Stephen Rainbow took part in the Aintree Half Marathon for the first time on Sunday 23rd July 2023. Having travelled through torrential rain, it’s safe to say that the going was soft, but the rain mercifully eased off during the four laps around the race course. Fortunately for Stephen, runners were not advised to jump the fences, but there was a bit of jockeying for position to be done during the latter laps of the race in order to avoid the odd collision with some stray runners. Nevertheless, Stephen galloped around in a time of 1 hour 23 minutes 21 seconds finishing as the 3rd M40 runner and 20th overall. But, whisper it, two members of Stainland Lions beat him by only a matter of seconds. So no doubt there will be much exasperation back at the stables!
Last night we were honoured to welcome Malcolm Fisher down at the club. Malcolm first joined the Harriers in 1947 and he is still a social member. Malcolm has purchased a trophy for the 'Malcolm & Kathleen Fisher Award' that is to be presented to the outstanding jumper at the end of the season. Malcolm also presented the trophies to the junior award winners. Congratulations to them all.
Cross Country Trophy - girls under 11 - Casey George
Cross Country Trophy - boys under 11 - James Neil
Cross Country Champion - girls under 13 - Kitty Harrison-Sargent
The Colts Cross Country Champion - boys under 13 - Beau Clarke
Girls U 15 Cross Country Shield - Faye Skilbeck
The A Mitchell Trophy - under 15 Boys - Ben Slow
The B.T. Sutcliffe Youth Cross Country Challenge Trophy - under 17 men - William Cattermole
Outstanding Junior Female Athlete - Kitty Harrison-Sargent
Outstanding Junior Male Athlete - Ben Slow
Sean Pugh Trophy - Ralph Jones
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.