Almscliff Crag Handicap Race - 20 October 2007

Saturday the 20th of October treated 17 Harrogate Harriers and six Harrogate NOVA cyclists to perfect racing weather. Runners were released in handicap fashion and had to find the quickest way from Castle Hill to the Almscliff Crag and back using public footpaths and roads. Cyclists were relegated to the road, except for a short dash up the Crag and back at the half-way point. For the first time since 2000, the Harrogate Harriers and Athletic Club regained the Almscliff Crag Trophy, first established in 1972. Below are the results in order of handicap finish. Pictures below and on the next page.

1. Geoff Hutton, 65:07
2. John Dalby, 71:11
3. Angela Peace, 63:38
4. John Richardson, 64:08
5. Brian Miller, 56:53
6. Ashley Brook, 58:29
7. Rob Seymour, 58:16
8. Mark Seymour, 70:11
9. Paul Caswell (NOVA), 36:41 - New Course Record!
10. George Elmes, 65:27
11. Simon Ketteringham (NOVA), 38:51
12. Jane Robbins, 86:15
13. Sophie Milson, 86:16
14. Fiona Smith, 86:30
15. Jane Rowbotham, 86:33
16. Steve Waterfield (NOVA), 43:08
17. Rona Bradley, 89:25
18: Stephen Bradley, 89:26
19. Mike Hudson (NOVA), 42:16
20: Mike Wilberforce (NOVA), 41:23
21: John Blacker, 83:36
22: Pete Trodden (NOVA), 47:53
23: Martin Umpleby, course closed before he returned.

The harrier scoring team consisted of Brian, Rob, Ashley and Angela! Their combined time is 3 hours, 57 minutes, 16 seconds and beats the top four bike time of 3 hours, 59 minutes, 11 seconds, (when the 20 minute per cyclist handicap is applied). Rumor has it Martin ran a slightly longer route via Wheeton and Burn Bridge which sounded more like a long training run in preparation for the Original Mountain Marathon next weekend.

This race was a success thanks to great participation on and off the course. Hats off to Pat Brew for officiating the turn-around and looking for Martin, to John Richardson and Jane Robbins for tending
the bar, to Sam Flint-Caton and Jane Robbins for making marvelous soup, to NOVA for supplying the tea, coffee, and biscuits, to John Richardson for managing the race the two weeks prior to the race, and to Rona and Steve Bradley for helping with clean-up! Thanks also to Harrogate Harriers for funding the prizes for this event.

Cheers, Crag Race Director for 2007 - Tim Haas

Note: Thanks to Tim for reviving this race - we hope it continues to grow in future years. Oh, and can you see that weather is just as nice next year, Tim?

Pictures courtesy of Ian Rowbotham | Page 2 pictures - click here

Runners approaching the Crag

The leader of the pack

Steep climb up the crag

Turnaround point - it's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it!

Stunning view!

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