Harriers Return to Local Events
The Richmond and Zetland squad returned to action the day after an impressive showing at the Yorkshire Championships. This time the venue was Summerhill, Hartlepool for the area cross country league. Anna Harrison had a very good run in the Under 13 girls placing in 12th. In the U15 boys Harry Robson showing no effects from the previous days exertions came home in a very pleasing 3rd place. In the same girls age group Laura Kirkham was 5th and Vanessa Roper 12th. There was only a sole club representative in the U17 boys with James Greer in 6th. Issie Starkey was the first lady for R&Z across the line in a very credible 7th and the first U17 lady. Next home was the flying Jackie Keavney in 12th, Pauline Whittaker in 31st, Fiona Wilson in 39th and Michelle Sprent in 52nd. A great team performance gave the ladies 6th overall. The men were brought home by Rob Scott in 14th with tweedle dum and tweedle dee Andy Everard and Simon Withers in 77th and 78th.
Sunday saw the running of the Brass Monkey half marathon and aptly named with the conditions at 2 degrees below freezing. The two harriers who battled the conditions were Jeff Thurlbeck who came home in 1:37:51 and Sarah Gregory in 1:41:34.
At the recent icy and cold parkrun at Darlington, Ken Harker stormed home in 1st place, with training partner Shona Fletcher in close pursuit in 2nd. Ronnie Corbett and Jeremy Pattison continued their return to form with 5th and 6th. Our second hand runner Michelle Nolan in 9th. Joe Withers continues to help his father with his training and was 131st with dad Simon in 132nd.
Jo Adams continues her return to full fitness with an impressive run at Albert Park parkrun. Not a lover of Darlington South Park, Jo went for a spot of tourism and ran an impressive 18:42 to take 1st lady and 6th overall.
Mountain lion Alan Ashcroft has been spotted on the fells, but apparently is using it to improve his cold tolerance at lower levels in Catterick!
The coaches are impressed with the way most athletes have wintered and looking forward to a good showing from Richmond and Zetland athletes this week-end at the Northern Cross Country Championships.