Statement:
The UK government has advised that everyone in the UK should now avoid “non-essential” travel and contact with others to fight coronavirus. Whilst it has not issued any ban on public gatherings of any size either indoors or outdoors at this stage, the advice is to avoid non-essential contact with others, including going to sporting events, pubs, clubs, theatres and social venues.
As a result, England Athletics advises that all face-to-face activity such as club training sessions, events, competitions, club committee and face-to-face meetings, athlete camps, running groups and social events should be suspended until further notice.
The decision has been taken in the interests of athletes, runners, officials, coaches, volunteers, supporters and the wider athletics and running communities. This decision is also in alignment with actions taken by the home country athletics federations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and is similar to action taken by other sports.
Where possible, athletes and runners at all levels are encouraged to maintain their own personal fitness and keep active during this time, while following government guidelines about safe distance and safe exercise environments.
There were nine Harriers amongst the record 154 entrants at the annual Ian Roberts Memorial fell race, organised by Holmfirth Harriers. The race was the third of the year in our club fell running championship. The route, over the moors and hills above Marsden, is 6.5 miles long with around 1,100 feet of ascent. Conditions were generally fine, albeit very windy in places, although tailenders were caught in a hailstorm late on.
Heather Rajendran was First Lady Under 23 in 84:51. Will Carver was first Harrier home in 51st place in 66:53. Stewart McConnell was close behind in 56th (67:40). Andrea Ackroyd led the six Harriers ladies home in 79:14 (108th). Other Harriers to run were Margaret Deacon, Jane Hobson, Fiona Murphy, Jenny St Romaine and Martin Ellis.