Today was the Melmerby 10k in Ripon and the sunshine was out for (what feels like) the first time this year.
13 Harriers took on the undulating course as part of the Road Race Challenge, amongst a field of 394.
Will Stewart was our first runner back in 28th place, with 38:37, bagging his first 20 points of the year.
Other runners were:
Stephen Rainbow - 39:09
James O'Rourke - 39:33
April Stewart - 41:37
Howard Coney - 46:51
Keith Lemon - 48:48
Nigel Rigg- 49:33
Hazel Berrett - 49:40
Geoff Cumber - 59:22
Deborah Kirkbride - 59:46
John Moore - 1:00:05
Chris Kirkbride - 1:01:20
Steve Dennis - 1:04:55
Well done all!
We then enjoyed a gorgeous meal at the @arms_grantham - fantastic food and service!
Yesterday, four Harriers took part in the Calderdale Way Ultra 30 mile option. The route, which starts at Brighouse and finishes at Heptonstall, traverses some of Calderdale’s most picturesque, and challenging, scenery. This is a race not for the faint-hearted as it takes in some technical descents and some challenging ascents.
Tom Paget had a superb run finishing in 4th (5.45.00) Sarah Cumber finished 9th and 3rd lady (6.03) and Steve Sladdin finished 10th (6.03). Rob Hick, who made his ultramarathon debut, finished strong to complete the quartet in 26th position (7.28).
Adopting the ethos of the CWR relay race, Steve and Sarah ran it as a pair. This was Steve’s first time racing long distance since Covid, and becoming a dad. Steve said, “Sarah was amazing. There were times in the race she was far stronger than I, equally, there were times in the race I thought I had been overoptimistic that my general fitness would carry me through as the longest run I had done was 15 mile, and that was the recce. Sarah was patient and I think we made a good team although she could have easily been 2nd on the podium. Testament to the person she is.”
It goes without saying, the true star of the day was Geoff Cumber who was at every aid station, and various places around the course, offering his support and encouragement.
The weather was certainly on our side and, perhaps next year, we might all do the 50…..or not.
Today I took part in the Calderdale Way Ultra. A superb race organised by ‘She Strides Events’. The 50 mile route started and finished in Heptonstall and follows the paths and trails of the Calderdale boundary. It has around 9000ft of elevation and takes in the wonderful views of moorland, hills and the local towns and villages, it is dominated by Stoodley pike in the West and Wainhouse tower in the East.
When the race set off, I inadvertently found myself at the front as I knew the way and the other front runners didn’t. I managed to keep the lead for over half the race, but had pushed myself too hard and struggled from Ripponden to Stoodley Pike. I was overtaken by 3 runners who were in a group, running together and suddenly found myself moving from 1st to 4th. I had some encouragement from a fellow ultra runner from Queensbury at Withens Clough (I love the ultra runners of Calderdale, they are wonderful supportive people) and managed to regroup, never give up – I retook 3rd place by Todmorden.
I was able to hold on to this and am absolutely delighted with 3rd place at this event. It was great to have Halifax Harriers support at the finish – from those who had completed and were supporting the 30 mile ultra from Brighouse to Heptonstall. What a great way to spend the day running through wonderful Calderdale. I think that I am ready to lead the recce run for leg 4 of the Calderdale Way Relay (CWR) next weekend. The CWR is a special event and a highlight of the running calendar – 19th May 2024, I am very excited.