This years summer handicap was celebrated with the presentation of a special ’50 years a member’ vest to Martin Haigh who passed this amazing milestone earlier this month. Joining as a 19 year old (just), Martin has been a valuable, ever-present in competing for and representing the club in various capacities and he plans to continue doing so for the next 50 years, which he started by running in the handicap.
We had 28 runners in this years event which was run along the usual course starting at the Hebble Trail and following the canal tow path to Sowerby Bridge and back. First back this year, and winning the champions trophy was Keith Lemon in 54.30. Keith is currently on a come-back from injury but showed he’s making really good progress by leading from start to finish. Second place went to Adrian Conway in 56.13 and 3rd place for the second year running was Ian Giles in 58.18 (50.18). First lady was Sharon Cousen in 60.03 (53.13) and 5th place overall.
Thanks to all the marshals and officials and to Debbie & Chris for organising a fantastic post-race buffet.
UK Championships
Max Burgin returned to action this weekend following his struggles with injury. Max finished third in the UK Athletics Championships 800 metres in Manchester following a dramatic conclusion to the final in a time of 1:45:16.
Helen Windsor 10k
The club hosted the annual Helen Windsor 10k race last Wednesday evening on the undulating course on the roads around Norland Moor. There were 23 Harriers amongst the 190 runners with three placing in the top ten: Alex Franklin finished fifth in 34:04 with Ben Crowther seventh in 35:04 and Liam Parkin tenth in 35:36. Jayde McGregor was the first of the eight female Harriers to finish, taking 57th place in a new personal best (PB) time of 43:37. Five other Harriers also set new PBs; David O'Brien (37:16), Will Cattermole (38:26), Harris Faulkner (44:04), Verity Clements (44:01) and Joanne Arundale (44:13).
Eccup 10
Eleven Harriers took part in Sunday's Hollybank Eccup 10 mile race; the latest counter in the club's road championships. The course takes in rural closed roads and a scenic route around Eccup Reservoir in north Leeds. Fred Carver was the first home, finishing in 38th place in 1:03:33 with Stephen Rainbow next in 1:05:28. Tabitha Howe was the first of the two Harriers women to complete the course, clocking 1:20:55. Rob Hick was the fastest in his age group (M65), crossing the line in 1:15:38.
Ultra Marathons
Two Harriers were in ultra-marathon action on Saturday. Sarah Cumber was the first placed woman in Saturday's Race to the Stones 50k from Lewknor to Wantage in Oxfordshire, along one of Britain's oldest paths. Sarah completed the course, which included nearly 2,000' of ascent, in 4:47:54 and finished fourth overall out of 416 participants. Nearer to home, Ryan Barker took on the Lyke Wake Challenge race, running across the North York Moors from Osmotherley to Ravenscar. Ryan completed the arduous 40 mile course, with over 4,000' of climbing, in 7:20:51.
Multi-Terrain Races
Elsewhere, Marc Rocheteau ran in the Holme Valley 5 Mile race on Friday evening, clocking 43:52 and finishing third in the M60 age category. Martin Ellis took part in Sunday's Stocks Lane Stinger, completing the challenging 6.5 mile multi-terrain course in the Luddenden Valley in 1:06:51.
Juniors
In the juniors, James Sutcliffe ran in the Lothersdale Show Fell Race, near Skipton, on Saturday, finishing second in the boys' under-12s section. This is one of the oldest fell races still in existence, being first run in 1847. James finished 18th out of 43 in a race where seniors and juniors take part in the same race. Fantastic running, James!
17 of us tackled the Lindley 10k today as part of our race challenge, with the sun blaring down for yet another race.
Harry was the first Harrier home in a time of 34:57, bagging 3rd place followed by Sarah Cumber, 1st lady overall in 41:03 and Fred Carver (41:50).
Other runners were Will Carver (42:22), Simon Johnson (43:00), David Ingle (46:12), Rachael Beaumont (47:21), Joanne Arundale (47:48), Robert Hick (49:52), Mark Rocheteau (51:08), Nigel Rigg (52:25), Jack Melia (53:10), Rachel Mccauley (56:20), Martin Ellis (56:50), John Moore (1:02:59), Kirsty Carver (1:03:02) and Martin Haigh (1:09:10)
Sarah, Rachael B and Joanne won the ladies team prize
A fab morning, good running everyone