Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers must surely have had one of their best seasons ever in the Dave Parry Summer Fell Race Series, with presentations made after the Lockton Limping Fell Race on Sunday. Tom Levi came away as Men's Champion for the series, certainly a first for the club, at least in the last 22 years. Esther Harrison was runner up in the Ladies' competition, with consistent Trudy Morrice in 3rd place and Rose Kruger 4th. In the age group categories, Tom and Esther were both Open winners, Beth Haggath U23, Lucy Sillars F45, Trudy Morrice F50 and Helen Ashworth F55. Freddy Whorton, on maximum points for having completed all races, was understandably MU23 winner. Endurance awards were given to those who hadn't otherwise won an award and included Gary Wilkinson, who completed all 14 races, Marc Davies 12 races, and Rosie Gatenby 9 plus a point for marshalling. (9 was the minimum to receive this award). Prizes were a beautiful, specially made, teapot or mug by Little Wren Pottery of Northallerton.
Tom Levi, Men's Champion in the Summer Fell Race Series
Esther Harrison, Ladies' runners up in Dave Parry Summer Fell Race Series
Sarah Harrison, on arriving at a landmark birthday, set herself the challenge of running an ultra marathon before the year was out – a mile for every year – and at the weekend she did just that, 40 miles (41 actually) along the Cleveland Way, with 6000 feet of elevation. Training did not go according to plan, and with the days getting shorter, it was now or never! She began at Slape Wath near Guisborough and met all weather conditions, sun, rain and thick mist before reaching her target point, Sutton Bank visitor centre, taking 10 hours 8 minutes. A challenge indeed, and congratulations, Sarah, on a wonderful achievement, not possible without the support of her proud parents, fellow members, Gillian and Ian Crane, who were along the route at various points to supply essential food and drinks.
Sarah Harrison elated at the end of her 40 mile ultra marathon
Sarah Harrison going well on her ultra marathon
14 members were among the 408 park runners at Fountains Abbey, including Andrew and Ruth Pollard for the first time, Laura Till, in her 3rd park run, who took PB 34.46, and Kerry and Nigel Morgan, tail walkers. Other PBs were achieved by Hugh Jennyns, 32.35 at Millfield and Gary Wilkinson, 20.34 at Harrogate, coming 8th in a field of 284.