Big Flat Runway Races

After months of frustration, Halifax Harriers were finally able to get out racing again at the Big Flat Runway Races at Elvington Airfield near York. 

There were five race distances on offer – 5k, 10k, 10 mile, half marathon and a full marathon.  Each race comprised of laps of the airfield, with the marathon doing ten laps.  The event was well organised and fully complied with Covid regulations.

The day itself was mainly dry, but a strong wind made the going very difficult down one side of the airfield.

Halifax Harriers had some excellent results with numerous 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in the various distances.  In the 5k, Will Smith equalled the club record with a time of 16:45 (2nd M45), Sarah Cumber 19:06 (1st F45), Simon Johnson 19:15 (1st M50), Geoff Cumber 22:35 (1st M70).  Other runners in the 5k were Verity Clements 20:02 (PB) and Katie Brook 27:25 (PB).

The 10k saw six runners from Halifax Harriers.  Josh Hall-Brown 35:15, Ben Crowther 35:38, Jack Mosley 44:10, Amy McAllister 47:32 (PB), Ruth Albaya 56:10, John Moore 56:34.

The 10 mile race had three Halifax Harriers take first place in their age groups.  First back was Robert Hick 1:14:06 (M60), Raymond Hall 1:20:00 (M75 and club record), Susan Hall 1:43:32 (F70).

Two members of the club ran the half marathon.  First back was Jessica Dixon in a PB of 1:37:55 (2nd FSen), Paul Hopkinson 1:47:31 (3rd M60).

The full marathon saw James O’Rourke first back in 3:15:47, followed by Tom Paget 3:36:29 and David Ingle 3:49:53 (3rd 55).