This weekend saw some strong performances from the Junior Harriers in the Northern Athletics Track and Field Championships. Kitty Harrison-Sargent finished in a fine 4th place in the U15 Girls 800m race, with Nia Harrison-Sargent also finishing in a good 4th place in the U17 Womens 800m race. Ben Slow finished in a solid 4th place in the U15 Boys 800m, narrowly missing out on 3rd place in a close finish. Ben Slow and Sam Keighley bravely entered the higher age category U17 Mens 3000m race, and of the U15 entrants in the race they finished 2nd and 3rd respectively with Ben setting a new PB of 10:01.53, but not quite managing to top Sam's great club record of 9:57.16
Autumn Good, who is only 8, took part in her first ever 5k run at Happy Valley Pride on Sunday 30th July. She was joined by Alan Brady on a course which took the runners from Hebden Bridge park to Mytholmroyd then up towards Old Chamber and back to Hebden Bridge.
Autumn came in at 30.14 minutes in 9th position, with Alan coming in at 32.13 minutes at 15th. Both were also awarded a trophy for being the youngest and oldest entrants respectively.
Many congratulations to Jane Hobson and Stef Dickinson who today joined the club’s growing band of hardy ultra-marathon runners. A group that should perhaps have their own annual dinner?
Jane and Stef took on the new Yorkshire Wolds Ultra; a 50km (31 miles) circular route, starting and ending on the edge of Pocklington, near York. The route took the competitors through the picturesque Wolds, visiting a number of pretty villages en route and including just over 1,100m of climbing. The two Harriers supported each other all the way round, listening to each other (at times) moaning and offering suitable encouragement in return! Both finished in 6 hours 35 minutes with Stef coming in a few seconds ahead of Jane with the two in 15th and 16th place respectively out of 62 female runners.
Jane commented, "First ultra and it was brilliant! Lovely route, great weather and so well organised. Thanks to Stef for keeping me going all the way around. Also thanks to [daughter] Rachel and [husband] Mike for your support." Stef said, "Ouch. Lovely route. Thanks to Jane for getting me round!"
Great running. Very well done to both!