Thirsk & Sowerby Harriers enjoyed another action-packed week of running, featuring a triumphant club handicap in Wass Woods, a massive nationwide turnout at parkruns, and half marathon success in East Yorkshire.
The week began in Wass Woods for the annual Summer Handicap, where 56 members took on the woodland course. A total of 43 runners had qualified through recent time trials, while 13 non-qualifiers took on a 2-minute time penalty to assist race organiser Duncan Fothergill in compiling the standings. Crossing the line first to claim overall victory and the perpetual handicap shield was Alan Longmire. Keeping it firmly in the family, Carol Longmire delivered a brilliant run to finish second, while organiser Duncan Fothergill took third. Every runner and volunteer received chocolate or wine, with sincere thanks going to Duncan, the marshals, and timekeepers who ensured everything ran smoothly before the rain set in.
(L-R) Club coach Rob Burn, handicap winner Alan Longmire holding the shield, organiser Duncan Fothergill, and second-place finisher Carol Longmire celebrating in Wass Woods.
On Sunday, 'Team Pollard' represented the Harriers at the inaugural Beverley Half Marathon. Taking on a scenic but unexpectedly hilly course in warm conditions, Ruth Pollard put in a superb performance, pacing her race to perfection to finish in a time of 02:05:59. Husband Andrew Pollard also tackled the tough 13.1-mile route, crossing the finish line in a solid 02:11:00.
Ruth and Andrew Pollard in high spirits before taking on the inaugural Beverley Half Marathon.
Saturday’s parkruns saw Harriers scattered across the UK and Ireland. Highlights included Olivia Mulligan taking 2nd female at Holyrood in Edinburgh (21:06), Liam Nolan placing 6th at University of Galway (18:59), Isaac Myer finishing 7th at Albert Park, Middlesbrough (18:22), and Esther Harrison crossing as 1st female at Millfield (20:28).
Olivia Mulligan at Holyrood parkrun in Edinburgh, where she finished as 2nd female overall near Arthur's Seat.
Personal bests were celebrated in force. At Northallerton, Luke Barletta continued his strong comeback from injury with a new PB of 31:24, joined by Julia Harland (27:15 PB) and Vanessa Arthur (24:17 PB). Over at Millfield, a large club turnout yielded PBs for Sean Parle (21:59), Cathy Knott (26:26), Michelle Barratt (30:37), Cathy Cundy (34:20), and Mike Sanders (23:42). Harriers also took part at Rising Sun, Castle Park, Penrith, Henley Wood, Conyngham Hall, Oakwell Hall, Redcar, Thorp Perrow, North Yorkshire Water Park, Fountains Abbey, and York Community Woodland.
Luke Barletta digging deep at Northallerton parkrun to set a new personal best on his return from injury.
