The first of this year's Bunny Runs took place at Penistone Hill near Haworth on Tuesday evening. Will Cattermole led the six Harriers - three juniors and three seniors - home in 26th overall and 2nd U17 Boy. He was very closely followed by younger brother Eli, who finished 35th and 6th U15 Boy which, at 12 years old, was outstanding. Jayde McGregor was our first Lady back, finishing 64th overall and 3rd U17 Girl. Nigel Crossfield was the first of our seniors home in 43rd (2nd MV50) and Andrea Ackroyd was our first senior lady in 119th. Jenny St Romaine dug deep to get round in 152nd. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, capped off with chocolate galore!
This was the first in a series of three races held over the next few weeks. At 4.8k/3m long and with ‘only’ 100m/ 328’ of climbing, these low key, fun races are perfect for anyone looking to give fell racing a try. The second race is next Tuesday (12th April) at 7pm. Enter on the day for just £3. See link for further information:http://www.wharfedaleharriers.co.uk/events/bunny-runs/
Six Harriers took part in Sunday's Manchester Marathon with some excellent performances. Phil Smith broke the three hour barrier, setting a personal best (PB) time of 2:59:29. Joanne Arundale and Adam Lewis clocked 3:18:23 and 4:31:03 respectively in their debut marathons. Debbie Kirkbride set a new club F60 record of 5:11:42 despite suffering from a heavy cold. Rachael Beaumont (3:33:29) - see photo - and Angela Clarke (3:41:24) also wore the club colours.
Five Harriers participated in the Baildon Boundary Way Half Marathon. This very scenic trail race had a bit of everything; woodland trails, canal towpath, moorland, some road and around 1,200' of climbing. James O'Rourke was first Harrier home in 1:52:21. Hazel Berrett led the ladies, finishing first in her category (FV60) in 2:00:36 . Other Harriers were: Jane Hobson (second FV50) in 2:07:12, Wayne Stevens (2:08:47) and Martin Ellis (2:28:09).
Also on Sunday, Margaret Deacon ran in the London Landmarks Half Marathon; a route that takes in many of the capital's famous monuments and buildings. Margaret, who finished in 1:59:09, described it as, "My favourite road half. Lots to see, great support and fab weather."
A few Harriers competed in the latest races in the Podium 5k series on Saturday. This time held in Barrowford, near Nelson in Lancashire. Josh Hall-Brown set a new PB of 15:12 in the 'A' Race whilst Alex Franklin finished in 15:42 and was third male junior in the 'B' Race. Tom Needham ran a PB and club record for the M35 category of 16:35 with Liam Parkin also setting a PB (16:49) in the 'C' Race.
Harriers had a very successful journey to Keighley on Sunday with victories in both the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice 10k and 5k women’s races. April Caufield came home first in the 10k in 41:21 whilst Alice Vick took first place in the 5k in 20:32.
Fourteen Harriers ran in the 5k, which was the first race in the club’s 2022/23 road championships. A decent turnout despite an early start on the morning the clocks had gone forward and the logistics of parking due to the point-to-point race route. The course took in a lot of twists and turns and went through a few parks. There were a number of inclines but the route was mainly downhill.
Will Carver finished third overall in 19:03, pursued by James O’Rourke in fourth in 19:44. Margaret Deacon took first place in the FV50 category in 24:34. Other Harriers were; Ben Slow (20:36), Steve Fitz-Costa (22:58), Marc Rocheteau (22:58), Stef Dickinson (23:36), Tim Slow (23:49), John Moore (25:13), Jenny St Romaine (27:48), Jude Baines (28:19), Kirsty Carver (29:30) and Rebecca Palmer (30:37).
The 10k route was circular with a total ascent of 400’. Gareth Burrell was the first Harrier home, clocking 39:01. Eli Dawson and Will Stewart also represented the club, completing in 40:16 and 40:47 respectively.