A clash of fixtures on Wednesday 15th July spread Harriers out a little this week. Three hardy souls headed over to Chop Gate, deep in the moors for the next Esk Valley Lets Run Dave Parry Summer Series Fell Race – Cock Howe and Beyond. Only 39 runners took part in this race which starts with a stiff climb through bracken and rough ground, always keeping the Bilsdale Mast in view. Experienced runners keep a little in the tank to then race the fast descent from Wether Hill to the finish. Esther Harrison was second lady in 53:59, Paul Chapman finished strongly in 1:05:18 and Joe Martlew took the overall win in 45:32.
On the same evening, a larger gathering occurred at Otley for the conclusion of the Harrogate District Race League. The Norman Smith Handicap takes place on a fast, flat course, along the riverside and back in a loop. The staggered start means everyone has an equal chance of winning and results in a high-speed dash for the finish line! After the race, the runners from all teams enjoyed a social BBQ and drinks.
In the tale of the tape, Alexandra Whapples of Vocalink Running Club claimed the trophy. Kirsty Naylor (44:21) was 1st Harrier across the line taking 7th place, Ashley Dodgson (34:19) was 11th and Richard Grant (39:55) was 12th. The other runners out of the 185 field were (in handicap finish order) Andy Newing (47:04), Stuart Hill (46:58), Tess Grant (58:33), Chris Coates (40:19), Clare Rowntree (42:20), Alan Simpson (42:58), Alex Miller (52:32), Trudy Morrice (42:04), Martin Emmott (46:41), Emma Mcquillan (45:46), Brett Edgeworth (42:22), Adrian Wood (52:59), Julia Harland (54:26), Vanessa Arthur (45:57), Alan Longmire (48:25), Hugh Jenyns (1:05:00), Rosie Gatenby (50:36), Robert Burn (43:18), Sharon Emmott (48:10), Lynne Jackson (52:45), Janet Balmain (53:22), Elizabeth Wordsworth (53:08), Christopher Wordsworth (54:20), Carol Longmire (56:59), Sara Armitage (53:06), Carol Thompson (1:07:17), Christine Burn (1:04:02), Josie Burn (53:42), Denise Gandy (1:15:36), Natalie Lyth (57:22) and Duncan Fothergill (50:19).For the overall league results, Esther Harrison and Charlie Lamb were awarded age category prizes and all Thirsk and Sowerby teams placed well with notably, the Female Vets taking a runners up spot behind Nidderdale.
On Friday 17th, Olivia Mulligan had an excellent race at the Swirral Grind 850, an uphill only race designed in the style of a Vertical K. Olivia had been eying this race for a while, and after a long battle to come back from injury she was not only able to take part but to be first lady to the top of Helvellyn in an incredible time of 55:06. She describes how everything clicked into place as she entered a flow state on the final scramble.
As usual on Saturday, Harriers represented the Club at several parkruns around the county and further afield: At Northallerton parkrun, Esther Harrison (19:59) and Sarah Fairhurst (20:31) finished 3rd and 4th overall supported by Anna Jones (22:52), Julia Harland (27:25), Anna Pus (35:48), and Hugh Jenyns (37:49). Bronwyn Mayo (22:38) took in the sea air at Whitley Bay in Tyne and Wear, finishing as 4th female. At Fountains Abbey, Gary Dunn (18:07) took 8th overall with Grace Rowland (21:32) 5th female and Michael Cropper (42:32) also competing. Isaac Myer (18:19) achieved 1st place overall at Millfield, joined by Matt Jones (21:42), Rob Burn (24:19), Clare Gwillam (26:38), Lindsay Goom (30:22), Faith Coy (30:25), Tessa Grant (31:36), Paul Adams (32:43), Christine Burn (33:32), Richard Grant (39:55), and Ian Codling (57:25). Nicky Hawkes (31:58) completed the undulating course at Oakey Park, Stanley, County Durham. Roundhay saw Vanessa Arthur (26:40), Sara Armitage (29:50), Nigel Morgan (30:53), and Kerry Morgan (48:26) running. Helen Ashworth (27:36) travelled to the challenging Pendle event in Lancashire finishing 3rd female. Thorp Perrow was attended by Sharon Emmott (28:52), Natalie Lyth (30:50), and Laura Till (31:17). The ever young Adam Harper-Walker (19:33) took 4th overall at Peter Pan in West Hull, and Ian Ord (31:51) ran the North Yorkshire Water Park event.
Also on Saturday, and part of Sunday; Gavin Coventry took part in the LDWA Afoot in 2 Dales event. This 50-mile self navigated route starts and finishes in Harmby near Leyburn and takes in high moor, a section of the Pennine Way and delightful Dales villages. Gavin successfully completed in 17 hours and 38 minutes, he no doubt enjoyed his hard earned post event fry-up.
On Sunday, Sharon and Martin Emmott ran the Hexham 10k. Organised by Run Nation, it was a slightly undulating out and back course on closed roads, starting and finishing by the river Tyne. The weather was slightly overcast and cooler at the start which was very much appreciated after the extreme heat.
