ewan Wheelwright and Alex Franklin.
A ladies team consisting of Verity Clements, Ellie Horrocks, Cara Bintcliffe and Katrina Oddy
finished a very creditable 45th team out of 90 teams.
Not forgetting our Men's B team members Will Smith, LIam Parkin, Adrian Thomas, Ned Hughes and Michael King who performed heroically in a record attendance field.
Simon Johnson said, "So proud to be Team Manager today."
As well as all the full teams, a special mention for Poppy Jowett, Annabelle Aghahowa and Oliver Powell who turned up and ran in incomplete teams.
Some notable performances: Kitty Harrison-Sergeant ran the 8th fastest leg in the U13 Girls and Sam Keighley ran the joint 6th fastest leg in the U13 Boys. The future looks very bright.
Nick Small commented, "Well done to all the athletes, parents, helpers, team managers and the coaching staff."
The last West Yorkshire athletics meeting for this season was held at Cleckheaton with the overall League trophies being awarded. Jack Fellows won the under 13 boy's trophy and Jack also received the overall Douglas Bedford award. Three athletes were awarded second place trophies: Chester Gately in the under 15 boys, Eesa Idrees in the under 20 men's category and Kitty Harrison-Sargent in the under 13 girls. Molly Firth claimed the under 17 women's first place and Maisie Brown took the third-place trophy.
Further success on the day in the championship. In the under 13 boys Jack Fellows took gold in the 80 metres, shot putt and long jump, Sam Keighley took silvers in the 800 metres and shot putt. Under 15 Ben Slow took home two bronze medals in the 800 metres and high jump. In the under 20 men's category Eesa Idrees was awarded gold in the long jump and a bronze in the 100 and 200 metres and James Shaw took silver in the 400 metres.
In the under 13 girls, Kitty Harrison-Sargent took gold in the 800 metres and a bronze in the 80 metres, sister Nia in the under 15 girls was awarded a Silver in the 200 metres and a bronze in the long jump. Molly Firth in the under 17 women's category taking gold in the 300 metres and silver in the 200 metres. Maisie Brown was awarded a bronze in the 100 and 300 metres.
Bradford 10k
Harriers were well represented at today's Bradford 10k with 21 runners competing in the latest event in the club's road race challenge. Ben Crowther was the first home, finishing in seventh place overall in 34:00. Erika Nightingale was the first of the women to finish, winning the F45 age group in 118th place overall, with a time of 42:53.
Erika was one of four Harriers to take full advantage of the fast, flat course in setting a new 10k personal best. The others were: Will Carver (38:47), Fred Carver (39:17) and Cara Bintcliffe (44:28).
Rachel Beaumont was second in her age group (F50), clocking 43:54. Susan Hall was second F70 in 1:04:52.
Full Harriers results can be found in the Recent Races tab on the website.
Stainland Trail Race
Three Harriers competed in today's Stainland Trail Race, each achieving success in their respective age category. The race is on a hilly, multi-terrain course of 10k, taking in woods, trails and quiet roads. Gareth Burrell was second M15-39 and third overall, recording a time of 47:29. Mark Hadfield was second MV55 in 23rd place in 55:42. Jane Hobson was third FV50 in 37th overall in 1:00:07.