Harry Wins The Bluebell Trail

Today was also the glorious Bluebell trail race, hosted by our friends at Stainland Lions. The race was in the club's Fell and Trail League.

The tough 10+ mile course takes in woodland, canal towpaths, trails and cobbled streets with over 1500ft hills, including the infamous TROOPER LANE! This unique course incorporates some of the most scenic views within the heart of Yorkshire and a refreshing river crossing to finish. 

Harry Johnson won the race in 1:08:29 in a field of over 400 runners! 

Other runners were: 

Will Carver - 1:22:49
Ryan Barker - 1:24:45
Marc Zeller - 1:31:02
Marc Crabtree - 1:39:37
Simon Gelsthorpe - 1:43:30
Jane Hobson - 1:49:02
John Greenwood - 1:57:50
Paul Hopkinson - 1:58:39
Kirsty Carver - 2:20:27

Well done! 

Will Leads Harriers Home At Melmerby 10k

Today was the Melmerby 10k in Ripon and the sunshine was out for (what feels like) the first time this year.

13 Harriers took on the undulating course as part of the Road Race Challenge, amongst a field of 394.

Will Stewart was our first runner back in 28th place, with 38:37, bagging his first 20 points of the year.

Other runners were:
Stephen Rainbow - 39:09
James O'Rourke - 39:33
April Stewart - 41:37
Howard Coney - 46:51
Keith Lemon - 48:48
Nigel Rigg- 49:33
Hazel Berrett - 49:40
Geoff Cumber - 59:22
Deborah Kirkbride - 59:46
John Moore - 1:00:05
Chris Kirkbride - 1:01:20
Steve Dennis - 1:04:55

Well done all!

We then enjoyed a gorgeous meal at the @arms_grantham - fantastic food and service!

Calderdale Way Ultra - 30 Miles

Yesterday, four Harriers took part in the Calderdale Way Ultra 30 mile option. The route, which starts at Brighouse and finishes at Heptonstall, traverses some of Calderdale’s most picturesque, and challenging, scenery. This is a race not for the faint-hearted as it takes in some technical descents and some challenging ascents.

Tom Paget had a superb run finishing in 4th  (5.45.00) Sarah Cumber finished 9th and 3rd lady (6.03) and Steve Sladdin finished 10th (6.03). Rob Hick, who made his ultramarathon debut, finished strong to complete the quartet in 26th position (7.28).

Adopting the ethos of the CWR relay race, Steve and Sarah ran it as a pair. This was Steve’s first time racing long distance since Covid, and becoming a dad. Steve said, “Sarah was amazing. There were times in the race she was far stronger than I, equally, there were times in the race I thought I had been overoptimistic  that my general fitness would carry me through as the longest run I had done was 15 mile, and that was the recce. Sarah was patient and I think we made a good team although she could have easily been 2nd on the podium. Testament to the person she is.”

It goes without saying, the true star of the day was Geoff Cumber who was at every aid station, and various places around the course, offering his support and encouragement.  

The weather was certainly on our side and, perhaps next year, we might all do the 50…..or not.