Kielder Marathon and much more
Richmond and Zetland harriers were among the top athletes at the testing Kielder marathon. Mike Jeffries produced a sensational run and returned to the podium in 3rd place (2:51:11) in what was his first ever marathon, adding to this, Jacqui Keavney also had an outstanding race to also finish 3rd in the ladies section and the 1st V50 athlete (3:27:40). Lee Davies also was in fine form in 38th (3:25:51) and Peter Armstrong took it in his stride to finish in 86th (3:39:54). Team Flannery were also in action for the season ending English national duathlon championships at Oulton Park. Holly again showed her every rising stock in these events with 2nd female overall in the sprint distance and Mark finishing 3rd in his age category at the standard distance. A new athlete to these events is Lawrence Corbett, who also showed he is transitioning extremely well and finished in 28th overall and 2nd in his age category in the sprint distance. Jake Stephenson also topped the podium as the 1st athlete in the Yorkshire Schools Biathlon Championships.
Dave Hack continuing his good form was 3rd in another new pb (17:40) and Shona Fletcher was 19th and 1st lady (19:59). Peter Armstrong was 79th (23:42), the continually improving Jane Hack in another new pb (4 pb’s in the last 5 runs, 26:49, 135th) and Ryan Canizo in 162nd (28:12). Alex Canizo produced a new seasons best and big pb in 165th (28:14). At Fountains Abbey, Dan Holdsworth was easing himself back into running with 6th (18:54).
For the start of the cross country season an excellent turnout of harriers took themselves across to Whitby for the annual race. Alana Teasdale again had a fantastic run to finish 3rd in the U11 girls race. In the U13 boys race Ben Lambert (7th) led the team home to 4th with support from Ralph Chisholm (13th) and Ewan Baxter (21st). Dylan Sorey was 9th in the U15 boys, with George Veitch (12th), Matthew Lambert (13th) and Lewis Moore (17th) giving the team 3rd overall. The U15 girls team of Chloe Dalton (5th), Eliza Hack (9th) and Anna Harrison (14th) were an excellent 2nd. Reece Dalton was 3rd in the U17 boys race with James Greer having a fantastic run in 5th, followed by Luke Hack (6th), Harry Robson (7th) and Ryan Canizo (10th) to give them the team race as well. Jo Adams was 2nd in the senior ladies race, Issie Starkey with a great performance in 9th, Donna Riddler was 12th, Rebecca Simpson (19th), Pauline Whittaker (40th), Fiona Wilson (55th), Nicki Billows (69th), Jane Hack (70th) and Laura Dunphy (87th) gave the outstanding ladies squad 1st overall. Unfortunately Laura Kirkham didn’t get her finish recorded! Scott Wardman (8th) was 1st home for the mens team, followed by Tony Lambert (11th), Steve Middleton (15th), Ken Harker (21st), Rob Scott (25th), Julian Simpson (38th) and Simon Withers (99th), with the mens squad finishing an excellent 2nd in the team race. Coach Purkiss also took to the grass to enjoy the views around Whitby, however in doing so he was overcome by the aromas from the Magpie café and felt a twinge in his calf, which unfortunately ended his race. The plan to be first in the queue backfired when Rob Burn also had the same idea and the two got discussing old glories so missed their chance! A drowned rat was spotted around the Northallerton area on Wednesday afternoon, it turned out to be Ken Harker practicing for a potential move to triathlon and Kiki Fletcher has offered swimming lessons!