Harriers Get a Well Earned Free Beer

Beginning on the cobbled streets of Heptonstall before descending sharply into the wooded valleys of Hardcastle Crags somewhat lulling runners into a false sense of security before sending competitors to face a strenuous climb up to High Brown Knoll is the aptly named Heptonstall Festival Fell Race. An AS (short distance, steep ascent) category race of 9.5km and 500m ascent the course traverses varied terrains including grassy fields, muddy slopes, rocky bridleways, and open moorland. It has been known for its extreme weather to test those hardy fell-runners endurance and resilience. The course is partially marked, so familiarity with the route is somewhat advantageous. The final stretch challenges participants with a steep ascent back into the village, culminating in a festive climax of community entertainment and a free pint at the finish line. Hugely popular with the Harriers, who will go anywhere for a free alcoholic beverage, a bakers dozen turned up to dry the barrels. With two Red Vest finishing in the top 10, first back was Sam Fairhurst breaking the line in 5th position (51:35) then Matt Fawthrop in 9th (53:37). The rest of the drinkers placed as follows; 36th Nick Kelly (1:02:11), 47th Kevin Newall (1:06:17), 52nd Charlotte Wilkinson (1:06:55), 58th Sandra Newall (1:07:56), 74th Gary Chadderton (1:10:08), 78th Doug Fleming (1:11:05), 89th Alison Mort (1:12:25), 91st Mark Seddon (1:13:02), 101st Gary Porteous (1:15:48), 105th Helen McDonald (1:16:51) and 127th Katherine Newall (1:22:54).

The annual A J Bell Great North 10k is one of the UK’s premier 10-kilometer road races attracting up to 10,000 runners and offers competitors a scenic tour of Newcastle’s iconic landmarks such as the Tyne Bridge (crossed twice), Grey’s Monument and the Civic Centre. In attendance for the England versus Wales and Northern Ireland versus the UK Armed Forces event was six-time England masters, Gareth Webb. On a hilly course and a quality international field Webb placed ninth vet 65 in a time of 41:56.

In the weekly roundup of Park run Andrew Crickmore was solo Harrier at Bolton and finished in a non-triskaidekaphobic 13th position (23:06). Suzanne Budgett was 109th (24:55) in her now local parkrun. Also, Lakeland way was Brendan Bolland at Keswick (176th, 29:30). Richard O’Reilly accompanied his daughter on her very first park run at Haigh and starting from plum last got quickly bored, left his offspring to it and went chasing off where he ultimately finished 21st (22:06) and 2nd Vet55 to be closely followed by Leo Orrell 23rd (22:16). Sister Sophie Orrell crossed the line 147th (31:30). At enjoyable but hilly Witton Park Graham Schofield placed 12th in 25:18. Park run veteran and regular Rob Jackson completed the treacherous Sale Water course in an excellent 6th (18:46). Whilst the Middleton’s were at Fletcher Moss; Jason 77th (23:36) and Janet 295th (31:20). A bijou 102 runners took part at Kew Woods with Oliver Hughes 35th (27:14). The usually large crowds at Peel Park seem to have been elsewhere after last week’s completely mind-blowing 930 competitors saw a mere 476 field attend this week. Tony Hesketh handed in his well-worn bar code as 278th (29:21). Isaac Parker exactly matched this week’s fastest time (18:46) with a 6th position at Storey Fields. And last but not least Gordon Stone cracked out a sub 30 in 124th (29:58) at Worden Park. That time had been coming.

Not content with single weekend races, following park run Richard O’Reilly headed darn south for the Chiltern Ridge half marathon. A truly scenic if somewhat challenging trail race starting and finishing at Wendover, Buckinghamshire. The 21.1km (526m ascent) entirely off-road course offers runners undulating forest loops and stunning views of the Chilterns. The race itself features woodland paths, open countryside, chalky ridgelines and the seemingly flat less terrain includes hills with double digit inclines as you pass through Coombe Hill and Whiteleaf Hill Nature Reserve. Although the greatest challenge might be avoiding getting shot at by the Prime Ministers armed bodyguards if you venture too far off the marked course which passes through his official countryside residence at Chequers. On a day ideally suited for fast times with both the men’s and ladies course records being broken O’Reilly running his longest race in some time was content with a 4th V50-59 position in a time of 1:50:26.