The club was well represented at yesterday's Winter Solstice Strider in Bingley on a wild and windy night. The undulating route works its way through the woods and past the Druids Altar on the St Ives Estate with the runners relying on head torches to light the way. There was the choice of a 5k or 10k race.
The majority of Harriers decided on the longer option. Mark Crabtree (58:44), Jane Hobson (1:02:09) and Hazel Berrett (1:02:22) led the way. All three confirmed their undoubted class by taking first place in their age group. There were also age group podium positions for Martin Haigh (2nd M70), Nigel Rigg (3rd M60), Andrea Ackroyd (3rd F50) and Jane Curwen (3rd F55). Nigel Jamieson, Sharon Cousen, Bryony Baron, Margaret Deacon and Jenny St Romaine completed the Harriers' dozen.
Four Harriers competed in the 5k with the Sutcliffe family out in force. Juniors James and Louis completed the course in 30:44 and 34:17 respectively with mum, Mel, clocking 41:23. Clare Fountain finished in 47:40. Great efforts by all.
Jenny commented, "A most enjoyable mudfest with the high winds and fallen trees to navigate around adding further interest. Great fun!"
Entries for next year's races are already open and are strongly recommended for those wanting to try an off-road, headtorch running adventure. The 2024 event will be on the 21st December. This year's date of the 22nd had previously caused some confusion and debate amongst Harriers!
Congratulations to Steve Wilford who won the 2023 Christmas Handicap covering the course in a time 54:45 (43:45). Sarah Cumber finished 2nd just behind in 56:25 (39.55) holding off Paul Hopkinson in 3rd 57:52 (48:52). 14 Harriers completed the course with 5 first timers taking part and it was good to see a healthy prize table holding this quirky tradition together. 190 different athletes have competed in this event since records began in 1985 – let’s get that number up to 200 next year! Just as important, the race was followed by a very well attended social at the 3 Pigeons which is becoming as traditional as the race itself!
How do you rank on the all-time list (since 1985)? See the past results to compare your performance. See the results by following this link Halifax Harriers
The annual festive fell fun of The Stoop attracted a smaller coterie of HH runners today, due mainly to the clash with the Christmas Handicap. The plan was to go for the team prize but, sadly, lurgy and mis-haps put the mockers on Kieran Manchester and Ben Crowther's participation.
No bother though. Our young stars made their presence felt in no uncertain terms. Eli Cattermole was second in the U15 Quarry race, Casey George (5th U11 girl) ran her heart out in the junior Quarry Runs (along with big Sis Jayde, who won the GU17 race ... albeit in her strange Where's Wally kit).
In the main event, Alex Franklin took the first U21 prize, closely followed by Will Cattermole who took second (10th and 11th overall). Dad, Lee, had a great run a few minutes behind in 50th place.
Things are never straight forward at the Stoop. It is always extremely boggy, unless, like last year, it is sheet ice. This year, a beautiful sunny Pennine day in Bronte land came with a very stiff headwind on the run out to the Stoop. Alex and Will finished in amongst the leading senior runners ...who are all seasoned, experienced fell racers... Will, on the other hand, at 16, was taking on the Stoop for the first time.
Congratulations all of you.