Results

Harriers Men’s Team’s Resounding Victory at Knaresborough Bed Race

June 12, 2013

The Harriers men’s team didn’t let their start position, in fourth place, deter them on Saturday as they surged forward right from the start. In a wonderful tactical race the team quickly picked off the three teams in front of them, catching up to the front runners Ripon Runners at the end of the high street. The river crossing was tackled in style to tumultuous applause and cheering, and the race was over, the boys triumphant, with a net finish time of 13:10, beating the course record by a full 30 seconds. A superb effort by the team which comprised John Young, Chris Miller, Jonty Bright, Barry Mcguire & Jamie Dilasser whose son, Josh Dilasser, had the time of his life as their passenger! The Harriers women’s team’s experience wasn’t quite as smooth, thwarted as they were by a puncture in the first two minutes. The team, comprising Alex Richens, Helen Price, Ros Moore, Jean Croft, Lisa Smart and Rosie Harney, then had to clatter through the streets with a lob-sided bed on two wheels – an exhausting effort! They did however have an absolute ball on the day, and raised £1,200 for Parkinson’s UK in memory of Alex’s dad. Three other Harrogate Harriers ladies, Jenny Hutcheson, Paula Eastaugh and Issy Rowe, put in a great performance racing in the HPL Flyers team. They belted round the course in super-quick time, 16:19, for second place, just 6 seconds away from the winning ladies’ team, Ripon Runners. Full results here

A lot of Harriers have many strings to their bows, not just running. Many are very involved in triathlons and as such are members of triathlon clubs as well. Their efforts in this separate discipline don’t go unnoticed by their Harriers team-mates though, and some have been watched keenly as they’ve tested their mettle on some Olympic distance races over the last couple of weeks. Olympic distance is a 1500m swim, 40k bike, followed by a 10k run. On Monday 27th May, Jonty Bright took part in the Wetherby Triathlon, finishing in a fantastic 8th position, in 2:09:47. Richard Pennock and Harry Dowdell spent the following Sunday in Chester for the Deva triathlon, now in its 15th year and taking an altered course right through the historic city centre. Richard came in 252nd place, out of a field of nearly 1000, in a time of 2:21:18, followed just 3.5 minutes later by Harry in 326th place, 5th in his category, in 2:24:55. Cleveland was the scene for Tim Broomfield and Paul Berwin’s race on Sunday 9th June, an event known as the “Short Course”. They raced superbly, coming in 70th and 132nd respectively, in times of 2:21:40 and 2:45:57.

New HH member, Simon Reiter, took to the hills for the second running of the Karrimor Great Trail Challenge, a 22k hilly route starting and finishing in Keswick. He finished the challenging course in 88th position in 2:08:28. Full results here

Harrogate Harriers Turn Up The Heat On Local 10ks

June 4, 2013

There have been two fabulous 10k races in our region in the past 2 weekends, firstly in Melmerby on Sunday 26^th May, then Kirkby Malzeard on Saturday 1^st June. The sun shone unreservedly for both events and the Harriers put in sterling performances, winning first team prizes for mens and ladies at both, as well as a host of individual category prizes. The winning gents at Melmerby, with PBs all round, were Andrew Grant, 2^nd overall, 34:43; Barry Mcguire, 3^rd overall, 34:58; John Young, 6^th overall, 36:18. The victorious ladies team comprised Wendy Marks, 28^th overall & 3^rd lady in a PB of 42:01; Paula Eastaugh, 46^th overall & 6^th lady, in 44:52; and Sue Sharples in a PB of 45:06. Also scooping prizes were Jamie Dilasser for 1st male V40 in 37:05, Adam Prentis for 3^rd male V50 in a PB of 41:55, and Paula Eastaugh again for 2^nd female V35. Other results at Melmerby were: Paul Stockburn, 15^th overall, 38:44; Richard Willis, 21^st, 40:36; Jon Blane, 33^rd, 42:48; Alistair Duff, 51^st, 45:53; Jo Williams, 52^nd, 46:06; Darren West, 70^th, 48:01; Toby Eastaugh, 80^th, 49:31; Nicola Willis, 98^th, 52:51; Nicki Walton, 111^th, 54:43. Full results here

At Kirkby Malzeard, before retiring for a sumptuous afternoon tea provided by the fabulous WI, the Harriers again did themselves proud. The triumphant gents’ team was made up of Barry McGuire, 4^th overall, in 36:07; John Young, 7^th overall in 37:29; and Paul Stockburn, 11^th overall, in 38:57. The 1^st ladies’ team comprised Paula Eastaugh, 4^th lady & 51^st overall in 44:12; Sue Sharples, 6^th lady & 64^th overall, in 45:26; and Jo Williams, 8^th lady & 68^th overall in 45:57. Barry also scooped the Male V35 prize, Paula the Ladies V35, and Sue the Ladies V45. Other results were: Simon Watson, 17^th overall, 40:30; Michael Gill, 21^st, 40:57; Jared Baldwin, 29^th, 41:33; Jon Blane, 39^th, 43:11; Tim Broomfield, 41^st, 43:20; Darren West, 58^th, 45:01; Maurice Kelly, 61^st, 45:09; Rosalyn Moore, 91^st, 48:22; Toby Eastaugh, 113^th, 50:03; Alex Richens, 153^rd, 53:50; and Coralin Harrison, 200^th, in 1:04:54. Coralin also raced a 10k the weekend before in the grounds of the medieval Raby Castle – she crossed the finish line in a fantastic 1:03:37. Full results here

Also that weekend was the Ilkley Trail Race which saw two Harriers pitting themselves against fellow athletes. The 6.9 mile out-and-back route takes in tracks through woodland, fields and moores, interspersed with some short road sections. Virtually all of the climb is on the way out but runners are rewarded and reinvigorated by the wonderful views over the Wharfe Valley across to Ilkley Moor when they hit the moorland on the top, before a very fast second half of the race. Dave Askew came in 48^th overall in 52:20, and Tim Pocock was 112^th in 58:13. Full results here

Martyn and Helen Price returned to the scene of many of last year’s fell-running adventures with an entry in the Helvellyn and Dodds fell race (Sunday 26th May). This is a very tough category AL (severe, long) fell race of 15.5 miles and around 4,000ft of ascent that starts at Threlkeld Cricket Club – a favourite pitstop for Bob Graham Round attempts – and commences with a brutally steep climb up Clough Head before heading south along the Helvellyn ridge. The race takes in the summits of Great Dodd, Stybarrow Dodd, Raise, Whiteside and Helvellyn Lower Man before finally reaching the turnaround point at the summit of Helvellyn itself – England’s third highest mountain. The return route has a completely different character and has fast, rocky descents that are definitely not for the timid or faint-hearted, before finally reaching the summit of Clough Head again and a quad-crushing descent to sea-level and a sprint for the finish. Running in near-perfect conditions with the fantastic Cumbrian landscape at its best, Martyn completed the race in 3.24.18 with wife Helen not far behind in 3.29.50. Full results here

Last weekend also saw the popular Wharfedale Full and Half Off-Road Marathons. These superb races (13.3 miles and 24.9 miles respectively) are landmarks in the off-road running calendar and this year attracted a high quality field as they are a selection event for the England team that will go to the World Long Distance Mountain Running championships later this year. Starting in Threshfield, the route follows the Dalesway to Kettlewell then across Littondale to Hawkswick and Arncliffe before dropping down to Malham Tarn and a long transit back to Threshfield via Boardley Green and Boss Moor. Martyn Price – hard in training for a forthcoming Ironman triathlon – opted to run the half-marathon (the “fun run” according to other Harriers) and had an excellent race, especially so considering the level of competion. He finished in 2.00.44, 61st overall and 4th/MV50. Wife Helen, never one for the easy option (she married Martyn after all), put in a very strong effort and finished in 4.13.49, 13th lady overall and 5th FV40. Nick Andralojc and Dan Simmons (who only the weekend before completed the Edinburgh Marathon!) were both running their first long-distance offroad event and did exceptionally well, finishing in 4:28:09 and 4:30:14 respectively. Full results here

Harriers Scoop Excellent Results

May 29, 2013

The largest club-run fell race in the country took place the weekend before last, the Calderdale Way Relay on Sunday 19^th May. Starting at Clay House in West Vale, near Halifax, the 50 mile circular course is split into six legs with teams of 12 running in pairs. Harrogate Harriers have traditionally done well in the race but this year they excelled themselves, achieving a superb 8^th place - the highest the club has ever achieved – in what is generally regarded as a hugely enjoyable, extremely well-organised and tough event. Team captain Brian Miller was unreserved in his praise for an extremely strong team who comprised Ben Grant & Andrew Grant for leg one, Jonty Bright & Jamie Dilasser second leg, Mick Shakespeare & John McNerney third leg, Chris Miller & John Young fourth leg, Brian Miller & Ashley Brook fifth leg, and finally Steve Nesbitt & Dave Askew for the final push. Together and in a flurry of excitement they completed the 50 miles in an excellent 6:56:35, positions 4^th through to 10^th were keenly fought out, all arriving within 6 minutes of each other. This is a a tremendous achievement, all the more so considering that some of the country’s top fell clubs were competing. Seriously well done guys! Full results here

With true grit most of the relay runners then went on to join their fellow Harriers just two days later at the second Harrogate District Summer Racing League event – the Harriers home event. The course is a humdinger, starting at Cardale Park and looping back via Beckwithshaw and Burn Bridge, just 6 short miles but climbing nearly 500ft in the process. Over 300 runners toed the start line, including 46 Harriers, many of whom then repaired to the Squinting Cat for a very sociable post-race supper. Jonny Johnson was first Harrier to finish in 8^th position overall with a time of 34:38, with Chris Miller close behind in 10^th position, time 34:56, and Andrew Grant in 11^th with 35:26. For the ladies, Lauren Woodhall was the first Harrier, and impressively the second lady home, in 38:43, a stunning achievement just one second behind first place. Second lady for the Harriers was Cathy Wright in 41:27 and 77^th overall, with newcomer to the club, Emma Robinson, showing her promise as third Harriers lady in 41:55 and 85^th position overall. Full resultes here

Later in the week, on Friday, Jonny took his winning streak to the Pudsey Post Hill Challenge, where he tackled the legendary Post Hill not once but twice on this 5k route. Video footage sees runners ploughing up this near vertical slope at surprising speeds, given the terrain – some said there is nearly an overhang at the top so steep is the incline. Jonny gritted his teeth and won the race in an amazing 20:03. Full results here

On Sunday 26^th the long-trained-for and anticipated Edinburgh Marathon took place for four Harriers, three of whom finished within three minutes of each other. Stephen Kirk started the race but hit the infamous wall and ended up being treated for dehydration. He comments that he will be using the lessons from this one to spur him on to the next marathon. In its 11^th running, the Edinburgh event follows a fairly flat and fast course. Starting in the centre of the city the route quickly flows out of the city to Leith then onwards to an out-and-back trip down the coastal road, finishing in Musselburgh. Geoffrey Hirst travelled to the Scottish capital for his first marathon and did himself very proud in 3:52:36. Dan Simmons and Mike Salt made the pilgrimage for the second year in a row, both keen to capitalise on their excellent training since then, and score new PBs. This they did, in spectacular style, both knocking half an hour off their previous times and joining the sub-4 club with ease, Dan in 3:51:18 and Mike in 3:55:20. Full results here

At the Bupa Great Manchester Run on Sunday another trio of Harriers men took to the streets, netting some great results. Simon Watson was 394^th overall in 40:01. In his first attempt at this distance, and in fact the first timed run he’s done in 23 years, Huw Spacey clocked an impressive 43:18, showing great promise for the future. Graham Yare crossed the finish line in an excellent 49:20. Full results here

Ripon 10 in the Sunshine for the Harriers, and Great Fell Racing Performances All Round

May 22, 2013

The Ripon 10 was blessed with much better weather than anticipated, so the multi-terrain race last weekend was very enjoyable for all concerned. It was an extremely well-organised race, and runners were rewarded for their efforts with an excellent goody bag with some terrific spoils. The hills were, as ever, a challenge making for a demanding course, and yet the HH team pulled some great results. First ladies’ team prize went to Harrogate, with Wendy Marks (1:14:43), Paula Eastaugh (1:18:12) and Sue Sharples (1:18:30) as the three fastest ladies. Fastest Harriers man was Andrew Dobby in 1:03:09, followed by Simon Watson in 1:09:52, and Richard Willis in a new PB of 1:12:02. Other results were: Darren West 1:16:40; Dan Simmons 1:22:19; Rob Athey 1:24:18; Rosalyn Moore 1:26:49; Mike Salt 1:30:18; Debbie Dilasser 1:31:59; Andy Holohan 1:32:29; Nicola Walton 1:32:59; Coralin Harrison 1:46:59. Full results here

The weekend before saw Ben Grant and Stephen Fry racing in the Fairfield Horseshoe, the first counter in the FRA English Championships. The weather then was a stark contrast to that enjoyed by the Ripon 10 runners: conditions on the tops were extremely challenging with 40 to 50mph winds and horizontal sleet. Despite this Ben came second in his class, clocking a great time of 1:43:56, with Stephen also clocking an excellent 1:55:19. Full results here

During the week, on 14^th May, several Harriers attacked the Jack Bloor race, a navigational 8.4km fell race on gritstone moors with plenty of bogs and climbs of 350m. Ben Grant was first in his category (V60) this time, and the first Harrier home by some margin in 48:18. Great performances from the rest of the team: Peter Edwards 59:18; Martyn Price 59:30; Tim Pocock 1:01:11; Helen Price 1:02:07. Full results here

Super Sunday for Harrogate Harriers

May 15, 2013

Sunday saw the much-anticipated Leeds Half Marathon, with a crowd of Harriers making their way over to test their mettle on the challenging course. The first 6 miles or so were uphill, forcing a slower start for most, the advantages of which they reaped later on in the race when the undulation was a bit more forgiving. With PBs scattered liberally amongst the Harriers’ results it was an excellent day for all involved.

First Harrier over the line was Jonny Johnson in a storming 1:19:51, a brilliant 15^th overall in a field of 4.529 athletes. Dan Atkinson was second Harrier, completing his first half-marathon in 1:33:21, setting the bar high for future PBs. He netted 224^th position overall. Third Harrier was Darren West in a new PB of 1:36:12, followed very closely by Adam Prentis in 1:36:19. Also in the sub 1:40 club, and proud owner of a shiny new PB, was the first Harrier lady, Rosalyn Moore, in 1:39:54. Second Harriers lady was one of their newest members, Monika Papaj in an impressive 1:43:17. Third lady, and also with a great new PB, was Nicky Smith who clocked 1:46:00. More excellent results from Harriers’ runners: Rob Athey, in a PB of 1:43:52; Paul Berwin , also a PB, in 1:45:49; Mike Salt with yet another PB of 1:46:00; Neil Hindmarch clocked a terrific 1:48:37; Shaun Morrison, in his first ever half-marathon, achieved a great time of 1:48:46; just 4 seconds behind, Toby Eastaugh achieved an excellent PB of 1:48:50; another new member, Angela Barker-Charleton, achieved 1:50:56; Sarah Lupton, at her first time racing this distance, clocked a superb 1:52:22; Melissa Webb did a great time of 1:59:00, Nicki Walton just behind in 1:58:43; and Hannah Wallington clocked a fantastic 2:04:21. Full results here

Tim Bennett opted to travel for his half-marathon, rather than stay in Yorkshire. He completed the popular and scenic Chester Half Marathon in a fantastic time of 1:46:17. Full results here

Also on Sunday was the Knaresborough 10k race which a number of Harriers opted for. At closer to 11k it followed a particularly challenging route, with hills, roots and winding paths to negotiate, not to mention dogs, walkers and bikes! Barry Mcguire was 5^th over the line. Official results are pending, but Tim Broomfield and Coralin Harrison also ran well.

The Harrogate District Summer Racing League got underway last Wednesday evening with the first race at Otley. Many runners from clubs all over the area joined together to enjoy a fine evening with none of the promised rain, an excellent route along the river mixing road and trail, and a scrumptious supper afterwards. Harrogate Harriers enjoyed an excellent turn-out, and achieved first position overall for the moment – it’s very close though so the club will need to keep pushing to maintain the lead. Chris Miller was 3^rd overall and first Harrier in 33:23, Andrew Grant just behind and 6^th overall in 33:46, and Jonny Johnson, 9^th, in 33:56. Top 3 Harriers ladies were Cathy Wright, 72^nd overall, in 40:21, Wendy Marks, 93^rd, in 41:38, and Sue Sharples, 127^th in 44:28. Full results here and photos courtesy of Alan here

Kirkbymoorside Sees 5 Harriers Racing Well In The Sunshine

May 9, 2013

The annual Kirkbymoorside 10k was attended by 5 Harrogate Harriers last weekend, with the club snaffling 3rd and 4th place, thanks to Barry Mcguire and John Young. They both finished extremely strongly, Barry in 36:28 and John just 5 seconds behind in 36:33. Barry commends the event, saying it’s already in his diary for next year: “the atmosphere was awesome, a brass band and big crowds cheering us on. It was a great day for running”. Also running for the club was Lauren Woodall, who although still part of the Harriers Juniors was second lady over the line, and a fantastic 48th overall. An excellent time of 41:35 is testament to her current and promised talent. Nick Andralojc had a great run in 47:23, coming in 146th, and new club recruit Emma Andralojc got her racing career with the Harriers of to a flying start with 103:36 on the clock and 386th position. Welcome to the club, Emma! Full results here

In other news, the club’s much-loved Tuesday coach took to the fells for the Coiners Mytholmroyd fell race, a fast tour of Coiners country on paths, tracks and moorland, taking in Erringden Moor, Stoodley Pike and Bell House Moor. The route offers spectacular views of Cragg Vale and passes by the old coiners cottages of Bell House and Keelam. Results are pending, but Ian, an accomplished fell runner, is bound to be up there in the tables after an enjoyable day in the beautiful Bank Holiday sunshine. Full results here

And finally, the Harriers are pleased to see the injury-free return of the double act Paul Halliday and Alfie the dog at Harrogate’s parkrun. Always a pleasure to see, they completed it in 34:33.