Five Harriers competed in Tuesday's Crow Hill Reverse Fell Race on a perfect evening for running. This latest race in the club's Fell & Trail League takes runners from Mytholmroyd up to Crow Hill on Midgley Moor and back. The total distance is 4.3 miles and there is a total ascent of around 1,000' with some very steep climbs early on.
It was great to see some new faces taking to the fells as well as more familiar, seasoned campaigners. Amy Radford was third female finisher on her fell racing debut in 46:01. Well done to Amy, who was hot on the heels of second place.
Ryan Barker led the quintet home in 40:46 followed by Tom Paget (44:15). Recent fell racing convert, David Ingle, was third M60 (50:18). Martin Ellis (57:12) completed the team.
Eighteen Harriers made the journey east to compete in the 5,000 strong field at the York 10k. The latest race in the club’s Race Challenge started near the famous racecourse and took in many of the historic landmarks in the city centre on a flat and fast course. Ben Crowther (see photo) was first home in a highly impressive 30th place in 34:50 followed by James O’Rourke in 38:50. Next were the club’s two leading women; April Stewart (40:47) and Amy Radford (43:33).
Rachel Standish was second female finisher and first F40, clocking 51:14 at the Judy Jaunt 5.8 mile Trail Race. The multi-terrain course took runners on country tracks, footpaths and streets through woodlands and farmland in and around Judy Woods in Bradford. Proceeds go to support the resurfacing and maintenance of the athletics track at Horsfall Stadium.
Stef Dickinson took seventh place in the She Strides 50k Ultra in a time of 6:20:57. This challenging female-only event takes in woodland and open moorland trails around Hebden Bridge and Haworth and includes a total ascent of 5,000’.
On Saturday 27th July, Katrina Oddy travelled to Moorways Stadium, Derby for the British Masters Athletics Championships. Katrina was competing on the second day of the championships in the F55+ 1500m race.
Despite a delay to the start of the race (IT glitch!), nerves were kept at bay in the call room. Once on the start line, conditions were perfect. The line up included Clare Elms, who had recently been crowned world mile record holder on the track for the F60 age group. On the first lap a small group including Katrina broke away from the main pack. Leader Clare Elms set a good pace for lap 2 before breaking away to become the eventual winner of the F55+ race. On the final lap Katrina was involved in a close race, finishing in third position with a season best time of 5:31.43 and setting a new club record.
Katrina was also rewarded with a British Masters championship title for the 1500m, winning her F55 age group.
Our very own Max Burgin, who turned 22 in July, competes at the Olympics in Paris. Yes, the Olympics !!
Max qualified to run for Team GB when he gained automatic selection at the UK Champs in June. Max competes in the 800m heats next Wednesday 7th, followed by the Semi Finals Friday 9th August and, should all go well, the Final is a day later on Saturday.
We at Halifax Harriers wish him all the best after a difficult injury ridden last couple of years. However, training has gone well recently, despite a late start to the season and Max is very excited! Please make sure to tune in and watch him.
Proud parents Ian and Helen will be watching intently and we wish all the family the best of luck!
We’d also like to express our congratulations and well wishes to Luke Whitehouse. Luke, a former member of the Harriers, is now an Olympic gymnast and double European Floor Champion. Luke will complete in the Floor final on Saturday 3/8 at 1.30pm having qualified in 4th. Luke was a member of the GB team that came a brilliant 4th in the Team Final, just missing out on the medals behind Japan, China and USA.
You have already made our town so proud and the whole of Halifax is behind you both for your next events … Give it your all!