Halifax Harriers, one of the longest established running clubs in the country, held its NEW HALIFAX 10km road race from Sowerby Bridge on Easter Sunday. Despite experiencing the back-end of storm Dave, the lashing rain and windy weather did not spoil the spectacle as many runners and supporters enjoyed the fun atmosphere. There were 785 finishers which is a fantastic number for the Harriers’ inaugural 10k race. The crowds lined the course to watch many elite athletes, serious runners, fun runners, joggers, walkers and an Easter bunny complete the race. Every finisher received a boxed Easter egg and other goodies to help them celebrate Easter Sunday.
First male home was local lad Harry Johnson from Salford Harriers in an amazing time of 29 minutes and 59 seconds, closely followed by Jack Cummings representing Ilkley Harriers in 32 min. 21 secs. The third placed male runner was Carl Hardman from Salford Harriers in 32:42.
In the female category, Jemima Elgood of Nidd Valley Road Runners, came home first in 33 minutes, 44 seconds. Second female was Laura Hesketh from Clayton Harriers in 34 mins 22 secs and the third placed female was Helen Haigh from Holmfirth Harriers in 36 mins 29 secs.
1st Male and 1st Female home each received £250. 2nd and 3rd placed runners received Sportshoes vouchers to the value of £150 and £100 respectively.
There were prizes for the 1st Veteran Male and Female aged 35 up to 75. Prizes were also awarded to the first Club Male and Female Teams, these went to Stadium Runners and Halifax Harriers respectively.
There was also a special prize to the first England Athletics registered team of 6 with an animal reference in their club name. This honour went to Northowram Pumas running club.
Halifax Harriers results:
First home for the Harriers was Eli Cattermole in 8th position with a PB time of 33:06, Ben Crowther was 3rd MV35 in 12th position in a time of 35:10,Laura Milthorpe was 2nd FV35, in 104th position with a PB time of 41:39, Rachael Beaumont claimed 1st in the FV55 category in 197 place in 45:42, Joanne Arundale was 3rd FV40 in 230th place in 42:08 and Alan Brady claimed 1st MV75 in 344th place in 50:56. The results of all the other Harriers finishers can be found on the Recent Races tab of this website.
After the event, Race Director, Dene Townend, said: “Sunday saw an idea spawned over 6 years ago, culminating in the last 15 months of work and support from the fantastic members, families, friends and Committee of Halifax Harriers, making our inaugural Halifax 10K a huge success, long may it continue. I am humbled and forever in gratitude for the lengths everyone has gone to in making this happen for our sport, our club, our community and our charities!”
Club Chairman, Nigel Rigg, who played a key role in co-ordinating activities said: “Our club is well versed in organising races, but this was a huge step-up and the event exceeded our expectations in every way. From selling out almost 1000 places, to the successful operation of the day and the amazing positive feedback we've received. We couldn't be prouder!”
Club Secretary, Hazel Berrett who oversaw marshals, helpers and logistics said: “Our volunteer marshals were truly fantastic in helping before, during and after the race, making sure that competitors and spectators had a safe and enjoyable day. We were extremely grateful to the many local residents who came out to cheer the runners along and we were delighted to have Hebden bridge Brass Band out on the course, who played through the duration of the race.”
Sponsorship co-ordinator, Martin Haigh said: “Staging a road race of this magnitude requires not just enthusiasm and energy but there is also a significant cost in funding the many aspects of race management: procuring signage, obtaining 1,600 water bottles, providing mementoes, traffic management, first aid, policing etc and we have been incredibly fortunate in having over fifteen key sponsors who were able to make the race a reality!”
The Headline Sponsor was Franklyns Jewellers and Goldsmiths and other sponsors were:
ABS- A better way
Projex Solutions
Lattitude7
Sheard Packaging
D.D. Porter Construction
Portfolio Display Ltd
KTH Hydraulics
Rosehill Polymers
Black Horse Hotel, Grassington
Develop UK
Local Mags
GO Local
Lottie Shaws
The Community Foundation for Calderdale
Bruce Fitzgerald Photography
Dave and Eileen of Woodentops photography
The Halifax 10k event will be back on Easter Sunday in 2027.