15 Harriers braved the cold and rain yesterday to tackle the Coley Canter
The 8(ish!) mile multi terrain trail race was an absolute washout mud-fest, taking in the best trails, footpaths and hills in Northowram Pumas territory. With all the recent rainfall, fields had turned into streams, the trails were like skating rinks and the bogs were almost knee deep in places.
Lee Cattermole was the first Harrier back in 1:02.29 in 14th place overall.
There were a few category winners:
April Stewart was 3rd lady and 1st open FSEN with 1:09:11
Simon Gelsthorpe 1st M60 ( 1:14:18)
Mark Crabtree was 1st M65 (1:15:19) and
Hazel Berrett was 1st F60 (1:26:13)
Other runners were:
Ken Montgomery (1:05:24)
Will Carver (1:05:29)
Gareth Burrell (1:05:55)
Tom Paget (1:06:49)
James O’Rourke (1:07:05)
Ryan Barker (1:07:56)
Will Stewart (1:09:56)
Howard Coney (1:15:01)
Stefanie Dickinson (1:24:57)
Martin Haigh (1:54:25)
Thank you to our friends at Northowram Pumas Running Club for organising a fab event once again. Always great to blow off the Christmas cobwebs.
Happy new year from Team HH
The club was well represented at yesterday's Winter Solstice Strider in Bingley on a wild and windy night. The undulating route works its way through the woods and past the Druids Altar on the St Ives Estate with the runners relying on head torches to light the way. There was the choice of a 5k or 10k race.
The majority of Harriers decided on the longer option. Mark Crabtree (58:44), Jane Hobson (1:02:09) and Hazel Berrett (1:02:22) led the way. All three confirmed their undoubted class by taking first place in their age group. There were also age group podium positions for Martin Haigh (2nd M70), Nigel Rigg (3rd M60), Andrea Ackroyd (3rd F50) and Jane Curwen (3rd F55). Nigel Jamieson, Sharon Cousen, Bryony Baron, Margaret Deacon and Jenny St Romaine completed the Harriers' dozen.
Four Harriers competed in the 5k with the Sutcliffe family out in force. Juniors James and Louis completed the course in 30:44 and 34:17 respectively with mum, Mel, clocking 41:23. Clare Fountain finished in 47:40. Great efforts by all.
Jenny commented, "A most enjoyable mudfest with the high winds and fallen trees to navigate around adding further interest. Great fun!"
Entries for next year's races are already open and are strongly recommended for those wanting to try an off-road, headtorch running adventure. The 2024 event will be on the 21st December. This year's date of the 22nd had previously caused some confusion and debate amongst Harriers!
Congratulations to Steve Wilford who won the 2023 Christmas Handicap covering the course in a time 54:45 (43:45). Sarah Cumber finished 2nd just behind in 56:25 (39.55) holding off Paul Hopkinson in 3rd 57:52 (48:52). 14 Harriers completed the course with 5 first timers taking part and it was good to see a healthy prize table holding this quirky tradition together. 190 different athletes have competed in this event since records began in 1985 – let’s get that number up to 200 next year! Just as important, the race was followed by a very well attended social at the 3 Pigeons which is becoming as traditional as the race itself!
How do you rank on the all-time list (since 1985)? See the past results to compare your performance. See the results by following this link Halifax Harriers