Fifteen Harriers took on the challenge of this year's Coley Canter; an excellent trail race organised by Northowram Pumas. The hilly 7.7 mile course takes in a total climb of nearly 900' and includes a good dose of mud and a stream crossing. The route starts in Northowram before taking in Norwood Green, Judy Woods and a circuit around Coley. Highly recommended for anyone who fancies racing off-road but not necessarily wanting the big hills.
Gareth Burrell was the first Harrier home in 17th place in 1:01:37. Lee Cattermole was close behind, finishing 20th in 1:02:27 and was second M45. James O'Rourke was third in the same age category in 1:05:33.
April Caufield led the Harriers women home, finishing third female overall in 1:06:00. Hazel Berrett won the prize for the F60s in 1:19:39. Jane Hobson was third F50 in the same time as she and Hazel crossed the line together. Andrea Ackroyd completed the female quartet, coming home in 1:22:02.
Other Harriers results: Will Carver (1:03:52), Tom Paget (1:04:41), Will Stewart (1:06:04), Ken Montgomery (1:06:31), Mark Crabtree (1:11:22), Simon Gelsthorpe (1:11:27), Martin Ellis (1:28:14), Chris Burrell (1:29:13).
Thirteen Harriers donned their headtorches for the inaugural Winter Solstice Strider on Wednesday evening in aid of the Sue Ryder charity. Runners were able to choose between a 5k and 10k race. Both races took place on the same course using undulating trails, winding through the woods of the St Ives Estate in Bingley. Participants were fittingly taken past the Druids Alter.
Ten Harriers opted for the two-lap 10k event. Will Carver was the first to finish despite falling, clocking 48:15 in 13th place overall and third in the M40 category. James O'Rourke was next in 21st place in 50:34. Andrea Ackroyd led the five-strong contingent of women, taking third place in the F50s in 1:01:02. Sophie Baxter and Paul Hopkinson also placed third in their age categories in 1:02:15 and 1:03:20 respectively. Other Harriers were; Sharon Cousen (1:02:50), Nigel Jamieson (1:02:55), Martin Ellis (1:05:55), Margaret Deacon (1:08:35) and Jenny St Romaine (1:17:58).
Three Harriers chose the one-lap 5k race. Sally Shacklock put in a very impressive performance, finishing first in the F40 age group. Sally was third female finisher in seventh place overall in a time of 29:34. Melody Sutcliffe had an excellent race debut, clocking 41:23, with Martin Haigh close behind in 41:35.
Harriers were well represented at this year's Stoop Fell Race on Sunday morning with some excellent performances in very difficult, icy conditions. Freezing rain overnight resulted in treacherous sheet ice in places, leading the organisers to alter the course, making it slightly shorter than usual. The 4.3 mile course started from Penistone Country Park outside Haworth, and consisted of an out and back route to the top of the Stoop with a total ascent of 820'.
Alex Franklin was first in his category (MU21), finishing sixth overall in 31:55. Ben Crowther was close behind, coming eighth in 32:59. Liam Parkin (36:12) and Ned Hughes (37:12) were also amongst the top 20 finishers. The men's team came second, pipped narrowly to the prize by the hosts, Wharfedale Harriers.
Other Harriers' results: James O'Rourke (46:24), Andrea Ackroyd (49:46), Jane Hobson (55:01) and Martin Ellis (58:52).