It was a scorcher on Sunday morning when nine Harriers tackled the Flat Caps 10k in the unforgiving heat. The route started with a steep climb up through the woods from Sowerby Bridge and then continued to climb to the tops of Boulderclough and Hubberton, including the aptly named Steep Lane. If the runners had any energy left to lift their heads, the views were stunning! The event was fantastically organised, with the Sowerby Snails being the perfect hosts.
Harry Johnson won the race, breaking the course record in a time of 37:11 and bagging himself £50 cash, which he humbly donated to the race charity, The Christie. Will Stewart was the next Harrier home in 8th place (44:25), followed by Simon Johnson in 14th (46:07). April Caufield was third female in 25th place overall, clocking 49:49. Other Harriers were Lee Jackson, Joanne Arundle, Mark Crabtree, Rachel McCauley and Jack Melia. Harriers won both the Mens & Ladies Team prizes.
NorthowRun5
What a fantastic morning at the NorthowRun5 on Sunday. This undulating five mile road race in and around Northowram was organised by the Pumas and was the latest event in our Road Race Championship. We had a great turnout with 20 Harriers amongst a total field of 190 and the weather was gorgeous ☀️
Simon Johnson led the Harriers home, winning his age category (MV55) with a time of 32:09 in fourth place overall. Simon was closely followed by Niall Smith (32:14) and Gareth Burrell (32:21), who both also placed in the top ten, in seventh and ninth respectively.
Our first lady back was Tabitha Howe in 40:13, followed by Jane Hobson (40:33) and Hazel Berrett (41:22) who both won their age categories. All great efforts, with Jane impressively following up on her trail half marathon the day before (see below)
Other Harriers were Will Carver, David Ingle, Howard Coney, Robert Hick, Aaron Bergin, Marc Rocheteau, Nigel Rigg, Mark Crabtree, Stephen Fitz-Costa, Paul Hopkinson, John Moore, Kirsty Carver, Jane Stewart and Steve Denniss.
Glorious Gargrave Gallop
David Parrington ran the Glorious Gargrave Gallop ultra-marathon on Sunday. David set a personal best time of 6:24:35 for 50k on this out and back route along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. The course was a mix of towpath and grass with delightful scenery.
Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon
Jane Hobson and Stef Dickinson both competed in the Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon on Saturday as they continue preparations for their ultra later in the summer. Jane and Steph completed the scenic course that takes in over 2,000' of ascent, starting from Grassington, in 2:23:37 and 2:24:30 respectively. Jane commented, "It was sunny and very warm with a light, but welcome, breeze on the tops. The heat made the race even tougher than usual, but it was worth it for the lovely setting and beautiful views." In contrast, Stef's reaction was unprintable!!
Pen-Y-Ghent Fell Race
Chris Standish was also in off-road action in the Dales on Saturday, finishing the Pen-Y-Ghent Fell Race in 1:08:28. Runners were rewarded with cakes on completion of the challenging 6.8 mile race, with nearly 1,600' of climbing, on what was a new course this year.
Apperley Bridge Canter
Andrea Ackroyd and Martin Ellis took part in last Thursday's Apperley Bridge Canter on a cool evening. This approximately 10k multi-terrain course takes place on scenic trails and backroads around Apperley Bridge and Horsforth with a few hills thrown in for good measure. Andrea and Martin finished in 1:03:53 and 1:04:03 respectively.
Bronte 5
There were some fantastic results for Harriers on the same evening at the Bronte 5; a demanding five mile road race in Haworth. Tom Hodgson won the race in 26:38 with Harry Johnson close behind in second place in 26:52. Will Smith took fourth place in 27:36. Ben Crowther completed the quartet of Harriers in the top ten, finishing eighth in 28:22. Laura Knowles (36:59), Mark Crabtree (39:52) and Sally Shacklock (42:44) also ran for the Harriers.
Plenty of Harriers have been out racing over the past few days. Here is a summary:
Bradford 10k
Harriers were well represented at Sunday's Bradford 10k with 31 runners amongst the almost 1,000 strong field. The race was the latest counter in the club's road race championships. Liam Parkin was the first Harrier home in 17th place in 35:58. Aaron Bergin (36:47) and Will Stewart (37:57) also made the top 30. There were age group successes for Rachael Beaumont (2nd F50), Susan Hall (2nd F70), James O'Rourke (3rd M45) and Rob Hick (3rd M65). Eight Harriers also took advantage of the mainly flat course and good running conditions to set personal best times; Matthew Green (39:10), Harris Faulkner (42:46), Howard Coney (43:57), David Parrington (48:14), Jack Melia (49:34), Angela Cowton (56:56), Lucia Cattermole (1:09:14) and Heidi Coney (1:18:13).
Edinburgh 10k and Half Marathon
Two Harriers were in action in Scotland's capital city over the weekend. On Saturday, Stephen Rainbow finished 20th in the Edinburgh 10k in 40:07 and was second in the M40 age category. The course went up and around Arthur's Seat. Stephen reported that, "Conditions were tough on the day as the weather was hot and sunny, but there was also a strong headwind for the exposed parts of the course. Conditions definitely impacted the field compared to previous years." Jane Stewart set a PB of 2:09:12 in Sunday's Edinburgh half marathon.
Wuther Heights Wander
Three members continued their progress from the club's couch to 5k programme, competing in Saturday's Wuther Heights Wander Trail race on the hills and trails above Haworth. Mel Sutcliffe (1:06:03), Clare Fountain (1:08:41) and Gemma Weatherby (1:08:41) all completed the demanding 5.2 mile course, taking in 670' of ascent. Clare commented, "We started at 11:30 and it was beautiful scenery in the sunshine but, wow, I was hot by the end. Across the moors, up and down stony sections with a bit of road and them up, up, up around Bronte falls, round by the reservoir and into Haworth through the churchyard to finish in the car park where we started." Group 1 leaders, Jude and Jenny, cycled out to support the runners, which was much appreciated. The duo also cycled to Bradford on Sunday to cheer on their clubmates as did Mark Crabtree. Many thanks to all three for their support.
Hebden Bridge Fell Race
Nine Harriers took part in last Thursday evening's That's So Hebden Bridge Fell Race. Starting on the canal side in Hebden, runners make their way up a series of steep climbs to the Stoodley Pike Monument before running across the moors and descending through woods. Fred Carver completed the 6.5 mile course with over 1,100' of ascent in 51:13, placing ninth overall and was first male under 23. Next came the three Wills; Cattermole (52:59), Carver (55:18) and Stewart (55:54). All finished in the top 20 as did Lee Cattermole (56:13). April Caufield was close behind, placing fourth woman in 59:13. Chris Standish, Kirsty Carver and Martin Ellis also competed for the Harriers.
April commented, "Do you ever fancy entering a fell race spontaneously to crawl up a steep heather-clad hillside, run through bogs, trip over tussocks and tree roots? Well tonight this road runner made a rare appearance on the fells and loved every second."