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.
Well done to Harriers at the Malaga marathon and half marathon at the weekend.
Ryan Barker and Simon Johnson continued their international racing, travelling back to sunny Spain. Both had great races- Simon finishing fourth in V55 age group (1h24) in the half, and Ryan completed his 65th marathon in 3h12.