Sutton Park, Birmingham
After a very successful qualifying campaign at the Northerns at Manchester 2 weeks ago, spirits were high for Halifax's debut in this prestigious event. Standards are very high with many teams fielding international athletes.
The men finished an excellent 48th place of 80 teams from the Midlands, Southern and Eastern regions. The winners were Aldershot with Leeds 2nd and Cambridge 3rd. We are now hoping to build on today's event and we have several runners on the sidelines who are now challenging for the first team.
In leg order for Halifax (5.8k)
Tom Hodgson 18.11
Max Wharton 18.14
Ben Crowther 19.45
Alex Franklin 20.10
Ewan Wheelwright 18.48
Will Smith 20.21
The action continues at the National XC relays in Mansfield on the 5th November where both the men, ladies and juniors compete for Halifax.
Pictured in the photo is Ewan Wheelright (19 years old) who ran outstandingly.
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Harriers were well represented at both the London and Chester Marathons yesterday. Congratulations to all who ran and very well done!
London Marathon
There were seven in club colours at London where the sun shone on a warm, dry Autumn day. Luckily, the heavy rain that had been forecast for the capital did not materialise.
James O'Rourke led the contingent home, finishing in 3:09:42. Rob Hick also broke the 4 hour barrier, clocking a PB of 3:55:15. Chris Kirkbride finally ended an 11 year wait to run at London, crossing the finishing line in 5:12:38. Other Harriers were: Steve Denniss (4:50:33), Rachel McCauley (5:08:13), Angela Cowton (5:15:19) and Kirsty Carver (5:59:48).
Chester Marathon
Four Harriers competed in the Chester Marathon. Tom Paget was the first to finish in 3:19:18. Hazel Berrett set a new club F60 record to add to her host of other club records, completing in 3:55:43. Paul Hopkinson crossed the line in 4:00:57 with Stef Dickinson finishing in 4:11:08.
Great Scottish Run Half Marathon
Jane Stewart travelled across the border to take on the challenge of the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon in Glasgow yesterday. Jane finished in a time of 2:10:12.
Holme Valley Trail Half Marathon
The club was also represented at Saturday's Holme Valley Trail Half Marathon. This is a hilly course comprising two loops of moorland and forested tracks near Holmfirth. Fred Carver was fifth overall in 1:49:11. Andrea Ackroyd (2:19:25) and Margaret Deacon (2:41:32) were second and third respectively in the F50 age category. Jenny St Romaine won the F55 category in 3:04:38.
Thieveley Pike Fell Race
Four Harriers took to the hills on Saturday morning to compete in the Thieveley Pike Fell Race. This short (4.3 miles) but demanding race (1,312' of ascent with three climbs) starts in Holme near Burnley.
Fred Carver and Andrea Ackroyd took maximum points in the latest race in the club's fell league. Fred was first M23, finishing in 30th place in 40:46. Andrea was third F50 in 90th in 52:17. Hazel Berrett clocked 53:27 to take victory in the F60 category. Jenny St Romaine, who picked up an injury, came home in 1:21:23.
Berlin Marathon
Munich-based Harrier, Hanni Maeer, returned to marathon racing at yesterday's Berlin Marathon, crossing the finishing line in 4:14:06.
Greenway 10k
Gareth Burrell and Angela Clarke both took part in Sunday's Greenway 10k; a fast out-and-back course along the tarmaced Spen Valley Greenway from Princess Mary Athletics Stadium. Gareth finished 4th overall in 37:55. Angela was second F50, taking 36th place in 47:32.
Warrington 5k
John Moore took first place in the M50 category at Sunday's 5k event at the Warrington Running Festival. John finished 30th overall in a time of 26:47.
Ilkley and Fleetwood Triathlons
Several Harriers were in triathlon action on Sunday. All had prepared diligently by attending Keith Midgley's 70th birthday party the night before!
Nigel Jamieson, Sharon Cousen, Margaret Deacon and Martin Ellis all competed in the short, but tough, Ilkley Triathlon. 2005 winner, Jonny Brownlee, turned up to draw the raffle and present the prizes. Sadly, there were no Harriers amongst the winners.
Heath Reilly, Geoff Cumber and Sarah Cumber all raced on the Fylde Coast at the Fleetwood Triathlon.