London marathon – and more

Just over half a dozen Harriers made their way to take part in the London Marathon this weekend, mostly raising money for charity, but also among the 45000 or so testing themselves over 26.2 miles.  As ever, the support of the crowd was phenomenal, and despite the rainy start, all were cheered to the finish.  Bronwyn Mayo recorded the quickest time, an amazing 3.32.53, with Pedro Carrasco taking 4.03.48, Clare Tempest, in her 17th running of the event, 4.19.19, Andrew Pollard 4.36.13 just ahead of his wife Ruth, both doing London for the first time, who took 4.47.54, Barry Smart-Barker 5:14:01 and Kate Eyles 5.16.06.  Ken Wood's Dad, 73 year old Dave, took 5.44.11.  Well done all of you, tired but happy as you made your way back to Thirsk.

  The previous weekend, Matt Jones completed the Boston Marathon (Lincs not USA!) and did a superb time of 3.03.43, 18 minutes quicker than his previous PB.  The flat course lends itself to fast times and it certainly didn't disappoint for Matt.

  The same weekend, 11 members competed in the Heartbeat Hobble Fell Race based in Goathland, the penultimate race of the Dave Parry Winter Series.  It is said to be one of the “easier” courses, over 11k and with 200m of ascent, but that said, there was plenty of mud and stony ground to negotiate, particularly in the last third of the race, and a large field of 256 enjoyed the warmer spring day.  First Harrier home was again Esther Harrison, 52nd in 56.22, 6th lady, and thus eligible for a prize at the end.  Next came the on form Gary Wilkinson, 76th in 61.36, closely followed by Alan Simpson, also running well, 79th in 62.09.  Trudy Morrice, despite suffering an ankle injury early in the race, and had to settle for 2nd F50, 85th in 63.17.  Clare Rowntree completed the ladies' team, 92nd in 64.23, and at her first fell race was Louise Mayfield, 107th in 69.18, not far ahead of Marc Davies, 109th in 69.50.  Luke Shannon, another new to fell racing, was the final team member, 121st in 72.35.  Kind hearted Rosie Gatenby supported more new fell runners, Tracey Docherty and Sara Armitage, Tracey placed 148th in 91.27, Sara 149th in 91.30 and Rosie 150th in 91.31, and a good and satisfying day was had by all!