Holmfirth Harriers News

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Holmfirth Harriers Track & Field team started the season on a high note despite travelling to Wigan with a much depleted team due to other commitments and injuries.

The team spirit shone through however as it has so often in recent seasons and the team finished a highly creditable 3 rd, just behind East Cheshire Harriers in 2 nd and only ½ point in front of St Helens Sutton. It was the sometimes unsung heroes who provided the backbone to the team meaning that almost every event was covered with some taking part in highly unusual events for them, and a couple of the junior athletes taking part for the first time.

The tone was set in the very first event with James Dewhirst taking part in the pole vault, for the first time. He is one of a few who have been travelling to Sheffield to receive some pole vault coaching and it paid dividends as he broke the club record twice on his way to a fourth place. It is hoped by the next match the club will have athletes in all the pole vault events. James went on to complete a hard day by winning the 110 metres hurdles and finishing 4 th in the 400m hurdles. He was joined in both hurdle events by William McFadzean who had to call in at the JJB Sports Shop next to the stadium at Wigan to buy some running spikes before recording the same results as James in his races. William who was on a flying visit from University to celebrate his 21 st birthday was then persuaded by his dad to have a go at the triple jump and came an excellent 2 nd on his first go at this event.

Tom Greenhalgh one of the junior athletes making his debut also took part in the triple jump finishing a fine 4 th as he also did in the high jump and 400m showing great promise for the future.

Tom Jennings as he has done in recent years took part in three of the throws and the long jump, he recorded a PB in finishing 2 nd in the Shot Putt and was close to his best when also being runner up in the Javelin. Andy Storr donned his throwing kit as opposed to his official’s jacket and took part in all four throws to provide back up for Tom and took 4 th twice and 5 th twice in a very good competition. He as joined as usual by team manager John in the Hammer and he also managed a fourth place.

Junior George had a fruitful day finishing 3 rd in the 100m and 2 nd in the High Jump before winning the 400m, his new main event, knocking almost 2 seconds off his previous best time. Russell Balmforth who is assisting in coaching the sprinters this year joined Junior in the 100m and then ran in a very hot 200m to gain crucial points for the team. Tom Petit and Mathew Johnson teamed up in the 800 and 1500m and were up against the top under 20 runner in the country but stuck at it with Tom coming 2 nd and 3 rd and Mathew 4 th and 5 th respectively, Mathew then however pulled up in the 200m but hobbled the last 100m to the line to finish and thus gain the points that made all the difference at the end of the day.

In the 5000m Dave Turnball was making a track debut which he found very different to road running but said he enjoyed it finishing 4 th in a good field whilst in the B string Alistair Langron paced his race well to move through towards the end to finishing 2 nd.

In the 3000m Steeplechase Richard Smith ran a very sensible race to finish 3 rd whilst James Kendrick filled in for the B string and kept going to take 4 th place, a brave effort.

The 3 rd place overall was clinched on the last event, the women’s Javelin with Katie Zientek finishing 2 nd and Charlotte Dillingham 3 rd to overhaul St. Helens. These two had taken part in all the women’s throws and with Katie adding two 3 rd and one 5 th place to her Javelin result, whilst Charlotte took 2 nd in two further events plus another 3 rd to gain valuable points which proved vital at the end.

Two of the stalwarts of the women’s team were Linda Pearson and Zoe Chalesworth who showed great spirit and determination in competing in numerous events. Linda gained a large number of points by running the 100m, 100m Hurdles, and taking part in the High, Long and Triple jump events plus a relay. Zoe went through the pain barrier after hitting a hurdle in the 400m but continued to finish, and then ran in the 100m hurdles, 100m before rounding her day off with a leg of the 4 x 400m. Sara Simmons who took part in both relays had earlier recorded 3 rd, 2 nd and 1 st places in the 200m, 400m and 800m respectively, Beth Petit also filled in for the 200m before doubling up in the 800m where she was 2 nd and the 1500m where she finished 4 th in the A race. Kathy Farquhar was runner up in the B race which was after she had taken 3 rd place in the 3000m. Jackie France show a turn of speed in her 3000m race to out sprint one of her opponents in the finishing straight to move up to 2 nd place. This came back to haunt her as she was then asked to run the first leg for the 4 x 100m relay team!!

The youngest athlete on the day was Athena Mellor who took time off from the triathlon to show she has great promise in track and field with fine debut performances in the Long and High Jumps plus the 400m before running in a relay.

With a number of minor aches and strains during the day it was all hands to the pumps in the relays and with remarkable consistency they managed to finish 4 th in each race.

The final members of the team who gained a maximum 30 points were the officials who again did a sterling job with Kevin Johns ending up as chief time-keeper, John Buckingham as track judge, and Adrienne Dewhirst, Richard Szostak, Emma Szostak, who were joined by John and Andy when events permitted carried out the field judge duties.

The team are looking forward to the next event at Spenborough on the 7 th of June when it is hoped a number of athletes will be back but they will have to go some to better the team spirit and performance at Wigan.

World Cross Country Championships, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Scotland
Saturday / Sunday 29th & 30 th March 2008

Here is a different view for the benefit of the ordinary club athlete, spectators and TV viewers as to what really goes on to ensure that everything appears to run smoothly.

Friday, 28 th March; Travel north with John Temperton and check in mid afternoon at the Pollock Halls of Residence where the athletes, team managers, officials will be housed. The ‘top people’ will be put up in a hotel down in the city. Processed through accreditation easily but find that I am now known as Brian Hayword! Receive ‘competition official’ pass, to be worn at all times, which allows me into all areas except media/press, the VIP area and the VVIP, that’s correct a “ very very important persons” area ie people from the IAAF. [International Association of Athletic Federations] Only 5 other English officials were invited including one who was representing the IAAF and of those three were from Yorkshire, myself, John Temperton & Roger Everton. Check in for my allocated room again went well although having located the correct building found that the pass key did not open the door! Saved by an athlete coming out and eventually found the room. Coming out by the nearest door solved the key problem as this door was at the opposite end of the ‘U’ shaped block!! After a drink in the campus bar and dinner we received the entry list for the Saturday events ie Learning Disabilities, male and female, Inter regional (Girls), Inter regional (Boys), Home Countries (Women) and Home Countries (Men). We were not required for the Young Athletes Relays which were to be held prior to the these and not on the World Cross course.

Saw many of the athletes later in the bar, socialising I believe it is called, including ones from Spain, USA, Australia, Wales, Northern Ireland and of course the English / GB teams. I’m not too sure either about coaching in the bar at approx. 10.00pm, English athlete and team manager. Names are being withheld but will ask Alwyn about this side of things as possibly Holmfirth runners may be missing out on something new!!

Saturday, 29 th March; Didn’t sleep particularly well and woke at 5.30am with dawn just having broke and the sun coming into view at 6.15 over Arthur’s Seat which could be seen from my room window. Couldn’t get back to sleep and got up just before 7 o’clock and because it looked so inviting got washed and dressed then went out for a walk at 7.25am!! Whatever next? Returned just after 8, showered and changed, went for breakfast, linking up with the other English guys except one who had been and gone as he was due on the course at 8.00am to finalise the Risk Assessment for the finish area and the road closures through Holyrood Park. The rest of the morning was free but were made aware that we all had to report to the officials marquee on the course before 1.00pm when a briefing would be held. Arrived at 12.30pm along with John T after having had a walk into the city, along part of Princes Street (no shopping) around the base of the Castle before meandering our way back to the campus using John’s instinct in direction. Achieved without too much problem.

The 15 minute advised walk to the course actually took us nearly 25 minutes and it was mainly down hill and we also cut the corners instead of following the road. Needless to say we used the shuttle bus back after the races had finished as it had rained whilst the men’s race was being run.

The first four races all went off OK apart from one young boy who struggled to pin his number on to the front of his vest. Low and behold after helping him to take it off it was discovered he had managed to put two pins through the number, then through the front of the vest and finally one of them in to the back of the vest. Needless to say he couldn’t get it on and wondered why. The things that have to be sorted out in the call room.

The final race of the day – Home countries Men – was to be a full rehearsal for Sunday; kit check (logos, advertising, slogans on T shirts beneath the vest, etc) and the issuing of the front number name bib complete with transponder chip attached. Race start time was 3.15pm with the athletes required to be in the call room

20 minutes prior. The athletes started to arrive but the chip numbers didn’t. The clock ticked on to 3.05pm, still no chip numbers although two agitated IAAF officials, one Italian the other Portuguese, could be seen in one corner arguing with the call room referee. This turned out to be about the layout of the tables in the call room for Sunday rather than getting the athletes processed for their race. Eventually, one of them went for the numbers, don’t know why he didn’t bring them in the first place, but then still wouldn’t let go of them. By this time the Race referee and the IAAF Representative had arrived and finally the numbers were released. The athletes had not been forgotten about and had been sent back inside the large heated changing marquee as the weather had turned quite cold. A new start time of 3.25pm was agreed (good job it wasn’t on the TV) and due to the efficient set up all the athletes were processed and chipped in approximately 5 minutes giving them a further 10 minutes before the new start time. The race went OK with England having the individual winner, Tom Lancashire with David Webb from Leeds City AC 3 rd and also the winning team. The England Women’s athletes went just slightly better with 1 st and 2 nd individuals and the winning team.

Discussions with colleagues during the evening revealed that at the original start time for the men’s race the chip timing system wouldn’t have been ready as it was operated from a ‘master clock’ that had to be reset and locked for each race. At the 3 minute warning siren there were still 3 or 4 female athletes who hadn’t finished their race!! During the men’s race it was also noticed that the lap scorer had changed the lap marker too soon, it showed zero as the leader came into view when it should have been changed to zero as the leader approached the start of the last lap and could see the marker. It was hastily corrected as the leader was nearing the lap marker and the bell rung to indicate the last lap.

Sunday, 30 th March; It was still not known which countries had not received their running kit – Heathrow terminal 5 was believed to be holding some baggage – although it was understood that Puma had delivered some overnight. Many teams had been contacted and advised not to travel via London Heathrow but divert through Hamburg or Amsterdam. It had rained heavily overnight and I was pleased to be working in the call room again – one of the better places considering the very muddy conditions. With rain still falling quite heavily, I decided to travel down on the shuttle bus to avoid getting too wet before the races. We were briefed at 12 noon, first race at 1.00pm, and pleased to hear that all the name bibs (numbers) complete with chip transponder were already for each race. All the athletes except one reported for the Junior Women’s race, 65 in total from 23 different countries, all were processed without problem.

The Junior men’s race also progressed through smoothly with 107 athletes from 30countries although one Japanese runner managed to push his way back out of the call room whilst a large number where queuing to get in. His number was noted and upon his return he then had difficulty being re-admitted, having being ticked off as entered once. His reason - he did not have his accreditation pass with him which we didn’t actually need to see. Once in the call room the only way out is to race or require medical assistance. Similarly the Senior Women’s competitors were efficiently processed with 98 athletes entered from 32 countries. Unfortunately, the athletes from Zimbadwe, Rwanda and Nigeria didn’t make it reducing the field to 95 runners and 29 countries including one from China. Athletes from Kirghizistan and Turkmenistan were also there. I will assume that you know where these countries are in the world?

If by now you are wondering how an Englishman with help from a Scotsman managed to understand these foreign athletes and where to direct them to in the call room, that remains a secret, I wonder if anyone will ask?

The Senior Men’s race was to be the biggest of the day with 188 competitors from 48 countries. Only those from Nigeria and Nepal didn’t arrive. The list included athletes from Palestine, Seychelles, Armenia, Burundi, Brazil and Jordan where the next Worlds are to held plus those mentioned in the above race. Myself and the call room referee were also requested to assist in helping to get the runners back into their start pens, particularly important with the race being televised and had to start at the appointed time. If not, the TV lot get most agitated.

As this was the last race, I was able to watch this unfold, what a great race and in a beautiful setting. Shame the GB athletes didn’t really perform. I knew all the other race results from a start list monitor in the call room that also gave the finishing positions and the team results as soon as the media had them. All in all an excellent day at the races, now what would the banquet arranged for the evening be like!

This was held at The Edinburgh Corn Exchange, miles from the campus with a post code of EH14 and therefore definitely a coach ride. The venue was huge and set out with tables of 10, we estimated 700 – 800 sat down. This excluded the IAAF delegates who although there were in a separate room for speeches!! Unfortunately, in my opinion it was a ‘bit of a let down’. The food was Scottish fare, tatties & neeps and haggis followed by cheese cake and rhubarb in a side dish. Highland dancing, pipes and drums and a disco followed. Didn’t stay long

Monday, 31st March; Returned home after an enjoyable weekend and looked forward to my own bed.

Draycote Water is a reservoir just south of Rugby. About 5 years ago the good folk of Kenilworth Runners began a 35 mile ultra race around said water and last year to much delight added a Marathon.Its a small friendly affair that attracts 100 for the marathon and about the same for the Ultra. The course follows the perimeter road and for the most part is pancake flat however there are undulations where the road leaves the banks of the reservoir that can catch you out, you see you have to run 5 and a bit times round and if you have not saved a bit in reserve that last lap can be a stinker. There is one feed station in the start/finish area that has hot and cold drinks and a fine selection of biscuits and cake for those so inclined.I set out at a steady pace intent on a training run but got a bit carried away on laps 3 and 4, just managing to hold things together on that fatal last lap. Finishing time, a slightly disappointing 3 45 for 33rd place. I might give the Ultra a go next year.

Cheers Gary.

Happy New Year to one and all. Hope your year started better than mine. On the weekend of the 5th, the Long Suffering Wife drove me down to Stevenage for the 100 Club Marathon, a horrific multi lap event around a park. Alas around 16 miles things went horribly wrong and I found myself having to take a long pit stop. I did manage another lap but it was clear things were not going to get any better so I did not finish, the shame.

So to last weekend and again I found myself in Stevenage (a recurring nightmare), this time to meet some chums for a trip to The Louis Persoon Memorial Marathon in Genk. A mouthful I know but a wonderful event. I am afraid Genk is a bit of a dump but on the outskirts set in acres of woodland you will find the Bloso sports and science park. For 40 euros you get, race entry, overnight accomodation in the athletes village a few yards from the start line, breakfast, post race soup and sarnies. The beer is very cheap too at 2 euros a glass. The race itself is flat and fast and as I say through woodland on tarmac paths. After the previous week I was a little apprehensive, started slowly but came through to finish in 3 44. A good time had by all. Highly recomended.

Cheers Gary

1. 11.10am U13 Girls 2,940m 1 small & 1 large lap
2. 11.30am U13 Boys 2,940m 1 small & 1 large lap
3. 11.50am U15 Girls 3,730m 1 medium & 1 large lap
4. 12.10pm U15 Boys 4,520m 1 small & 2 medium laps
5. 12.30pm U17 Women 4,520m 1 small & 2 medium laps
6. 1.00pm U17 Men 5,890m 1 medium & 2 large laps
7. 1.30pm Jnr/Snr Women 5,890m 1 medium & 2 large laps
8. 2.10pm Jnr/Snr Men
Junior Men 8,340m 4 large laps
Senior Men 10,500m 5 large laps

Course details

Small lap 1,080m
Medium lap 1,870m
Large lap 2,160m
(Adjustment for finish – deduct 300m)

Steve Moslin provides sports performance massage. He is mostly based at the stadium but would be willing to come to the club if a few people were interested. Contact Jacqueline if you are interested in a massage at Neiley.

Regular sports massage can help reduce risk of injury and reduce stiffness and soreness after training.

It can also speed up recovery after exercise and prevent muscle and tendon strain.

Let Sports Performance Massage help you to get the most from your potential by being properly prepared for the event.

The course was muddy and sticky in places. The senior mens event was over 11km and involved 3 full laps of the course. The race winner was Andi Jones of Salford in 33.35. Holmfirth were lead home by club captain Matthew Pierson in 39 th position in a time of 36.26. Other Holmfirth positions and times were

Mark Dewhirst did not finish as he twisted his ankle in the wood section on the last lap

The ladies race was over 2 laps of the same course as the men and was totally dominated by Hattie Dean of Hallamshire who won by over a minute in a time of 24.44. Lisa Lacon ran well and was the 1 st Holmfirth scorer in 33 rd place in a time of 28.17and the other Holmfirth positions were

Six Harriers travelled to Pocklington in North Yorkshire to run in the Snake Lane 10M race. 1st Harrier home out of the 667 starters was Dave Turnbull 14th in 55.33 next was John Broom 18th in 56.54. Dawn Critchell and Jacqueline France had a tremendous race for the line with Dawn finishing 2 seconds ahead in 64.20. Jacqueline's time of 64.22 was a personal best for the distance and they took the 3rd & 4th women O/40 prizes The 2 other finishers were P. Senior 257th in 72.20 and T.Cock 408th in 81.11

This is to remind fellow members of the June training weekend in Kettlewell. There are still places and unless more are taken up shortly, it will become open to other clubs in the area in order to make up the numbers. A £20 deposit is required if you wish to go. If you want to find out more details before you commit, please contact Mike or Vicky on 424300 or email m.mavromihales@ntlworld.com. The weekend is intended to be a fun and social break, as well an opportunity to train around some stunning countryside. So don’t think that you have to be an elite athlete to be there. It offers excellent value. More details below.

The training weekend will take place during the weekend 8, 9 and 10 June 2007 in Kettlewell, Yorkshire Dales. A limited number of places available to all senior participating members of Holmfirth Harriers. Accommodation has been booked at Wharfeside House which comprises sleeping accommodation in small dormitories containing bunk beds and bedding, separate male and female showers, kitchen lounge dinning room etc. The cost of accommodation is £40 per person (including bedding for the three nights). The weekend will start with arrival at 4.00 or later on Thursday 7 th June and end by 12.00 on Sunday 10 th June. Activities will include training runs on the mornings of Friday, Saturday and Sunday with mainly off road routes of between 6 and 10 miles with turn-back points. Some of the participating group leaders will plan and lead the runs. There may be a choice of activities in the afternoon including a walk or a cycle ride in the dales or sampling the local ale in one of the many locals. Again this will be down to choice.

Food will be included and this will be from an evening meal on arrival on Thursday until breakfast on Sunday with light lunches (vegetarian options with prior notice). Should the weather permit, a barbeque may be included on Saturday evening. The total cost of the weekend including accommodation and food is estimated to be of the order of £75-£80. Participating members are expected to organise their own transport there. Shared transport is encouraged due to limited parking space, or the large car park on the village edge may be used. Meal preparation will be on a rota basis.

If you are interested in attending please contact Mike or Vicky on 424300. A deposit of £20 will be required asap and the balance by the end of April.

Last Sunday saw the running of the Ian Roberts Memorial Fell race from the Marsden Cricket Club. Ian Roberts was a member of Holmfirth Harriers and was killed by lightning while climbing in the Dolomites in 1979.
153 runners set out across the fells above Marsden and this included the tough climb over Pule Hill. Last year the race was run in snow conditions, this year it was mild but very windy.
1st home for the Harriers was Dave Watson in 2nd place in 54.57. Andy Shaw was 7th and 1st O/45 in 57.34. Andy Hauser was 18th and 1st O/50 in 60.31. 1st woman home was Helen Berry 40th in 64.26 with Kath Farquhar 3rd woman and 1st O/35 in 65.04 with Jean Shotter finishing in the same time to take 1st O/40. They along with the men took the team prizes.

The other Harrier finishers were - B.Stewart 17th 60.24, A.France 20th 60.39, N.Moran 24th 61.42, G.Baxter 26th 61.55, R.Futrell 38th and 2nd O/55 63.18, R.Griffiths 41st 64.27, R.Kersey 42nd and 3rd O/55 64.28, R.Halstead 51st 65.15, J.Damlo-Lairback 54th 65.31, Lesley Ewart 67th and 1st O/50 66.21, K.Valovin 68th 66.25, P.Fearns 69th 66.28, P.Hobbs 70th 66.30, B.Wade 79th and 1st O/65 67.01, D.Shaw 85th 67.41, J.Patterson 86th 67.42, A.Smith 96th 68.46, T.Cock 100th and 2nd O/65 69.17, S.Webster 107th 70.23, R.Facey 112th 70.56, Karen Sinkinson 116th and 1st O/45 71.27, A.Dyson 123rd 73.14, Andrea Higgins 124th and 3rd O/40 73.28, Rebecca Halstead 129th 75.01, Sophie Barraclough 142nd 83.00

The Wakefield 10km was held on Sunday the 25th March 2007. The day was good a strong wind in parts of the course and it was undulating.

There were 1088 finishers and 24 Holmfirth Harriers completed the new course that started in Thornes Road and finishes on the running track.

The race was won in 31.35 by Daniel Agustus from Scarborough.

First home for Holmfirth was Ricky South with his best run for a year in 21st place in 35.16 giving him 2nd over 45....but that beat the first vet 40!!

Next was Brandon Holdroyd who is still getting better finishing in 37.22.

Third was Jerry Patterson in 39.12.

Next was John Philpott in 80th palce in 39.17 giving him 3rd vet 50....

More Holmfirth runners under the magic 40 minute barrier were Mike Pennington in 39.33 and James Kendrick in 39.52

Other good runs with PBs were Andrew Kerry 40.20 and Dave Simmonns in 40.30...

Andy Smith ran 40.39 and Jacqui Dews 8th lady in 41.44.

Regards

John

Last weekend 34 Holmfirth Harriers turned out in one of the quality 10K races in West Yorkshire at Rothwell. The race incorporated the Yorkshire Veterans Championship. Run in perfect race conditions with 726 finishers, Nick Goodliffe was on very good form to win the race by nearly a minute in 30.08 with Matthew Pierson backing up well to finish 3rd in 31.00 a personal best for the distance. In 22nd position veteran O/40 runner Mick Mavromihales finished in 34.02 to bring the Harriers the men's team prize. Richard Smith finished 33rd in 34.35 again a PB. Rob Kersey had a good run just missing out on a vets O/50 trophy by 2 seconds finishing 80th in 37.04
The first Holmfirth lady home was Julia Johnson running a tremendous race to take the 2nd position trophy in the Yorkshire Vets O/40 category in 139th position in 39.25 which was the fastest she had ever run a 10K in. Dawn Critchell took the 3rd position O/40 trophy in 160th in 39.59
The other finishers were- R.South 37th 34.56: S.McCaffrey 43rd 35.19: J.Rose 84th 37.14PB: B.Holroyd 37.23PB: J.Patterson 96th 37.46: J.Philpott 110th 38.20: A.Kerry 125th 38.59: D.Simmons 148th 39.37PB: K.Valovin 174th 40.33: Jacqui Dews 175th 40.35: A.Smith 176th 40.39: A Smithson 203rd 41.57: C.Whitelegg 248th 43.35: Karen Sinkinson 258th 43.54PB: Andrea Higgins 315th 45.42: S.White 339th 46.25: T.Cock 355th 47.00: M.Dolan 359th 47.09: Kiersti Dickinson 384th 47.46: D.Wilkins 385th 47.47: A.Hambleton 415th 48.34: Sophie Barrowclough 558th 53.10: Jeanette White 593rd 54.38: Sarah Smith 682nd 1-02.09: Jackie Hill 684th 1-02.23: Kathryn Wilkins 698th 1-03.39: Diane Kolat 709th 1-05.54:

John Philpott

1	1		Nick Goodliffe	M	(001/088)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:30:08
3	3		Matthew Pierson	M	(003/088)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:31:00
22	22		Mike Mavromihales	M40	(005/079)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:34:02	YV
33	33		Richard Smith	M	(014/088)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:34:35
37	37		Ricky South	M45	(004/071)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:34:56	YV
43	43		Sean M McCaffrey	M35	(010/058)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:35:19	YV
80	76		Robert Kersey	M55	(004/053)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:37:04	YV
84	80		Julian Rose	M40	(016/079)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:37:14	YV
89	85		Brandon Holroyd	M	(028/088)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:37:23
96	90		Jeremy Patterson	M45	(014/071)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:37:46	YV
110	100		John Philpott	M50	(011/064)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:38:20	YV
125	113		Andrew Kerry	M40	(022/079)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:38:59	YV
139		14	Julia Johnson	F40	(002/062)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:39:25	YV
148	133		David Simmons	M50	(016/064)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:39:37	YV
160		17	Dawn Critchell	F40	(003/062)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:39:59	YV
174	152		Kenneth Valovin	M	(043/088)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:40:33
175		23	Jacqui Dews	F	(012/061)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:40:35
176	153		Andy P. Smith	M45	(021/071)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:40:35	YV
203	177		Andrew Smithson	M35	(030/058)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:41:57	YV
248	213		Chris Whitelegg	M45	(031/071)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:43:35	YV
258		38	Karen Senkinson	F45	(010/050)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:43:54	YV
315		48	Andrea Higgins	F40	(012/062)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:45:42	YV
339	288		Steven White	M50	(036/064)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:46:25	YV
355	299		Tim Cock	M65	(007/013)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:47:00	YV
359	302		Mark Dolan	M45	(046/071)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:47:09	YV
384		66	Kiersti Dickinson	F40	(015/062)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:47:46	YV
385	319		Dayn Wilkins	M45	(050/071)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:47:47	YV
415	342		Andrew Hambleton	M50	(047/064)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:48:34	YV
558		150	Sophie Barrowclough	F40	(034/062)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:53:10	YV
593		173	Jeannette White	F55	(009/016)	Holmfirth Harriers	00:54:38	YV
682		234	Sarah Smith	F	(056/061)	Holmfirth Harriers	01:02:09
684		235	Jackie Hill	F45	(045/050)	Holmfirth Harriers	01:02:23	YV
698		245	Kathryn Wilkins	F45	(046/050)	Holmfirth Harriers	01:03:39	YV
709		252	Diane Kolat	F45	(048/050)	Holmfirth Harriers	01:05:54	YV

Huddersfield Actionaires who meet on Saturday mornings at the Sports Centre are a group of young people with visual impairement. They take part in a variety of sports and leisure activities.

Following a six-week coaching programme by Holmfirth Harriers coaches Richard Szostak, John and Katherine MacFadzean, Huddersfield Actionaires took part in a Track and Field competition against other Actionaire teams from across the North of England.

Over 100 young people attended the competition staged at the new track on Leeds Road. The Huddersfield Actionaires won the day, bringing home the shield, whilst the other athletes all received medals and certificates. All the athletes, some as young as 6yrs, competed on the track at the 60m, 100m, 600m, 800m and 1500m, as well as on the field in the shot, javelin, discus and the vertical and standing long jumps. The event finished with a series of Team relays. All the teams enjoyed a competitive but fun day.

The event was organised by Richard Szostak and John Mcfadzean and with the benefit of a funding grant from the Local Network Fund purchased all the equipment used for the event. The grant totalled £7000, and paid for both indoor and outdoor equipment, which is now being used by both the athletes at Holmfirth as well as local children and schools in the area through the Fun in Athletics and StarTrack schemes.

John and Richard would like to thank all the Actionaire volunteers who helped to make the day a huge success, as well as all the staff at Leeds Road for their help and support on the day. This is the third year John, Katherine and Richard have been involved and all are looking forward to next year’s event as a result.

The photograph shows the youngsters from the Actionnaires club celebrating their success with Holmfirths young coach Katherine McFadzean (Far left).

Sunday the 20th of May saw the return after 21 years of the Windermere Marathon. I ran the last two events in 85 and 86 and had fond memories of the race, however driving round the course on Saturday I noticed they had added a few more hills. Sunday morning saw 900+ runners line up for the start, a more scenic Marathon you could not wish for, not a P.B. race though. The hilly bits are at 7 miles, 14 to 17 miles and 21 miles. The rest is gently undulating, honest. The only changes to the old race is the start and finish is now just outside Ambleside at the race organisers HQ, Brathay Hall - here you can pick up your race number, and on race day there was food, drink and various activities to keep supporters happy. Most importantly was the Hawkshead Brewery tent for post-race re-hydration. There were prizes in all age categories up to 65, and guest of honour was fell running legend Joss Naylor. For the record I staggered in thanks to help from eldest daughter Joni who ran the last few miles with me in 3 52.
The organisers have not yet decided if the race will go ahead next year. It would be a great loss to the marathon calendar if it didn't.

This was the first time I have done this race (and my third half marathon) and I was a bit nervous, as I made my self rather ill the last time I ran one (just missed out on doing it in under two hours as a result). However I had done more training this time and I am from Sheffield so it was nice to be on home ground.

The weather was just right – sunshine and clouds but not too warm and not too windy.

The race starts and finishes in the Don Valley Stadium and goes through the centre of town and out to Hunters Bar. The mid few miles of the race go up and down Ecclesall Road, where there were large crowds, music, bands playing and lots of cheering – it was a great atmosphere and really spurred you along.

The organisation was very good both before and on the day and the facilities at the stadium were good.

The atmosphere of starting and finishing in a stadium was excellent – although at the end you ran up to the stadium (very close to the finish), around the outside of the stadium, then into the stadium (but around the edge – not on the track) and then just when you can see the finish on the track you run back out of the stadium(!) and then finally back in to the stadium to finish on the track – it was like ‘so near and yet so far’!

The race used timing chips and in the results (which were on the website by Sunday afternoon) you just get your actual time – which was great.

I was aiming for under two hours and managed 1:56:04, six minutes less than my last time and more importantly I didn’t feel like I wanted to die at the end – all that training with the Harriers has been worth it!

Sophie Barraclough

35 Richard Smith Holmfrth 1:19.33 (PB)
49 Jared Croft Holmfrth 1:21.21
74 Eric Paxman Holmfrth 1:23.38
1271 Steven White M50/46 Holmfrth 1:46.37
1333 Dayn Wilkins M45/94 Holmfrth 1:47.16
2470 Craig Mansell M45/161 Holmfrth 2:02.19

Jeanette White 2.06.39
Suzanne Mansell 2.08.47
Kim Webb 2.13.13
Kathryn Wilkins 2.22.45
Claire Awty 2.23.34
Well done to everyone who took part.

a. good endurance training for me and
b. even better endurance training for Dawn and possibly (going on previous years' times) win it

The first 18 miles are generally on the slight upwards incline of an old railway track and then there are some very steep downhills in the last 5
miles. All of it is off road, mostly on good quality compacted limestone.

Mile 1 - 7:25 (157)
Mile 2 - 7:27 (160) - at this point we are aware of another female behind us but are not phased
Mile 3 - 7:24 (157) My HR is settling. The other woman is still just behind
Mile 4 - 7:33 (156) slight incline - other woman dropping back
Mile 5 - 7:25 (160) - really it's just us two now and any odd waifs and strays who are going to come through strongly or be dropping off after overambitious starts
Mile 6 - 7:24 (158)
Mile 7 - 7:14 (160) Chatting away quite nicely by now. I'm enjoying the instant pace and HR feedback on my wrist about every 15 secs:-)
Mile 8 - 7:06 (158) - quite windy in places but on this mile it's behind us a bit
Mile 9 - 7:15 (161)
Mile 10 - 7:25 (160) - starting a long drag here
Mile 11 - 7:15 (161) - up to the turnaround point and see Dave Darby going well in front of us and that the lady in 2nd is about 2 mins behind. I made sure Dawn logged this fact by taking the split at the turnaround and checking the time when we passed her going the other way
Mile 12 - 7:10 (160) I have to warn Dawn against starting to race already! She does have a habit of going too fast in the middle miles.
Mile 13 - 7:14 (160) - passing odd runners now - windy and exposed in places
Mile 14 - 7:14 (162)
Mile 15 - 7:14 (162)
Mile 16 - 7:15 (162) Pacing error! :-)
Mile 17 - 7:19 (162)
Mile 18 - 7:26 (164) Dawn gets a stitch which she breathes out
Mile 19 - 7:19 (163) we know once we get to 20 it's mainly downhills
Mile 20 - 7:22 (165) just starting to drift.

20 mile split - 2:26.25. Dawn's stitch comes back and she starts to breathe more heavily

Mile 21 - 7:29 (165)
Mile 22 - 7:12 (165) - 1st big descent, and I mean big - glad I have my supercushioned Vaporflys for comfort:-) Dawn normally flies down these and I was surprised not be hanging on to her, but her stitch was bad. The steep hill is jostling her innards around!
Mile 23 - 7:22 (166) - Using the latest GPS technology I start counting down tenths of a mile for her
Mile 24 - 7:17 (165) - she tells me to go on. I want to finish with her and a 3:11 marathon on my own is not the goal.
Mile 25 - 7:17 (163) - the final big downhill is long and very steep. Dawn can feel it hitting her quads and there's no way you can run flat out on it at this stage
Mile 26 - 7:26 (164) - me admiring a fine piece of inland waterway construction from the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. I think Dawn was more interested in seeing the end in sight:-) I tell her to go and cross the line in 1st ahead of me but she insisted we held hands together across the line. I said I hoped no one would assume we'd run it all the way together holding hands:-)
0.33 (171) - yikes a spike in the HR! Maybe it was the hand holding:-)

I make it 3:12.46, about 8 mins in front of 2nd place woman (who was last year's winner). 7:19 ave pace, 160 ave HR for me. A well organised event - fast course, if not quite a pb one.

I was also amused to hear the word `singlet' mentioned as we were on the coach to the start and to have the race director mention `feed stations' on route (ie water, orange squash and a sponge). How very retrospective.

Met Dave Darby at the end and it turned out that he'd gone through the field to finish 3rd in 2:54, not having a run longer than 16 miles since January. Some people!:-)

Just got back from the Manchester 10K. Those who know me will know I had a bit of a challenge in the Race, unfortunately my challenger couldn't race, so it was me against the clock.

Manchester is a very fast and flat course if you get in the right wave and is a definite PB course. Unfortunately not for me this time.

I guess having no one to race against meant I had lost a bit of motivation and whilst I recorded a 3.13 km between 1-2km (I am sure the markers were wrong cos the next 1k I did in 4.35), I couldn’t get into any sort of rhythm.

I also fell at a junction just after 7km, not bad but enough to break the little rhythm I had.

I don’t know if any other Harriers were running and whilst the atmosphere was good and you saw a few “stars”, I prefer my favourite at Rothwell.

If you thought the annual club point to point is a bit of a challenge, I have recently found a hill that is ever so slightly bigger than Castle Hill! Kilimanjaro is a big hill! Situated just south of the equator in Tanzania, it is the tallest free standing mountain in the world; at 5895 metres above sea level it is considered an extreme mountain and quite a challenge.

On 4 March 2007 Richard Whale ran the Kilimanjaro Mountain Marathon, it is only the 5 th time the race has ever been run. To tell the truth the “official title” (and maybe these pictures) could be a little misleading as the race is run in 2 sections. The race starts and finishes at the stadium in Moshi; the first half is on the main road from Moshi to Dar-es-Salaam then turn around and run back to the stadium. This is an undulating part of the course but starting at 6:30am with sun rise at 7:00am is not too bad.; the dangers here are that you are on a major road that has not been closed and is not really wide enough for buses lorries, jugernaughts and runners. The course route is well supported and the children are really keen to run alongside the runners just to be part of the experience. I teamed up with a local GP who said he had run the course before and gave me a ‘running’ commentary and guided tour and also some local history of this part of the country. Nearing the stadium, me and the good doctor parted company, he told me at the beginning he had done this marathon before, when I asked him what time he had completed it in, his reply was, “Oh I have never finished, the course it is far too hard!” My time at half way was 2 hours 10 minutes and I felt so good, I had taken it nice and easy, I was on for a 4.30 marathon. The second part of the course is the same as the half marathon course and is not undulating, it is a serious 13k uphill with no respite; by now the sun was out and not a cloud in the sky, the temperature rapidly climbing to 30C, this was quite a challenge and it wasn’t long before I had to break my rhythm and go like everyone else, into a walk, sucking in the hot air and cursing that damned sun! After a short while I composed myself to get to the top of this hill and reverted back to basics – run one telegraph pole and walk one. The children were again fantastic company, running alongside just for the fun of it, their attire and style of running shoes of either none or at best flip flops was quite humbling. At the turn around point having run through the coffee plantations and up towards the Machame gate entrance of the National park I knew that I had blown my dream of a 4.30 marathon and also my target of under 5 hours, but I was convinced that I could definitely finish, so all was not lost! The last leg going downhill really didn’t feel that easy, the sun by now was scorching hot and it was hard work, I passed some runners still going up, one was being sick and they looked in a sorry state. I had given up looking at my watch until I got to the 40k marker, I had a look and my time was 4:45; a quick calculation of 6min per km meant that my target was now back on. I must have pulled back some time on the downhill stretch. Oh NO! as I tried to pick up the pace the first twinges of cramp, don’t panic I thought just stay calm and don’t push too hard. At the stadium gate a car was blocking the entrance, I squeezed past the car and had to circumnavigate the stadium before I got to the entrance. On entering the stadium I was greeted with a huge cheer, the stadium was packed with spectators, I felt as if I was in the Olympics, blow the cramp push through everything and sprint the rest of the way as fast as I could. The moment I crossed the finish line I stopped my watch to see a time of 4 hours 59 minutes and 30 seconds, I could not have been happier if I had won the race; I was ecstatic over the moon and burst out into a fit of laughter. What a finish (in under my 5 hours target)!

There was no time to celebrate or relax just time for a shower, food, sleep then start the long climb to the summit, 4 days of hard walking for about 6 hours a day and I managed to get to the summit, it was not too bad really, just hard going all the way, always climbing meant that the temperature range was +30c to – 18C at the top. When I arrived at the top I put our Harrier vest on and set off down, once off the glacier our small party started the decent at a snails pace. I asked one guide if we could get down a little quicker, so he arranged it that him and me set off on our own, first at a quick pace, then as the oxygen levels increased we quite soon broke into a gentle jog, he would say “is this too fast” to which my reply was always “do you call this fast – I thought we were going to speed up!” Pretty soon we were going flat out, I have never felt so exhilarated running at full pelt down screed each time my foot went down I slid about 2 feet, eventually going down like a skier; when we reached firm rock there was no easing up just the same question and the same answer, flying past porters and bewildered climbers this was just a fantastic experience I can hardly describe. After 2 hours running the guide stopped for a break at a ranger hut, we waited an hour then set off again to our forest camp site, this time at a slightly gentler pace, arriving at camp before the porters had put up the tents or organised themselves, it was another 4 hours before the others in our group started arriving. The final day was another chance to jog and run but no full speed this time due to the sheer numbers of people trying to get off the mountain. Again another long wait for the others in the group to catch up before we could get “signed off” the mountain.

When I returned from my stroll up the hill, the marathon results were posted at the hotel, my position was 197 out of 249 finishers (over 500 started) my official time is 4:58 and when I had discounted the first 3 pages of African runners it transpired that I was the 4 th British person to finish and the first Holmfirth Harrier home! How cool is that?

The mountain marathon and summit ascent took 7 consecutive days to complete and involved: 13 hours running, 30 hours walking and a climb of 20,000 feet ASL.

I recommend this marathon as a fantastic challenge that is achievable for all social runners; if you need any further information please see Richard Whale.

For the past 5 years I have made the journey to Edinburgh for the Marathon and every year the organisers have without fail changed the course, they do this to make the race more runner friendly and faster. I expect in the next 3 years that we will all be running downhill for 26 miles and getting under 3 hours. Sunday morning was wet and windy and I waited for the 9 o'clock start huddled against the elements in a bin bag in the entrance to Marks and Spencer. The start was on Princes Street beneath the Castle, and I was eventually persuaded to join the stampede out of the city by my chum Jim. We were soon passing the new Parliament building, Holyrood Palace and Arthur's Seat and heading into a strong wind and suburbia. My plan was to hide in a pack of runners and try and get some protection against the wind. The course wound its way down the coast. We got a glimpse of the finish area at Musselburgh at mile 8. On we trudged through various seaside towns and villages. By mile 15 we got sight of the first runners heading back to the finish on the opposite side of the road. At last we reached the turn round at Gosforth House, a quick tour of the grounds and we were heading for home. By mile 19 the wind had dropped and the weather improved, so I made a break for the finish, with a running style like a cross between Groucho Marx and The Hunchback of Notre Dame I made it to the finish in 3 41.
Edinburgh is a fine city to visit, the marathon is well organised, and the runners are well looked after with plenty of drinks and good support. This year around 4000 entered. Give it a go next year.

Once I was a normal runner and did the odd Marathon, my first one was Bolton in 85 and up to 2001 I had only done 20. The highlights were a 3 11 PB in London, Pennine in 87 and 2 New Yorks (my favourite). 2002 I did 7, the highlights were New York again, and The Greenwich Tunnel Marathon, I think it was around 40 odd laps under the Thames at 2 in the morning.
2003 I did 9, the highlight being Mont Blanc in the Alps.
2004, 16, things got serious. Highlights were, San Francisco, Night of Flanders, a race that starts at 6 in the evening, and running 3 15 in Cranfield much to every ones amazement.
2005, 17. First and only ultra to date at Boddington, and a marathon in Krakow.
2006, 24. Highlight was the triple, 3 Marathons in 3 country's in 3 days, and having a photo of me and some chums published in a book.
2007. So far. 28 Jan Marrakech
                    18 Feb Dreycote Water
                    01 Apr Bungay
                    09 Apr Utrecht
                   15 Apr Rotterdam (just)
                   22 Apr London
                   29 Apr Shakespeare
                  07 May Belfast
                  20 May Windermere
                  27 May Edinburgh.

I was supposed to be in Halstead on May 13 but there was a cock up with the trains!
Confirmed for Blackpool and the South Downs this month and Boddington 50k in July, do you know anyone who Fancy's an ultra?
Nothing in August, just rest and training. Things are starting to come together for the Autumn. Plans are already afoot for 2008, but I would like to hear if anyone from the club has anything planned for Autumn or next year.

The Blackpool marathon is an OK event flat and fast, it starts near the tower and you gallop up and down the prom, first south to Squires Gate then back north to a bollard and back again, if you miss the bollard and see a sign for Fleetwood you have gone too far.
My day did not start well, the rain promised by the BBC weather didn't appear, throwing back the curtains I was greeted with hot sticky humid conditions. An hour and a half later I was standing on the start line wishing I was somewhere else, bed perhaps. I don't run well in the heat and knew what was to come, at least I was prepared. We set off south and it wasn't too bad, a slight breeze, the accompanying half marathon runners swelling the field to around 2000. Then the turn north, the heat came into play, never mind on I ran, the half marathon folk left the race at halfway (where else!) and we were down to single file, mile 16 passed and I gave it a bit of a go. This lasted to the drinks station at 20 miles, the good folk here had made an effort and were dressed as French Maids but I suspect those with beards were not women. Things were getting tough I had lost at least two stone in sweat and was now sloshing with lucozade. I ran on with the encouraging words and threats from Sandra, (long Suffering Wife) ringing in my ears. It was like running through glue. A stunning display of walking and shuffling brought the finish line and a time of 4 11. Never mind we all have bad days its just in the Marathon they seem worse. The one good thing about a slow run is you recover quickly, now where are my running shoes......

The highlight of the year has been the winning of the gold medal by the under 13 boys team of Max Kaye, Oliver Futrell and Declan McGivern at the English National Cross Country Relays at Mansfield back in November. This was the 1 st national gold medal won by any team for the club.

On a sadder note our life member Norman Haigh passed away at the age of 91 and Norman had been a member of the Harriers for 77 years. Normans’ daughters, Jenny and Maggie have donated a trophy in his memory and this has been awarded to the fastest lady in the Tinker cup.

As the club heads towards its centenary year, a special sub committee has been formed to plan special events and Graham Ellis has been delving into the archives to write a book with the history of Holmfirth and the latter years is being formulated by John Buckingham. The centenary celebrations are to start with a party on the 5 th October at the Cedar Court hotel and a special run on the 7 th October.

We won the North of England Inter-Club Plate final in the track and field for the 1 st time and also gained promotion from our division. Special; thanks to John McFadzean for organising the teams along with Maxine and Adrienne is always there to assist. The juniors were 6 th in the league and we have purchased 2 pop up tents to take to meetings. We had 4 medal winners in the Yorkshires track and field championships.

A further highlight was Max Kaye winning the u/13 boys individual gold medal at the North of England Cross Country championships and he was 2 nd individual in the Yorkshire Cross Country Championships. We had Max Kaye, Amy McGivern, Matthew Spriggs, Lisa Lacon, Helen Berry and Matthew Pierson all representing Yorkshire in the Inter Counties Cross Country Championships.

We finished teams in most categories at the National Cross Country relays. In the West Yorkshire CC league, the ladies finished 1 st team and Helen Berry was 2 nd overall. Matthew Pierson was 4 th overall and the u/15 girls 2 nd team. Rob Kersey was 3 rd/55 and Andy France 3/35., Rachael Mellor 3F/40.

We have mentioned Max winning the Northern u/13 and the ladies finished 8 th team lead home by Lisa Lacon. Max Kaye was 6 th in the National.

AS part of our centenary celebrations we are promoting the Yorkshire Cross Country Championships and a sub committee has been set up, with Matthew Pierson, Bob Harbisher, John Buckingham, Roger Bradley and assistance from Brian Heywood sorting a course out at Storthes Hall.

The fell secretary roll was picked up by Tom Brunt with the co-operation of Richard Wade and Tom completed the Bob Graham round in a time of 19 hours and he won the Kinder trial race, the New Chew Valley and was also 2 nd in the Klets section of the Saunders. We had the 1 st mens and ladies teams at the Dennis Stitt. In the Ian Hodson relay the ladies team finished 4 th and the men 22 nd. The ladies were again 4 th in the FRA relay national championship. Dave Watson won the Copp Hill and Julian Rank was 2 nd in the Marsden to Edale, where Cath Crowther was 2 nd lady. Lisa Lacon has been successful in many fell races and also represented Yorkshire in the inter-counties fell race. Andy Hauser was 2/45 in the Edale Skyline and was 1 st /50 in the 3 peaks and also won the club fell championship. Amy McGivern won the Yorkshire fell championship and Sian Stead and Matthew Spriggs were both bronze medal winners.

We promoted the Holmemoss fell race which was organised by Russell Bangham and Chris Humphries and sponsored by Carl Brook of Brookland nurseries. The Denis Stitt was organised by Russell and Mick Armytage. We also assisted in the Harden Moss fell race. The Ian Roberts race was again an individual race incorporating the Yorkshire Veterans championships and the large volume of runners caused us some problems, especially with parking and the number of runners crossing the golf course at the start. Problems were also experienced by some runners being sent the wrong way by a member of the public.

The Tinker cup was run from Honley cricket club with yet again the event proving very popular, with 71 runners and Richard Whale won the Tinker cup and Mark Buckingham was the fastest time. The fastest lady was Lisa Lacon and the 1 st lady to receive the new Norman Haigh Memorial trophy. The juniors again based their races at Brookland nurseries and ran over local farmers’ fields. The point to point was held on a club night in May and attracted a good entry and was won by Rob Kersey and Julian Rank the fastest time. The event was marred by an alleged trespass by some runners which brought a complaint from a land owner; however the issue was resolved satisfactorily with the land owner.

On the road we won the Joe Percy team award and Matthew Pierson was 1 st in the race. We had 28 juniors enter the Yorkshire road relay championships and the senior men had 3 teams with Matthew Pierson recording the 2 nd fastest time of the day and the ladies finished 3 teams. At the Netherthong 10k we had Nicky Goodliffe 1 st, Dave Watson 2 nd and Matthew Pierson 3 rd. Dave Watson won the Holmfirth 15 with Mick Mavrohmales 3 rd and 1 st /40, John Philpott 1/50Rob Kersey 2/55 and we had the 1 st open and 1 st Yorkshire team. Special thanks must go to Tony Crowther for organising and also all the marshals and helpers that made it a success.

Julia Johnson has been improving on the road and was 3 rd at the Barnsley 10k and 2/40 in the Dewsbury 10k. Matthew Pierson won the Meltham and Huddersfield 10ks and was 2 nd in the Yorkshire championship at the Dewsbury 10k. We had the 1 st team at the Ribble Valley 10k. Kath Farquhar was 1 st lady at Meltham and the Huddersfield 10k and she also won the ladies road championship the Rock Inn shield and Richard Smith won the Mens road championship. Matthew won a 5k road race at Littleborough and at the Rothwell 10k Nicky Goodliffe was 1 st and Matthew Pierson 3 rd. Dave Watson was 3 rd at the Leeds ½ marathon.

The club 5 was won by Richard Capewell with Mark Buckingham fastest time. The club 10 was won by Mike Pennington and Matthew Pierson ran the fastest time.

The club 6 was won by Rebecca Halstead and Matthew Pierson was fastest time. Special thanks to Malcolm Sizer for the organisation with support from other committee members.

The club promoted a veterans league race and was organised by vets secretary Rob Kersey with 22 Holmfirth runners. Rob also entered teams in the National veterans road relays. At the Yorkshire road relays at Esholt we had 9 teams and were 2 nd in the M/50, M/40, M/60, F/35 and F/45. Rob also managed to get 32 runners at the Yorkshire county vets cross country championships with 3M/35, 1 st M/40, 1 st M/50, 1 st F/35 and 2 nd F/45 teams with individual winners of Andy Shaw 1 st/45 , Bill Wade 1 st/65, Kath Farquhar 2 nd F/35, Julia Johnson 2 nd F/40, Christine Couch 3 rd F/45 and Lesley Ewart 1 st F/50. At the Ecup 10, incorporating the YV championship, Mick Mav was 2 nd V/40 and Jackie France 1 stF/40. The Abbey Dash also produced some good vet performances with Ricky South 3/45, John Ewart 2/50, Rob Kersey 3/55, Kath Farquhar 3 F/35 and Lesley Ewart 2 F/50.

We have purchased 15 turbos for the triathlon members to train indoors in the winter months and Rachael Mellor has continued to organise this as well as promoting several events. We have had several successes in the Yorkshire and Humberside Triathlon series. We have representation on the Yorkshire triathlon committee, where Rachael Mellor is the talent ID, Andrew Kerry, treasurer and Trevor Dewar Fowler is a representative on the committee.

The Neiley junior race where organised by Tim Cock and Rodger and Debbie Allcock with sponsorship from Ashley Smith combustion, Up and Running, Cummings and Burton safes. The races attracted entries of over 1000 this year.

The presentation evening was again held at Neiley and Sam Ellis made the presentations. Debbie McGivern prepared and arranged the printing of the Awards list, with support from John Buckingham and John McFadzean. Rod Futrell was MC again and he does well to keep the presentation flowing also thanks to Ashley for his tremendous contribution. The food this year was prepared by the Rock public house and Ashley also organised the disco.

The committee recorded their thanks to Anne Heywood for the preparation of the Awards evening programme in previous years.

John McFadzean attends regular meetings with the West Yorkshire Active Sport Athletics Action Group and many other events, along with Richard Szostak.

The committee thanks all coaches, team managers, Anne Heywood for providing and running the tuck shop. Anne is also involved as registration secretary and is the magazine editor for footnotes.

We appear to spend an ever increasing amount of time discussing the re-organisation of athletics and we are now affiliated with England Athletics, not the North of England, who is now only responsible for competition. Brian Heywood is the chairman of the new North of England and he has also been voted on as the president of the West Yorkshire Cross Country league. The affiliation to England Athletics has resulted in the registration fee being increased from £2.00 per year to £5.00 per year (reduced by £2.00 for the 1 st year) for all competitive athletes. The committee have agreed that all new members will be classed as competitive and therefore it is proposed that the subscriptions are increased by £1.00 this year and a further £2.00 next year to cover the increase. Tim Cock is a club elected member (NOT elected byHolmfirth harriers) of the Yorkshire and Humberside council for England athletics.

Rob Kersey is the new Yorkshire Veterans secretary and Rob is also our vice captain, Veterans secretary and door assistant on training evenings. This job is invaluable and Rob just appears to get on with it.

Kevin Johns also represents the club in his role as an official time keeper and he is always assisting with the coaching down at Neiley.

The committee proposed that some coaches and some other none athletes be honorary members for the year, however this was not in accordance with our constitution and next year will have to scrutinised to ensure we comply with our own constitution.

The forth coming year is a very special year and the committee would like to involve as many members as possible with the organisation of the special events to ensure that Holmfirth Harriers starts off well for the next 100 years.

With the growing membership the committee have discussed on several occasions the relatively low number of members that actually compete in events and our new Captain, in consultation with the coaches has tried to encourage as many people as possible to enter events. We have discussed possible ways of encouraging people to compete however it is up to the individual and the coaches to show them the benefits of competing; after all we are an athletics club.

John and Jane McFadzean continue with the monthly draw which is a valuable earner and Tim Cock is still the caretaker.

Jackie France is still in charge of the web site, which has had several new sections added and is very useful way of communicating and we have now the membership form which can be down loaded and filled

The South Downs Marathon starts in a car park adjoining the White Ways Country Park and it was here long suffering wife left me along with 300 or so other hardy souls. LSW was keen to get to the nearby town of Arundel and sample the delights of the castle, cathedral and many tea shops and who could blame her - it is a very pretty place. The Marathon is a off road event, not something I do a lot of, because they are hard, usually take an hour or more longer than a road race and I have a habit of getting lost. My record is 3 times in one event, I claim to have run near 30 miles that day instead of the 26 on offer. Anyway the race was basically a point to point along the South Downs Way. Yes there were lung busting climbs, knee shattering descents, nettles, mud, brambles and mud, but the thing that made the race hard were conditions under foot. The storms of the previous few days had churned up the paths along the route. On the day we had bright sunshine, hail, torrential rain and mud. But it was all great fun. When I eventually hauled myself over the finish line my legs felt as though they had been through a mangle, I take my hat off to you fell runners. Oh and I managed to go the wrong way once and slightly awry 400 metres from the finish, that must be a record.

Cheers Gary.

The adult track and field league team competed in the first match of the season at Blackpool and finished a very creditable fourth. The team was competing in Division 2 West Central for the first time after gaining promotion last year and it was all hands to the pump as a number of clashes and holidays meant that the team was slightly depleted in certain areas.

In the men’s team Junior George had an excellent afternoon producing three performances that bettered the English Schools Qualifying Standard in the 100m, High and Triple Jumps. Two other young athletes competing for the first time, James Dewhirst and James Dewhirst filled in a number of the gaps gaining valuable points as they did so. Tom Jennings did likewise in the throws and jumps taking part in six events whilst Andy Storr not only took part in the Pole Vault and three throwing events but managed to put in some timekeeping duties in between. Russell Balmforth also made a welcome return in the sprints after a 3 year absence and it was pleasing to see Josh Hazeldine taking part in his first ever competition for the club.

The middle distance events produced some notable performances, Dave Watson running a personal best in the 1500m and Nicky Goodliffe winning a very competitive 5000m where the club had three of the first four home with Mathew Pierson winning the B Event and Dave Watson running as a quest. Mathew Pierson also took part in the 800m where he was joined by Mathew Johnson who doubled up in the 1500m.

The steeple chase representatives Mark Dewhirst and Richard Smith ran very well in a high quality field, with Mark also having run in the 400m hurdles and having triple jumped.

A special mention in the women goes to Julia Johnson who made her track debut in the 3000m and after initially saying she would never do it again promised herself to have another go after she had recovered. Katie Walshaw had run well in that event before turning out again in the 1500m.

The shorter distances races brought a good clutch of points via Lauren Storr and Sarah Simmons, whilst four other younger team members Katie Zientek and Charlotte Dillingham in the throws and Emma Szostak and Jessica Sunderland in the jumps ensured the team stayed comfortable in 4 th place. Jessica’s efforts greatly appreciated as she also took part in the 200m, 400m, and Hammer which are not her usual events.

Again the club gained maximum points from the officials and the efforts of these people are greatly valued by John McFadzean the team manager.

The next meeting is on Saturday 2 nd of June at Spenborough when it is hoped to have a stronger team and to mount a challenge to those who finished ahead in the first meeting.

If you have an old pair of spikes you'd like to sell, size 10 or above, any condition will do, please contact Louise on 01484 301231.

I am helping by covering the years 1986 to 1998 for the HHAC Centenary book which Graham Ellis is mostly writing. I am very keen to have some good photographs, and I really have press photographs in mind. Of course, most such are not action shots, but of teams after they have won some paricular event or championship. They were particularly prolific in the newspapers, especially the Home Valley Express and Huddersfield Examiner, in the mid 1990's when there were all sorts of team successes by junior members of various age groups. Among the girls, Natalie Holdsworth, Claire Langron, Kim Holden, Hannah Gillis are just some who come to mind, Similarly various ages of junior boy members were victorious on many occasions over several years. Such family names as Holdsworth and Langron again come to mind, with many others like Buckingham, Goodliffe, King, Styan, Dewhirst, Greensides, Waite, Goulding etc. etc..

Hopefully some of these families, and other people too will have aquired and kept such photographs. If they have and would be prepared to loan them for copying, I should be dlighted and very pleased to hear from them, and very grateful.

N F Berry
Whinny Ghyll
165 Penistone Road
Kirkburton
Huddersfield
HD8 0PH
Home: 01484 602922
Office: 01484 663388
norman.berry@burtonsafes.co.uk

A quote by Jim Somerville made at 10:30am Sunday 15 July 2007 at Yateholme car park!

Having read “Feet in the Clouds” by Richard Askwith and recently being privileged to run with some of the fell running fraternity down at the Harriers on club nights, I completed my first fell race of 600 feet / 3 miles at Harden Moss in June 2007. It was a glorious experience on a warm, dry, sunny afternoon, the course was on lush grass and track, the course was well marked and easy to follow on a clear day with not a cloud in the sky. It was a wonderful experience and at the end I thought if this is fell running it is quite good fun and I think I will have a go at another one.

On 15 July 2007, I joined with 2 other “Harrier” “Fell” novices (Chris Whitelegg and Ian Shuttleworth) and ran the Holme Moss Fell Race, I realised that it was 16 miles and a 4000 foot climb, but I have done a couple of marathons and attempt the club road races, always trying my best, but age and experience dictate that I always finish with the “also ran” (handicappers are very kind to poor old ex sailors). So a 16 miles race should be easy enough. I am not so stupid that I know marathons are fairly flat and fell running is a bit more hilly, but it is not as long as a marathon so I should be ok. On a good day I can get all the way to Castle Hill without stopping, and that is the biggest hill around here isn’t it?

To prepare for the run I read the instructions on the web site, and noted that you have to carry some mandatory fell running kit, waterproofs, map, compass, spare food etc, so I bought a bum bag (I wanted to look the part after all) and the waterproofs, I borrowed a compass and whistle and printed the map and instructions from the web page. To add to my preparation on Saturday, the day before, I went along to help mark the course, I joined a group with Geoff Hall, Malcolm Sizer and Ian Shuttleworth another fell novice, we marked part of the course from Holme Moss back to Ramsden Clough; we went down a really steep hill for about 100 yards and I thought well at least I have seen the biggest hill on the course so I am prepared!

On the day of the race there had been quite a lot of rainfall, (July 2007 has been the wettest month on record) , but it was just light drizzle at 10:30, it was a clear day, I knew the course was well marked because I had helped, and I also had my map and instructions, on arrival I met Barbara Hinchliffe who said you don’t need to take water, presumably because it wasn’t a scorching hot mid July day and this was a joyful jog over gentle rolling hills. Despite Barbara’s comments I was still quite nervous and I mentioned this to Jim Somerville, his reply was “There is no need to be nervous at all, YOU WILL LAUGH TOMORROW WHEN YOU SEE HOW EASY IT WAS!”

At 11:00 I didn’t hear the start, it was just, like a normal run of the mill training jog, where we just started running. I started at the back, I could see Jim and Malcolm and my “plan A” was a simple one… keep Jim and Malcolm in sight and it will be a “walk in the park”. I have in the past beaten Jim on the road and Malcolm has been injured for months so I have a foolproof plan! On the road for about 100 yards then on the track past the registration tent, nice firm ground, impossible to get lost and the hill was not too steep that you couldn’t run; after about 10 minutes on the track I saw Malcolm walk for a few yards, right I thought, walk as well as him, don’t burn out too soon – good plan Malcolm. Off running again on this quite decent track, it was even tarmaced in some places, I tried to avoid the big puddles as I didn’t want to get my clean trainers wet or dirty. I can’t remember passing checkpoint 1 at Crossleys Plantation but I knew that going down the very step hill down to the bottom of Ramsden Clough I must have passed it; the run down was really quite hard and I fell over a few times, I did loose some ground as Jim and Malcolm seemed to edge a little further away but I got down, crossed the stream and up the big hill that I helped mark out. I had to go on all fours on some parts as I found it difficult to get a grip; keep going I kept telling myself this is the worst bit, I am glad they get the worst bit over early, then I can have an easy run across the tops all the way home. Once up that giant hill! I knew I could make it to Holme Moss and a drinks station, this is quite easy I was thinking….once I get to the highest point it has got to be plain sailing! During the preparation, I also spoke to Richard Wade who told me that there were four hills that I will have to walk, well I have done two, the one past registration and then the killer hill up to Holme Moss, hey I am half way home already!

Leaving the drinks station and over the stile, within 50 yards the ground disappeared to a near vertical drop! What! Where did this come from, I could see runners ahead so I followed, mostly on my bum, how on earth do people stand up , let alone run down a sheer wall of heather and moss, I could see the footprints and trodden grass and if I ran on the newly created path I had no grip and fell over, if I ran to the side I had to pick my feet up so much I couldn’t stay upright and I fell over, if I took my eyes off the floor I fell over, if I went with gravity I fell over, if I went gentle, I fell over, when I looked up…..as I was falling over, I saw a sheer wall of grass that folks were scrambling up on all fours, this was not a short little climb, this was a mountain to climb! And it went up and up and up. Reaching the bottom and crossing the stream before the assent I remembered Richard Wade’s words, when you have to walk….eat, it gives you the energy for later….so I ate one of my (3) energy bars